Objective
The main goal of this ERC proposal is to harness a completely new approach to constructing biocompatible nanomotors, using supramolecular assembly of amphiphilic block-copolymers for loading the engine and catalysis as the driving force for autonomous movement. Polymersomes assembled from amphiphilic block copolymers can be further re-engineered to perform a controlled shape transformation from a thermodynamically stable spherical morphology to a kinetically trapped stomatocyte structure with controlled opening. These stable structures can selectively entrap catalytically active nanoparticles within their nanocavity making their design ideal for nanoreactor applications. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by an entrapped catalyst has been shown to generate a rapid discharge of gases and consequently generate thrust and directional movement. The design of the loaded stomatocytes is a truly miniature monopropellant rocket engine in which the catalytically active nanoparticles are the motor, the hydrogen peroxide is the propellant and the controlled opening of the stomatocyte is the nozzle. Their unique shape allows for added capabilities, extra compartmentalization for loading efficiency, polymeric PEG surface for biocompatibility and entrapped particles for catalytic activity. The supramolecular approach to assembling the motor allows facile alteration of its constituent parts: motor, fuel and cargo to make it more suitable for biological applications (type of catalytic particles, surface modification for cellular uptake or suitable biofuels). The appropriate design of the motor with recognition sites on the surface can facilitate the recognition, isolation and transport of specific type of cells, or can navigate the payloads within the cell via chemotaxis. Besides their initial role to overcome random diffusion, these “ship-in-a-bottle” loaded stomatocytes open interesting possibilities for designing new targeted drug delivery and nanoreactor systems.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels
- engineering and technology industrial biotechnology biomaterials biofuels
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2012-StG_20111012
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
6525 XZ Nijmegen
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.