Researchers Established New Nanomeritics Framework
A new characterization standard aims to improve the consistency of pharmaceutical nanoparticles.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Nutrition
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Researchers have published a new framework for nanomeritics to refine the characterization of pharmaceutical particles sized between 5 and 1000 nm. The approach aims to bridge gaps in current methodologies, which have historically lacked the rigor needed for medical translation.
Why it matters
Traditional pharmaceutical micromeritics often fail to accurately assess materials at the nanoscale, hindering the ability to move nanoparticle-enabled medicines from the laboratory to patient use. Standardized protocols are expected to improve reproducibility and provide stronger evidence for regulatory bodies.
A review of 210 primary studies found that 76.2% relied on DLS as the sole sizing technique, an approach that measures only hydrodynamic diameter. Researchers found 50-nm spherical gold nanoparticles yielded the highest intracellular uptake in HeLa cells.
The players
Pharmaceutics
This is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on the fields of pharmaceutical technology and drug delivery.
HeLa cells
These are an immortal cell line widely used in medical research to test how drugs and particles interact with human biological tissue.
The details
The new framework uses orthogonal characterization, integrating measurements of particle size, morphology, surface properties, and biological performance. By combining different physical principles—such as AF4 for size separation and electron microscopy for morphology—scientists can better understand how particles interact with biological systems.
Timeline
The analysis covered 210 studies published between 2016 and 2025.
The concept of nanomeritics was first introduced in 2024.
The formal review was published in the journal Pharmaceutics on October 1, 2026.
The Big Picture
This framework shifts the discipline from reliance on single-method sizing to an integrated, orthogonal approach. It marks a departure from legacy protocols that often fell short of the requirements set by the FDA nanoparticle drug product guidance.
The transition to standardized nanomeritics helps ensure that future nanoparticle-based medicines are safer and more effective for patient use. By enhancing the quality of evidence, this work aims to accelerate the availability of new treatments for chronic and complex diseases.
The takeaway
Reliable medical breakthroughs depend on consistent data, not just the performance of individual experimental batches. Researchers looking to advance new therapies should adopt multimodal characterization to ensure their findings stand up to rigorous regulatory scrutiny.
Further reading
For broader context on current standards, visit the Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZoNano.
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