Project acronym ALIGN
Project Ab-initio computational modelling of photovoltaic interfaces
Researcher (PI) Feliciano Giustino
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The aim of the ALIGN project is to understand, predict, and optimize the photovoltaic energy conversion in third-generation solar cells, starting from an atomic-scale quantum-mechanical modelling of the photovoltaic interface. The quest for photovoltaic materials suitable for low-cost synthesis, large-area production, and functional architecture has driven substantial research efforts towards third-generation photovoltaic devices such as plastic solar cells, organic-inorganic cells, and photo-electrochemical cells. The physical and chemical processes involved in the harvesting of sunlight, the transport of electrical charge, and the build-up of the photo-voltage in these devices are fundamentally different from those encountered in traditional semiconductor heterojunction solar cells. A detailed atomic-scale quantum-mechanical description of such processes will lay down the basis for a rational approach to the modelling, optimization, and design of new photovoltaic materials. The short name of the proposal hints at one of the key materials parameters in the area of photovoltaic interfaces: the alignment of the quantum energy levels between the light-absorbing material and the electron acceptor. The level alignment drives the separation of the electron-hole pairs formed upon absorption of sunlight, and determines the open circuit voltage of the solar cell. The energy level alignment not only represents a key parameter for the design of photovoltaic devices, but also constitutes one of the grand challenges of modern computational materials science. Within this project we will develop and apply new ground-breaking computational methods to understand, predict, and optimize the energy level alignment and other design parameters of third-generation photovoltaic devices.
Summary
The aim of the ALIGN project is to understand, predict, and optimize the photovoltaic energy conversion in third-generation solar cells, starting from an atomic-scale quantum-mechanical modelling of the photovoltaic interface. The quest for photovoltaic materials suitable for low-cost synthesis, large-area production, and functional architecture has driven substantial research efforts towards third-generation photovoltaic devices such as plastic solar cells, organic-inorganic cells, and photo-electrochemical cells. The physical and chemical processes involved in the harvesting of sunlight, the transport of electrical charge, and the build-up of the photo-voltage in these devices are fundamentally different from those encountered in traditional semiconductor heterojunction solar cells. A detailed atomic-scale quantum-mechanical description of such processes will lay down the basis for a rational approach to the modelling, optimization, and design of new photovoltaic materials. The short name of the proposal hints at one of the key materials parameters in the area of photovoltaic interfaces: the alignment of the quantum energy levels between the light-absorbing material and the electron acceptor. The level alignment drives the separation of the electron-hole pairs formed upon absorption of sunlight, and determines the open circuit voltage of the solar cell. The energy level alignment not only represents a key parameter for the design of photovoltaic devices, but also constitutes one of the grand challenges of modern computational materials science. Within this project we will develop and apply new ground-breaking computational methods to understand, predict, and optimize the energy level alignment and other design parameters of third-generation photovoltaic devices.
Max ERC Funding
1 000 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-03-01, End date: 2016-02-29
Project acronym ASPIRE
Project Aqueous Supramolecular Polymers and Peptide Conjugates in Reversible Systems
Researcher (PI) Oren Alexander Scherman
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Supramolecular polymers are of major interest in the field of self assembly with a promising outlook in areas of viscosity modification, compartmentalized architectures, bio-conjugates and drug-delivery applications. They are dynamic macromolecular materials prepared by simple mixing of relatively small components bearing complementary or self-complementary recognition motifs. A major limitation in the field, however, has been access to synthetic systems capable of undergoing self assembly in an aqueous environment. This research proposal develops well-defined, self-organizing macromolecular structures that will overcome this limitation by focusing on systems that rely on several non-covalent interactions occurring in concert rather than on single interactions alone. The envisioned supramolecular polymers and bio-conjugates are designed as dynamic water-soluble smart materials, whose architectures can be controlled and exhibit reversibility upon exposure to external stimuli such as electrochemical, temperature or pH changes. Molecular recognition events occurring between functional handles on both synthetic and bio-polymers will be investigated in order to control the formation of desired functional architectures through stoichiometrically controlled complexation. Preparation of synthetic core motifs to assemble discrete peptide aggregates such as the dimeric through hexameric oligomers of amyloid-beta(40/42) will lead to structural elucidation and insight into several peptide misfolding pathologies like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Summary
