Project acronym 2DNANOCAPS
Project Next Generation of 2D-Nanomaterials: Enabling Supercapacitor Development
Researcher (PI) Valeria Nicolosi
Host Institution (HI) THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2011-StG_20101014
Summary Climate change and the decreasing availability of fossil fuels require society to move towards sustainable and renewable resources. 2DNanoCaps will focus on electrochemical energy storage, specifically supercapacitors. In terms of performance supercapacitors fill up the gap between batteries and the classical capacitors. Whereas batteries possess a high energy density but low power density, supercapacitors possess high power density but low energy density. Efforts are currently dedicated to move supercapacitors towards high energy density and high power density performance. Improvements have been achieved in the last few years due to the use of new electrode nanomaterials and the design of new hybrid faradic/capacitive systems. We recognize, however, that we are reaching a newer limit beyond which we will only see small incremental improvements. The main reason for this being the intrinsic difficulty in handling and processing materials at the nano-scale and the lack of communication across different scientific disciplines. I plan to use a multidisciplinary approach, where novel nanomaterials, existing knowledge on nano-scale processing and established expertise in device fabrication and testing will be brought together to focus on creating more efficient supercapacitor technologies. 2DNanoCaps will exploit liquid phase exfoliated two-dimensional nanomaterials such as transition metal oxides, layered metal chalcogenides and graphene as electrode materials. Electrodes will be ultra-thin (capacitance and thickness of the electrodes are inversely proportional), conductive, with high dielectric constants. Intercalation of ions between the assembled 2D flakes will be also achievable, providing pseudo-capacitance. The research here proposed will be initially based on fundamental laboratory studies, recognising that this holds the key to achieving step-change in supercapacitors, but also includes scaling-up and hybridisation as final objectives.
Summary
Climate change and the decreasing availability of fossil fuels require society to move towards sustainable and renewable resources. 2DNanoCaps will focus on electrochemical energy storage, specifically supercapacitors. In terms of performance supercapacitors fill up the gap between batteries and the classical capacitors. Whereas batteries possess a high energy density but low power density, supercapacitors possess high power density but low energy density. Efforts are currently dedicated to move supercapacitors towards high energy density and high power density performance. Improvements have been achieved in the last few years due to the use of new electrode nanomaterials and the design of new hybrid faradic/capacitive systems. We recognize, however, that we are reaching a newer limit beyond which we will only see small incremental improvements. The main reason for this being the intrinsic difficulty in handling and processing materials at the nano-scale and the lack of communication across different scientific disciplines. I plan to use a multidisciplinary approach, where novel nanomaterials, existing knowledge on nano-scale processing and established expertise in device fabrication and testing will be brought together to focus on creating more efficient supercapacitor technologies. 2DNanoCaps will exploit liquid phase exfoliated two-dimensional nanomaterials such as transition metal oxides, layered metal chalcogenides and graphene as electrode materials. Electrodes will be ultra-thin (capacitance and thickness of the electrodes are inversely proportional), conductive, with high dielectric constants. Intercalation of ions between the assembled 2D flakes will be also achievable, providing pseudo-capacitance. The research here proposed will be initially based on fundamental laboratory studies, recognising that this holds the key to achieving step-change in supercapacitors, but also includes scaling-up and hybridisation as final objectives.
Max ERC Funding
1 501 296 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-10-01, End date: 2016-09-30
Project acronym 3D2DPrint
Project 3D Printing of Novel 2D Nanomaterials: Adding Advanced 2D Functionalities to Revolutionary Tailored 3D Manufacturing
Researcher (PI) Valeria Nicolosi
Host Institution (HI) THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE8, ERC-2015-CoG
Summary My vision is to establish, within the framework of an ERC CoG, a multidisciplinary group which will work in concert towards pioneering the integration of novel 2-Dimensional nanomaterials with novel additive fabrication techniques to develop a unique class of energy storage devices.
