This is a copy of the slides presented at the meeting but not formally written up for the volume.

The Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) conducts preclinical efficacy and toxicity testing of nanoparticles intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. The NCL is a collaborating partnership between NCI, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. As part of its assay cascade, NCL characterizes nanoparticles' physical attributes, their in vitro biological properties, and their in vivo compatibility using animal models. The Laboratory facilitates the rapid transition of basic nanoscale particles and devices into clinical applications by providing the critical infrastructure and characterization services to nanomaterial providers. It is a national resource available to investigators from academia, industry and government. The presentation will provide an overview of the NCL; discuss parameters that are critical to biocompatibility, and present assays used for preclinical characterization of nanoparticles.