Objective
One of the most intriguing examples for biogenic nanoparticles are found in magnetotactic bacteria (MTB). MTB synthesize intracellular, enveloped crystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) called magnetosomes. These characteristics are features of a process called biologically controlled mineralization (BCM), in which the organism exerts a crystallochemical control over the mineral precipitation. Because of these features, BCM of magnetosomes is a unique process that has been the focus of strong interdisciplinary interest.
Indeed, magnetite crystals have been used as presumptive signature for life on Mars and magnetic nanoparticles with advanced characteristics have many biomedical and nanobiotechnological applications. Mostly because of the previous unavailability of an appropriate laboratory model little is known about how these bacteria bio-mineralise their magnetic inclusions at the biochemical and molecular level. Consequently, the mechanism of the physico-chemical control remains largely unknown and needs to be specified.
The objective of our research is therefore to elucidate a BCM process and particularly magnetosome formation in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense the molecular and the physico-chemical level. We aim understanding the physico-chemical conditions governing magnetite formation within the magnetosomes, and the role of biological molecules involved in interactions at the organic-inorganic interface. Such an objective will imply in vivo microbiological experiments with bacteria, and in vitro inorganic experiments including biomolecules to mimic in situ conditions.
These biomolecules are expected to affect reaction kinetics, and geochemical properties of the crystals when compared to purely inorganic synthesis. This requires an integrated approach involving strong interactions between microbiologists headed by Dr. D. Schuler (the researcher) and aqueous geochemist (D. Faivre, the research fellow) to tackle the problem of the complete iron reaction sequence.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering crystals
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture agronomy plant protection
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
BREMEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.