Objective
The project involves the study of the molecular mechanism of biosilicification reactions using new synthetic oligomeric and polymeric models. The distinguishing feature of the project is the purposeful synthesis of model organic compounds simulating known natural substances and the development of methods to study composite nanoparticles in solution. The scientific program includes the synthesis of short-chain polyamines (up to 15-20 nitrogen atoms) using a step-wise procedure which has been developed by members of the consortium for methylated poly (propylamines) identical to those found in silaffins (complex proteins from diatom biosilica). This project involves not only elongation of the polyamine chains but also the design of new structures with a range of functional substituents and macromonomers combining polyamine chains with double bonds.
These macromonomers will be used for the synthesis of high-molecular weight polymers by copolymerization with acrylic acids, ethyleneglycol methacrylatephosphate and vinylsulfonic acid giving rise to polyampholytes whose structure and properties will be designed to simulate silaffins. Introduction of imidazole moieties into macromolecules and complexation with metal ions (zinc, copper, iron) could allow substances active in the hydrolysis of Si-O-Si and Si-O-C bonds, modelling the activity of silicatein and silicase (silicification agents derived from sponges) to be generated. All new compounds will be characterized by a range of physico-chemical methods and special attention paid to their acid-base and complexing properties, conformational transitions, self-organization and micelle formation depending on pH, temperature and ionic strength.
The silicification aspects of the project will include the hydrolysis and condensation of various silicic acid precursors (sodium silicate, silicon-catecholate complex, silicon alkoxides) in the presence of model compounds. The main stages of the silicification process: formation of primary particles of poly (silicic acid), their interaction with organic chains giving rise to nanoparticles in solution and further transformation of these nanoparticles into silica or composite materials will be studied. The consortium has at its disposal the necessary equipment for the study of organo/inorganic nanoparticles and materials by chemical analysis (molybdate method, elemental analysis), potentiometry, turbidimetry, FTIR, NMR, static and dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy.
We also plan to use a new method of measuring nanoparticle sizes and fractionation of particles, namely ablation under the action of a terahertz free-electron laser. Development of the method will be required using standard molecules as developed by the consortium as well as the materials formed during the silicification studies. Thus the outcomes of the project will include not only new biomimetic organic and composite materials but also a new approach to the study of nanoparticles in solution
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.
This project has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
Data not available
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.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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.
Data not available
Coordinator
NOTTINGHAM
United Kingdom
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.