Project description
Constructing tuneable organic chemical oscillators with catalytic functions
While chemical oscillators can potentially be used in diverse applications, many currently rely on harsh oxidative conditions and lack versatility. To address this, the ERC-funded DansMol project has designed a catalytic oscillator derived from small organic molecules. It now aims to extend this concept by designing and constructing biocompatible organic chemical oscillators with tuneable catalytic functions. Using predictive models and parameter estimation techniques, it will fine-tune the oscillators’ design, while investigating different organic catalysts and solvents suited for a range of catalytic functions and adaptable to changing conditions. Lastly, DansMol will explore several use cases for its biocompatible catalytic oscillators to highlight their prospective applications in real life, such as time-controlled polymerisation processes and periodic drug synthesis.
Objective
Inspired by natural oscillatory systems that govern countless processes, from circadian rhythms to cellular metabolism, and the essential role of catalysis in both bio- and synthetic chemistry, this project aims to systematically design and construct modular, tunable organic chemical oscillators with catalytic functions. These oscillators will not only serve as time-keeping systems but also autonomously control and catalyze additional chemical reactions. The Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction demonstrated that sustained chemical oscillations are possible, sparking decades of research. However, most existing chemical oscillators are based on redox chemistry and their harsh conditions and lack of versatility make them unsuitable for broader applications.
In preliminary studies we developed the first catalytic oscillator based on small organic molecules. Building on this proof-of-concept, we propose to develop methods that allow the construction of biocompatible chemical oscillators tunable to a wide range of potential applications. The project is structured into three closely interconnected Work Packages (WP1-WP3). WP1 focuses on streamlining the design and optimization of oscillators using predictive models and parameter estimation techniques. WP2 will explore a variety of organic catalysts and solvents to create a versatile suite of oscillators with a diverse range of catalytic functions adaptable to various conditions. WP3 will explore a number of promising use cases of biocompatible catalytic oscillators to demonstrate their potential in real-world scenarios, including time-controlled polymerization processes and periodic drug synthesis.
Integrating innovative computational modeling with automated experimental workflows will overcome the current limitations in oscillator design and pave the way for the systematic development of catalytic oscillators with specific, tailored properties, opening new frontiers in chemical synthesis, materials science, and beyond.
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.
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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-2024-ADG
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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.
9712CP Groningen
Netherlands
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.