Objective
The aim of this proposal is to synthesize and demonstrate the successful operation of one of the first synthetic molecular machines capable of performing a complex task at the molecular level. The target is to mimic translation, the process through which protein is synthesized on the mRNA template in the ribosome. To achieve this ambitious task (in a very basic form) through the action of a wholly artificial molecular machine system we propose to utilize a [2]rotaxane in which the macrocycle component acts as both a catalyst and a molecular transporter, abstracting bulky aromatic amino acid substituents from a sequence-specific ‘thread’ and transporting them in turn to the next amino acid fragment before mediating the formation of a new amide bond between them. The design is such that the macrocycle is forced to approach each amino acid in sequence, and is unable to pass until the cycle is complete, imparting sequential integrity to the oligopeptide synthesis. The mechanically interlocked nature of the rotaxane ensures processivity during the machine’s operation. Although biology uses threaded molecular architectures to transfer chemical information during sequence-specific oligomer and polymer assembly (proteins, oligo- and polysaccharides, DNA and RNA), such effects are unprecedented in artificial systems. We hope that our synthetic studies will provide a breakthrough in the development of artificial molecular machines that can perform real tasks at the molecular level including, ultimately, the synthesis of unnatural sequence-specific oligomers and polymers that are not accessible by other routes.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules carbohydrates
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry amines
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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.
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.
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.
FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008
See other projects for this call
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.
Coordinator
EH8 9YL Edinburgh
United Kingdom
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.