Biogenic Organic Crystals: From Crystal Formation to Genetically Engineered Optical Materials

Project description

Enlightened organisms may show us how to make revolutionary new crystals

In recent years, organic molecular crystals have become the topic of intense theoretical and experimental research aimed at harnessing their unique optical, electronic and mechanical properties for technological applications. Organic biocrystallisation, in which crystals are formed from organic macromolecules by living organisms, could provide a window on exploitable pathways. Many organisms exert exquisite control over the formation of crystals to manipulate light in revolutionary ways. The EU-funded CRYSTALEYES project is following the biocrystallisation process in a model system, using advanced techniques to identify the molecules controlling crystallisation and the genes encoding them. Discovering the recipe for success could lead to creation of living factories producing tailor-made organic crystals for a new era of optical applications.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › physical sciences › optics › microscopy › electron microscopy
• engineering and technology › materials engineering › crystals
• natural sciences › biological sciences › biological behavioural sciences › ethology

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Topic(s)

• ERC-2019-STG - ERC Starting Grant

Call for proposal

ERC-2019-STG
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

ERC-STG - Starting Grant

Host institution

BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

Address

.
84105 Beer Sheva
Israel

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

EU contribution

€ 1 966 000

Beneficiaries (1)

BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

Israel

EU contribution

€ 1 966 000

Address

.
84105 Beer Sheva

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments