Objective
In nature, evolution has shaped biomolecules with out-of-equilibrium processes to create organs with unparalleled mechanical strength and optical complexity. Surprisingly, the intrinsic ordering across many endo- and exoskeletons is the same. Elongated building blocks made of proteins or polysaccharides align and helically stack, forming layered liquid crystal structures. This ordering can be locally disrupted by defects. In arthropods, defects distribute stress and diffusely scatter light, granting the arthropods with astonishing toughness and noniridescent structural color. Materials scientists have long sought to make construction and coating materials more resilient and sustainable by mimicking these properties in the lab. However, the fundamental physics that underlies the formation of these organs is unknown. To date, there is no experimental system that is out-of-equilibrium and has the same layered organization as skeletal organs. To advance bio-inspired technology, the physics of biomineralization must be examined.
Here, I will leverage my expertise in liquid crystals and colloid synthesis to develop, from the bottom-up, Bio-inspired, Responsive, and Active Layered Materials, bringing laboratory-produced materials to the Bio-ReALM. With a team of three PhDs, I will shape layered, out-of-equilibrium liquid crystals, using colloidal rods that can swim. The system will be composed of colloids similar in shape and size to the biomolecular building blocks used in nature but that can be imaged with high resolution. Real-space, real-time imaging enables unprecedented detail in defect characterization. The amount and types of defects influence material properties. My team will control defects with activity to advance material optics and mechanics. Using designer colloids, Bio-ReALM will uncover the physics used by nature to bring the exceptional features of living organisms to synthetic matter, increasing the functionality and lifetime of everyday materials.
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.
- engineering and technology materials engineering colors
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics soft matter physics
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules carbohydrates
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology invertebrate zoology
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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.1.1 - 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-2025-STG
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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.
3584 CS Utrecht
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.