Starting from the smallest unit of life, the cell, living systems are in constant motion. Cells migrate, divide and differentiate, supported by sophisticated supramolecular machinery, cellular cytoskeleton. In contrast, most artificial supramolecular systems are static. Vesicles are static structures consisting of a lipid bilayer surrounding a fluid. Yet, they are used as the most common artificial models of cell membranes, which are on the contrary dynamic, fluid structures. The SHINEShift project sought to transform vesicles into dynamic structures capable of resisting mechanical stress by employing a photo-responsive synthetic supramolecular tubules as an artificial cytoskeleton inside vesicles. In line with the overall aim, the objectives of the project were to: (i) design and synthesize organic molecules based on cyclic peptides bearing photo-responsive groups, (ii) characterize these molecules and investigate their ability to form tubular structures in a solution, (iii) encapsulate these compounds inside vesicles and (iv) observe their behavior under the influence of light. In parallel with the scientific objectives, the goal of the MSCA project was to promote the scientific training and overall career development of the Fellow in order to support her in becoming a prominent independent researcher.
Despite the unforeseen difficulties resulting from the COVID-19 lockdown and the restrictions thereafter, the project provided many important scientific results, which were presented at international conferences and public lectures, and which will be published in scientific journals in the coming period. At the same time SHINEShift had a tremendous positive effect on the Fellow’s career development and personal scientific growth. The Fellow notably developed her transferable skills through everyday transfer of knowledge within the group, as well as through several courses, seminars and lectures. In parallel, this cutting edge interdisciplinary project widened her experience in the fields of self-assembly, supramolecular chemistry and dynamic biomimetic materials.
