Project description
Light-driven enzymes for sustainable chemical synthesis
Chiral molecules are compounds that exist in two mirror-image forms like left and right hands. They are fundamental to many biological processes and widely used in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and advanced materials. However, the high precision synthesis of chiral molecules remains a challenge. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PHOTO-BIO-ENG project aims to create innovative photoenzymes that utilise visible light to drive chemical reactions. These enzymes will enable the efficient, environmentally friendly production of complex chiral molecules under mild conditions. In collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, the project will demonstrate applications for biologically relevant compounds, advancing green chemistry and supporting next-generation drug and material development.
Objective
PHOTO-BIO-ENG aims to develop entirely new strategies for the stereoselective synthesis of complex chiral molecules. We will achieve this by combining biocatalysis and photocatalysis to generate photoenzymes for visible-light-driven radical processes. Utilizing directed evolution and high-throughput experimentation, we will create highly efficient and stereoselective photoenzymes capable of catalyzing transformations that are currently inaccessible to small-molecule catalysts and unachievable via ground-state thermal pathways. Our approach will use enzymes as green catalysts and visible light as a renewable energy source, with environmentally benign reaction conditions (ambient temperatures, aqueous solvents). By merging photochemical methodology with enzyme catalysis, we aim to demonstrate novel chemical transformations that produce chiral products with multiple stereocenters and excellent stereocontrol. This project will establish a highly effective and sustainable synthetic methodology, contributing to the advancement of green chemistry practices.
Collaboration with Johnson & Johnson will facilitate the development of photoenzymatic processes to yield chiral molecules with biologically relevant scaffolds. PHOTO-BIO-ENG combines the fellow’s experience in enzymatic catalysis and directed evolution with the host’s expertise in photo-triggered asymmetric radical processes. The interdisciplinary nature of the project will significantly enhance the fellow's expertise, providing comprehensive training and positioning them strongly for future career advancements.
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 chemical sciences catalysis photocatalysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis biocatalysis
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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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)
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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
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.
40126 Bologna
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.