The Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence is an NCI-funded collaboration between the University of North Carolina and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our major goal is the design of innovative, multifunctional nanodevices, which are tested in sophisticated mouse models of human cancer, with the ultimate intent of translation to the clinic.

This center is using breakthrough nanodevice fabrication technology to develop nanoscale tools for research and detection applications. We have research programs in both general oncology applications and specific tumor types.

Our goals include development of:

• Smart nanoparticles for cancer therapy and imaging
• Carbon nanotube x-ray devices for in vivo cancer detection and treatment
• Hybrid nanomaterials for biomedical imaging and drug delivery
• Chemically patterned nanoscale surfaces for capturing tumor cells
• Nanofluidic devices for rapid analysis of tumor cell signaling and migration

The C-CCNE features interactions among physical and biological scientists in a series of projects and cores that will work together to quickly harness innovations in nanotechnology for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The PI of each Project and each Core is an outstanding investigator with great expertise in the relevant technology or biology.