Supramolecular polymers are of major interest in the field of self assembly with a promising outlook in areas of viscosity modification, compartmentalized architectures, bio-conjugates and drug-delivery applications. They are dynamic macromolecular materials prepared by simple mixing of relatively small components bearing complementary or self-complementary recognition motifs. A major limitation in the field, however, has been access to synthetic systems capable of undergoing self assembly in an aqueous environment. This research proposal develops well-defined, self-organizing macromolecular structures that will overcome this limitation by focusing on systems that rely on several non-covalent interactions occurring in concert rather than on single interactions alone. The envisioned supramolecular polymers and bio-conjugates are designed as dynamic water-soluble smart materials, whose architectures can be controlled and exhibit reversibility upon exposure to external stimuli such as electrochemical, temperature or pH changes. Molecular recognition events occurring between functional handles on both synthetic and bio-polymers will be investigated in order to control the formation of desired functional architectures through stoichiometrically controlled complexation. Preparation of synthetic core motifs to assemble discrete peptide aggregates such as the dimeric through hexameric oligomers of amyloid-beta(40/42) will lead to structural elucidation and insight into several peptide misfolding pathologies like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Max ERC Funding
1 700 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym BIOINCMED
Project Bioinorganic Chemistry for the Design of New Medicines
Researcher (PI) Peter John Sadler
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary Bioinorganic chemistry is a rapidly expanding area of research, but the potential for the therapeutic application of metal complexes is highly underdeveloped. The basic principles required to guide the development of metal-containing therapeutic agents are lacking, despite the unique therapeutic opportunities which they offer. It is the goal of the proposed research to establish basic principles of medicinal coordination chemistry of metals that will allow the rational screening of future metallopharmaceuticals. We propose to utilize the power of inorganic chemistry to provide new knowledge of and new approaches for intervention in biological systems. This will be based on improved understanding of reactions of metal complexes under physiological conditions, on improving the specificity of their interactions, and gaining control over the potential toxicity of synthetic metal complexes. The research programme is highly interdisciplinary involving chemistry, physics, biology and pharmacology, with potential for the discovery of truly novel medicines, especially for the treatment of diseases and conditions which are currently intractable, such as cancer. The challenging and ambitious goals of the present work involve transition metal complexes with novel chemical and biochemical mechanisms of action. They will contain novel features which allow them (i) to be selectively activated by light in cells, or (ii) to be activated by a structural transition, or (ii) exhibit catalytic activity in cells. This ground-breaking research potentially has a very high impact and is based on recent discoveries in the applicant s laboratory. A feature of the programme is the use of state-of-the-art-and-beyond methodology to advance knowledge of medicinal metal coordination chemistry.
Summary
Bioinorganic chemistry is a rapidly expanding area of research, but the potential for the therapeutic application of metal complexes is highly underdeveloped. The basic principles required to guide the development of metal-containing therapeutic agents are lacking, despite the unique therapeutic opportunities which they offer. It is the goal of the proposed research to establish basic principles of medicinal coordination chemistry of metals that will allow the rational screening of future metallopharmaceuticals. We propose to utilize the power of inorganic chemistry to provide new knowledge of and new approaches for intervention in biological systems. This will be based on improved understanding of reactions of metal complexes under physiological conditions, on improving the specificity of their interactions, and gaining control over the potential toxicity of synthetic metal complexes. The research programme is highly interdisciplinary involving chemistry, physics, biology and pharmacology, with potential for the discovery of truly novel medicines, especially for the treatment of diseases and conditions which are currently intractable, such as cancer. The challenging and ambitious goals of the present work involve transition metal complexes with novel chemical and biochemical mechanisms of action. They will contain novel features which allow them (i) to be selectively activated by light in cells, or (ii) to be activated by a structural transition, or (ii) exhibit catalytic activity in cells. This ground-breaking research potentially has a very high impact and is based on recent discoveries in the applicant s laboratory. A feature of the programme is the use of state-of-the-art-and-beyond methodology to advance knowledge of medicinal metal coordination chemistry.
