Project acronym ADMIRE
Project Atomic-scale Design of Majorana states and their Innovative Real-space Exploration
Researcher (PI) Roland WIESENDANGER
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAET HAMBURG
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2017-ADG
Summary Fault-tolerant topological quantum computation has become one of the most exciting research directions in modern condensed matter physics. As a key operation the braiding of non-Abelian anyons has been proposed theoretically. Such exotic quasiparticles can be realized as zero-energy Majorana bound states at the ends of one-dimensional magnetic nanowires in proximity to s-wave superconductors in the presence of high spin-orbit coupling. In contrast to previous attempts to realize such systems experimentally, based on the growth of semiconducting nanowires or the self-assembly of ferromagnetic nanowires on s-wave superconductors, we propose to design Majorana bound states in artificially constructed single-atom chains with non-collinear spin-textures on elemental superconducting substrates using scanning tunnelling microscope (STM)-based atom manipulation techniques. We would like to study at the atomic level the formation of Shiba bands as a result of hybridization of individual Shiba impurity states as well as the emergence of zero-energy Majorana bound states as a function of chain structure, length, and composition. Moreover, we will construct model-type platforms, such as T-junctions, rings, and more complex network structures with atomic-scale precision as a basis for demonstrating the manipulation and braiding of Majorana bound states. We will make use of sophisticated experimental techniques, such as spin-resolved scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) at micro-eV energy resolution, scanning Josephson tunnelling spectroscopy, and multi-probe STS under well-defined ultra-high vacuum conditions, in order to directly probe the nature of the magnetic state of the atomic wires, the spin-polarization of the emergent Majorana states, as well as the spatial nature of the superconducting order parameter in real space. Finally, we will try to directly probe the quantum exchange statistics of non-Abelian anyons in these atomically precise fabricated model-type systems.
Summary
Fault-tolerant topological quantum computation has become one of the most exciting research directions in modern condensed matter physics. As a key operation the braiding of non-Abelian anyons has been proposed theoretically. Such exotic quasiparticles can be realized as zero-energy Majorana bound states at the ends of one-dimensional magnetic nanowires in proximity to s-wave superconductors in the presence of high spin-orbit coupling. In contrast to previous attempts to realize such systems experimentally, based on the growth of semiconducting nanowires or the self-assembly of ferromagnetic nanowires on s-wave superconductors, we propose to design Majorana bound states in artificially constructed single-atom chains with non-collinear spin-textures on elemental superconducting substrates using scanning tunnelling microscope (STM)-based atom manipulation techniques. We would like to study at the atomic level the formation of Shiba bands as a result of hybridization of individual Shiba impurity states as well as the emergence of zero-energy Majorana bound states as a function of chain structure, length, and composition. Moreover, we will construct model-type platforms, such as T-junctions, rings, and more complex network structures with atomic-scale precision as a basis for demonstrating the manipulation and braiding of Majorana bound states. We will make use of sophisticated experimental techniques, such as spin-resolved scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) at micro-eV energy resolution, scanning Josephson tunnelling spectroscopy, and multi-probe STS under well-defined ultra-high vacuum conditions, in order to directly probe the nature of the magnetic state of the atomic wires, the spin-polarization of the emergent Majorana states, as well as the spatial nature of the superconducting order parameter in real space. Finally, we will try to directly probe the quantum exchange statistics of non-Abelian anyons in these atomically precise fabricated model-type systems.
