Project description
Advanced probes to unlock the depths of biological structures
Exploring biological systems at a microscopic level through imaging requires overcoming significant obstacles, such as tissue damage, shallow penetration and interference from unwanted signals. Two-photon microscopy combined with circularly polarised light offers a promising way to address these challenges but remains limited without effective chiral fluorescent probes. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CPL2 project plans to design innovative chiral fluorescent probes based on supramolecular aggregates. These specialised tools will enhance imaging depth, reduce interference and improve signal clarity. CPL2 research will be based at the University of Parma, integrating theoretical modelling, chiral aggregate preparation and spectroscopic and microscopic testing.
Objective
Bioimaging has become an essential tool for biological studies, driving the need for efficient optical probes and spectroscopic methods to reveal deeper structural and functional properties. The current linear microscopic techniques face limitations such as photobleaching, tissue damage, scattering, auto-fluorescence and low tissue penetration. These challenges can be mitigated using multiphoton microscopy, combined with circularly polarized light detection. Extracting the chiroptical signals can eliminate autofluorescence and improve signal-to-noise ratio, while two-photon excitation reduces tissue damage and improves penetration depths. However, the lack of effective chiral optical probes limits the full potential of this method.
The CPL2 project aims to address this gap by developing advanced chiral fluorescent probes based on supramolecular aggregates for two-photon spectroscopy and microscopy. The project focuses on designing these probes and testing their efficiency through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates theoretical modelling, preparation of chiral aggregates, and two-photon spectroscopic and microscopic characterization. CPL2 will be carried out at University of Parma over a period of 24 months under the supervision of Prof. C. Sissa, an expert in two-photon spectroscopy and theoretical modelling of supramolecular aggregates. Prof. Sissa’s expertise complements that of Dr. S. Nizar, the experienced researcher, who specializes in polarimetric characterization of aggregates. The experienced researcher will also undertake a secondment at Durham University to test the most promising materials for two-photon circularly polarized luminescence.
Beyond its scientific contributions, this project offers the experienced researcher valuable expertise in nonlinear spectroscopy and theoretical modelling, strengthening her profile for a future position as an independent researcher in the interdisciplinary academic environment of the EU.
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 optics microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
43121 PARMA
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.