Project description
DNA and semi-permeable capsules form artificial cells for molecular computing applications
Over the last two decades, the potential of DNA-based chemical reaction networks (DNA-CRNs) to act as the building blocks of DNA-based circuits and molecular computing architectures has been increasingly explored in numerous publications. However, progress in constructing actual devices has been frustratingly slow. The EU-funded AMIGA project plans to pioneer a new paradigm in molecular information systems based on the integration of DNA-CRNs into semipermeable microcapsules. The resulting autonomous computing artificial cells will have the potential for permanent memory storage. Novel molecular circuits could find intriguing applications in areas from biomedicine to digital computing.
Objective
We propose an ambitious 5-year multidisciplinary program that seeks to pioneer and establish a fundamentally new paradigm in molecular information systems that is based on novel conceptual and experimental advances on the integration of DNA-based chemical reaction networks (CRNs) and semipermeable microcapsules, i.e. protocells. In AutonoMous computInG Artificial cells (AMIGA), we will establish a platform technology, based on molecular communication between interacting protocells, capable of revolutionary new modes of molecular sensing, computation and data storage/retrieval.
Progress in this emerging field requires i) the development of computer-aided design (CAD) strategies to implement large-scale CRNs consisting of hundreds of components, ii) formulating suitable micro-substrates, such as droplets or vesicles, to spatially localize CRNs and ways to manipulate their interconnection and iii) strategies that allow direct recording of molecular operations onto a chemical storage medium such as DNA. We address these challenges via a comprehensive research program in which we implement large-scale, DNA-based CRNs by localization of components in interacting protocells resulting in distributed molecular circuits programmed to display advanced computational functions such as (i) asynchronous logic, (ii) integral feedback control and (iii) molecular pattern recognition. Combining protocell localization with recent advances in CRISPR base editors, we will construct an integrated system where molecular operations can write instructions on permanent memory storage elements. The developed methodology finds applications in emerging technologies aimed at using molecular circuits for in-vitro diagnostics and the use of synthetic DNA as a storage medium for digital data.
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 biological sciences genetics DNA
- engineering and technology medical engineering medical laboratory technology diagnostic technologies
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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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
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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.
ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-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.
5612 AE Eindhoven
Netherlands
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