FAQs

Q. What does it cost to have nanomaterial characterized by the NCL?

A. If a nanotechnology strategy/material is selected for characterization, NCL’s services are provided at no cost to the submitting investigator. As part of its assay cascade, the NCL will characterize the nanomaterial’s physical attributes, their in vitro biological properties, and their in vivo compatibility using animal models. The time required to characterize nanomaterial from receipt through the in vivo phase is expected to be one year.

For more information on the NCL assay cascade, visit http://ncl.cancer.gov/working_assay-cascade.asp

Q. I’m studying nanomaterials but my application is not in the area of cancer. Can I still submit a proposal for characterization by the NCL?

A. The NCL serves as a national resource and knowledge base for researchers to facilitate the regulatory review of nanotechnologies intended for cancer therapies and diagnostics. The NCL generally does not accept proposals for characterization of nanomaterials intended for application in areas other than cancer . Cancer-related nanostrategies proposed to the NCL for characterization are ranked according to their projected impact on clinical cancer applications and/or furthering nanotechnology’s compatibility with biological systems. Specific evaluation criteria include, but are not limited to:

• Previously demonstrated efficacy in vitro and/or in animal models
• Advantages offered by the strategy over existing cancer therapies or diagnostics
• Previous physical characterization of the nanomaterial such as purity and stability
• The nanostrategy’s manufacturing process and compatibility with scale-up
• The material’s inherent toxicity and/or environmental concerns
• Plans or approach to transition the strategy to clinical trials such as filing the follow-on IND, IDE or pre-IDE

For detailed information on submitting a proposal for a cancer-related project, please visit http://ncl.cancer.gov/working_application-process.asp

Q. Does NCL provide funding?

A. No. The NCL is a resource enabling researchers in academia, industry, and government to transition their nanotechnology strategies to clinical applications. The NCL provides critical infrastructure and characterization services but does not fund research grants.

Q. If my proposal is accepted, how much material will I be required to submit?

A. We require ½ to 1 gram of your nanomaterial in order to complete all assays. Depending on the availability of resources during the application process, NCL may be able to assist researchers with scale-up in order to have enough nanomaterial to enter the assay cascade. To share and safeguard research material and proprietary information, NCL’s interaction with researchers is normally conducted under a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA), permitting the collaborative exchange of materials and associated information.

For more information on Material Transfer Agreements and intellectual property protection, please visit http://ncl.cancer.gov/working_intellectual-property.asp

To submit a question to NCL, please click here.