Project description
The future of bioresorbable cancer therapy
Microbots have a new mission: to help deliver treatments deep within the human body. The ERC-funded BIOENACT project aims to make this possible by developing active, particle-based microrobots designed for in vivo use. Unlike earlier prototypes, these robots are bioresorbable and powered by natural chemical substrates found within the body. By enhancing the self-propulsion of copper-based particles, researchers are creating a new class of medical tools that can navigate biological environments safely. Additionally, the project establishes a strategy for clinical translation, navigating patent and regulatory hurdles. This breakthrough could offer targeted treatments that improve the quality of life for millions of cancer patients globally.
Objective
BIOENACT aims at advancing the technology readiness of the active microrobots introduced in the ERC-funded project CELLOIDS, paving the way to their future clinical translation. Such microrobots have a cell-like body consisting of an aqueous liquid droplet enclosed by a nanometric phospholipid membrane and containing active particles (that self-propel by consuming a fuel), which represent the “motors” driving the microrobots’ movement in complex porous environments. Whereas active particles are usually powered by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at high (toxic) concentrations, we have discovered that copper-based active particles can self-propel in relatively low H2O2 concentrations and, albeit slowly, in water with no added H2O2 (and preliminary evidence suggests that preconditioning the copper layer can enhance the particles’ self-propulsion). We also explored polydopamine as a biodegradable support material for active particles, while the microrobots’ phospholipids membrane is inherently bioresorbable. BIOENACT will exploit these fundamental results and make active particles-based microrobots suitable for in vivo applications by addressing three innovation objectives: (i) to enhance the self-propulsion of copper-based active particles and make microrobots powered by endogenous chemical substrates; (ii) to make active microrobots bioresorbable, also exploring the therapeutic potential of the degradation products; (iii) to develop a translational innovation strategy for active microrobots based on the analysis of the patent and regulatory environment. If successful, BIOENACT will provide a first demonstration of bioresorbable endogenous-powered active microrobots for medical applications, clearing their path to the clinics from major roadblocks. This will represent the first innovation step towards active microrobots-enabled therapies (especially anticancer), potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes and better life quality for millions of patients worldwide.
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-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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-POC
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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.
56127 PISA
Italy
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.