Batteries and supercapacitors are two very complementary types of energy storage devices. Batteries store much higher energy densities; supercapacitors, on the other hand, hold one tenth of the electricity per unit of volume or weight as compared to batteries but can achieve much higher power densities. Technology is currently striving to improve the power density of batteries and the energy density of supercapacitors. To do so it is imperative to develop new materials, chemistries and manufacturing strategies.
3D2DPrint aims to develop micro-energy devices (both supercapacitors and batteries), technologies particularly relevant in the context of the emergent industry of micro-electro-mechanical systems and constantly downsized electronics. We plan to use novel two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials obtained by liquid-phase exfoliation. This method offers a new, economic and easy way to prepare ink of a variety of 2D systems, allowing to produce wide device performance window through elegant and simple constituent control at the point of fabrication. 3D2DPrint will use our expertise and know-how to allow development of advanced AM methods to integrate dissimilar nanomaterial blends and/or “hybrids” into fully embedded 3D printed energy storage devices, with the ultimate objective to realise a range of products that contain the above described nanomaterials subcomponent devices, electrical connections and traditional micro-fabricated subcomponents (if needed) ideally using a single tool.
Summary
My vision is to establish, within the framework of an ERC CoG, a multidisciplinary group which will work in concert towards pioneering the integration of novel 2-Dimensional nanomaterials with novel additive fabrication techniques to develop a unique class of energy storage devices.
Batteries and supercapacitors are two very complementary types of energy storage devices. Batteries store much higher energy densities; supercapacitors, on the other hand, hold one tenth of the electricity per unit of volume or weight as compared to batteries but can achieve much higher power densities. Technology is currently striving to improve the power density of batteries and the energy density of supercapacitors. To do so it is imperative to develop new materials, chemistries and manufacturing strategies.
3D2DPrint aims to develop micro-energy devices (both supercapacitors and batteries), technologies particularly relevant in the context of the emergent industry of micro-electro-mechanical systems and constantly downsized electronics. We plan to use novel two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials obtained by liquid-phase exfoliation. This method offers a new, economic and easy way to prepare ink of a variety of 2D systems, allowing to produce wide device performance window through elegant and simple constituent control at the point of fabrication. 3D2DPrint will use our expertise and know-how to allow development of advanced AM methods to integrate dissimilar nanomaterial blends and/or “hybrids” into fully embedded 3D printed energy storage devices, with the ultimate objective to realise a range of products that contain the above described nanomaterials subcomponent devices, electrical connections and traditional micro-fabricated subcomponents (if needed) ideally using a single tool.
Max ERC Funding
2 499 942 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-10-01, End date: 2021-09-30
Project acronym Active-DNA
Project Computationally Active DNA Nanostructures
Researcher (PI) Damien WOODS
Host Institution (HI) NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND MAYNOOTH
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE6, ERC-2017-COG
Summary During the 20th century computer technology evolved from bulky, slow, special purpose mechanical engines to the now ubiquitous silicon chips and software that are one of the pinnacles of human ingenuity. The goal of the field of molecular programming is to take the next leap and build a new generation of matter-based computers using DNA, RNA and proteins. This will be accomplished by computer scientists, physicists and chemists designing molecules to execute ``wet'' nanoscale programs in test tubes. The workflow includes proposing theoretical models, mathematically proving their computational properties, physical modelling and implementation in the wet-lab.
The past decade has seen remarkable progress at building static 2D and 3D DNA nanostructures. However, unlike biological macromolecules and complexes that are built via specified self-assembly pathways, that execute robotic-like movements, and that undergo evolution, the activity of human-engineered nanostructures is severely limited. We will need sophisticated algorithmic ideas to build structures that rival active living systems. Active-DNA, aims to address this challenge by achieving a number of objectives on computation, DNA-based self-assembly and molecular robotics. Active-DNA research work will range from defining models and proving theorems that characterise the computational and expressive capabilities of such active programmable materials to experimental work implementing active DNA nanostructures in the wet-lab.