Max ERC Funding
2 499 750 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-01-01, End date: 2023-12-31
Project acronym ARTIST
Project Artificial cell-cell interactions for light switchable cell organization and signaling
Researcher (PI) Seraphine Valeska Wegner
Host Institution (HI) MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2017-STG
Summary The bottom-up assembly of tissue from cellular building blocks constitutes a promising, yet highly challenging approach to engineer complex tissues. The challenge lies in controlling cell-cell interactions, which determine how cells organize with respect to each other, how they work together and consequently whether such a multicellular architecture will be functional. The limited spatial and temporal control over cell-cell interactions current biological and chemical approaches provide severely restricts bottom-up tissue engineering. Here, I propose a new way to control cell-cell interactions. I aim to regulate cell-cell interactions with visible light using proteins that reversibly homo- or heterodimerize under blue or red light. These photoswitchable cell-cell interactions provide sustainable, non-invasive, dynamic and reversible control over cell-cell interactions with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. First of all, we will focus on various light dependent protein interactions to mediate cell-cell contacts. The detailed characterization (strength, dynamics, interaction modes and orthogonality) of these new photoswitchable cell-cell interactions will provide the framework for the bottom-up construction of tissue-like structures. Secondly, we will use these photoswitchable cell-cell interactions to assemble cells into multicellular architectures with predictable and programmable organization. The dynamic and reversible nature of the photoswitchable contacts will allow us to locally alter interactions at any point in time, to rearrange and obtain asymmetric multicellular structures, which are typical of tissues. Finally, we will also explore how the photoswitchable cell-cell interactions alter cell behavior and signaling. Ultimately, this will pave the way for the bottom-up assembly of multicellular architectures, enabling us to control precisely and dynamically their organization in space and time as well as regulate how cells work together.
Summary
The bottom-up assembly of tissue from cellular building blocks constitutes a promising, yet highly challenging approach to engineer complex tissues. The challenge lies in controlling cell-cell interactions, which determine how cells organize with respect to each other, how they work together and consequently whether such a multicellular architecture will be functional. The limited spatial and temporal control over cell-cell interactions current biological and chemical approaches provide severely restricts bottom-up tissue engineering. Here, I propose a new way to control cell-cell interactions. I aim to regulate cell-cell interactions with visible light using proteins that reversibly homo- or heterodimerize under blue or red light. These photoswitchable cell-cell interactions provide sustainable, non-invasive, dynamic and reversible control over cell-cell interactions with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. First of all, we will focus on various light dependent protein interactions to mediate cell-cell contacts. The detailed characterization (strength, dynamics, interaction modes and orthogonality) of these new photoswitchable cell-cell interactions will provide the framework for the bottom-up construction of tissue-like structures. Secondly, we will use these photoswitchable cell-cell interactions to assemble cells into multicellular architectures with predictable and programmable organization. The dynamic and reversible nature of the photoswitchable contacts will allow us to locally alter interactions at any point in time, to rearrange and obtain asymmetric multicellular structures, which are typical of tissues. Finally, we will also explore how the photoswitchable cell-cell interactions alter cell behavior and signaling. Ultimately, this will pave the way for the bottom-up assembly of multicellular architectures, enabling us to control precisely and dynamically their organization in space and time as well as regulate how cells work together.
Max ERC Funding
1 937 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-07-01, End date: 2023-06-30
Project acronym BIORECAR
Project Direct cell reprogramming therapy in myocardial regeneration through an engineered multifunctional platform integrating biochemical instructive cues
Researcher (PI) Valeria CHIONO
Host Institution (HI) POLITECNICO DI TORINO
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE8, ERC-2017-COG
Summary In BIORECAR I will develop a new breakthrough multifunctional biomaterial-based platform for myocardial regeneration after myocardial infarction, provided with biochemical cues able to enhance the direct reprogramming of human cardiac fibroblasts into functional cardiomyocytes.
My expertise in bioartificial materials and biomimetic scaffolds and the versatile chemistry of polyurethanes will be the key elements to achieve a significant knowledge and technological advancement in cell reprogramming therapy, opening the way to the future translation of the therapy into the clinics.
I will implement this advanced approach through the design of a novel 3D in vitro tissue-engineered model of human cardiac fibrotic tissue, as a tool for testing and validation, to maximise research efforts and reduce animal tests.
I will adapt novel nanomedicine approaches I have recently developed for drug release to design innovative cell-friendly and efficient polyurethane nanoparticles for targeted reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts.
I will design an injectable bioartificial hydrogel based on a blend of a thermosensitive polyurethane and a natural component selected among a novel cell-secreted natural polymer mixture (“biomatrix”) recapitulating the complexity of cardiac extracellular matrix or one of its main protein constituents. Such multifunctional hydrogel will deliver in situ agents stimulating recruitment of cardiac fibroblasts together with the nanoparticles loaded with reprogramming therapeutics, and will provide biochemical signalling to stimulate efficient conversion of fibroblasts into mature cardiomyocytes.
