title: Experiences in supporting the structured collection of cancer nanotechnology data using caNanoLab.
abstract: The cancer Nanotechnology Laboratory (caNanoLab) data portal is an online nanomaterial database that allows users to submit and retrieve information on well-characterized nanomaterials, including composition, in vitro and in vivo experimental characterizations, experimental protocols, and related publications. Initiated in 2006, caNanoLab serves as an established resource with an infrastructure supporting the structured collection of nanotechnology data to address the needs of the cancer biomedical and nanotechnology communities. The portal contains over 1,000 curated nanomaterial data records that are publicly accessible for review, comparison, and re-use, with the ultimate goal of accelerating the translation of nanotechnology-based cancer therapeutics, diagnostics, and imaging agents to the clinic. In this paper, we will discuss challenges associated with developing a nanomaterial database and recognized needs for nanotechnology data curation and sharing in the biomedical research community. We will also describe the latest version of caNanoLab, caNanoLab 2.0, which includes enhancements and new features to improve usability such as personalized views of data and enhanced search and navigation.
authors.affiliation: Office of Cancer Nanotechnology Research, National Cancer Institute/NIH, 31 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Drive, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gaheen
authors.affiliation: Essential Software, Inc., 9024 Mistwood Drive, Potomac, MD, 20854, USA.
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lijowski
authors.affiliation: Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute/NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
authors.forename: Mervi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heiskanen
authors.affiliation: Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute/NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
authors.forename: Juli
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Klemm
keywords: caNanoLab; cancer research; databases; nanomaterials; nanomedicine