Summary
During the 20th century computer technology evolved from bulky, slow, special purpose mechanical engines to the now ubiquitous silicon chips and software that are one of the pinnacles of human ingenuity. The goal of the field of molecular programming is to take the next leap and build a new generation of matter-based computers using DNA, RNA and proteins. This will be accomplished by computer scientists, physicists and chemists designing molecules to execute ``wet'' nanoscale programs in test tubes. The workflow includes proposing theoretical models, mathematically proving their computational properties, physical modelling and implementation in the wet-lab.
The past decade has seen remarkable progress at building static 2D and 3D DNA nanostructures. However, unlike biological macromolecules and complexes that are built via specified self-assembly pathways, that execute robotic-like movements, and that undergo evolution, the activity of human-engineered nanostructures is severely limited. We will need sophisticated algorithmic ideas to build structures that rival active living systems. Active-DNA, aims to address this challenge by achieving a number of objectives on computation, DNA-based self-assembly and molecular robotics. Active-DNA research work will range from defining models and proving theorems that characterise the computational and expressive capabilities of such active programmable materials to experimental work implementing active DNA nanostructures in the wet-lab.
Max ERC Funding
2 349 603 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-11-01, End date: 2023-10-31
Project acronym ADNABIOARC
Project From the earliest modern humans to the onset of farming (45,000-4,500 BP): the role of climate, life-style, health, migration and selection in shaping European population history
Researcher (PI) Ron Pinhasi
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH6, ERC-2010-StG_20091209
Summary The colonisation of Europe by anatomically modern humans (AMHs) ca. 45,000 years before present (BP) and the transition to farming ca. 8,000 BP are two major events in human prehistory. Both events involved certain cultural and biological adaptations, technological innovations, and behavioural plasticity which are unique to our species. The reconstruction of these processes and the causality between them has so far remained elusive due to technological, methodological and logistical complexities. Major developments in our understanding of the anthropology of the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic, and advances in ancient DNA (aDNA) technology and chronometric methods now allow us to assess in sufficient resolution the interface between these evolutionary processes, and changes in human culture and behaviour.
The proposed research will investigate the complex interface between the morphological, genetic, behavioural, and cultural factors that shaped the population history of European AMHs. The PI s interdisciplinary expertise in these areas, his access to and experience of relevant skeletal collections, and his ongoing European collaborations will allow significant progress in addressing these fundamental questions. The approach taken will include (a) the collection of bioarchaeological, aDNA, stable isotope (for the analysis of ancient diet) and radiometric data on 500 skeletons from key sites/phases in Europe and western Anatolia, and (b) the application of existing and novel aDNA, bioarchaeological and simulation methodologies. This research will yield results that transform our current understanding of major demographic and evolutionary processes and will place Europe at the forefront of anthropological biological and genetic research.
Summary
The colonisation of Europe by anatomically modern humans (AMHs) ca. 45,000 years before present (BP) and the transition to farming ca. 8,000 BP are two major events in human prehistory. Both events involved certain cultural and biological adaptations, technological innovations, and behavioural plasticity which are unique to our species. The reconstruction of these processes and the causality between them has so far remained elusive due to technological, methodological and logistical complexities. Major developments in our understanding of the anthropology of the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic, and advances in ancient DNA (aDNA) technology and chronometric methods now allow us to assess in sufficient resolution the interface between these evolutionary processes, and changes in human culture and behaviour.
The proposed research will investigate the complex interface between the morphological, genetic, behavioural, and cultural factors that shaped the population history of European AMHs. The PI s interdisciplinary expertise in these areas, his access to and experience of relevant skeletal collections, and his ongoing European collaborations will allow significant progress in addressing these fundamental questions. The approach taken will include (a) the collection of bioarchaeological, aDNA, stable isotope (for the analysis of ancient diet) and radiometric data on 500 skeletons from key sites/phases in Europe and western Anatolia, and (b) the application of existing and novel aDNA, bioarchaeological and simulation methodologies. This research will yield results that transform our current understanding of major demographic and evolutionary processes and will place Europe at the forefront of anthropological biological and genetic research.
