Project description
Revolutionising drug synthesis with DNA
Metal-based asymmetric catalysis is a powerful method for the synthesis of complex chiral molecules such as those required in drug development and materials science. However, the use of transition metals is associated with toxicity and high cost. Organocatalysis has emerged as a greener alternative that employs stable, metal-free small molecules for sustainable synthesis. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DNAOrgCat project proposes to create new catalysts that combine DNA oligonucleotides with catalytic molecules. The DNA acts like a flexible scaffold that can hold and position the catalytic part while its unique shape leads to high selectivity. Moreover, the DNA is biodegradable and can be recycled to achieve a greener and more sustainable approach.
Objective
Asymmetric catalysis is arguable the most appealing way to prepare complex chiral scaffolds. In this context, metal-catalyzed transformations have been more widely used in comparison to metal-free strategies. Nonetheless, the complexity involved with the transition metal catalysts, the toxicity often associated with the metals and the none-negligible amounts of waste produced during the reactions have caused significant drawbacks. The advent of green and sustainable chemistry brought organocatalysis into prominence (2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry), allowing the field to emerge as an effective alternative to classical metal-based asymmetric catalysis. Small Molecule Organocatalysts (SMOs) have been used in a plethora of different synthetic transformations. Their stability to air excludes the need for inert conditions and ultra-dry solvents and thus minimizes overall research expenditure. Among all the SMOs reported throughout the years, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have shown great promise, offering interesting prospects for both academic and industrial applications.
In the last decade, bio-hybrid DNA-based asymmetric catalysis (DAC) has appeared as an attractive tool providing excellent enantioselectivities on a broad range of reactions. DNAOrgCat aims at combining, for the first time, asymmetric organocatalysis and bio-hybrid catalysis to develop new, highly enantioselective, scalable and sustainable organocatalytic processes. To reach this goal, we will design, synthesize and ultimately evaluate a series of NHC-modified oligonucleotides on a model Stetter reaction. We will also develop sustainable catalytic systems based on recyclable, solid-supported, modified oligonucleotides, which will ultimately be implemented to large-scale continuous flow processes. By doing so, not only do we intend to expand the current frontiers of DNA-based asymmetric catalysis, we also wish to set a mind change and unquestionably place DNA-based catalysts in the chemists’ toolbox.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
E1 4NS LONDON
United Kingdom
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