Max ERC Funding
1 565 397 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-07-01, End date: 2015-12-31
Project acronym DEDIGROWTH
Project Dedicated growth of novel 1-dimensional materials for emerging nanotechnological applications
Researcher (PI) Nicole Grobert
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary This proposal aims to establish growth systematics for catalytically grown nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanorods, carbon and hetero-atomic nanotubes. At present there is no clear understanding of the formation mechanism of these structures. Hence, the control over their properties, a vital aspect for technological applications of nanomaterials, is limited and remains difficult. Therefore, the main target of this proposal is the controlled production of new carbon and non-carbon-based nanomaterials with the focus on achieving structural control of the nanomaterials at the atomic level. An essential step towards the controlled generation of such new nanomaterials is a comprehensive understanding of the growth reactions and the role of the metal catalyst involved in the synthesis process. To achieve this, we will use in-situ techniques to study the chemical environment in the reactor during growth and state-of-the-art electron microscopy to reveal the chemical composition of the resulting catalyst particles and structures with atomic resolution. This data will provide information on how the nanostructure may have formed. Theoretical calculations and modelling of atomic scale processes of the catalyst reactivity will be used to draw a consistent picture of the functioning of the catalyst. An improved understanding of the functioning of the catalyst will allow us to estimate how the catalyst particles and reaction conditions have to be modified in order to enhance or to suppress certain products. A new high-throughput synthesis method together with the systematic variation of the growth parameters, such as cluster particle size and composition, temperature, gas pressure and precursor, will be used to generate a nanomaterials growth library. This nanomaterials library will be made available on the Internet for use by other researchers in planning their experiments.
Summary
This proposal aims to establish growth systematics for catalytically grown nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanorods, carbon and hetero-atomic nanotubes. At present there is no clear understanding of the formation mechanism of these structures. Hence, the control over their properties, a vital aspect for technological applications of nanomaterials, is limited and remains difficult. Therefore, the main target of this proposal is the controlled production of new carbon and non-carbon-based nanomaterials with the focus on achieving structural control of the nanomaterials at the atomic level. An essential step towards the controlled generation of such new nanomaterials is a comprehensive understanding of the growth reactions and the role of the metal catalyst involved in the synthesis process. To achieve this, we will use in-situ techniques to study the chemical environment in the reactor during growth and state-of-the-art electron microscopy to reveal the chemical composition of the resulting catalyst particles and structures with atomic resolution. This data will provide information on how the nanostructure may have formed. Theoretical calculations and modelling of atomic scale processes of the catalyst reactivity will be used to draw a consistent picture of the functioning of the catalyst. An improved understanding of the functioning of the catalyst will allow us to estimate how the catalyst particles and reaction conditions have to be modified in order to enhance or to suppress certain products. A new high-throughput synthesis method together with the systematic variation of the growth parameters, such as cluster particle size and composition, temperature, gas pressure and precursor, will be used to generate a nanomaterials growth library. This nanomaterials library will be made available on the Internet for use by other researchers in planning their experiments.
Max ERC Funding
1 276 038 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
Project acronym FUNCA
Project Functional Nanomaterials via Controlled Block Copolymer Assembly
Researcher (PI) Ian Manners
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary We outline an ambitious 5 year interdisplinary research programme that introduces a fundamentally new platform to the fabrication of nanoelectronic and liquid crystal devices, current areas of intense scientific and technological interest. The new approach involves the use of block copolymer micelles and block comicelles prepared by Crystallization-Driven Living Polymerization (CDLP) processes. This novel method allows unprecedented access to well-defined micelle architectures (with size control, narrow size distribution, and access to segmented structures that possess heterojunctions). Crosslinking will also be used to optimize micelle mechanical properties where necessary. The new platform offers very promising advantages over competitive methods for realising nanomaterials these include ambient temperature synthesis and solution processing, easy control of dimensions and aspect ratio, electronic properties, and semiconductor/semiconductor or semiconductor/dielectric junction fabrication. In addition, the use of hydrophilic coronas should, in principle, allow the self-assembly processes and subsequent manipulations to be performed in water.
Summary
We outline an ambitious 5 year interdisplinary research programme that introduces a fundamentally new platform to the fabrication of nanoelectronic and liquid crystal devices, current areas of intense scientific and technological interest. The new approach involves the use of block copolymer micelles and block comicelles prepared by Crystallization-Driven Living Polymerization (CDLP) processes. This novel method allows unprecedented access to well-defined micelle architectures (with size control, narrow size distribution, and access to segmented structures that possess heterojunctions). Crosslinking will also be used to optimize micelle mechanical properties where necessary. The new platform offers very promising advantages over competitive methods for realising nanomaterials these include ambient temperature synthesis and solution processing, easy control of dimensions and aspect ratio, electronic properties, and semiconductor/semiconductor or semiconductor/dielectric junction fabrication. In addition, the use of hydrophilic coronas should, in principle, allow the self-assembly processes and subsequent manipulations to be performed in water.
