Center for Applied Nanotechnology CAN

Overview

Inorganic nanoparticles and nanocomposites

At the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Nanotechnology CAN in Hamburg, inorganic nanoparticle systems are being developed. We transfer research results into solution strategies for new or improved products, especially in the fields of functional materials (displays, LED and lighting, solar and fuel cells), life science (diagnostic tools, biomarkers) and home and personal care (additives for cosmetic products, detergents and specialty polymers as formulation aids).

Our main expertise lies in the production and characterization of materials in the form of inorganic nanoparticles and nanocomposites. Established particle systems include fluorescent, magnetic, electrically and thermally conductive, radiopaque, electrocatalytically active, metallic and ceramic nanoparticles.

About the research division CAN

CAN GmbH was founded in 2005 as a public private partnership between the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the University of Hamburg, and notable industrial enterprises, all of which had joined forces to form a support association. Members of the association included the companies Beiersdorf AG, Eppendorf AG, Merck KGaA, Bode Chemie GmbH and DESY, as well as the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and Hamburg Savings Bank. The nanoparticles of the CAN GmbH were sold internationally until December 31, 2017 under the brand name CANdot®. Since January 1, 2018, the Fraunhofer CAN is a research division of the Fraunhofer IAP.

Press releases

Services

Our services

The Fraunhofer CAN offers contract research and development services in the field of chemical nanotechnology and nanoanalytics.

development of new cosmetic raw materials based on polymers or nanoparticles
innovative raw materials for use in household and industrial products
modification and application of raw materials based on polymer or nano/microparticles in formulations
development, refinement and characterization for formulations of innovative products for cosmetics, household and industry
expertise in the field of additives for pigment stabilization
selection, development and realization of tailor-made analytical methods for individual raw material or product
individual solutions based on market trends and the latest scientific developments

Analytics

microscopic and spectroscopic methods
scattering methods
techniques for the study of nano-structured surfaces, energy and gas transport through materials and rheological properties
analysis of composition and size of materials
toxicity tests
- confocal microscope [FCS / FLIM / FCCS]

relaxivity
- stability measurements

Biomarker labeling

development of customized biomarkers
fluorescent semiconductor nanoparticles
magnetic nanoparticle probes

Consultation

synthesis, modification and analysis of nanoparticles

Research

Our research topics

Nanoparticles

quantum dots
gold nanoparticles
rare earth doped nanoparticles
magnetic nanoparticles
nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties
rheology enhancer

Material sciences

fuel cells
catalysis
security label
solar cells

Life sciences

detection of proteins in the Western Blotting
dental materials
diagnostics
contrast agent
magnetic contrast agent
X-ray contrast agent
marker materials
fluorescent nanoparticles
multifunctional gold nanoparticles

Innovative ingredients for cosmetics and household products

development of new cosmetic raw materials based on polymers or particles in the nano- and micro size range
rheology modifiers (for aqueous, alcoholic or oil-based systems)
anionic, cationic and amphoteric polymers
multifunctional polymers
antibacterial polymers/nanoparticles
customized surface properties for nano/micro particle systems