# Nanotechnology Materials

> **NIH NIH P30** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2021 · $282,991

## Abstract

Nanotechnology Materials Core: Project Summary/Abstract
One of the primary areas of focus in the Koch Institute is the development of new materials systems and
biomedical devices for cancer prevention, detection and treatment. These systems underpin development of
new approaches for biomarker detection, imaging modalities, and targeted therapies and vaccines. Center
Members are exploring a wide range of materials to achieve these goals, and employ combinatorial
development approaches to facilitate the discovery of new biomaterials and nanoformulations. State-of-the-art
capabilities for high resolution and surface imaging and chemical and physical analysis are key tools to enable
these studies. To fully characterize new materials, establish structure-property-function relationships, and
facilitate subsequent rational design, we established the Nanotechnology Materials Core in 2012. In the
previous competing renewal, the Core was approved for CCSG funding as an established Shared Resource.
This Core integrates a range of advanced technologies including a state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy
(cryo-EM) imaging suite, which enables high resolution analyses of soft biomaterials and cellular ultrastructure.
In the current funding period, the Core added a significant number of new capabilities and modified existing
services, including: new EM sample preparation instruments; new EM and correlative light and EM imaging
systems; new physical/chemical characterization capabilities; and upgrades to existing instruments. To best
capitalize on these acquisitions, CCSG Developmental funds were used to support two Cryo-EM Specialists.
Core service usage by Center Members has increased, from 14% at the time of the last renewal to 43% of
Center Members, who account for 79% of Core service use and include investigators from all three Research
Programs. Core staff has established cryo-EM workflows that are customized for Center Member research
needs, and we seek continued, partial funding to support and stabilize the Research Specialists’ efforts.
In the upcoming period, the Nanotechnology Materials Core will continue to offer a wide range of state-of-the-
art services to support Center Member research programs, and will evaluate emerging capabilities in the
context of Center Member needs and interests. A primary focus will be on refining new workflows to take full
advantage of newly acquired instrumentation. Other planned initiatives include: developing resources to
support advanced image processing, visualization, quantitation and machine learning, and collaborating with
other Cores to develop a monthly workshop series to support Center Members’ access to imaging technology
platforms and data analysis. This Shared Resource is essential to the success of the Koch Institute mission
and provides exceptional value to the CCSG. The requested CCSG budget for Year 49 is decreased by 40.6%
over the Core CCSG budget for the current period (Year 48), reflecting the incr...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10171801
- **Project number:** 5P30CA014051-50
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Paula T Hammond
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $282,991
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-06-17 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10171801

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10171801, Nanotechnology Materials (5P30CA014051-50). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10171801. Licensed CC0.

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