Max ERC Funding
1 658 544 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-04-01, End date: 2016-03-31
Project acronym HORIZONCF
Project New horizons in organo-fluorine chemistry
Researcher (PI) David O'hagan
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary The project aims to take new thinking and concepts in organofluorine chemistry and apply this thinking to the design of novel performance molecules to explore properties and function in a predictable manner. The focus is on two areas. The first involves organic materials/polymers and the second focuses on selected topics in biochemical and medicinal chemistry. Both areas exploit the stereoelectronic influence of the C-F bond, and its interaction with nearby functional groups. In particular the polar nature of the C-F bond is now used as a design feature to manipulate molecular conformation across a range of case studies, judged to be of contemporary interest. One aspect of the programme will prepare a series of compounds containing multiple fluoromethylene groups. Care will be taken to prepare individual stereoisomers for comparitive studies. The aim is to develop new structural motifs for liquid crystals and polar polymers. The study e will extend to the design and synthesis of small, but highly polar, monomers for polymerisation. There is a particular focus on preparing a new generation of polar organic polymers, as potential piezo- and ferro- electric materials to meet the current challenge to prepare novel self-poling materials. The research programme emerges from an increaing recognition that the C-F bond responds to the stereo-electronic influence of neighbouring functional groups. Some functional appear frequently in biochemistry. The programme will utilise the stereogenic placement of the C-F bond in the design of neurotransmitter analogues, to influence and explore their binding conformation to receptors. The central methodology will involve advanced methods in organic synthesis, and in particular the construction of molecules with C-F at stereogenic centres. The programme will also involve advanced tecniques for conformational analysis (NMR, X-ray, computational), polymer analysis and biochemical assays.
Summary
The project aims to take new thinking and concepts in organofluorine chemistry and apply this thinking to the design of novel performance molecules to explore properties and function in a predictable manner. The focus is on two areas. The first involves organic materials/polymers and the second focuses on selected topics in biochemical and medicinal chemistry. Both areas exploit the stereoelectronic influence of the C-F bond, and its interaction with nearby functional groups. In particular the polar nature of the C-F bond is now used as a design feature to manipulate molecular conformation across a range of case studies, judged to be of contemporary interest. One aspect of the programme will prepare a series of compounds containing multiple fluoromethylene groups. Care will be taken to prepare individual stereoisomers for comparitive studies. The aim is to develop new structural motifs for liquid crystals and polar polymers. The study e will extend to the design and synthesis of small, but highly polar, monomers for polymerisation. There is a particular focus on preparing a new generation of polar organic polymers, as potential piezo- and ferro- electric materials to meet the current challenge to prepare novel self-poling materials. The research programme emerges from an increaing recognition that the C-F bond responds to the stereo-electronic influence of neighbouring functional groups. Some functional appear frequently in biochemistry. The programme will utilise the stereogenic placement of the C-F bond in the design of neurotransmitter analogues, to influence and explore their binding conformation to receptors. The central methodology will involve advanced methods in organic synthesis, and in particular the construction of molecules with C-F at stereogenic centres. The programme will also involve advanced tecniques for conformational analysis (NMR, X-ray, computational), polymer analysis and biochemical assays.
Max ERC Funding
1 418 575 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-01-01, End date: 2014-12-31
Project acronym LIBNMR
Project Structure and Function: The Development and Application of Novel Ex- and In-situ NMR Approaches to Study Lithium Ion Batteries and Fuel Cell Membranes
Researcher (PI) Clare Philomena Grey
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary Two new research programs will be established at Cambridge University: 1. Lithium ion batteries (LIBs). New positive and negative electrode materials are required for a range of LIB applications, which are lighter, have higher capacities, and can be operated at higher rates. To this end, I will establish a joint synthesis and characterization program, aimed at understanding how LIB-materials function and sometimes fail, in order to provide the fundamental insight required to design the next generation of LIBs. In particular we will use NMR spectroscopy, with other relevant characterization tools, including pair distribution function analysis, to investigate structure and Li dynamics. The specific objectives are (i) to develop novel in situ NMR techniques to investigate LIBs under realistic operating conditions, including the very high rates required for batteries for transportation. (ii) Utilize these methodologies to investigate a wide range of electrode systems, including conversion reactions, doped phosphates and composite electrodes. 2. Electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. This smaller program will investigate both oxygen and proton transport in ceramic materials, focusing on doped perovskites. Identification of the differences between the local structures of the ions that contribute to the ionic conductivity, and those that remain trapped in the lattice, represents a challenge for many experimental structural probes. Our objectives are to use NMR techniques to determine local structure and motion, in order to identify (i) how doping controls structure and (ii) the conduction mechanisms responsible for ionic conductivity. For the proton conductors, we will determine mechanisms for proton incorporation and investigate proton mobility in the bulk/grain boundaries.