Max ERC Funding
1 088 386 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31
Project acronym AFFIRM
Project Analysis of Biofilm Mediated Fouling of Nanofiltration Membranes
Researcher (PI) Eoin Casey
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2011-StG_20101014
Summary 1.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. Drinking water quality is threatened by newly emerging organic micro-pollutants (pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals) in source waters. Nanofiltration is a technology that is expected to play a key role in future water treatment processes due to its effectiveness in removal of micropollutants. However, the loss of membrane flux due to fouling is one of the main impediments in the development of membrane processes for use in drinking water treatment. Currently there is a wholly inadequate mechanistic understanding of the role of biofilm on the fouling of nanofiltration membranes.
Applying techniques including confocal microscopy, force spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy using an experimental programme informed by a technique known as scale-down together with mathematical modelling, it is confidently expected that significant advances will be gained in the mechanistic understanding of nanofiltration biofouling.
The specific objectives are 1. How is the rate of formation and extent of such biofilms influenced by the biological response to the local microenvironment? 2 Elucidate the effect of extracellular polysaccharide substances on physical properties, composition and structure of these biofilms. 3: Investigate mechanisms to enhance biofilm removal by a physical detachment process complemented by techniques that alter biofilm material properties.
A more fundamental insight into the mechanisms of nanofiltration operation will help in further development of this treatment method in future water treatment processes.
Summary
1.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. Drinking water quality is threatened by newly emerging organic micro-pollutants (pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals) in source waters. Nanofiltration is a technology that is expected to play a key role in future water treatment processes due to its effectiveness in removal of micropollutants. However, the loss of membrane flux due to fouling is one of the main impediments in the development of membrane processes for use in drinking water treatment. Currently there is a wholly inadequate mechanistic understanding of the role of biofilm on the fouling of nanofiltration membranes.
Applying techniques including confocal microscopy, force spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy using an experimental programme informed by a technique known as scale-down together with mathematical modelling, it is confidently expected that significant advances will be gained in the mechanistic understanding of nanofiltration biofouling.
The specific objectives are 1. How is the rate of formation and extent of such biofilms influenced by the biological response to the local microenvironment? 2 Elucidate the effect of extracellular polysaccharide substances on physical properties, composition and structure of these biofilms. 3: Investigate mechanisms to enhance biofilm removal by a physical detachment process complemented by techniques that alter biofilm material properties.
A more fundamental insight into the mechanisms of nanofiltration operation will help in further development of this treatment method in future water treatment processes.
Max ERC Funding
1 468 987 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-10-01, End date: 2016-09-30
Project acronym ASTROFLOW
Project The influence of stellar outflows on exoplanetary mass loss
Researcher (PI) Aline VIDOTTO
Host Institution (HI) THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE9, ERC-2018-COG
Summary ASTROFLOW aims to make ground-breaking progress in our physical understanding of exoplanetary mass loss, by quantifying the influence of stellar outflows on atmospheric escape of close-in exoplanets. Escape plays a key role in planetary evolution, population, and potential to develop life. Stellar irradiation and outflows affect planetary mass loss: irradiation heats planetary atmospheres, which inflate and more likely escape; outflows cause pressure confinement around otherwise freely escaping atmospheres. This external pressure can increase, reduce or even suppress escape rates; its effects on exoplanetary mass loss remain largely unexplored due to the complexity of such interactions. I will fill this knowledge gap by developing a novel modelling framework of atmospheric escape that will, for the first time, consider the effects of realistic stellar outflows on exoplanetary mass loss. My expertise in stellar wind theory and 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations is crucial for producing the next-generation models of planetary escape. My framework will consist of state-of-the-art, time-dependent, 3D simulations of stellar outflows (Method 1), which will be coupled to novel 3D simulations of atmospheric escape (Method 2). My models will account for the major underlying physical processes of mass loss. With this, I will determine the response of planetary mass loss to realistic stellar particle, magnetic and radiation environments and will characterise the physical conditions of the escaping material. I will compute how its extinction varies during transit and compare synthetic line profiles to atmospheric escape observations from, eg, Hubble and our NASA cubesat CUTE. Strong synergy with upcoming observations (JWST, TESS, SPIRou, CARMENES) also exists. Determining the lifetime of planetary atmospheres is essential to understanding populations of exoplanets. ASTROFLOW’s work will be the foundation for future research of how exoplanets evolve under mass-loss processes.
