Health in Hyperdrive with Dominic James
The conversations shaping the future of health.
"Health in Hyperdrive" is a thought-provoking podcast that delves into the cutting-edge of healthcare innovation. Hosted by Dominic James, a senior healthcare innovation leader, each episode features an in-depth interview with an expert on a relevant healthcare topic that has the potential to transform how we experience healthcare in the future.
Real experts. Real stories.The future of healthcare, explained.
Throughout the podcast, we explore the guest's credentials and journey, discussing what's happening today, emerging trends, and the future of health over the next decade and by the end of the century. We also dive into practical considerations, examining the headwinds and tailwinds that could impact the topic.
To bring the conversation to life, we ensure that patient lived experiences are woven throughout the discussion, highlighting real-world examples and the impact on patient care and outcomes
Health in Hyperdrive with Dominic James
#9 - How Nano technology Is Rewriting Human Biology | Dr Ciro Chiappini
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In this episode of Health in Hyperdrive, Dominic James is joined by Dr Ciro Chiappini, a Reader at King’s College London and a pioneer in nanomaterials with five international patents. Together, they explore how nanotechnology is giving us unprecedented access to the inner workings of human biology, enabling us to sense, diagnose, and influence cellular behaviour at the molecular level.
The Chiappini Lab engineers millions of “nano‑needles” a thousand times thinner than a human hair. These structures can enter cells without damaging them, allowing researchers to deliver edited genes, extract molecular information without a biopsy, and monitor disease in ways that were previously impossible. At this scale, materials behave in extraordinary ways e.g. gold, for example, changes colour depending on particle size. These unusual properties are opening the door to new sensing and diagnostic technologies.
The potential patient impact is profound. Nano‑enhanced bandages could deliver corrective genes directly into the wounds of children with epidermolysis bullosa. Non‑invasive molecular sampling could spare cancer patients from repeated biopsies. And targeted nanoscale delivery systems could make gene therapies safer, more precise, and more accessible. This is medicine operating at the smallest possible scale with the power to transform lives.
Key Topics Covered
- How nano needles slip into cells and move molecules in or out
- Why materials behave in surprising ways at the nanoscale
- How gold changes colour when it becomes extremely small
- The real challenge behind getting CRISPR safely into human cells
- How nanoscale engineering is shaping early ideas in nanorobotics
- How nano bandages could transform treatment for epidermolysis bullosa
- How nanotech could reduce biopsies and make gene therapy safer
- Why rare diseases are powerful launchpads for breakthrough science
About Dr Ciro Chiappini
A Reader at King’s College London, developing nanomaterials for cell interrogation and manipulation at the interface of nanotechnology, bioengineering, and cell biology.
Awarded over £3M in research funding, including an ERC Starting Grant. Author of 50+ publications (7000+ citations) and holder of 5 international patents.
Links
- Ciro’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cchiappini/
- Chiappini Lab website - https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/chiappini-lab
- Nature paper on tissue engineering – https://chiappinilab.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Nat.-Mater.-2015-Chiappini.pdf
- Dominic’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicjames
- Health in Hyperdrive website - https://www.healthinhyperdrive.com
- Socials TikTok / X / Insta / YouTube - @DomJamesHiH
- Produced by Explosive Brands - https://www.explosivebrands.com/
