Ultrafine, near-infrared imaging with avalanching nanoparticles for breast cancer cell studies
Official title: Deeply subwavelength near infrared imaging with avalanching nanoparticles
Funded at University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab · NIH-11341145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new optical imaging method uses avalanching nanoparticles to see breast cancer cells in live tissue with very high detail while minimizing damage from light.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $430,109 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM164521-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11341145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient participation in this basic science project; however, advances could inform future patient-facing imaging tools.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not part of this basic-science grant.
What this research studies
This grant aims to develop biocompatible, antibody-guided nanoparticles that emit strongly under near-infrared light, enabling real-time imaging of breast cancer cell signaling at sub-70 nm resolution. The approach promises reduced autofluorescence and photobleaching compared to conventional fluorescence, helping researchers watch how cancer cells communicate and respond to their environment. The work combines chemical synthesis of specialized nanoparticles with targeted labeling of receptors on breast cancer cells in live or tissue settings. By addressing current limits of optical microscopy, the project could provide clearer pictures of how cancer cells behave in real time. outcomes may guide future diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could enable researchers and clinicians to observe breast cancer cell dynamics with unprecedented clarity and speed.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for nonlinear optical probes and super-resolution imaging in cell biology, but this project advances beyond current limits with avalanching nanoparticles.
Where this research is happening
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University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Bruce E — University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Bruce E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.