Summary
ASTROFLOW aims to make ground-breaking progress in our physical understanding of exoplanetary mass loss, by quantifying the influence of stellar outflows on atmospheric escape of close-in exoplanets. Escape plays a key role in planetary evolution, population, and potential to develop life. Stellar irradiation and outflows affect planetary mass loss: irradiation heats planetary atmospheres, which inflate and more likely escape; outflows cause pressure confinement around otherwise freely escaping atmospheres. This external pressure can increase, reduce or even suppress escape rates; its effects on exoplanetary mass loss remain largely unexplored due to the complexity of such interactions. I will fill this knowledge gap by developing a novel modelling framework of atmospheric escape that will, for the first time, consider the effects of realistic stellar outflows on exoplanetary mass loss. My expertise in stellar wind theory and 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations is crucial for producing the next-generation models of planetary escape. My framework will consist of state-of-the-art, time-dependent, 3D simulations of stellar outflows (Method 1), which will be coupled to novel 3D simulations of atmospheric escape (Method 2). My models will account for the major underlying physical processes of mass loss. With this, I will determine the response of planetary mass loss to realistic stellar particle, magnetic and radiation environments and will characterise the physical conditions of the escaping material. I will compute how its extinction varies during transit and compare synthetic line profiles to atmospheric escape observations from, eg, Hubble and our NASA cubesat CUTE. Strong synergy with upcoming observations (JWST, TESS, SPIRou, CARMENES) also exists. Determining the lifetime of planetary atmospheres is essential to understanding populations of exoplanets. ASTROFLOW’s work will be the foundation for future research of how exoplanets evolve under mass-loss processes.
Max ERC Funding
1 999 956 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-09-01, End date: 2024-08-31
Project acronym BeyondOpposition
Project Opposing Sexual and Gender Rights and Equalities: Transforming Everyday Spaces
Researcher (PI) Katherine Browne
Host Institution (HI) NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND MAYNOOTH
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), SH2, ERC-2018-COG
Summary OPPSEXRIGHTS will be the first large-scale, transnational study to consider the effects of recent Sexual and Gender Rights and Equalities (SGRE) on those who oppose them, by exploring opponents’ experiences of the transformation of everyday spaces. It will work beyond contemporary polarisations, creating new possibilities for social transformation. This cutting-edge research engages with the dramatically altered social and political landscapes in the late 20th and early 21st Century created through the development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans, and women’s rights. Recent reactionary politics highlight the pressing need to understand the position of those who experience these new social orders as a loss. The backlash to SGRE has coalesced into various resistances that are tangibly different to the classic vilification of homosexuality, or those that are anti-woman. Some who oppose SGRE have found themselves the subject of public critique; in the workplace, their jobs threatened, while at home, engagements with schools can cause family conflicts. This is particularly visible in the case studies of Ireland, UK and Canada because of SGRE. A largescale transnational systematic database will be created using low risk (media and organisational discourses; participant observation at oppositional events) and higher risk (online data collection and interviews) methods. Experimenting with social transformation, OPPSEXRIGHTS will work to build bridges between ‘enemies’, including families and communities, through innovative discussion and arts-based workshops. This ambitious project has the potential to create tangible solutions that tackle contemporary societal issues, which are founded in polarisations that are seemingly insurmountable.