First-in-field biomaterials-based innovations introduced by BIORECAR will enable more effective regeneration of functional myocardial tissue respect to state-of-the art approaches. BIORECAR innovation is multidisciplinary in nature and will be accelerated towards future clinical translation through my clinical, scientific and industrial collaborations.
Summary
In BIORECAR I will develop a new breakthrough multifunctional biomaterial-based platform for myocardial regeneration after myocardial infarction, provided with biochemical cues able to enhance the direct reprogramming of human cardiac fibroblasts into functional cardiomyocytes.
My expertise in bioartificial materials and biomimetic scaffolds and the versatile chemistry of polyurethanes will be the key elements to achieve a significant knowledge and technological advancement in cell reprogramming therapy, opening the way to the future translation of the therapy into the clinics.
I will implement this advanced approach through the design of a novel 3D in vitro tissue-engineered model of human cardiac fibrotic tissue, as a tool for testing and validation, to maximise research efforts and reduce animal tests.
I will adapt novel nanomedicine approaches I have recently developed for drug release to design innovative cell-friendly and efficient polyurethane nanoparticles for targeted reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts.
I will design an injectable bioartificial hydrogel based on a blend of a thermosensitive polyurethane and a natural component selected among a novel cell-secreted natural polymer mixture (“biomatrix”) recapitulating the complexity of cardiac extracellular matrix or one of its main protein constituents. Such multifunctional hydrogel will deliver in situ agents stimulating recruitment of cardiac fibroblasts together with the nanoparticles loaded with reprogramming therapeutics, and will provide biochemical signalling to stimulate efficient conversion of fibroblasts into mature cardiomyocytes.
First-in-field biomaterials-based innovations introduced by BIORECAR will enable more effective regeneration of functional myocardial tissue respect to state-of-the art approaches. BIORECAR innovation is multidisciplinary in nature and will be accelerated towards future clinical translation through my clinical, scientific and industrial collaborations.
Max ERC Funding
2 000 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-07-01, End date: 2023-06-30
Project acronym DarkSERS
Project Harvesting dark plasmons for surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Researcher (PI) Stephanie REICH
Host Institution (HI) FREIE UNIVERSITAET BERLIN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE3, ERC-2017-COG
Summary Metal nanostructures show pronounced electromagnetic resonances that arise from localized surface plasmons. These collective oscillations of free electrons in the metal give rise to confined electromagnetic near fields. Surface-enhanced spectroscopy exploits the near-field intensity to enhance the optical response of nanomaterials by many orders of magnitude.
Plasmons are classified as bright and dark depending on their interaction with far-field radiation. Bright modes are dipole-allowed excitations that absorb and scatter light. Dark modes are resonances of the electromagnetic near field only that do not couple to propagating modes. The suppressed photon emission of dark plasmons makes their resonances spectrally narrow and intense, which is highly desirable for enhanced spectroscopy as well as storing and transporting electromagnetic energy in nanostructures. The suppressed absorption, however, prevents us from routinely exploiting dark modes in nanoplasmonic systems.
I propose using spatially patterned light beams to excite dark plasmons with far-field radiation. By this I mean a beam profile with varying polarization and intensity that will be matched to the dark electromagnetic eigenmode. My approach activates the excitation of dark modes, while their radiative decay remains suppressed. I will show how to harvest dark modes for surface-enhanced Raman scattering providing superior intensity and an enhancement that is tailored to a specific vibration. Another feature of dark modes is their strong coupling to the vibrations of nanostructures. I will use this to amplify vibrational modes and, ultimately, induce phonon lasing.
The proposed research aims at an enabling technology that unlocks a novel range of nanoplasmonic properties. It will put dark plasmons on par with the well-recognized bright modes to be used in fundamental science and for applications in analytics, optoelectronic, and nanoimaging.
Summary
Metal nanostructures show pronounced electromagnetic resonances that arise from localized surface plasmons. These collective oscillations of free electrons in the metal give rise to confined electromagnetic near fields. Surface-enhanced spectroscopy exploits the near-field intensity to enhance the optical response of nanomaterials by many orders of magnitude.
