Project description
Light moves synthetic bacteria and could control the speed of future miniature cargo trucks
Nature is perhaps the greatest engineer of all time. Scientists strive to mimic natural phenomena and benefit from their inherent efficiency and simplicity. Self-propelled colloids, a type of synthetic active matter similar to self-propelled bacteria, are among the many accomplishments. In addition to the synthetic machinery for motion, scientists have also identified the genetic components required to impart responsiveness to the environment. SYGMA is using the genetic building blocks of functional properties to create light-controllable active matter. Engineered photoreceptors sensitive to red, green, and blue much like cones in the retina will be linked to cellular processes that modulate things like speed, growth, and death. Light control of fleets of mini cargo transporters could be around the corner.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biology
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsstatistical mechanics
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencessynthetic biology
- natural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicssoft matter physics
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
ERC-2018-ADG
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
ERC-ADG - Advanced GrantHost institution
00185 Roma
Italy
Beneficiaries (3)
00185 Roma
16163 Genova
00185 Roma