Project description
Advanced synthetic cells
The creation of synthetic or artificial cells to replicate some of the fundamental properties and functions of living cells is a fascinating area of research. Artificial cells serve not only as simplified models to study cellular behaviour and explore the origins of life, but also for the production of pharmaceutical and therapeutic compounds. Synthetic cells are typically constructed from lipid bilayers, similar to the cell membranes found in living organisms. However, artificial shells that mimic the natural cell membrane in terms of mechanical properties, functionality and response to stimuli remain a challenge. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ARC-for-CORE project aims to develop a bio-inspired artificial shell capable of compartmentalisation and biological reactivity including selective bidirectional transport.
Objective
This project is to build an artificial compartment for coenzyme regeneration, urgently demanded by industry and scientific research to enhance the stoichiometric use of coenzyme in biosynthetic pathways. The fellow will investigate all-round aspects of the bio-inspired system, including compartmentalization process, mass transfer and biological reactivity. A new mechanism for selective bidirectional transport and structure-reinforced composite shell will be proposed. Capitalizing upon his expertise in biomimetic controlled delivery system, carbon nanomaterial, emulsion and scanning electrochemistry, the fellowship makes him a unique asset to EU for the brand-new exploration of bio-inspired selective transport system and coenzyme regeneration compartment. The fellow has proven track record with multi- and interdisciplinary background and his achievement has been outstanding as demonstrated in CV. The skills he will gain allow him to diversify his capability significantly, including interfacial polymerization and molecular imprinting technique, visualized delivery dynamics, capsule manipulation and stability test, enzymatic integrity and activity test, compartmentalized enzymatic reaction, microfluidic multiple emulsification and techniques for SECM set-ups and analysis. The output will be the knowledge obtained from the formation of the artificial compartment through bulk and microfluidic interfacial polymerization, the compartmentalized enzymatic reactions and new set-ups for SECM. In addition, the fellowship will allow him to transfer his existing knowledge and the one emerged from the research to the hosts and a variety of audience, via complementary activities. The effective and reliable coenzyme regeneration system will address the challenge of coenzyme utilization in the biological industry. Fostered by the fellowship, a leading expert in biomimicry and coenzyme regeneration is expected to contribute greatly to EU industries and academic communities.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinator
80539 Munchen
Germany