Primary Aims: 

• to develop high throughput, single nanoparticle, single cell, and single molecule analytical technologies;
• to apply these cutting edge techniques in early cancer detection and nanomaterials research and development, as well as broad applications in life science, environmental, and other fields; and
• to develop and inspire creative thinkers and leaders for life-long success in the field of cancer research and nanotechnology.

Breakthrough technologies: CS³M utilizes a number of key analytical technologies developed both externally and in-house that support the mission of the center. These technologies include:

• Single Nanoparticle–Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) technology,
• Single cell analyzer with multi-functional analysis capabilities,
• Single  molecule imaging technique,
• P-Scan urine analyzer, and
• Ultra-fast Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS)

These technologies will be applied to early cancer detection, monitoring of effectiveness of cancer treatment, nanomedicine development for cancer therapy, nanotoxicity study, nanoparticle screening in environment samples, and other broad applications that foster and stimulate the U.S. economy.

Integrate approaches across fields: The complexity of modern technology development requires close collaborations of different research fields. CS³M catalyzes multidisciplinary efforts to enable researches across the boundaries of several key fields, such as chemistry, chemical and biological engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and other fields that support the mission of the center.

Accelerate progress to market and enhance entrepreneurship: Integrating academic research and industry involvement will facilitate the path from research to commercialization and help innovative ideas reach the marketplace promptly. By working with industrial experts, CS³M aims to move ideas with high potential for application beyond the laboratory. As an additional benefit, students are exposed to the broader benefits of academic pursuits, as well as introduced to potential future careers in areas outside of academia.

The vision of the CS³M is to become a national leader in the development of cutting edge analytical technologies for biomedical, and nanomaterial applications with emphasis on Single Nanoparticle, Single Cell, and Single Molecule Monitoring. These analytical technologies will enable scientists and biological engineers to investigate the transport behavior of a single nanoparticle and a single biomolecule, such as DNA and protein, in a single cell and other biological fluids, which is crucially important for nanomedicine design and drug delivery.

Technologies for early cancer diagnosis and nanoparticle monitoring are in great demand around the world and pose top challenges faced by scientists in the world.  The aim of the CS³M is to offer technological solutions for these efforts by focusing on single nanoparticle, single molecule, and single cell monitoring.

Missouri S&T is one of the nation's top technological research universities and has educated many engineers, scientists, and innovators who are playing important roles in current technological advancements. CS³M is poised to operate within Missouri S&T to lead these new technology developments with national and international impacts.