Plasmons are classified as bright and dark depending on their interaction with far-field radiation. Bright modes are dipole-allowed excitations that absorb and scatter light. Dark modes are resonances of the electromagnetic near field only that do not couple to propagating modes. The suppressed photon emission of dark plasmons makes their resonances spectrally narrow and intense, which is highly desirable for enhanced spectroscopy as well as storing and transporting electromagnetic energy in nanostructures. The suppressed absorption, however, prevents us from routinely exploiting dark modes in nanoplasmonic systems.
I propose using spatially patterned light beams to excite dark plasmons with far-field radiation. By this I mean a beam profile with varying polarization and intensity that will be matched to the dark electromagnetic eigenmode. My approach activates the excitation of dark modes, while their radiative decay remains suppressed. I will show how to harvest dark modes for surface-enhanced Raman scattering providing superior intensity and an enhancement that is tailored to a specific vibration. Another feature of dark modes is their strong coupling to the vibrations of nanostructures. I will use this to amplify vibrational modes and, ultimately, induce phonon lasing.
The proposed research aims at an enabling technology that unlocks a novel range of nanoplasmonic properties. It will put dark plasmons on par with the well-recognized bright modes to be used in fundamental science and for applications in analytics, optoelectronic, and nanoimaging.
Max ERC Funding
2 299 506 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-04-01, End date: 2023-03-31
Project acronym DrySeasonPf
Project Dry season P. falciparum reservoir
Researcher (PI) Silvia VILAR PORTUGAL
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITATSKLINIKUM HEIDELBERG
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS6, ERC-2017-STG
Summary The mosquito-borne Plasmodium falciparum parasite is responsible for over 200 million malaria cases and nearly half a million deaths each year among African children. Dependent on Anopheles mosquito for transmission, the parasite faces a challenge during the dry season in the regions where rain seasonality limits vector availability for several months. While malaria cases are restricted to the wet season, clinically silent P. falciparum infections can persist through the dry season and are an important reservoir for transmission. Our preliminary data provides unequivocal evidence that P. falciparum modulates its transcription during the dry season, while the host immune response seems to be minimally affected, suggesting that the parasite has the ability to adapt to a vector-free environment for long periods of time. Understanding the mechanisms which allow the parasite to remain undetectable in absence of mosquito vector, and to restart transmission in the ensuing rainy season will reveal complex interactions between P. falciparum and its host. To that end I propose to: (i) Identify the Plasmodium signalling pathway(s) and metabolic profile associated with long-term maintenance of low parasitaemias during the dry season, (ii) Determine which PfEMP1 are expressed by parasites during the dry season and how effectively they are detected by the immune system, and (iii) Investigate the kinetics of P. falciparum gametocytogenesis, its ability to transmit during the dry season, and uncover sensing molecules and mechanisms of the disappearance and return of the mosquito vector Undoubtedly, results arising from the present multidisciplinary proposal will provide novel insights into the cell biology of dry season P. falciparum parasites, will increase our understanding of their interactions with their hosts and environment. Furthermore, it may benefit the international development agenda goals to design public health strategies to fight malaria.
Summary
The mosquito-borne Plasmodium falciparum parasite is responsible for over 200 million malaria cases and nearly half a million deaths each year among African children. Dependent on Anopheles mosquito for transmission, the parasite faces a challenge during the dry season in the regions where rain seasonality limits vector availability for several months. While malaria cases are restricted to the wet season, clinically silent P. falciparum infections can persist through the dry season and are an important reservoir for transmission. Our preliminary data provides unequivocal evidence that P. falciparum modulates its transcription during the dry season, while the host immune response seems to be minimally affected, suggesting that the parasite has the ability to adapt to a vector-free environment for long periods of time. Understanding the mechanisms which allow the parasite to remain undetectable in absence of mosquito vector, and to restart transmission in the ensuing rainy season will reveal complex interactions between P. falciparum and its host. To that end I propose to: (i) Identify the Plasmodium signalling pathway(s) and metabolic profile associated with long-term maintenance of low parasitaemias during the dry season, (ii) Determine which PfEMP1 are expressed by parasites during the dry season and how effectively they are detected by the immune system, and (iii) Investigate the kinetics of P. falciparum gametocytogenesis, its ability to transmit during the dry season, and uncover sensing molecules and mechanisms of the disappearance and return of the mosquito vector Undoubtedly, results arising from the present multidisciplinary proposal will provide novel insights into the cell biology of dry season P. falciparum parasites, will increase our understanding of their interactions with their hosts and environment. Furthermore, it may benefit the international development agenda goals to design public health strategies to fight malaria.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-01-01, End date: 2022-12-31
Project acronym DYNACQM
Project Dynamics of Correlated Quantum Matter: From Dynamical Probes to Novel Phases of Matter
Researcher (PI) Frank POLLMANN
Host Institution (HI) TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE3, ERC-2017-COG
Summary The interplay of quantum fluctuations and correlation effects in condensed matter can yield emergent phases with fascinating properties. Understanding these challenging quantum-many body systems is a problem of central importance in theoretical physics and the basis for the development of new materials for future technologies. Dynamical properties can provide characteristic fingerprints that allow to identify novel phases in newly synthesized materials and optical lattice systems. Moreover, when brought out of equilibrium, correlated quantum matter can exhibit dynamical phases that cannot occur in equilibrium settings.
