Advancing cancer research with support from AggieFab

Semiconductor cleanrooms, like the ones located at the AggieFab Nanofabrication Facility, are specialized environments that are extremely clean with controlled air temperatures, humidity levels, and minimal vibrations. Cleanrooms are typically used for developing and fabricating computer chips, creating faster phones or smarter cars — but what if they could be used to produce therapeutics that are potential cures for cancer? AggieFab’s collaboration with BrYet US, Inc. is aiming to do just that.

AggieFab, a state-of-the-art nanofabrication hub located at Texas A&M University, is playing a pivotal role in advancing a novel silicon-based cancer therapy developed by BrYet, a Houston-based biotechnology company. 

BrYet’s developing therapy, ML-016, targets aggressive lung and liver cancers using technology rooted in semiconductor processes. AggieFab’s industry partnership with BrYet is accelerating clinical progress and training Texas A&M students to work on innovative microelectronics and medicine through an internship program. The opportunity allows students to work as part-time BrYet employees, giving them hands-on experience in semiconductor processing for biomedical applications.

“BrYet’s technology is built on nanoporous silicon microparticles (NSMPs) — precisely engineered, platelet-inspired structures created using semiconductor materials and fabrication techniques,” said BrYet Chief Technology Officer Brian Sapp. “These bio-erodible particles are designed to navigate biological barriers, deliver drugs directly to tumors, and degrade harmlessly into silicic acid, naturally excreted by the body.”

ML-016 combines NSMPs with a polymer–doxorubicin conjugate, a chemotherapy agent being delivered directly to tumors. In preclinical models of treatment-resistant metastatic cancer, ML-016 achieved “functional cures” in 50% of mice, meaning long-term tumor-free survival — a promising sign for patients facing advanced disease.

To move ML-016 toward human trials, BrYet needed a semiconductor-grade cleanroom capable of supporting specialized NSMP nanofabrication processing. They chose AggieFab for its advanced infrastructure and collaborative approach to research and development.

“After evaluating multiple facilities across the country, it became clear that AggieFab was uniquely positioned to help us solve this challenge,” said Sapp. “Collaborating with AggieFab provided the specialized environment, infrastructure access, and partnership mindset required to advance our program efficiently and on schedule.”

AggieFab offers more than 6,500 square feet of Class 100/1000 cleanroom space and 4,500 square feet of support areas. The facility is equipped with cutting-edge micro- and nanofabrication tools developed over two decades with support from the Texas A&M College of Engineering, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, and Texas A&M University. 

“We are thankful for the recent semiconductor equipment and infrastructure investment to the Texas A&M University System by the State of Texas through the Texas CHIPS Act”, said Dr. Arum Han, director of AggieFab and associate dean for research in the College of Engineering. “Being able to support local industry in more rapidly advancing product development, especially in the promising biotechnology sector, is precisely the mission and role AggieFab and Texas A&M University should play.”

BrYet established operations at AggieFab in October 2023, integrating its commercial nanofabrication workflow into the academic cleanroom facility. The company installed additional specialized equipment — including electrochemical etching systems, centrifuges and characterization tools — while leveraging AggieFab’s existing capabilities. This partnership enabled BrYet to complete critical studies, paving the way for clinical trials.

Thanks to AggieFab’s nano-manufacturing capacity, BrYet recently secured approval from Australia’s Human Research Ethics Committee to launch a Phase 1/2 trial of ML-016 in patients with advanced lung and liver cancers. Enrollment is expected to begin in 2026.

“We are proud to partner with AggieFab in our mission to deliver functional cures for advanced cancers,” said Sapp. “I want to thank the entire Texas A&M team for their support and partnership — including Professor Arum Han and Dr. Sandra Malhotra, who have been true champions of our efforts onsite.”