Molecular Engineering of Synthetic Motile Systems towards Biological Environments

Project Information

SynMoBio

Grant agreement ID: 101044434

DOI

10.3030/101044434

EC signature date 2 June 2022

Start date 1 September 2022

End date 31 August 2027

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 2 350 000,00

EU contribution

€ 2 350 000,00

Coordinated by

STICHTING RADBOUD UNIVERSITEIT
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SynMoBio (Molecular Engineering of Synthetic Motile Systems towards Biological Environments)

Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2025-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The SynMoBio project develops synthetic motile systems that sense, transport, and adapt to their environment. These systems interact dynamically with their surroundings, influencing chemical processes and biological responses, with potential applications in targeted delivery and nanomedicine.

The project is structured into three work packages, with interconnected research areas:
• Developing adaptive motile structures with responsive movement.
• Expanding synthetic strategies for hydrogel based motile assemblies.
• Exploring new types of biomimetic motion inspired by cilia and flagella.
• Investigating collective behaviors and information transfer in bottom up synthetic systems.
Applying these principles to design next-generation delivery platforms.
By advancing bioinspired motility, SynMoBio aims to lay the foundation for future breakthroughs in nanomedicine, offering innovative approaches to controlled transport and targeted therapeutic applications.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The SynMoBio project has made significant strides in the design and application of synthetic motile systems that dynamically respond to their environment. These engineered systems demonstrate potential for targeted delivery, biofilm disruption, and adaptive therapeutic applications.

Key Results and Potential Impact

The research has successfully:

Developed biodegradable motile microdroplets with tunable properties for biomedical use.
Engineered stimuli-responsive hydrogels that adapt their shape and function under external triggers, advancing drug delivery and artificial cell systems.
Achieved breakthroughs in bioinspired motion, including nanoscale cilia-like movement and chemotactic responses that guide motile systems toward biological targets.
Demonstrated the potential of self-propelled nanocarriers for biomedical challenges, offering new approaches to tackling cancer treatment and infections.
These findings contribute to the future development of intelligent nanomedicine, paving the way for more efficient, selective, and responsive therapeutic delivery systems.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The SynMoBio project has delivered groundbreaking advancements in synthetic motile systems, surpassing the state of the art in drug delivery, biofilm eradication, and nanoscale actuation.

Key Results & Future Directions

Biodegradable Microdroplet Systems: Developed scalable hydrogel micromotors for targeted delivery. Next steps: autonomous movement via active catalysts.
Stimuli-Responsive Vesicles: Enhanced self-assembly control, reducing trial-and-error design. Next steps: demonstrating shape transformations for drug delivery.
Energy Landscapes of Vesicles: Unveiled predictive vesicle design for drug carriers. Future work: scalability and commercial integration.
Cilia-Mimicking Nanomotors: Created light-driven nanoscale actuators. Next steps: biomedical testing and regulatory assessment.
Biofilm Eradication Systems: Developed light-activated and motile systems that disrupt biofilms and silence quorum sensing. Future work: clinical validation and further valorization of the idea towards market.

Potential Impact

Healthcare: Smarter drug delivery & antimicrobial strategies.
Industry: Scalable, biocompatible nanocarriers.
Science: Improved self-assembly & energy landscape design.
Key Needs for Uptake

Further R&D: Scalability, biocompatibility, and performance validation.
Demonstration: Preclinical/clinical trials and further funding acquisition to push the discoveries closer to the market
IP & Commercialization: Industry partnerships & regulatory support.
Conclusion
This project sets the stage for next-gen motile systems, driving innovation in biomedicine and nanotechnology with high-impact applications in healthcare.

Synthetic Motile SystemsActive Motion towards Tumours