Project description
3D multiscale model to advance gene delivery
Intracellular gene delivery is crucial for mRNA vaccines, CAR-T cell therapy, and plant genetic engineering. Microfluidic delivery is a simpler alternative to traditional methods but often relies on trial and error due to limited predictive tools. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the M2-CPID project will develop a 3D multiscale model to predict cell deformation, membrane mechanoporation, and the delivery of genetic material in microfluidics. It will conduct experiments to measure cell membrane pores and gene concentrations, using the data to validate the model. The project will also explore how flow conditions, cell mechanical properties, and the molecular weight of genetic materials affect cell membrane poration, cell viability, and gene delivery efficiency.
Objective
Intracellular gene delivery has ground-breaking applications in mRNA vaccines, preparation of CAR-T cells for cancer treatment, and genetic engineering of plants. Microfluidic-based delivery, which uses fluid flow to disrupt cell membranes, leading to transient formation of membrane pores and internalisation of genetic materials, is emerging as a simple, universal, and transformative approach compared with classical methods that utilise electroporation or viral vectors. However, development of microfluidic-based approaches has been conducted largely through trial-and-error experiments, due to the lack of a high-fidelity predictive simulation tool.
This interdisciplinary fellowship will integrate the fellow’s strong expertise in modelling fluid-structure interaction and nanoscale membrane damage, with the host’s experimental expertise in cell mechanics and microfluidic intracellular delivery. It will develop an accurate predictive simulation tool and fundamental understanding of microfluidic flow-induced cell poration, and the associated internalisation of exogenous genetic materials. Specific scientific aims are: 1, to develop a novel three-dimensional multiscale model, to enable quantitative predictions of cell deformation, membrane mechanoporation and intracellular delivery of genetic materials in microfluidics; 2, to conduct systematic experiments, measuring cell membrane pores and gene concentration inside cells, and use the data to validate the model; 3, to combine simulations and experiments to uncover the effects of flow condition, cell mechanical property and molecular weight of genetic materials, on cell membrane poration, cell viability and gene-delivery efficiency.
Through carefully planned knowledge transfer, dissemination and trainings, the fellowship will significantly enhance the fellow’s career perspective for establishing independence, and contribute to the EU Research and Innovation Strategy in improving and protecting people's health.
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 classical mechanics fluid mechanics microfluidics
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs vaccines
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software software applications simulation software
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry bioelectrochemistry electroporation
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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)
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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.
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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
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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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E1 4NS LONDON
United Kingdom
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