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Molecular Machines Functioning in Cells

Project description

DEENESFRITPL

Tiny synthetic machines may soon be toiling away in artificial and natural cells

The Industrial Revolution harnessed the power of steam to put things in motion with huge machines that propelled the world into a new era of productivity. Molecular machines may be poised to deliver the next revolution, invisibly powering novel therapeutics and nanoscale industrial processes. Molecular machines abound in nature. They are the driving force behind functions like muscle contraction, cargo movement within cells along microtubules, and the beating of cilia and flagella. Nature has inspired the scientific community with its efficient and diverse molecular machinery, and the search for novel synthetic molecular machines with exciting new applications has begun. The BIOMOLMACS training network is working on integrating molecular machines with precisely designed macromolecules for a new era in nanobiomedical applications.

Objective

The main motivation of BIOMOLMACS training network is to establish a multidisciplinary training network on the emerging topic of molecular machines and to train the next generation of highly-skilled researchers in this exciting field. In the last decade, great efforts have been spent on the development of synthetic strategies for the creation of molecular machines, and these efforts have been acknowledged by the Nobel committee in 2016. In parallel, synthetic and polymer chemistry fields have made significant advances in the last decade, to the point that we are able to design and control the sequence of individual repeat units along synthetic macromolecules. Sequence controlled polymers open up greater possibilities in the precise formation of nanoparticles such as polymersomes, and even support the new generation of artificial cells. The synthetic combination of molecular machines and precisely designed synthetic macromolecules will open new avenues for innovative nanobiomedical applications. Early Stage Researchers of BIOMOLMACS will be trained on the design, chemical synthesis, and biophysical characterization of such complex macromolecular architectures as well as their incorporation in artificial and living cells. Finally, biophysical understanding of the molecular interactions in living/synthetic systems will be able to bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research in this exciting field.

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Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Call for proposal

H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019

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Funding Scheme

MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)

Coordinator

THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Net EU contribution
€ 606 345,12
Address
Kirby corner road - university house
CV4 8UW Coventry
United Kingdom

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Region
West Midlands (England) West Midlands Coventry
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Other funding
€ 0,00

Participants (11)

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EC signature date 11 September 2019
Last update: 17 July 2023

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/859416

European Union, 2023