Empa Researchers Develop Safe Nanomedicines to Treat Inflammation During Pregnancy

Empa Researchers Develop Safe Nanomedicines to Treat Inflammation During Pregnancy

(IN BRIEF) An international team of researchers, including Empa scientists, is developing nanozymes to treat inflammation during pregnancy without harming the mother or fetus. These tiny particles, which have enzyme-like properties, could provide a safer alternative to traditional medications. Initial safety studies using human placental tissue models have shown promising results, indicating that the nanozymes do not disrupt the placental barrier. The next steps involve evaluating the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of these nanozymes.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 20-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In a groundbreaking project, an international research team, including experts from Empa, ETH Zurich, the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, and Zhejiang University in China, is developing innovative nanomedicines aimed at safely treating inflammation during pregnancy. This research addresses a critical challenge, as pregnancy complications often involve inflammation, and current treatment options are either insufficient or pose potential risks to the developing fetus. The goal is to create nanozymes—tiny synthetic particles with enzyme-like properties—that can treat inflammatory processes in the placenta without harming either the mother or the unborn child.

Pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and the risk of premature birth can be exacerbated by inflammation, making effective treatment difficult. Nanozymes are an emerging solution. These nano-sized particles, which are already being explored for other medical applications like cancer therapy, have the potential to safely target inflammation in the placenta. The research team, backed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), is currently developing these nanozymes, with an emphasis on ensuring their safety through extensive testing.

“Nanozymes are composed of a core made from materials like metal atoms or metal oxides, giving them enzyme-like properties,” explains Nikolaos Tagaras, an Empa researcher. “These particles can remain inactive until triggered by specific disease processes, such as inflammation, at which point they activate to capture harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) or neutralize bacteria.”

Empa researchers Nikolaos Tagaras and Tina Bürki are working on comprehensive safety studies on the newly developed nanozymes. Image: Empa

The team is conducting rigorous safety studies using advanced laboratory models that replicate human placental conditions, ensuring that the nanozymes’ effects on both maternal and fetal tissues are carefully understood. “The placenta’s structure and the interaction between maternal and fetal tissue are unique, so it’s essential to use human placental tissue to gather accurate data,” adds Tina Bürki, team leader and head of Empa’s Nanomaterials in Health laboratory.

An exciting development in this project is the creation of a “placenta chip,” a small polymer chip where human cells grow to replicate the placental barrier and embryo. This chip allows the team to study the transport of nanozymes across the placenta and their effects on early fetal development in a controlled, real-world-like environment. Initial results have been promising, showing that the nanozymes do not damage the placental barrier and appear to have no negative effects on the models tested.

Moving forward, the researchers will further assess the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the nanozymes, with the aim of advancing their use as safe, effective treatments for pregnant women facing inflammatory complications.

Media Contacts:

Dr. Tina Bürki
Nanomaterials in Health
Phone +41 58 765 7696
tina.buerki@empa.ch

Nikolaos Tagaras
Nanomaterials in Health
Phone +41 58 765 7054
nikolaos.tagaras@empa.ch

Dr. Andrea Six
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 6133
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA