Objective Algal biofuels have the potential to provide a sustainable carbon-neutral source to fossil fuels, however the scaling up of algal systems is economically challenging. Here we propose a bio inspired approach to exploiting light-matter interaction by understanding and mimicking the optical properties of corals. We aim to inspire the development of improved photonic materials that can be used to maximise algal growth in order to radically transform the algal biofuel sector. The specific objectives are to 1) explore the in vivo light field, optical properties and photosynthetic efficiency of a range of coral species from different light regimes, 2) understand the nanophotonic and structural properties of corals underlying the optimised light modulation and 3) apply the biophotonic insight to design novel photonic materials for the improved growth of microalgae. The proposal is highly interdisciplinary involving optical and photonic characterisation, photosynthesis research and the fabrication of novel materials. The successful implementation of this project will have a high societal impact, through improving the biofuel sector and working towards carbon-neutral fuel sources. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyphycologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopysuper resolution microscopynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyelectron microscopyengineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterialsbiofuelsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbotany Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2015-GF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-GF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-GF - Global Fellowships Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Net EU contribution € 251 857,80 Address Trinity lane the old schools CB2 1TN Cambridge United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Partners (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all Partner Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement. THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA United States Net EU contribution € 0,00 Address Franklin street 1111 12 floor 94607 Oakland ca See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 160 130,40
