Chan Lab (INBS)

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
What the facility does

Development of nanotechnologies to diagnose and treat cancer and infectious diseases

Areas of expertise

The objective of the Integrated Nanotechnology/Biomedical Sciences Laboratory (INBS) is to develop nanotechnologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases (two of the deadliest diseases in the world).  We have expertise in designing and engineering nanoparticles, nanostructures, and nanomaterials; testing and using them in cells and animals and for detecting small biological molecules such as proteins and DNA; and we have started to integrate optical devices such as smartphones with nanotechnology to develop cheaper and more efficient diagnostic systems. 

Research services

Nanoparticle synthesis, animal testing of drugs, development of diagnostic devices, materials analysis, cell culture research. 

Sectors of application
  • Agriculture, animal science and food
  • Chemical industries
  • Defence and security industries
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Healthcare and social services
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Name of specialized lab Name of equipment Description of function
INBS UV-visible spectrophotometer Measures the absorbance properties of materials and chemicals
  Fluorimeter Measures the fluorescence properties of materials and chemicals
  Kodak In-Vivo Multispectral Imaging System Images fluorescence signals from animals
  Malvern Zetasizer Measures the size and surface charge of nanoparticles
  NIR laser Generation of heat from nanoparticles
  Thermal camera Measures heat from nanoparticles
  Fluorescence microscopes Images nanoparticle fluorescence properties on slides, cells, and animals
  HPLC Purifies nanoparticle bioconjugates
  Probe sonicator Makes polymeric nanoparticles
  Glove box Storage of air free chemicals
  Flow focusing system Makes beads
  Ultracentrifuge Purifies nanoparticles
  High-throughput Clarity setup Removes scattering molecules from tissues
  Flow cytometer Analyzes optical signals from beads and cells
  • Parvus Therapeutics Inc.
  • Vigilant Technology LLC
Title URL
Nanoparticle exposure test developed by Canadian scientists http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/nanoparticle-exposure-test-developed-by-canadian-scientists-1.2649608
Glowing space mice show where quantum dots lodge http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25562-glowing-space-mice-show-where-quantum-dots-lodge.html#.VUD5T_BjHFg
DNAzymes and gold nanoparticles: a colorimetric assay for diagnostics in the field http://phys.org/news/2013-02-dnazymes-gold-nanoparticles-colorimetric-assay.html
DNAzymes, gold nanoparticles and disease detection: an interview with Dr. Chan and Kyryl Zagorovsky, University of Toronto http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130423/DNAzymes-gold-nanoparticles-and-disease-detection-an-interview-with-Dr-Chan-and-Kyryl-Zagorovsky-University-of-Toronto.aspx
Three glowing mice http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2014/05/three-glowing-mice-quantum-dot-nanoparticle-toxicity
Fast, cheap methods of diagnosing infectious disease? They're coming sooner than you think http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/fast-cheap-methods-of-diagnosing-infectious-disease-theyre-coming-sooner-than-you-think/article11792043/
DNA-built nanoparticles safely target cancer tumours http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/12520/20140129/dna-built-nanoparticles-safely-target-cancer-tumours.htm
Breaking barriers http://www.natureasia.com/en/research/highlight/9045
Gold & DNA cocktail can rapidly screen for malaria and other diseases http://www.healthline.com/health-news/tech-gold-and-dna-screening-test-for-pathogens-030813#1
New rapid disease test uses DNA powder and gold nanoparticles http://www.medicaldaily.com/new-rapid-disease-test-uses-dna-powder-and-gold-nanoparticles-244570