Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (CCNE) are synthesizing particles that mimic red blood cells (RBCs) using a technology called PRINT (Particle Replication In Non- wetting models). These imitation red blood cells (RBCM) are the same size, shape and softness as real red blood cells. Spongy microparticles can easily deform from their original disc-like shapes into irregular shapes when densely packed. The soft, spongy nature of the particles allows them to serve as carriers of hemoglobin, providing new opportunities for delivering oxygen and creating blood substitutes. In addition to RBCMs, researchers are using PRINT to create nanoparticles for new cancer treatments.