Project description
The University of Aveiro strengthens its innovation in biomaterials for healthcare
Biopolymers, naturally occurring molecules made of shorter monomers, include proteins and polysaccharides. Scientists have harnessed these biocompatible and biodegradable molecules for important medical applications, but their performance is often hindered by limited bioactivity, stimuli responsiveness and mechanical properties. Integrating biopolymers with self-assembling motifs could overcome barriers. Self-assembly – the non-covalent association of materials' subunits into highly ordered patterns and structures – is a route to unique dynamic properties and (multi)functionalities not attained with conventional synthetic chemistry. The EU-funded SUPRALIFE project will create an international scientific and training network to enhance innovation capacity at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, regarding developing innovative supramolecular multifunctional biomaterials to interface with living systems.
Objective
SUPRALIFE addresses current hurdles of UAVR in the supramolecular biomaterials’ chemistry field regarding its scientific know-how and partnerships with world-leading institutions. UAVR seeks to improve the multifunctionality of biopolymers, often with limited bioactivity, stimuli-responsiveness and mechanical properties, and increase their performance in biomedical applications. Biopolymers integration with self-assembling motifs would enable the development of innovative supramolecular architectures with bioinstructive and adaptive behaviour for enhanced cellular response, drug delivery and diagnosis. SUPRALIFE aims to surpass UAVR’s limited knowledge and expertise on non-covalent synthesis by launching an international scientific and training network to accelerate the pace on developing complex and innovative supramolecular multifunctional biomaterials to interface with living systems. The consortium encompasses UAVR and two internationally-leading institutions, TU/e and UBx, that will critically enhance UAVR’s scientific excellence, innovation capacity, and reputation in supramolecular chemistry and translational self-assembling biomaterials. UAVR’s capability to train highly-qualified researchers and staff will significantly increase, giving rise to a next-generation of specialised professionals with scientific and translational competences. SUPRALIFE proposes the organisation of joint events, networking activities, short-term on-site trainings and staff exchanges, expert visits, and an exploratory research project for stepping up and stimulating UAVR scientific excellence and innovation capacity. Outputs include increasing the track-record and quality level of publications, IP, innovative biomedical products and regional-to-national economic development. SUPRALIFE will empower the establishment of a ground-breaking and long-lasting collaborative consortium for steadily and sustainably pursuing new joint research projects and innovative research lines at UAVR.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-BasedCoordinator
3810-193 Aveiro
Portugal