Objective
Monitoring the DNA and protein composition of cells is key to understanding most biological processes, including the molecular origins of specific diseases. To this end, the emerging field of molecular electronics offers unique opportunities for label-free single-biomolecule sensing. In particular, tunnelling current modulations caused by trapping an individual molecule in a nanoscopic gap between two electrodes can be used to discriminate species based on their electronic structure. The junction conductance is highly sensitive not only to the structure of the molecule, but also to the gap size, the voltage applied, the bonding arrangement inside the gap and the immediate molecular environment. Mechanically controlled break junctions (MCBJs) that allow the formation of closely-spaced electrodes with picometer resolution, can exert a degree of control over each of these parameters and therefore represent an ideal platform for in-situ studies at single-molecule level.
In BioGraphING, I will develop the first graphene MCBJ, a unique device that will be both a model system for studying charge transport in molecular junctions at room temperature, and a sensing platform for biomolacular fingerprinting. Graphene’s atomic thinness, chemical inertness and strong in-plane bonds will lead to a device architecture with superior mechanical stability and measurement resolution. Given that a robust and reliable contact to single molecules is crucial for high junction conductance, various anchoring modes of the molecules to the graphene electrodes will be investigated (e.g. covalent bonding, π-π stacking). I will monitor the molecular conductance as a function of electrode distance and bias voltage in air, vacuum and in liquid. Combined with quantum transport simulations and statistical data analysis my final goal is to establish molecular fingerprints for amino acids and peptides with specific biological functions, an important challenge in single-molecule biophysics.
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.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials two-dimensional nanostructures graphene
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry amines
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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.
2628 CN DELFT
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.