Project acronym AFIRMATIVE
Project Acoustic-Flow Interaction Models for Advancing Thermoacoustic Instability prediction in Very low Emission combustors
Researcher (PI) Aimee MORGANS
Host Institution (HI) IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE8, ERC-2017-COG
Summary Gas turbines are an essential ingredient in the long-term energy and aviation mix. They are flexible, offer fast start-up and the ability to burn renewable-generated fuels. However, they generate NOx emissions, which cause air pollution and damage human health, and reducing these is an air quality imperative. A major hurdle to this is that lean premixed combustion, essential for further NOx emission reductions, is highly susceptible to thermoacoustic instability. This is caused by a two-way coupling between unsteady combustion and acoustic waves, and the resulting large pressure oscillations can cause severe mechanical damage. Computational methods for predicting thermoacoustic instability, fast and accurate enough to be used as part of the industrial design process, are urgently needed.
The only computational methods with the prospect of being fast enough are those based on coupled treatment of the acoustic waves and unsteady combustion. These exploit the amenity of the acoustic waves to analytical modelling, allowing costly simulations to be directed only at the more complex flame. They show real promise: my group recently demonstrated the first accurate coupled predictions for lab-scale combustors. The method does not yet extend to industrial combustors, the more complex flow-fields in these rendering current acoustic models overly-simplistic. I propose to comprehensively overhaul acoustic models across the entirety of the combustor, accounting for real and important acoustic-flow interactions. These new models will offer the breakthrough prospect of extending efficient, accurate predictive capability to industrial combustors, which has a real chance of facilitating future, instability free, very low NOx gas turbines.
Summary
Gas turbines are an essential ingredient in the long-term energy and aviation mix. They are flexible, offer fast start-up and the ability to burn renewable-generated fuels. However, they generate NOx emissions, which cause air pollution and damage human health, and reducing these is an air quality imperative. A major hurdle to this is that lean premixed combustion, essential for further NOx emission reductions, is highly susceptible to thermoacoustic instability. This is caused by a two-way coupling between unsteady combustion and acoustic waves, and the resulting large pressure oscillations can cause severe mechanical damage. Computational methods for predicting thermoacoustic instability, fast and accurate enough to be used as part of the industrial design process, are urgently needed.
The only computational methods with the prospect of being fast enough are those based on coupled treatment of the acoustic waves and unsteady combustion. These exploit the amenity of the acoustic waves to analytical modelling, allowing costly simulations to be directed only at the more complex flame. They show real promise: my group recently demonstrated the first accurate coupled predictions for lab-scale combustors. The method does not yet extend to industrial combustors, the more complex flow-fields in these rendering current acoustic models overly-simplistic. I propose to comprehensively overhaul acoustic models across the entirety of the combustor, accounting for real and important acoustic-flow interactions. These new models will offer the breakthrough prospect of extending efficient, accurate predictive capability to industrial combustors, which has a real chance of facilitating future, instability free, very low NOx gas turbines.
Max ERC Funding
1 985 288 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-06-01, End date: 2023-05-31
Project acronym APRA
Project Active Polymers for Renewable Functional Actuators
Researcher (PI) Eugene TERENTJEV
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2017-ADG
Summary The idea of mechanical actuator based on intrinsic material properties of liquid-crystalline elastomers (rather than complex engineering of interacting components) has been understood for 20+ years. The remarkable characteristics of LCE actuation (fully reversible action; large-amplitude, with a stroke of 5%-300%; stress-strain-speed response almost exactly matching the human muscle) make it highly attractive in biomedical engineering, robotics, smart textiles, and other fields. Yet, there is a profound difficulty (bottleneck), which remains the reason why this concept has not found its way into any practical devices & applications. LCE actuation requires alignment (monodomain structure) of the local anisotropy in the permanently crosslinked polymer network - which has been impossible to achieve in any useful large-scale configuration except the flat film, due to the unavoidable restrictions of two competing processes: orientational alignment and network crosslinking.