Summary
OPPSEXRIGHTS will be the first large-scale, transnational study to consider the effects of recent Sexual and Gender Rights and Equalities (SGRE) on those who oppose them, by exploring opponents’ experiences of the transformation of everyday spaces. It will work beyond contemporary polarisations, creating new possibilities for social transformation. This cutting-edge research engages with the dramatically altered social and political landscapes in the late 20th and early 21st Century created through the development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans, and women’s rights. Recent reactionary politics highlight the pressing need to understand the position of those who experience these new social orders as a loss. The backlash to SGRE has coalesced into various resistances that are tangibly different to the classic vilification of homosexuality, or those that are anti-woman. Some who oppose SGRE have found themselves the subject of public critique; in the workplace, their jobs threatened, while at home, engagements with schools can cause family conflicts. This is particularly visible in the case studies of Ireland, UK and Canada because of SGRE. A largescale transnational systematic database will be created using low risk (media and organisational discourses; participant observation at oppositional events) and higher risk (online data collection and interviews) methods. Experimenting with social transformation, OPPSEXRIGHTS will work to build bridges between ‘enemies’, including families and communities, through innovative discussion and arts-based workshops. This ambitious project has the potential to create tangible solutions that tackle contemporary societal issues, which are founded in polarisations that are seemingly insurmountable.
Max ERC Funding
1 988 652 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-10-01, End date: 2024-09-30
Project acronym BioWater
Project Development of new chemical imaging techniques to understand the function of water in biocompatibility, biodegradation and biofouling
Researcher (PI) Aoife Ann Gowen
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2013-StG
Summary Water is the first molecule to come into contact with biomaterials in biological systems and thus essential to the processes of biodegradation, biocompatibility and biofouling. Despite this fact, little is currently known about how biomaterials interact with water. This knowledge is crucial for the development and optimisation of novel functional biomaterials for human health (e.g. biosensing devices, erodible biomaterials, drug release carriers, wound dressings). BioWater will develop near and mid infrared chemical imaging (NIR-MIR-CI) techniques to investigate the fundamental interaction between biomaterials and water in order to understand the key processes of biodegradation, biocompatibility and biofouling. This ambitious yet achievable project will focus on two major categories of biomaterials relevant to human health: extracellular collagens and synthetic biopolymers. Initially, interactions between these biomaterials and water will be investigated; subsequently interactions with more complicated matrices (e.g. protein solutions and cellular systems) will be studied. CI data will be correlated with standard surface characterization, biocompatibility and biodegradation measurements. Molecular dynamic simulations will complement this work to identify the most probable molecular structures of water at different biomaterial interfaces.
Advanced understanding of the role of water in biocompatibility, biofouling and biodegradation processes will facilitate the optimization of biomaterials tailored to specific cellular environments with a broad range of therapeutic applications (e.g. drug eluting stents, tissue engineering, wound healing). The new NIR-MIR-CI/chemometric methodologies developed in BioWater will allow for the rapid characterization and monitoring of novel biomaterials at pre-clinical stages, improving process control by overcoming the laborious and time consuming large-scale sampling methods currently required in biomaterials development.
Summary
Water is the first molecule to come into contact with biomaterials in biological systems and thus essential to the processes of biodegradation, biocompatibility and biofouling. Despite this fact, little is currently known about how biomaterials interact with water. This knowledge is crucial for the development and optimisation of novel functional biomaterials for human health (e.g. biosensing devices, erodible biomaterials, drug release carriers, wound dressings). BioWater will develop near and mid infrared chemical imaging (NIR-MIR-CI) techniques to investigate the fundamental interaction between biomaterials and water in order to understand the key processes of biodegradation, biocompatibility and biofouling. This ambitious yet achievable project will focus on two major categories of biomaterials relevant to human health: extracellular collagens and synthetic biopolymers. Initially, interactions between these biomaterials and water will be investigated; subsequently interactions with more complicated matrices (e.g. protein solutions and cellular systems) will be studied. CI data will be correlated with standard surface characterization, biocompatibility and biodegradation measurements. Molecular dynamic simulations will complement this work to identify the most probable molecular structures of water at different biomaterial interfaces.
