Project description
Phagocytic synthetic cells for superselective artificial phagocytosis
Artificial phagocytosis aims to mimic cellular internalisation in synthetic cells, but faces challenges due to energy barriers and limited selectivity. Previous methods using liposomes and polymersomes have not resolved these issues. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the enCAPS project aims to develop the first Phagocytic Synthetic Cell for superselective artificial phagocytosis by using ionically linked comb polymers. These polymers self-assemble into stable i-combisomes, enabling controlled particle engulfment via an ON/OFF response. The research will explore how variations in polymer design influence binding and internalisation, ultimately enabling versatile synthetic cells to target specific particles. This interdisciplinary project aims to impact fields such as nanocarriers, theragnostics, and synthetic biology.
Objective
enCAPS will produce the first Phagocytic Synthetic Cell capable of superselective artificial phagocytosis. Artificial phagocytosis aims to mimic the complex mechanisms used by cells to internalize materials in minimal engineered systems, achieving a major milestone in the construction of advanced synthetic cells. This endeavour faces two main challenges: the energy barriers to particle internalization upon membrane bending, and the lack of selectivity. Previous approaches using liposomes or polymersomes did not sufficiently address these two challenges, since liposomes lack stability and polymersomes have rigid membranes. To go beyond the state-of-the-art, I will use a new class of membrane-forming polymers: ionically linked comb polymers. They self-assemble in i-combisomes with high stability and flexibility, providing an ideal platform for phagocytic synthetic cells. By carefully designing the molecular structure and the statistic composition of the polymers, I will dissect how structural variations in the molecular composition can serve to store potential energy that can be released to facilitate the engulfment. Subsequently, I will seek to introduce principles of superselectivity to particle interactions with i-combisomes, achieving an ON/OFF type response. Here I will unveil the interplay of binding strength, receptors mobility, and clustering on the membrane using supported bilayers. This will be translated to free-standing i-combisomes, generating a superselective synthetic cell that can bind and internalize particles with specific surface decorations. To demonstrate the flexibility of this approach, several colloidal systems will be internalized. Thus, enCAPS will yield general design principles for superselective artificial phagocytosis. Due to its deep interdisciplinary, enCAPS will impact several fields, providing the blueprint for new nanocarriers, theragnostic devices, and advanced synthetic cells.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.
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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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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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.
08028 Barcelona
Spain
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