Periodic Reporting for period 2 - BIOMOLMACS (Molecular Machines Functioning in Cells)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-01-01 al 2024-06-30
The BIOMOLMACS project aimed to create a multidisciplinary training network focused on the rapidly advancing field of molecular machines. Significant efforts have been made in recent decades to develop these machines, and the project sought to integrate them into practical devices, with a strong potential for applications in nanomedicine. By combining molecular machines with precisely designed synthetic macromolecules, the project created a robust molecular toolbox for innovative applications, particularly in medical diagnostics and drug delivery systems. A key objective was to train the next generation of bionanotechnology researchers, equipping them with the skills to design targeted polymeric biomedically active compounds. The project focused on four main objectives, which were collectively addressed by the network. These included developing molecular machines, designing artificial cells, understanding biophysical interactions, and advancing drug/gene delivery systems. Significant progress was made, including the incorporation of molecular motors into lipid nanoparticles and artificial cells, mechanobiology studies, and the successful design of liposomes containing molecular motors. The project also achieved promising results in understanding biophysics, with synthetic organelles performing designated tasks within cell-like structures. Additionally, innovative polypeptide-based systems were developed for targeting mitochondria, and lipid-based nanoparticles encapsulating saRNA were assessed for their potential in vaccine formulations. Overall, the BIOMOLMACS project made substantial strides in advancing molecular machines and their integration into practical applications. It resulted in the development of new technologies with potential real-world applications, such as stimuli-responsive systems and artificial cells. The project’s impact is demonstrated by its contribution to 32 scientific publications, four patent filings, and ongoing manuscripts. BIOMOLMACS has successfully bridged fundamental research with practical applications, paving the way for future breakthroughs in nanomedicine and synthetic biology, and training highly skilled researchers for these emerging fields.
ESRs 1 and 22 developed molecular machines designed for integration into artificial and living cell membranes, focusing on membrane incorporation and activation mechanisms. ESR3 created molecular motors for cargo transport, while ESRs 4 and 5 synthesized block glycopolymers to enhance these motors. ESRs 6 and 7 developed nanomotors for targeted cell delivery, and ESRs 8 and 10 built functional artificial cells with polymersomes. ESR9, under SyMO-Chem, studied nanomotor-induced motion in synthetic cytoskeletons, while ESR11 explored membrane interactions using biomimetic cell surfaces and fluorescence techniques. ESR12 focused on artificial organelles and reaction kinetics, and ESR13 designed mitochondria-targeted polypeptide-drug conjugates. ESR14 developed lipid nanoparticles for optimized RNA delivery, and ESR15 scaled up the synthesis of polypeptide carriers.
The BIOMOLMACS project had a global impact, participating in conferences across 13 countries (Switzerland, Netherlands, Czech Republic, South Korea, China, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, the United States, Portugal, and Brazil) and hosting experts in fields like nanomedicine and molecular machines. The project produced 32 scientific publications, with four patent filings, and has 24 more manuscripts in preparation. Dissemination efforts included the BIOMOLMACS website, social media, and live events. ESRs actively engaged in public speaking, organizing conferences, and workshops, contributing to scientific outreach. We always encouraged ESRs to engage in public speaking opportunities as frequently as possible. Some ESRs became a member of the young organizing committee, for example, ESR8 was the member of the Bordeaux Polymer Conference 2022 and helped hosting some speakers at the LCPO. In the meantime, some ESRs has attended public hands-on workshops to teach particular topics, for example, ESR11 gave a talk on FLIM imaging for membrane tension measurements. He also gave a presentation to IMPRS-ML Graduate School students about Motors and Membranes. ESR12 helped to organize the Swiss Soft Days meeting in her university, and she was exposed to other important aspects, such as communication and coordination. ESR13 who is a member of the Young Scientist Committee of the SPLC-CRS was involved in all the aspects of the conference organization, including managing websites, inviting speakers, overseeing email communications, handling finances, and coordinating practical logistics. Moreover, she organized workshops for school kids and teenagers to teach them basic chemistry concepts through engaging and interactive experiments and basic concepts on Nanomedicine. For instance, ESR14 has been invited to couples of organizations to give a talk on not only science but also being a female researcher and her career, for example, she gave a talk on working as a female researcher in Brazil and abroad to high school and university female students at 1st Week of Women in Research. Additionally, she presented her career and insights on how to go from Master’s to PhD, including MSCA scholarships to Erasmus Mundus master’s students at Nanomed Tea Time Talk.
Overall, our comprehensive exploitation and dissemination plan aimed to make the BIOMOLMACS project widely known and appreciated, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of our research among the general public and the scientific community. By leveraging multiple platforms and engaging in proactive dissemination activities, we aimed to create a lasting impact and contribute to the broader scientific discourse.
The BIOMOLMACS project had a global impact, participating in conferences across 13 countries (Switzerland, Netherlands, Czech Republic, South Korea, China, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, the United States, Portugal, and Brazil) and hosting experts in fields like nanomedicine and molecular machines. The project produced 32 scientific publications, with four patent filings, and has 24 more manuscripts in preparation. Dissemination efforts included the BIOMOLMACS website, social media, and live events. ESRs actively engaged in public speaking, organizing conferences, and workshops, contributing to scientific outreach. We always encouraged ESRs to engage in public speaking opportunities as frequently as possible. Some ESRs became a member of the young organizing committee, for example, ESR8 was the member of the Bordeaux Polymer Conference 2022 and helped hosting some speakers at the LCPO. In the meantime, some ESRs has attended public hands-on workshops to teach particular topics, for example, ESR11 gave a talk on FLIM imaging for membrane tension measurements. He also gave a presentation to IMPRS-ML Graduate School students about Motors and Membranes. ESR12 helped to organize the Swiss Soft Days meeting in her university, and she was exposed to other important aspects, such as communication and coordination. ESR13 who is a member of the Young Scientist Committee of the SPLC-CRS was involved in all the aspects of the conference organization, including managing websites, inviting speakers, overseeing email communications, handling finances, and coordinating practical logistics. Moreover, she organized workshops for school kids and teenagers to teach them basic chemistry concepts through engaging and interactive experiments and basic concepts on Nanomedicine. For instance, ESR14 has been invited to couples of organizations to give a talk on not only science but also being a female researcher and her career, for example, she gave a talk on working as a female researcher in Brazil and abroad to high school and university female students at 1st Week of Women in Research. Additionally, she presented her career and insights on how to go from Master’s to PhD, including MSCA scholarships to Erasmus Mundus master’s students at Nanomed Tea Time Talk.
Overall, our comprehensive exploitation and dissemination plan aimed to make the BIOMOLMACS project widely known and appreciated, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of our research among the general public and the scientific community. By leveraging multiple platforms and engaging in proactive dissemination activities, we aimed to create a lasting impact and contribute to the broader scientific discourse.
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the BIOMOLMACS project successfully advanced the field of molecular machines, particularly in nanomedicine. By fostering a multidisciplinary network, the project developed innovative molecular machines and synthetic macromolecules, leading to advanced devices for medical diagnostics, drug delivery, and synthetic biology. Key outcomes include the creation of stimuli-responsive systems and targeted therapies, with 32 publications, four patents, and significant contributions to both academia and industry. The project's success in bridging fundamental research with practical applications will have lasting impacts on nanomedicine and synthetic biology.