Objective
Plastic contamination, especially by micro and nano plastics (MNP), represents a growing global environmental crisis. These tiny particles, formed by the breakdown of larger plastics through sunlight and physical forces, are extremely difficult to eliminate using conventional methods such as filtration or sedimentation. MNP pollution is now widespread in drinking water, treated wastewater reused in agriculture, and aquatic ecosystems from rivers to oceans. Despite the urgency, there is currently no effective technology capable of both removing and degrading waterborne MNP.
The CATAMPLAS - (Catalytic Amyloids for Plastic Biodegradation) project introduces a groundbreaking solution using catalytic amyloids (CAs) a new class of protein-based materials with enzymatic-like properties. Recent pioneering studies from the Jelinek and Otzen laboratories have revealed that natural protein amyloid fibrils can catalyze various chemical and biological reactions. Notably, functional amyloids are capable of hydrolyzing chemical bonds such as esters and amides, which are the fundamental linkages in most plastic polymers.
Building on these discoveries, CATAMPLAS will engineer microbial cell factories to produce tailored catalytic amyloids designed to degrade and adsorb MNP in water. These engineered fibrils will not only catalyze the breakdown of plastics into smaller, environmentally benign fragments but will also capture the degradation products, enabling efficient removal. The resulting technology aims to provide an innovative and sustainable method for addressing the global MNP pollution challenge.
Applications of this technology span several critical sectors, including drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, and the removal of microplastic fibers released from washing machines. By harnessing the catalytic power of engineered amyloids, CATAMPLAS offers a transformative approach to mitigating plastic pollution and restoring the health of aquatic environments.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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-EIC - HORIZON EIC 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) HORIZON-EIC-2025-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-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.
84105 Beer Sheva
Israel
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.