Project description
Programmable, self-assembling nanomatter supports biomedicine and smart materials
Nanorobotics and self-organised systems are a pioneering area of nanotechnology where individual simple units collaborate to perform complex tasks without central control, mimicking natural swarms such as ant colonies or flocks of birds. Combining algorithmic optimisation, molecular simulation and DNA nanotechnology experiments, the ERC-funded PRONANO project aims to design nanoscale units capable of performing logic operations and self-assembling into target structures determined by external biological stimuli. The project will highlight the potential by developing universal design rules for obtaining programmable, communicating DNA nanostructures in response to a biomolecular stimulus (DNA, RNA, or a protein). Outcomes could enable nanoscale construction of complex 3D structures with applications in drug delivery, diagnostics, and smart materials.
Objective
PRONANO will develop both theoretical and experimental methods to design autonomous nanoscale units that are able to carry out logic operations in order to self-assemble into distinct structures determined by an external stimuli. The nanounits will be programmed to assemble via a controlled self-assembly kinetic pathway, ultimately enabling programmable nanomatter. We will develop new algorithmic framework that will find the optimal set of interactions and logic gate controls required for the coordinated function of nanoparticles. We will use multiscale coarse-grained modeling to design and simulate interactions of nanostructures with the capabilities to carry out computation and communication with other nanoparticles in order to act as a programmable swarm. We will realize these nanostructures experimentally using DNA nanotechnology, creating a system that can dynamically react to an externally introduced stimulus that induces them to self-assemble into target finite-sized structures. This work will create new methods for nanotechnology that combine optimization theory, molecular simulations and experiments to study the kinetics and thermodynamics of hierarchical multicomponent assembly. As part of this effort, we will develop universal design rules to obtain a set of DNA nanostructures that can carry out computation and communication in order to achieve specific nanostructures as instructed by a biomolecule (DNA, RNA, or protein) that will act as external stimulus. Thus we will create a system which is both computationally tractable and can be realized and iterated experimentally, opening new venues for nanorobotics and self-organized systems. It will enable nanoscale construction of complex three-dimensional structures as a response to external conditions, with applications in molecular manufacturing, therapeutics, diagnostics and smart material construction.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences physical sciences thermodynamics
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computational science
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- engineering and technology other engineering and technologies microtechnology molecular engineering
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)
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.
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.
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-2021-STG
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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.
80333 Muenchen
Germany
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.