Objective
This research project aims to address one of the Grand Challenges in contemporary science: the de-novo synthesis of life. More specifically we aim to achieve, for the first time, (i) development of replicators that feature a primitive photometabolism, and (ii) Darwinian evolution of such fully synthetic molecules. These ambitious aims are firmly grounded on the unique expertise of the host lab (self-replicating molecules) combined with the strong expertise of the ER (self-assembly and photochemistry). This combination will enable the adaptive integration of a photoactive co-factor (e.g. a porphyrin) with replicator fibers which will activate photocatalytic production of singlet oxygen. This singlet oxygen promotes the oxidation of thiol building blocks into “food” (i.e. small disulfide macrocycles) which the replicator can utilize to make copies of itself. In the final phase of the project we will operate the photometabolic self-replicating system under far-from-equilibrium conditions in an open flow system in which replication competes with physical removal (“death”). This regime should allow for Darwinian evolution, provided that replicator mutation is facilitated by providing different building blocks. In order to survive, replicators need to replicate faster than they are being destroyed. Therefore, selection should favour the replicator with the highest catalytic efficiency. Overall, the designed systems will exhibit all aspects of Darwinian evolution: replication, mutation and selection. While evolution in biology requires long periods of time, herein we aim, for the first time, to realize evolution in a fully synthetic system within a short timeframe, and obtain photometabolic replicators with activities that have been improved through Darwinian evolution.
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.
- engineering and technology materials engineering fibers
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences physical chemistry photochemistry
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
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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.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
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.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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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.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
9712CP Groningen
Netherlands
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.