Project description
Controlling chemical exchange in synthetic compartments
Life depends on tightly regulated exchange of molecules between cells and organelles. This is mediated by diffusion as well as specialised biological machinery. Systems chemistry aims to recreate this complexity using synthetic compartments, but a major challenge is controlling how molecules move between them. To regulate diffusion, the ERC-funded HORDE project will harness a physical process called Ostwald ripening, where molecules diffuse from smaller to larger droplets. By using a variety of techniques, the research team will create droplets that grow or shrink on demand. This will enable the controlled transfer of molecular information and pave the way for advanced synthetic compartments.
Objective
Controlling the exchange of material between organs, cells and organelles is essential for all of the processes essential to life, such as signalling, metabolism and reproduction. Chemicals pass between compartments by diffusion, which is often assisted or rectified by biological machinery. A central goal of Systems Chemistry is to produce networks of discrete synthetic compartments that interact with the same complexity seen in life. Key to achieving this is the ability to control and regulate diffusion. The HORDE programme will harness Ostwald ripening as a tool that will enable controlled diffusion within emulsions.
Ostwald ripening is the net directional diffusion of molecules from less to more stable states. In emulsions, this results in a spontaneous increase of average droplet size. This is thermodynamically favourable as it reduces the disfavoured liquid-liquid interface area. Ostwald ripening is generally seen as an unwanted process as it can lead to emulsion deterioration. However, when controlled, it will prove a powerful method for directing diffusion between compartments. HORDE will address this gap of knowledge by developing the novel methodology and insight that enables Ostwald ripening to be toggled and reversed. We will apply dynamic chemistries, switchable costabilisers and reversible polymerisation to control nanoemulsions.
I will apply my unique expertise that spans supramolecular chemistry and polymer nanotechnology to develop nanoemulsions with droplets that shrink or grow on demand. We will then apply this technology to generate nonequilibrium states and direct the transfer of polymer sequence information between droplets. The HORDE programme will thus demonstrate the exceptional promise of controlled Ostwald ripening as a mechanism for developing complex networks of interacting compartments. This ERC Starting Grant will establish the Fielden group as world leaders in developing responsive nanoscale systems.
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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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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.
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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
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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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B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom
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