Objective
By combining biology's information storage and replication strategies, namely specific hydrogen-bonding between nucleobases, with the potential for hydrogen-bond reorganisation in novel 'refoldable foldamers', we propose to develop a new, artificial but bio-inspired mechanism for the transfer of information in chemical systems. Based on preliminary modelling studies, we will focus on one type of polyurea structures, built from 'Nowick'-style motifs, which spontaneously fold in solution, forming intramolecular polarized hydrogen-bond networks. Upon addition of simple chemical additives forming competitive intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the foldamer, the directionality of these networks could be modified, transforming a conformational mixture to a well-defined unidirectional network. Molecular events such as reversible switching, chemical sensing, and long-distance information communication will be studied. Then, biomimetic additives such as nucleobases will be investigated, and their impact on the folding of the oligomers will be analysed. We will also investigate 3D hydrogen bond networks, which will provide highly functionalised, well-defined macromolecules in a bottom-up approach, and study the change of macromolecular structure and chirality upon stimulus. Finally, structures that give a non-spectroscopic 'readout' of the interaction with the additive will be built, which for example exhibit 'off-on' fluorescence or 'off-on' catalytic activity. The application of these foldamers in the construction of photochemically switchable molecular devices will also be investigated.
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.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2016
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
BS8 1QU BRISTOL
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.