Objective Whether a cell adheres to the extracellular matrix, or biological signals propagate within and between cells, highly selective interactions occur between the molecular ‘partners’ that materialize the process. Supramolecular chemistry studies the basic features of these interactions (knowledge) and their implementation for the design of non-natural systems (technology). This field bridges molecular chemistry and physics with biology, providing a interdisciplinary platform to understand biological structure (self-assembly) and function (recognition, reactivity and transport).Peptides that self-assemble in ordered nanostructures are a particular case of supramolecular chemistry. Peptides possess the biocompatibility and chemical diversity found in proteins, being particularly interesting for regenerative medicine and nanomedicine. Until now, peptide self-assembly systems have been studied individually. However, biological structures form in highly dense and heterogeneous molecular environments, such as the cytosol and extracellular matrix. The main scientific objective of this project is to recreate part of this complexity, by creating multi-component peptide self-assembly systems that form independent nano-assemblies in the same physical space. These systems will be used to provide technological solutions for the regeneration of ischemic neuronal tissues (artificial extracellular matrix) and the refined release of growth factors (capsules).These systems are also designed to be intermediate steps towards much more challenging future career objectives, namely cell-like bioreactors with the ability of protein production, self-maintenance or, even, self-replication. The beauty of this endeavor is that in the way towards such challenging scientific objectives, quite promising technological solutions can be derived, benefiting mankind health and welfare in ways that at the moment can just be painted with the faint colors of our imagination. Fields of science engineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnologybioremediationbioreactorsengineering and technologymaterials engineeringcolorsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologynanomedicine Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IOF - Marie Curie Action: "International Outgoing Fellowships for Career Development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IOF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IOF - International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) Coordinator TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN Address Groene loper 3 5612 AE Eindhoven Netherlands See on map Region Zuid-Nederland Noord-Brabant Zuidoost-Noord-Brabant Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Egbert Willem Meijer (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