DYNACQM will develop new theoretical and numerical frameworks to study dynamical properties of correlated quantum matter. On the theoretical side, we will investigate how many-body entanglement affects dynamical properties and predict universal features that can be measured in experiments. For example, dynamical spin correlation functions, measured in neutron scattering experiments, provide signatures of topologically ordered spin liquids. Furthermore, we will study the role of disorder and many-body localization in static as well as in driven quantum systems. On the numerical side, we will develop efficient tensor-product state based algorithms to simulate the dynamics of quantum many-body systems. These will allow us to study realistic microscopic model systems and to understand their dynamical properties.
Recent developments in the creation of synthetic quantum systems and advances in high resolution spectroscopy allow for an unprecedented precision with which the dynamics of quantum systems can be studied and manipulated experimentally. In this light, it is particularly important to theoretically understand the dynamics of correlated quantum systems and to make testable predictions. DYNACQM will bridge between the fundamental understanding of many-body entanglement in correlated quantum matter and experiments.
Summary
The interplay of quantum fluctuations and correlation effects in condensed matter can yield emergent phases with fascinating properties. Understanding these challenging quantum-many body systems is a problem of central importance in theoretical physics and the basis for the development of new materials for future technologies. Dynamical properties can provide characteristic fingerprints that allow to identify novel phases in newly synthesized materials and optical lattice systems. Moreover, when brought out of equilibrium, correlated quantum matter can exhibit dynamical phases that cannot occur in equilibrium settings.
DYNACQM will develop new theoretical and numerical frameworks to study dynamical properties of correlated quantum matter. On the theoretical side, we will investigate how many-body entanglement affects dynamical properties and predict universal features that can be measured in experiments. For example, dynamical spin correlation functions, measured in neutron scattering experiments, provide signatures of topologically ordered spin liquids. Furthermore, we will study the role of disorder and many-body localization in static as well as in driven quantum systems. On the numerical side, we will develop efficient tensor-product state based algorithms to simulate the dynamics of quantum many-body systems. These will allow us to study realistic microscopic model systems and to understand their dynamical properties.
Recent developments in the creation of synthetic quantum systems and advances in high resolution spectroscopy allow for an unprecedented precision with which the dynamics of quantum systems can be studied and manipulated experimentally. In this light, it is particularly important to theoretically understand the dynamics of correlated quantum systems and to make testable predictions. DYNACQM will bridge between the fundamental understanding of many-body entanglement in correlated quantum matter and experiments.
Max ERC Funding
1 998 750 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-06-01, End date: 2023-05-31
Project acronym ERACHRON
Project Eradicating Chronic Infections
Researcher (PI) Sara SATTIN
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2017-STG
Summary "Given the alarming progression of chronic and relapsing infections in the last decades, and the even more alarming predictions for the upcoming years, it is urgent for chemists to be able to provide new molecular tools to study, and ultimately solve, these complex biological problems. Bacterial persisters are an elusive ""dormant"" phenotype that play a pivotal role in chronic infections, with mechanisms that remain to be fully unravelled. Current knowledge suggests that bacterial persisters are not genetically resistant to antibiotic treatment; they simply appear to shut down through a cascade of biochemical events called the stringent response (SR), becoming insensitive to current drugs. This subpopulation remains unaffected during the time of pharmacological treatment and represents a reservoir that sustains pathogen survival and resurgence. The goal of this project is to fill the knowledge gap between persisters formation and infection eradication, providing the community with potent and selective small molecular tools that can be used to challenge complementary survival mechanisms.