Recently, we made a breakthrough, developing LCE vitrimers (polymer networks covalently crosslinked by a bond-exchange reaction). Vitrimers are much more stable than other transient elastomer networks, allow easy thermal re-moulding (making the material fully renewable), and permit molding of complex shapes with intricate local alignment (which are impossible in traditional elastomers). This project will bridge from the concept to technology, tuning the material design for robust nematic LCE vitrimers, imparting photo-actuation capacity with a controlled wavelength, and finally utilising them in practical-engineering actuator applications where the reversible mechanical action is stimulated by light, solvent exposure, or more traditionally - heat. These applications include (but not limited to): continuous spinning light-driven motor, tactile dynamic Braille display, capillary pump and toggle flow switch for microfuidics, active textile fibre, and heliotracking filament that always points at the Sun.
Summary
The idea of mechanical actuator based on intrinsic material properties of liquid-crystalline elastomers (rather than complex engineering of interacting components) has been understood for 20+ years. The remarkable characteristics of LCE actuation (fully reversible action; large-amplitude, with a stroke of 5%-300%; stress-strain-speed response almost exactly matching the human muscle) make it highly attractive in biomedical engineering, robotics, smart textiles, and other fields. Yet, there is a profound difficulty (bottleneck), which remains the reason why this concept has not found its way into any practical devices & applications. LCE actuation requires alignment (monodomain structure) of the local anisotropy in the permanently crosslinked polymer network - which has been impossible to achieve in any useful large-scale configuration except the flat film, due to the unavoidable restrictions of two competing processes: orientational alignment and network crosslinking.
Recently, we made a breakthrough, developing LCE vitrimers (polymer networks covalently crosslinked by a bond-exchange reaction). Vitrimers are much more stable than other transient elastomer networks, allow easy thermal re-moulding (making the material fully renewable), and permit molding of complex shapes with intricate local alignment (which are impossible in traditional elastomers). This project will bridge from the concept to technology, tuning the material design for robust nematic LCE vitrimers, imparting photo-actuation capacity with a controlled wavelength, and finally utilising them in practical-engineering actuator applications where the reversible mechanical action is stimulated by light, solvent exposure, or more traditionally - heat. These applications include (but not limited to): continuous spinning light-driven motor, tactile dynamic Braille display, capillary pump and toggle flow switch for microfuidics, active textile fibre, and heliotracking filament that always points at the Sun.
Max ERC Funding
2 012 136 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-10-01, End date: 2023-09-30
Project acronym ARTISTIC
Project Advanced and Reusable Theory for the In Silico-optimization of composite electrode fabrication processes for rechargeable battery Technologies with Innovative Chemistries
Researcher (PI) Alejandro Antonio FRANCO
Host Institution (HI) CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE8, ERC-2017-COG
Summary The aim of this project is to develop and to demonstrate a novel theoretical framework devoted to rationalizing the formulation of composite electrodes containing next-generation material chemistries for high energy density secondary batteries. The framework will be established through the combination of discrete particle and continuum mathematical models within a multiscale computational workflow integrating the individual models and mimicking the different steps along the electrode fabrication process, including slurry preparation, drying and calendering. Strongly complemented by dedicated experimental characterizations which are devoted to its validation, the goal of this framework is to provide insights about the impacts of material properties and fabrication process parameters on the electrode mesostructures and their corresponding correlation to the resulting electrochemical performance. It targets self-organization mechanisms of material mixtures in slurries by considering the interactions between the active and conductive materials, solvent, binders and dispersants and the relationship between the materials properties such as surface chemistry and wettability. Optimal electrode formulation, fabrication process and the arising electrode mesostructure can then be achieved. Additionally, the framework will be integrated into an online and open access infrastructure, allowing predictive direct and reverse engineering for optimized electrode designs to attain high quality electrochemical performances. Through the demonstration of a multidisciplinary, flexible and transferable framework, this project has tremendous potential to provide insights leading to proposals of new and highly efficient industrial techniques for the fabrication of cheaper and reliable next-generation secondary battery electrodes for a wide spectrum of applications, including Electric Transportation.
