Objective
Here, we will identify how polymer chemistry and composition affects the microbiology of a model pathogen, Vibrio cholerae. To this end, we will explore the chemical space that mediates bacterial adhesion because this bacteria activates complex signaling networks that regulate its physiology following binding to surfaces and hosts.
Three main research objectives are:
a) To identify what is the role of charge: Electrostatic interactions are critical in the initial attachment of bacteria to hosts and surfaces. Here we will explore how cationic polymers with different degrees of protonation under model conditions affect the behaviour of V. cholerae
b) To identify what is the role of hydrophobicity: Early stages of adhesion to hosts and surfaces are also mediated by hydrophobic interactions. Here, we will evaluate a series of cationic polymers carrying similar degrees of protonation but different hydrophobicities.
c) To identify the role of selective binding: We will prepare polymers carrying mannose and N-acetylglucosamine, carbohydrates that are involved in the selective binding of V. cholerae to hosts.
To achieve these research objectives, we will use a modular strategy that relies on the controlled synthesis of a poly(acryloyl hydrazide) scaffold, its post-polymerisation functionalisation under aqueous conditions, and the in-situ evaluation of activity using phenotypic and transcriptional assays (Part B, Section 1.1.1). We will focus on identifying how non-toxic polymers affect three critical responses in V. cholerae. 1) Clustering and motility; 2) Biofilm formation and maturation, and 3) Virulence and toxicity against a model of the human gut.
The main scientific challenge lies in developing new knowledge of how polymer chemistry affects microbial physiology and behaviour, and this knowledge should underpin the future development of new polymers for antimicrobial therapy and microbial biotechnology, research priorities of the European Commission
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules carbohydrates
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme -
H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
See all projects funded under this programme
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-EF-ST - Standard EF
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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-2017
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
B15 2TT Birmingham
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.