I will adopt a combined approach targeting a specific cellular trigger of the persister phenotype with small molecules designed ad hoc in order to switch it off. The target is a bacterial protein involved in the SR cascade, whose activity is proposed to be allosterically regulated. Coordination propensity analysis of the dynamic behaviour of the target will highlight regulation sites exploitable to modulate and control the protein activity. Structure-based design, virtual fragment screening and chemical synthesis will operate in synergy. Experimental screening methodologies intrinsically rich in structural information, such as those based on NMR spectroscopy, will be privileged.
The overarching goal is to identify molecules able to prevent the insurgence of the ""dormant"" drug-tolerant state and, possibly, revert the persisters already present to the ""awake"" drug-sensitive phenotype.
"
Summary
"Given the alarming progression of chronic and relapsing infections in the last decades, and the even more alarming predictions for the upcoming years, it is urgent for chemists to be able to provide new molecular tools to study, and ultimately solve, these complex biological problems. Bacterial persisters are an elusive ""dormant"" phenotype that play a pivotal role in chronic infections, with mechanisms that remain to be fully unravelled. Current knowledge suggests that bacterial persisters are not genetically resistant to antibiotic treatment; they simply appear to shut down through a cascade of biochemical events called the stringent response (SR), becoming insensitive to current drugs. This subpopulation remains unaffected during the time of pharmacological treatment and represents a reservoir that sustains pathogen survival and resurgence. The goal of this project is to fill the knowledge gap between persisters formation and infection eradication, providing the community with potent and selective small molecular tools that can be used to challenge complementary survival mechanisms.
I will adopt a combined approach targeting a specific cellular trigger of the persister phenotype with small molecules designed ad hoc in order to switch it off. The target is a bacterial protein involved in the SR cascade, whose activity is proposed to be allosterically regulated. Coordination propensity analysis of the dynamic behaviour of the target will highlight regulation sites exploitable to modulate and control the protein activity. Structure-based design, virtual fragment screening and chemical synthesis will operate in synergy. Experimental screening methodologies intrinsically rich in structural information, such as those based on NMR spectroscopy, will be privileged.
The overarching goal is to identify molecules able to prevent the insurgence of the ""dormant"" drug-tolerant state and, possibly, revert the persisters already present to the ""awake"" drug-sensitive phenotype.
"
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-02-01, End date: 2023-01-31
Project acronym EvoTrap
Project Mechanisms to emerge and replicate the first sequence information of life in geothermal microfluidics of early Earth
Researcher (PI) Dieter BRAUN
Host Institution (HI) LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2017-ADG
Summary Can we reconstruct in the lab the onset of molecular evolution? To trigger the autonomous emergence of the first oligonucleotide sequences, we will explore non-equilibrium boundary conditions and selective mechanisms to host the fast progressing prebiotic replication chemistry of oligonucleotides. We will explore novel water-fog microfluidic settings to boost the replication and selection of the first RNA sequences. The findings aims to enable the creation of primitive life forms in the lab, starting from simple molecules in heated rock pores of early Earth.
Autonomous replication and metabolism. We will expand our thermal gradient expertise to host three replication chemistries. Using 3D printed microfluidics, we will mimick conditions in pores on early Earth. Thermophoresis will select long over short strands, accumulate small food molecules and strands will be separated by thermal convection and novel mechanisms in water-air systems. With respective collaboration partners, we will drive the replication from RNA ribozymes (Joyce), base-by-base RNA replication (Szostak) and EDC activated DNA ligation (Richert) and monitor the results with Illumina sequencing and TOF LC/MS. The ligation will be also explored with Taq ligase since we expect a cooperative replication dynamics with hypercycle-like characteristics. Thermal gradients will drive early metabolism to boost RNA polymerization and select ATP over ADP to drive modern biochemistry.
