Morphogenesis of photo-mechanized molecular materials

Project Information

Morpheus

Grant agreement ID: 772564

DOI

10.3030/772564

Project closed

EC signature date 10 January 2018

Start date 1 September 2018

End date 31 August 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 2 000 000,00

EU contribution

€ 2 000 000,00

Coordinated by

RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 4 - Morpheus (Morphogenesis of photo-mechanized molecular materials)

Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2023-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Conclusions for the action:
The Morpheus project has pioneered the development of life-like, adaptive materials inspired by biological morphogenesis.
By mimicking morphogenesis as seen in simple organisms such as Volvox algae or the L-form of bacteria, Morpheus offers a new pathway toward adaptable synthetic materials. The key achievement of the Morpheus project is a synthetic, morphogenetic system that undergoes controlled shape transformations through dynamic, bio-inspired mechanisms, creating materials capable of actively adapting their structure and interactions in response to environmental stimuli. This innovation holds potential to significantly impact material science, opening pathways for applications in artificial cell technologies and responsive material systems.

Initial Goals, Progress, and Detailed Outcomes:
The Morpheus project was initiated with the objective of adapting key principles of biological morphogenesis into synthetic soft matter.
In model organisms like Volvox algae and L-form bacteria, morphogenesis is driven by (i) endogenous deformation of individual soft units, (ii) anisotropic shape transmission across scales, and (iii) surface-area ratio dynamics. The project successfully replicated these fundamental mechanisms within synthetic systems, advancing the field of adaptive materials. By manipulating interfacial tension, a crucial morphogenetic factor, we achieved controlled transformations in fluid droplets, which served as artificial cell models and developed dendritic, cell-like structures. These results demonstrate the potential for creating bio-inspired materials and systems, for example morphing artificial cells, e.g. artificial lymphocytes.
Results of this work have been shared at numerous scientific conferences, receiving positive responses from the scientific community. A manuscript detailing these results is currently in preparation for publication.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

1. Mechanizing soft matter with active molecular systems
Morphogenesis requires cells to change shape and collectively, these cellular deformations give rise to tissue transformation. During morphogenesis, the elastic deformation of cellular tissues is driven by the molecular machinery of the cell (the cytoskeleton). This movement requires amplifying the operation of molecular machines in soft matter, across increasing length scales. At mid-term, our published scientific output primarily concerns this aspect of the work, with significant contributions in integrating either artificial molecular machines or molecular knots into anisotropic soft matter. This research has consequences for the design of tissue-like materials and soft robotics.
2. Neuromorphic transformation of spherical building blocks
One of the cellular shape changes we are particularly interested in, is the formation of axons that grow from the body of neurons – typically, networks of neuronal cells grow and connect through synapses as they change shape and grow axons. We research the fundamental physics and chemistry that may be involved in the growth of axon-like features, by using rudimentary cellular mimics. This research on neuromorphic building blocks is relevant to the design of intelligent matter and brain-like systems for neuromorphic computing.
3. Multivalent glues for tissue-like materials
During morphogenesis, molecular machines located at the interface of the cells act as reconfigurable junctions that keep the cells together into a tissue, while allowing the cells to deform actively. These dynamic intercellular bridges are key to the shape-shifting and mechanical properties of cellular tissues. Inspired from these intercellular bridges, we design multivalent supramolecular glues that support strong but reconfigurable adhesion – using either dynamic covalent chemistry, or charged dendrimers. Besides the design of morphogenetic materials, this aspect of the proposal could also contribute to the development of defect-free films of polymer networks.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Dynamic assemblies of active colloids can embody a new paradigm in the development of sustainable materials. This approach is inspired from biological materials, where the building blocks are not so much molecules themselves, but rather supramolecular assemblies or colloids (e.g. a living cell). If more materials are made of the same building blocks, this has also consequences on recyclability of materials. The chemo-mechanical coupling between these building blocks then determines the functionality and dynamics of the material.

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