Summary
Two new research programs will be established at Cambridge University: 1. Lithium ion batteries (LIBs). New positive and negative electrode materials are required for a range of LIB applications, which are lighter, have higher capacities, and can be operated at higher rates. To this end, I will establish a joint synthesis and characterization program, aimed at understanding how LIB-materials function and sometimes fail, in order to provide the fundamental insight required to design the next generation of LIBs. In particular we will use NMR spectroscopy, with other relevant characterization tools, including pair distribution function analysis, to investigate structure and Li dynamics. The specific objectives are (i) to develop novel in situ NMR techniques to investigate LIBs under realistic operating conditions, including the very high rates required for batteries for transportation. (ii) Utilize these methodologies to investigate a wide range of electrode systems, including conversion reactions, doped phosphates and composite electrodes. 2. Electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. This smaller program will investigate both oxygen and proton transport in ceramic materials, focusing on doped perovskites. Identification of the differences between the local structures of the ions that contribute to the ionic conductivity, and those that remain trapped in the lattice, represents a challenge for many experimental structural probes. Our objectives are to use NMR techniques to determine local structure and motion, in order to identify (i) how doping controls structure and (ii) the conduction mechanisms responsible for ionic conductivity. For the proton conductors, we will determine mechanisms for proton incorporation and investigate proton mobility in the bulk/grain boundaries.
Max ERC Funding
1 918 270 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-04-01, End date: 2015-03-31
Project acronym NOVOX
Project Perfectly interfaced nanomaterials for next generation oxide electronics
Researcher (PI) Judith Louise Driscoll
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary Oxide thin film heterostructures hold the key to a wide range of novel, and energy efficient devices of many different sorts. In the last few years, there has been a plethora of very exciting reports in the top journals on the basic science of single layer oxide films or heterostructure devices. However, the holy grail of applications is still just an event on the horizon. An innovative and emerging materials science led approach is now required to understand the factors at play limiting these highly promising materials, thus opening the door to realising their functional potential. As time progresses the interfaces are playing an ever stronger role in the functionality and multifunctionality. New kinds of interfaces, new ways to control them, and state-of-the art probing of them are all needed to understand how to control and tune them. This proposal strikes at the heart of all these issues and aims to realise the true power of oxide electronics.
Summary
Oxide thin film heterostructures hold the key to a wide range of novel, and energy efficient devices of many different sorts. In the last few years, there has been a plethora of very exciting reports in the top journals on the basic science of single layer oxide films or heterostructure devices. However, the holy grail of applications is still just an event on the horizon. An innovative and emerging materials science led approach is now required to understand the factors at play limiting these highly promising materials, thus opening the door to realising their functional potential. As time progresses the interfaces are playing an ever stronger role in the functionality and multifunctionality. New kinds of interfaces, new ways to control them, and state-of-the art probing of them are all needed to understand how to control and tune them. This proposal strikes at the heart of all these issues and aims to realise the true power of oxide electronics.
Max ERC Funding
1 565 873 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-05-01, End date: 2016-04-30
Project acronym PROTEOFOLD
Project Proteomimetic Foldamers: Towards Future Therapeutics and Designer Enzymes
Researcher (PI) Andrew John Wilson
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The purpose of this project is to develop a RULE-BASED APPROACH for the design and synthesis of proteomimetics of the alpha-helix and in doing so establish to what extent the structural and functional role of the alpha-helix can be reproduced with non-natural molecules in a PREDICTABLE manner We will focus on developing aromatic oligoamide proteomimetics (compounds that mimic the secondary structure from which they are derived) of one of the dominant secondary structural motifs observed in proteins the alpha-helix. Helices play a key role in mediating many protein-protein interactions, they interact with proteins and contribute residues to the resulting complex that form part of a catalytic site and they operate within the context of an entire protein structure as scaffolding upon which other helices, sheets, turns and coils pack to generate an active 3D structure. We will therefore: (i) develop a general approach for the inhibition of alpha-helix mediated protein-protein interactions, (ii) develop proteomimetics that can bind to an inactive protein and restore catalytic activity (iii) develop proteomimetics that can be covalently incorporated into the primary sequence of a protein without abolishing its function. This will lead to immense opportunities for development of new therapeutics and proteins with new functionality. More significantly, re-engineering nature to the extent of replacing whole segments of protein backbone with non-natural prostheses as proposed here will begin to answer the fundamental question: Is the astonishing structural and functional complexity achieved through precise secondary and tertiary organisation of primary protein structure confined to sequences of alpha-amino acids?
