Objective
Cells carry out biochemical and physiological functions in the body by intricately controlling the position and activity of matter at the nanoscale. In contrast, our ability to exert equivalent spatiotemporal control over therapeutic molecules is extremely inadequate. That is the reason why although we have very effective therapeutics, their use is often limited by excess toxicity and adverse effects.
We have recently described an autonomous, logic-guided DNA origami nanorobot, capable of transporting molecular payloads between selected points of origin and target, and demonstrated its selectivity and efficacy in inducing tumor cell apoptosis.
Here, we propose to create nanorobots that can be programmed to exhibit collective behaviours. This will provide unprecedented, nearly absolute spatiotemporal control over many therapeutic molecules simultaneously. Using the molecular equivalents of computer programs, which we describe here, these nanorobots will be able to communicate with each other, coordinate timing of activity, form meta-structures, exhibit quorum-sensing capabilities and emulate logical operations using biological cues as bits.
This proposal describes nanorobot design and control, and shows how the nanorobots can be modified to exhibit improved pharmacokinetic performance with negligible immunogenicity and toxicity. This technology could revolutionize therapeutic paradigms and procedures, along with other aspects of current medicine.
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.
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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-2013-StG
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
7670308 REHOVOT
Israel
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.