Smaller Nanodiscs Neutralize Toxins More Effectively
UC San Diego research finds that 15-nanometer discs outperform larger variants in target binding and diffusion.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Life Sciences
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University of California San Diego researchers found that smaller, red blood cell-derived nanodiscs bind biological targets more effectively than larger versions. This research, conducted in the lab and via computer simulations, indicates that 15-nanometer discs outperform 71-nanometer counterparts in neutralizing bacterial toxins.
Why it matters
Optimizing the size of nanodiscs could accelerate the development of more potent nanomedicines for drug delivery and toxin neutralization. By identifying that smaller discs offer faster diffusion and higher particle counts, researchers have established a new design principle for therapeutic design.
Researchers engineered nanodiscs in 71, 26, and 15-nanometer diameters to isolate size as a variable. Testing showed that the smallest 15-nanometer discs achieved the highest neutralization rates against bacterial alpha-toxins compared to larger variants.
The players
Liangfang Zhang
A professor at the University of California San Diego recognized for pioneering work in nanomedicine and red blood cell-based drug delivery systems.
University of California San Diego
A major research university with extensive facilities for biotechnology, bioengineering, and high-performance computing.
San Diego Supercomputer Center
An organized research unit providing advanced computational resources, including the Expanse system used for molecular simulations.
The details
The team created nanodiscs derived from red blood cells, using the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) Expanse system to run computer simulations alongside biological experiments. The smaller 15-nanometer discs diffuse more rapidly through medium and exist in higher numbers for the same mass of material, which increases the statistical probability of binding to targeted antibodies and toxins.
Timeline
2026: Liangfang Zhang, who led the research, was named a MacArthur Fellow.
The Tech Race
This work sits within the broader pursuit of optimizing synthetic delivery vehicles by leveraging high-performance compute cycles provided by the NSF ACCESS program. It marks a shift toward predictive design, where simulations directly inform the physical assembly of nanomedicines.
These findings provide a new structural blueprint for researchers building future drug delivery platforms. The work is currently in the research stage, meaning these specific nanodisc formulations are not yet available for clinical or consumer use.
The takeaway
The research establishes that smaller nanodiscs offer superior binding capabilities due to improved diffusion rates. Observers should track upcoming publications from the Zhang lab for data on how these size principles influence the delivery of therapeutic payloads in broader animal models.
Further reading
For broader trends in bioengineering research, see the Life Sciences section.
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