Advanced understanding of the role of water in biocompatibility, biofouling and biodegradation processes will facilitate the optimization of biomaterials tailored to specific cellular environments with a broad range of therapeutic applications (e.g. drug eluting stents, tissue engineering, wound healing). The new NIR-MIR-CI/chemometric methodologies developed in BioWater will allow for the rapid characterization and monitoring of novel biomaterials at pre-clinical stages, improving process control by overcoming the laborious and time consuming large-scale sampling methods currently required in biomaterials development.
Max ERC Funding
1 487 682 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-02-01, End date: 2019-01-31
Project acronym BONDS
Project Bilayered ON-Demand Scaffolds: On-Demand Delivery from induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Scaffolds for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Researcher (PI) Cathal KEARNEY
Host Institution (HI) ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2017-STG
Summary This program’s goal is to develop a scaffold using a new biomaterial source that is functionalised with on-demand delivery of genes for coordinated healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs are chronic wounds that are often recalcitrant to treatment, which devastatingly results in lower leg amputation. This project builds on the PI’s experience growing matrix from induced-pluripotent stem cell derived (iPS)-fibroblasts and in developing on-demand drug delivery technologies. The aim of this project is to first develop a SiPS: a scaffold from iPS-fibroblast grown matrix, which has never been tested as a source material for scaffolds. iPS-fibroblasts grow a more pro-repair and angiogenic matrix than (non-iPS) adult fibroblasts. The SiPS structure will be bilayered to mimic native skin: dermis made mostly by fibroblasts and epidermis made by keratinocytes. The dermal layer will consist of a porous scaffold with optimised pore size and mechanical properties and the epidermal layer will be film-like, optimised for keratinisation.
Second, the SiPS will be functionalised with delivery of plasmid-DNA (platelet derived growth factor gene, pPDGF) to direct angiogenesis on-demand. As DFUs undergo uncoordinated healing, timed pPDGF delivery will guide them through angiogenesis and healing. To achieve this, alginate microparticles, designed to respond to ultrasound by releasing pPDGF, will be interspersed throughout the SiPS. This BONDS will be tested in an in vivo pre-clinical DFU model to confirm its ability to heal wounds by providing cells with the appropriate biomimetic scaffold environment and timed directions for healing. With >100 million current diabetics expected to get a DFU, the BONDS would have a powerful clinical impact.
This research program combines a disruptive technology, the SiPS, with a new platform for on-demand delivery of pDNA to heal DFUs. The PI will build his lab around these innovative platforms, adapting them for treatment of diverse complex wounds.
Summary
This program’s goal is to develop a scaffold using a new biomaterial source that is functionalised with on-demand delivery of genes for coordinated healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs are chronic wounds that are often recalcitrant to treatment, which devastatingly results in lower leg amputation. This project builds on the PI’s experience growing matrix from induced-pluripotent stem cell derived (iPS)-fibroblasts and in developing on-demand drug delivery technologies. The aim of this project is to first develop a SiPS: a scaffold from iPS-fibroblast grown matrix, which has never been tested as a source material for scaffolds. iPS-fibroblasts grow a more pro-repair and angiogenic matrix than (non-iPS) adult fibroblasts. The SiPS structure will be bilayered to mimic native skin: dermis made mostly by fibroblasts and epidermis made by keratinocytes. The dermal layer will consist of a porous scaffold with optimised pore size and mechanical properties and the epidermal layer will be film-like, optimised for keratinisation.
