Project description
Shaping synthetic active matter in 3D
Microorganisms’ autonomous movement in fluids is a key feature of active matter, which in turn is a central concept in soft matter physics. While micron-sized synthetic self-propelled particles (SPPs) can convert internal energy into directed motion, most experimental systems are unsuitable for studying collective behaviours like swarming and active turbulence in three-dimensional (3D) space, as they are typically confined to two-dimensional (2D) systems. The ERC-funded SynthAct3D project aims to advance synthetic active matter research by transitioning from 2D experiments to innovative 3D materials with life-like functionalities. It will investigate core mechanisms, focusing on how dimensionality and particle shape govern hierarchical self-organisation and clarifying the impact of propulsion and microscopic dynamics on SPP behavior in 3D.
Objective
Autonomous motion and adaptability of microorganisms in fluids are hallmark features of living systems, fueling the emergence of active matter within the realm of soft matter physics. Notably, micron-sized synthetic self-propelled particles (SPPs) have emerged as a distinct class within this domain due to their unique ability to convert internal energy into directed motion, making them ideal models for studying inherently out-of-equilibrium systems. However, a significant challenge persists: the majority of existing synthetic SPPs are ill-suited for probing the governing principles of emergent collective behaviors observed in living systems, such as swarming, active turbulence, and living clusters, particularly in 3D real space.
The ultimate aim of SynthAct3D is to pioneer a paradigm shift, transitioning synthetic active matter from the familiar territory of 2D experiments towards the uncharted terrain of 3D materials with advanced functionalities.
This fundamentally driven, experiment-centric proposal seeks to unravel the core mechanisms behind emergent phenomena observed in living systems, employing entirely synthetic units.
SynthAct3D focuses on two complementary goals, anchored in a novel experimental framework that combines innovative SPP designs, rigorous characterization, and high-speed confocal imaging:
I. Phase behavior
a. Investigate the influences of dimensionality (2D Vs 3D) and particle shape on the emergence of self-organization, both structurally and dynamically.
b. Elucidate the role of particle propulsion and the microscopic nonequilibrium dynamics in dictating the macroscopic behavior of SPPs in 3D.
II. Active materials
a. Design reconfigurable 3D active materials (e.g. shape-shifting, and glasses)
This research is expected to yield unprecedented insights into internally powered systems in 3D, paving the way for a new class of internally driven materials with applications in reconfigurable soft materials.
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: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- engineering and technology materials engineering amorphous solids
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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.
Funding Scheme
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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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-COG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
7522 NB Enschede
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.