Once the groundwork has been laid, students move on to the execution phase, where they experiment with how nanomedicine transport actually works.

In an AR laboratory, they are virtually shrunk to the size of a nanoparticle and placed in a simulated bloodstream. Their mission: to deliver a life-saving drug to the site of a tumour. Along the way, they must avoid immune cells that are trying to destroy them, navigate through blood vessels, and find a way to overcome cell membranes and release their cargo.

The AR system acts as a guide, offering detailed instructions and visual explanations of each stage of the journey. Students see how different designs, such as coating nanoparticles with “stealth” molecules to hide from the immune system, affect their success.

These interactive exercises are inspired by bio-inspiration in nature. Just as viruses have evolved to enter cells efficiently, nanomedicine engineers mimic these strategies for good. Students are encouraged to reflect: how does nature transport molecules, and what can we learn from it?

Outside of augmented reality, simple classroom activities reinforce the lesson. For example, beads and gel can be used to model nanoparticles moving through barriers, helping students connect abstract ideas with tangible experiences.

Feedback is built into the process. Augmented reality applications show immediately whether the drug has reached its target. Students record their reflections in digital lab journals, and group discussions allow them to share strategies and compare results.