Objective
Aerial transport of microbes has fundamental consequences for microbial dispersal, disease spreading, and atmospheric phenomena. In the ocean, aerosolisation largely originates from collection of bacteria by rising bubbles, which burst at the surface and eject cells in microdroplets. This process underlies the enrichment of bacteria in aerosols. While we know that collection rates vary among bacterial species, we know little about the bacterial properties promoting collection, and even less about which factors drive enhanced collection of certain species.
Combining state-of-the-art microfluidics and microscopy, I will provide the first microscopic observation of bubble-bacteria interaction, to investigate two hypotheses:
H1: Cell motility increases microbial collection by rising bubbles.
Motility sets bacteria starkly apart from inert particles, likely promoting collection by increasing encounter rates and changing surface properties.
H2: Starvation increases microbial collection by rising bubbles.
Starving bacteria modify their surface and size, which may enhance collection by bubbles, thereby promoting dispersal from nutrient poor areas.
To investigate H1 and H2, I will develop a novel microfluidic flow channel containing a pinned bubble, and use advanced optical microscopy to quantify collection rates for a range of bacteria. Experiments using mutants to alter motility (H1) and varying starvation levels (H2) will be complemented by characterization of bacterial surface properties. I will also develop the first mathematical model predictive for microbial aerosolisation.
This project builds on my experience in modeling and interfaces, enhanced by training in microfluidics and marine microbial ecology within an internationally recognised multidisciplinary group, in order to open an innovative domain linking microscale interactions with global-scale scientific, environmental and societal impacts, and provide a springboard towards an independent research career.
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 physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics microfluidics
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics mathematical model
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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-EF-ST - Standard EF
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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-2017
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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.
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
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.