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DNA-encoded REconfigurable and Active Matter

Objective

Synthetic materials exist in a broad variety of sizes, shapes and compositions leading to an impressive breadth of useful functions but tend to be case-specific. Living matter, in contrast, has the remarkable capability to sense, evolve, transform and adapt. Here, we propose to develop new DNA-encoded dynamic principles and implement them as molecular codes to program similar life-like characteristics in a variety of synthetic soft materials, ranging from evolutive DNA nanomachines to genetically encoded active interfaces. Various DNA nanostructures (DNA origamis, single-stranded tiles, DNA nanogrids) will be produced by a new concept of isothermal and reconfigurable DNA self-assembly, leading to user-defined self-assembled structures capable to adapt and morphologically transform, autonomously or in response to a stimulus. Coupling proteins to these reconfigurable nanoscaffolds will allow us to reconstitute dynamic synthetic metabolic pathways, design programmable catalytic switch or develop a new principle of nanostructure discovery by evolution. Beside encoding structural dynamics, we will also incorporate gene-containing DNA in interface-rich materials (films, drops, emulsions) to program, at a genetic level for the first time, the active behaviour and dynamic functionality of these systems. In situ cell-free expression of interfacially active proteins, such as BslA and hydrophobins, will allow us to control the interfacial properties (surface tension, visco-elasticity), either uniformly or with controlled spatio-temporal patterns. This will result in original genetically encoded active behaviours such as genetic Marangoni effects, propulsion, genophoresis or autonomous genetic sorting. Additional functionality will be brought by co-expressing useful proteins (enzymes, antibodies) at these interfaces, resulting in highly dynamic, reconfigurable, versatile and multifunctional soft materials.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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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.

(opens in new window) ERC-2022-ADG

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Host institution

ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 2 496 750,00
Address
45, RUE D'ULM
75230 Paris
France

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 2 496 750,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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