Project description
Layer-by-layer assembly of multilayer enzyme architectures on protocell membranes
Creating artificial cell-like systems is a major challenge in synthetic biology. Protocells, such as coacervate-based microdroplets, are useful for studying communication and behaviour, but their unstable membranes limit functionality and cell-to-cell communication. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SOP-ProComm project will overcome current limitations by developing spontaneous one-pot layer-by-layer (SOP-LbL) assembly nanotechnology to construct multilayer enzyme architectures on protocell membranes. Integrating expertise in polymer chemistry and materials science with advancements in protocell engineering, it will establish a strategy for creating stable, dynamic protocells capable of programmable chemical communication. The project will provide insights into adaptive artificial cell design and pave the way for future applications in biomedical engineering and synthetic biology.
Objective
Designing artificial cell-like systems that reproduce the organizational and communicative complexity of living cells remains a major challenge in synthetic biology and materials science. Protocells, particularly coacervate-based microdroplets, offer powerful platforms for investigating compartmentalization, biochemical communication, and emergent collective behaviors. Yet, their lack of stable, multifunctional membranes severely limits their potential, as conventional interface-assembly methods typically allow only single-enzyme functionalization, leading to restricted morphological control and short-lived synthetic cell–cell communication. This project aims to overcome these limitations by developing a spontaneous one-pot layer-by-layer (SOP-LbL) assembly nanotechnology for the spatially programmable construction of multilayer enzyme architectures on protocell membranes. By integrating the applicant's expertise in polymer chemistry and materials science—especially in SOP-LbL assembly—with the host group's pioneering advances in protocell engineering, this interdisciplinary research will establish a robust and versatile strategy to create stable and functionally dynamic protocells. The resulting protocell populations will be capable of multi-round, programmable chemical communication, thereby emulating essential features of natural cellular communities. The project outcomes will generate fundamental insights into adaptive artificial cell design and provide a foundation for future applications in biomedical engineering and synthetic biology.
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.
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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.
BS8 1QU BRISTOL
United Kingdom
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.