Sequence selection in low pressure water-air systems. Oligonucleotides bind to water-air interfaces. and can be accumulated 800-fold by heat-driven capillary flows. Based on this, we expect interesting selection effects under microfluidic boiling, fog formation and recondensation dynamics. The settings are tested for sequence selective hydro-gelation of RNA/DNA and enhanced replication chemistry. The temperature of boiling water will be limited below 60°C by using air pressures <200mbar, mimicking very early Earth conditions.
Summary
Can we reconstruct in the lab the onset of molecular evolution? To trigger the autonomous emergence of the first oligonucleotide sequences, we will explore non-equilibrium boundary conditions and selective mechanisms to host the fast progressing prebiotic replication chemistry of oligonucleotides. We will explore novel water-fog microfluidic settings to boost the replication and selection of the first RNA sequences. The findings aims to enable the creation of primitive life forms in the lab, starting from simple molecules in heated rock pores of early Earth.
Autonomous replication and metabolism. We will expand our thermal gradient expertise to host three replication chemistries. Using 3D printed microfluidics, we will mimick conditions in pores on early Earth. Thermophoresis will select long over short strands, accumulate small food molecules and strands will be separated by thermal convection and novel mechanisms in water-air systems. With respective collaboration partners, we will drive the replication from RNA ribozymes (Joyce), base-by-base RNA replication (Szostak) and EDC activated DNA ligation (Richert) and monitor the results with Illumina sequencing and TOF LC/MS. The ligation will be also explored with Taq ligase since we expect a cooperative replication dynamics with hypercycle-like characteristics. Thermal gradients will drive early metabolism to boost RNA polymerization and select ATP over ADP to drive modern biochemistry.
Sequence selection in low pressure water-air systems. Oligonucleotides bind to water-air interfaces. and can be accumulated 800-fold by heat-driven capillary flows. Based on this, we expect interesting selection effects under microfluidic boiling, fog formation and recondensation dynamics. The settings are tested for sequence selective hydro-gelation of RNA/DNA and enhanced replication chemistry. The temperature of boiling water will be limited below 60°C by using air pressures <200mbar, mimicking very early Earth conditions.
Max ERC Funding
2 364 500 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-10-01, End date: 2023-09-30
Project acronym ExQuiSid
Project Extreme Quantum Matter in Solids
Researcher (PI) Christian PFLEIDERER
Host Institution (HI) TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2017-ADG
Summary Quantum stochastic processes in solids, representing many-body systems par excellence, are believed to lead to extreme forms of quantum entanglement and non-local correlations (extreme quantum matter), that offer a well-defined starting point for an understanding of a wide range of anomalous materials properties, as well as emergent electronic phases such as magnetically mediated superconductivity or partial spin and charge order. While overwhelming experimental evidence clearly suggests a breakdown of traditional concepts such as well-defined quasi-particle excitations, the striking present-day disagreement between experiment and theory may be traced to the lack of experimental information on the spectrum of quantum stochastic many-body processes in solids in the low-energy and low-temperature limit close to and far from equilibrium.
ExQuiSid will advance the understanding of the nature of extreme quantum matter in the most extensively studied model systems, notably simple magnetic materials (insulators and metals) tuned through a quantum phase transition. For the proposed studies my group has implemented a new generation of methods covering for the first time neutron spectroscopy with an unprecedented nano-eV resolution even under large magnetic fields, transverse-field vector magnetometry, calorimetry and transport down to milli-Kelvin temperatures, and, ultra-high purity single-crystal growth combined with advanced materials characterisation.
ExQuiSid will (i) solve long-standing mysteries in model-systems of extreme quantum phase transitions, (ii) experimentally enable and permit pioneering studies on the creation, nature and classification of non-equilibrium quantum matter in solids at ultra-low energies and temperatures, and (iii) experimentally enable and permit pioneering studies of quantum matter driven periodically out of equilibrium to identify dynamical quantum instabilities and dynamical quantum phases such as many body localisation.
Summary
Quantum stochastic processes in solids, representing many-body systems par excellence, are believed to lead to extreme forms of quantum entanglement and non-local correlations (extreme quantum matter), that offer a well-defined starting point for an understanding of a wide range of anomalous materials properties, as well as emergent electronic phases such as magnetically mediated superconductivity or partial spin and charge order. While overwhelming experimental evidence clearly suggests a breakdown of traditional concepts such as well-defined quasi-particle excitations, the striking present-day disagreement between experiment and theory may be traced to the lack of experimental information on the spectrum of quantum stochastic many-body processes in solids in the low-energy and low-temperature limit close to and far from equilibrium.
