There is need for non-toxic, biocompatible nanoparticles for various applications in the field of nano-engineering. Reduction of size to nano-scale is required to enhance material properties such as bioavailability, drug release and dissolution kinetics. Nanoscale particles are especially important for hydrophobic substances due to their unacceptably slow dissolution kinetics in aqueous gastrointestinal tract-type environments, which has resulted in inefficient oral drug delivery. Dry media assisted milling was optimized for two materials; a soft lipophilic drug, fenofibrate and a relatively hard material, nanodiamond.