Project description
Genetically engineered insect larvae for plastic waste management
The use of living organisms to remove or neutralise pollutants from a contaminated site is known as bioremediation and offers an environmentally friendly approach to waste management. This technology is broadly applied in various environmental clean-up efforts, from treating oil spills and contaminated soils to purifying wastewater. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PLASTIFLY project aims to develop a novel bioremediation approach to tackle plastic pollution. Researchers propose to enhance the plastic-degrading potential of the Black Soldier Fly (BSF), which is already used as a bioremediation agent for organic waste. In this context, researchers will employ genetic engineering to introduce plastic-degrading enzymes in BSF larvae.
Objective
The management of plastics, a persistent environmental challenge due to their durability, necessitates innovative solutions. While Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae demonstrate potential as a bioremediation agent for organic waste, their capacity for plastic degradation remains limited. This study proposes enhancing the plasticolytic capabilities of BSF larvae through genetic engineering, specifically by introducing plastic-degrading enzymes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. To overcome the challenges associated with low gene delivery efficiency in insects, we propose employing chitosan-based nanocarriers. These carriers offer biocompatibility, biodegradability, and protection for genetic material. Integrating magnetic nanoparticles into these carriers enables magnetofection, improving gene delivery precision and efficacy. By genetically modifying BSF larvae to degrade plastics, we aim to develop a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to plastic waste management, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals and minimizing environmental impact. This research has the potential to expand beyond conventional plastics, contributing to comprehensive waste management strategies.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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's classification has been human-validated.
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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-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.
21100 Varese
Italy
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.