ExQuiSid will advance the understanding of the nature of extreme quantum matter in the most extensively studied model systems, notably simple magnetic materials (insulators and metals) tuned through a quantum phase transition. For the proposed studies my group has implemented a new generation of methods covering for the first time neutron spectroscopy with an unprecedented nano-eV resolution even under large magnetic fields, transverse-field vector magnetometry, calorimetry and transport down to milli-Kelvin temperatures, and, ultra-high purity single-crystal growth combined with advanced materials characterisation.
ExQuiSid will (i) solve long-standing mysteries in model-systems of extreme quantum phase transitions, (ii) experimentally enable and permit pioneering studies on the creation, nature and classification of non-equilibrium quantum matter in solids at ultra-low energies and temperatures, and (iii) experimentally enable and permit pioneering studies of quantum matter driven periodically out of equilibrium to identify dynamical quantum instabilities and dynamical quantum phases such as many body localisation.
Max ERC Funding
2 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-06-01, End date: 2023-05-31
Project acronym FunctionalP4
Project Metal-Mediated Methods for the Functionalization of White Phosphorus (P4)
Researcher (PI) Robert Matthias WOLF
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAET REGENSBURG
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE5, ERC-2017-COG
Summary Organophosphorus compounds are an important and industrially relevant class of molecules with numerous uses, e.g. as reagents in organic synthesis, ligands in catalytically active metal complexes, and in pest control. State-of-the-art synthesis methods for all these valuable and useful compounds rely on an atom inefficient and hazardous multi-step procedure involving the oxidation of white phosphorus (P4) with toxic chlorine gas. Less wasteful and more environmentally benign methods are highly desirable, but transformations of white phosphorus directly into organophosphorus compounds are hardly developed.
This project explores new methods for the activation and functionalization of white phosphorus. The metal-mediated stepwise transformation of P4 into organophosphorus compounds is a key objective. Novel transition metal compounds are designed and synthesized, which can generate reactive phosphorus units. The concept of heterobimetallic P4 activation, where two electronically different metal complexes interact with P4 cooperatively, is introduced for this purpose. Reactions of the phosphorus fragments in these new, reactive complexes with electrophiles will produce novel, fundamentally interesting organophosphorus compounds avoiding chlorinated intermediates. Catalytic methods for P4 functionalization are currently unknown, and developing such methods using transition metal and photoredox catalysts is an additional objective of this proposal.
By providing novel synthetically useful and even catalytic procedures for converting P4 into organophosphorus compounds, this project will significantly contribute to the development of phosphorus chemistry and more sustainable synthesis methods.
Summary
Organophosphorus compounds are an important and industrially relevant class of molecules with numerous uses, e.g. as reagents in organic synthesis, ligands in catalytically active metal complexes, and in pest control. State-of-the-art synthesis methods for all these valuable and useful compounds rely on an atom inefficient and hazardous multi-step procedure involving the oxidation of white phosphorus (P4) with toxic chlorine gas. Less wasteful and more environmentally benign methods are highly desirable, but transformations of white phosphorus directly into organophosphorus compounds are hardly developed.
This project explores new methods for the activation and functionalization of white phosphorus. The metal-mediated stepwise transformation of P4 into organophosphorus compounds is a key objective. Novel transition metal compounds are designed and synthesized, which can generate reactive phosphorus units. The concept of heterobimetallic P4 activation, where two electronically different metal complexes interact with P4 cooperatively, is introduced for this purpose. Reactions of the phosphorus fragments in these new, reactive complexes with electrophiles will produce novel, fundamentally interesting organophosphorus compounds avoiding chlorinated intermediates. Catalytic methods for P4 functionalization are currently unknown, and developing such methods using transition metal and photoredox catalysts is an additional objective of this proposal.
By providing novel synthetically useful and even catalytic procedures for converting P4 into organophosphorus compounds, this project will significantly contribute to the development of phosphorus chemistry and more sustainable synthesis methods.
Max ERC Funding
1 955 846 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-09-01, End date: 2023-08-31
