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Content archived on 2024-06-16

Synthesis of smart materials: Functionalising nanotubes with molecular switches

Objective

The ability to miniaturise devices has completely changed our society and modern technology is constantly pushing towards smaller and lighter devices with enhanced and more diverse functionalities. Future technologies will increasingly rely on materials t hat respond to their environment in a manner that suggests a degree of "intelligence" and nanoscience may offer many of the tools and opportunities that are required in order to a build a foundation for the next scientific revolution.

The design of a library of carbon nanotubes functionalised with task-oriented molecules for the development of responsive, i.e. "smart" nano-materials is the main focus of this interdisciplinary research program. The nano-device itself will be composed of a carbon nanotube because it offers biocompatibility as well as the necessary structural scaffolding. In order to render the vehicle soluble and stable in water, the nanotube will be suitably functionalised on the surface. In order to make this into a smart material, a molecular switch will be covalently attached to the vehicle.

The role of the switch is to activate the drug delivery system or to function as a sensor. Once the switch is triggered by the external stimulus (such as light, heat, chemicals or changes in pH) it w ill undergo a conformational change that can release biologically active ions and molecules in a controlled manner. Alternatively, the switch can be constructed such that it responds to specific chemical inputs (such as different metal ions or amino acids). Finally, the possibility of using the nanotube (which has excellent thermal conductivity) as a light/heat-absorbing antenna that can transmit energy directly to the attached switch will be explored. If near-IR radiation could be used as input/trigger for this kind of delivery/sensing vehicle it would represent a major breakthrough because such radiation is of low energy and relatively harmless to human tissue and biotic systems.

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)

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.

Call for proposal

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FP6-2004-MOBILITY-11
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.

ERG - Marie Curie actions-European Re-integration Grants

Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TRIESTE
EU contribution
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Total cost

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.

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