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Capturing the biomineralization of magnetite nanoparticles with magnetotactic bacteria in vivo using microfluidic conditions and synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy

Objective

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) produce highly organized chains of magnetite nanoparticles within intracellular membranes called magnetosomes. The alignment of these magnetic nanoparticles endows the bacteria with a substantial magnetic dipole, which it can use in relation to the earth’s magnetic field to navigate its environment. Magnetite nanoparticles of consistent size, composition and shape are produced by MTB through biomineralization processes. The specific morphology of magnetite nanoparticles is species-determined. Magnetite biomineralization and MTB have been of interest for several years as scientists try to understand the chemical mechanism for the highly efficient production of magnetite nanoparticle materials. Harnessing or adopting chemical pathways similar to the bacteria should benefit the production and utility of magnetite nanoparticles for technological advancements in areas such as medical diagnostics and drug delivery nanosystems. This project aims to capture and understand the formation and properties of magnetite nanoparticles within living MTB. This information will be unique from previous studies since biomineralization processes will be followed in vivo and with high-resolution, synchrotron-based spectroscopy techniques. To accomplish this objective, bacterial samples will be hosted in microfluidic sample cells with X-ray transparent cell windows capable of in situ measurement using a combination of X-ray absorption and X-ray scattering spectroscopies. Microfluidic cell design and measurement conditions will be optimized for MTB viability. Elucidating the magnetite biomineralization process and the full formation of magnetosomes within live bacteria will provide unprecedented chemical and structural details without having to destroy the bacteria before measurement.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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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.

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.

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.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017

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Coordinator

COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 173 076,00
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RUE LEBLANC 25
75015 Paris
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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Research Organisations
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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.

€ 173 076,00
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