Summary
The purpose of this project is to develop a RULE-BASED APPROACH for the design and synthesis of proteomimetics of the alpha-helix and in doing so establish to what extent the structural and functional role of the alpha-helix can be reproduced with non-natural molecules in a PREDICTABLE manner We will focus on developing aromatic oligoamide proteomimetics (compounds that mimic the secondary structure from which they are derived) of one of the dominant secondary structural motifs observed in proteins the alpha-helix. Helices play a key role in mediating many protein-protein interactions, they interact with proteins and contribute residues to the resulting complex that form part of a catalytic site and they operate within the context of an entire protein structure as scaffolding upon which other helices, sheets, turns and coils pack to generate an active 3D structure. We will therefore: (i) develop a general approach for the inhibition of alpha-helix mediated protein-protein interactions, (ii) develop proteomimetics that can bind to an inactive protein and restore catalytic activity (iii) develop proteomimetics that can be covalently incorporated into the primary sequence of a protein without abolishing its function. This will lead to immense opportunities for development of new therapeutics and proteins with new functionality. More significantly, re-engineering nature to the extent of replacing whole segments of protein backbone with non-natural prostheses as proposed here will begin to answer the fundamental question: Is the astonishing structural and functional complexity achieved through precise secondary and tertiary organisation of primary protein structure confined to sequences of alpha-amino acids?
Max ERC Funding
1 000 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2015-01-31
Project acronym ROSEPOT
Project Revolutionising Organic Synthesis: Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of Complex Organic Molecules for Non-Experts
Researcher (PI) Varinder Kumar Aggarwal
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary The creation of new molecular entities and subsequent exploitation of their properties is central to a broad spectrum of research disciplines from medicine to materials. However, despite substantial progress, the problems and difficulties associated with chemical syntheses severely limits the development of these disciplines. In order to meet the emerging challenges across new disciplinary boundaries in a rapidly changing scientific landscape we require a step-change in the development of more rapid and robust techniques in organic synthesis. Our plan is to develop new reactions and strategies which enable us to essentially grow a carbon chain with complete control over its shape (stereochemistry) and functionality (which groups are incorporated). Specifically, we propose to create a family of chiral carbanions with good leaving groups attached which can be inserted into C-B bonds sequentially and in one pot so that at the end of the operation a complex natural product, pharmaceutical or material will be produced. Our ultimate vision is to render complex organic synthesis as easy as peptide/oligonucleotide synthesis is now by attaching the boronic esters to a solid support and automating the steps. This would enable complex organic molecules to be accessible even by non-experts in synthesis. Furthermore, by variation of the reagents and their stereochemistry any compound and any stereoisomer will be accessible thus allowing diversity elements to be introduced without additional cost. The impact for organic synthesis and the wider scientific community is immense as it will allow the properties and potential function of complex molecules (from pharmaceuticals to materials) to be studied and then exploited. It is enabling science.
Summary
The creation of new molecular entities and subsequent exploitation of their properties is central to a broad spectrum of research disciplines from medicine to materials. However, despite substantial progress, the problems and difficulties associated with chemical syntheses severely limits the development of these disciplines. In order to meet the emerging challenges across new disciplinary boundaries in a rapidly changing scientific landscape we require a step-change in the development of more rapid and robust techniques in organic synthesis. Our plan is to develop new reactions and strategies which enable us to essentially grow a carbon chain with complete control over its shape (stereochemistry) and functionality (which groups are incorporated). Specifically, we propose to create a family of chiral carbanions with good leaving groups attached which can be inserted into C-B bonds sequentially and in one pot so that at the end of the operation a complex natural product, pharmaceutical or material will be produced. Our ultimate vision is to render complex organic synthesis as easy as peptide/oligonucleotide synthesis is now by attaching the boronic esters to a solid support and automating the steps. This would enable complex organic molecules to be accessible even by non-experts in synthesis. Furthermore, by variation of the reagents and their stereochemistry any compound and any stereoisomer will be accessible thus allowing diversity elements to be introduced without additional cost. The impact for organic synthesis and the wider scientific community is immense as it will allow the properties and potential function of complex molecules (from pharmaceuticals to materials) to be studied and then exploited. It is enabling science.
Max ERC Funding
1 579 277 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-04-01, End date: 2015-03-31
