Project description
Nanorobots for precision chemical reactions in living cells
Bioorthogonal chemistry allows scientists to perform precise chemical reactions in living systems without disrupting natural biological processes. Although this field has transformed biomedicine and chemical biology, current approaches are limited to a narrow range of reactions that are difficult to control. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BiPhoMag project aims to develop magnetic nanoparticles equipped with biocompatible photocatalysts to enable precise spatial and temporal control over chemical reactions in living environments, working as light-activated nanorobots. The developed platform will establish a new generation of catalytic tools, opening innovative possibilities for molecular manipulation and targeted therapeutic strategies in living systems.
Objective
Bioorthogonal chemistry enables the manipulation of biological systems without interfering with native processes and has revolutionized medicine and chemical biology. However, current bioorthogonal transformations remain restricted to a narrow range of stoichiometric, bond-cleaving reactions. There is therefore an unmet need for catalytic, bond-forming, and stimuli-responsive processes capable of inducing amplified and controllable biological effects.
BiPhoMag project aims to address this challenge by developing visible-light-driven catalytic bioorthogonal reactions mediated by multifunctional hybrid nanorobots. Specifically, core–shell iron oxide–silica nanoparticles will be engineered and functionalized with tunable, biocompatible organic photocatalysts. This design will enable spatiotemporal control of reactivity through the combined application of external light and magnetic fields. The proposed methodology involves: (i) the fabrication and characterization of hybrid nanorobots; (ii) demonstration of efficient bond-forming photocatalysis under biologically relevant conditions; and (iii) validation of their functionality in living cells.
By integrating heterogeneous catalysis, external actuation, and nanoparticle-mediated targeting, this project will establish a robust platform for photocatalytic bioorthogonal transformations under physiological conditions. The expected impact of BiPhoMag is the creation of a new generation of photocatalytic tools with high precision and controllability, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies and advanced molecular manipulation in living systems.
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
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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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)
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-2025-PF
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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.
15782 Santiago De Compostela
Spain
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.