Second, the SiPS will be functionalised with delivery of plasmid-DNA (platelet derived growth factor gene, pPDGF) to direct angiogenesis on-demand. As DFUs undergo uncoordinated healing, timed pPDGF delivery will guide them through angiogenesis and healing. To achieve this, alginate microparticles, designed to respond to ultrasound by releasing pPDGF, will be interspersed throughout the SiPS. This BONDS will be tested in an in vivo pre-clinical DFU model to confirm its ability to heal wounds by providing cells with the appropriate biomimetic scaffold environment and timed directions for healing. With >100 million current diabetics expected to get a DFU, the BONDS would have a powerful clinical impact.
This research program combines a disruptive technology, the SiPS, with a new platform for on-demand delivery of pDNA to heal DFUs. The PI will build his lab around these innovative platforms, adapting them for treatment of diverse complex wounds.
Max ERC Funding
1 372 135 €
Duration
Start date: 2017-10-01, End date: 2022-09-30
Project acronym BONEMECHBIO
Project Frontier research in bone mechanobiology during normal physiology, disease and for tissue regeneration
Researcher (PI) Laoise Maria Cunningham
Host Institution (HI) NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND GALWAY
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary While previous studies have investigated cell-signalling pathways that facilitate mechanotransduction and have provided a wealth of data, to date, in vivo mechanobiology is not fully understood. In the research study proposed the applicant will embark upon frontier research to delineate these specific aspects of bone mechanotransduction during normal physiology, disease and for tissue regeneration purposes. If these quantities were better understood the proposed research program will deliver significant advances in the understanding of the mechanical regulation of bone remodelling during normal physiology and osteoporosis, and will enhance approaches for regeneration of bone tissue for treatment of bone pathologies. The primary objective is to delineate the normal mechanosensory and signalling mechanisms of bone cells. The secondary objective is to determine whether the regulatory role of bone cells is inhibited or impaired during bone diseases such as osteoporosis. The final objective of this project is to develop an in vitro mechanical loading device that can enhance bone tissue regeneration and thereby advance current treatment approaches for bone pathologies. To address these objectives, five hypotheses have been defined, each of which will underpin the research of five work packages. A combination of experimental studies, using animal models and in vitro cell culture, and computational modelling will be taken to test each of these hypotheses. Answering these hypotheses will bring us closer to an understanding of the origins of bone mechanobiology and diseases such as osteoporosis. Furthermore, the results of these studies will facilitate development of novel approaches to enhance bone regeneration in vitro.
Summary
While previous studies have investigated cell-signalling pathways that facilitate mechanotransduction and have provided a wealth of data, to date, in vivo mechanobiology is not fully understood. In the research study proposed the applicant will embark upon frontier research to delineate these specific aspects of bone mechanotransduction during normal physiology, disease and for tissue regeneration purposes. If these quantities were better understood the proposed research program will deliver significant advances in the understanding of the mechanical regulation of bone remodelling during normal physiology and osteoporosis, and will enhance approaches for regeneration of bone tissue for treatment of bone pathologies. The primary objective is to delineate the normal mechanosensory and signalling mechanisms of bone cells. The secondary objective is to determine whether the regulatory role of bone cells is inhibited or impaired during bone diseases such as osteoporosis. The final objective of this project is to develop an in vitro mechanical loading device that can enhance bone tissue regeneration and thereby advance current treatment approaches for bone pathologies. To address these objectives, five hypotheses have been defined, each of which will underpin the research of five work packages. A combination of experimental studies, using animal models and in vitro cell culture, and computational modelling will be taken to test each of these hypotheses. Answering these hypotheses will bring us closer to an understanding of the origins of bone mechanobiology and diseases such as osteoporosis. Furthermore, the results of these studies will facilitate development of novel approaches to enhance bone regeneration in vitro.
Max ERC Funding
1 499 911 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