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop and to demonstrate a novel theoretical framework devoted to rationalizing the formulation of composite electrodes containing next-generation material chemistries for high energy density secondary batteries. The framework will be established through the combination of discrete particle and continuum mathematical models within a multiscale computational workflow integrating the individual models and mimicking the different steps along the electrode fabrication process, including slurry preparation, drying and calendering. Strongly complemented by dedicated experimental characterizations which are devoted to its validation, the goal of this framework is to provide insights about the impacts of material properties and fabrication process parameters on the electrode mesostructures and their corresponding correlation to the resulting electrochemical performance. It targets self-organization mechanisms of material mixtures in slurries by considering the interactions between the active and conductive materials, solvent, binders and dispersants and the relationship between the materials properties such as surface chemistry and wettability. Optimal electrode formulation, fabrication process and the arising electrode mesostructure can then be achieved. Additionally, the framework will be integrated into an online and open access infrastructure, allowing predictive direct and reverse engineering for optimized electrode designs to attain high quality electrochemical performances. Through the demonstration of a multidisciplinary, flexible and transferable framework, this project has tremendous potential to provide insights leading to proposals of new and highly efficient industrial techniques for the fabrication of cheaper and reliable next-generation secondary battery electrodes for a wide spectrum of applications, including Electric Transportation.
Max ERC Funding
1 976 445 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-04-01, End date: 2023-03-31
Project acronym ASYMMEM
Project Lipid asymmetry: a cellular battery?
Researcher (PI) André NADLER
Host Institution (HI) MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS3, ERC-2017-STG
Summary It is a basic textbook notion that the plasma membranes of virtually all organisms display an asymmetric lipid distribution between inner and outer leaflets far removed from thermodynamic equilibrium. As a fundamental biological principle, lipid asymmetry has been linked to numerous cellular processes. However, a clear mechanistic justification for the continued existence of lipid asymmetry throughout evolution has yet to be established. We propose here that lipid asymmetry serves as a store of potential energy that is used to fuel energy-intense membrane remodelling and signalling events for instance during membrane fusion and fission. This implies that rapid, local changes of trans-membrane lipid distribution rather than a continuously maintained out-of-equilibrium situation are crucial for cellular function. Consequently, new methods for quantifying the kinetics of lipid trans-bilayer movement are required, as traditional approaches are mostly suited for analysing quasi-steady-state conditions. Addressing this need, we will develop and employ novel photochemical lipid probes and lipid biosensors to quantify localized trans-bilayer lipid movement. We will use these tools for identifying yet unknown protein components of the lipid asymmetry regulating machinery and analyse their function with regard to membrane dynamics and signalling in cell motility. Focussing on cell motility enables targeted chemical and genetic perturbations while monitoring lipid dynamics on timescales and in membrane structures that are well suited for light microscopy. Ultimately, we aim to reconstitute lipid asymmetry as a driving force for membrane remodelling in vitro. We expect that our work will break new ground in explaining one of the least understood features of the plasma membrane and pave the way for a new, dynamic membrane model. Since the plasma membrane serves as the major signalling hub, this will have impact in almost every area of the life sciences.
Summary
It is a basic textbook notion that the plasma membranes of virtually all organisms display an asymmetric lipid distribution between inner and outer leaflets far removed from thermodynamic equilibrium. As a fundamental biological principle, lipid asymmetry has been linked to numerous cellular processes. However, a clear mechanistic justification for the continued existence of lipid asymmetry throughout evolution has yet to be established. We propose here that lipid asymmetry serves as a store of potential energy that is used to fuel energy-intense membrane remodelling and signalling events for instance during membrane fusion and fission. This implies that rapid, local changes of trans-membrane lipid distribution rather than a continuously maintained out-of-equilibrium situation are crucial for cellular function. Consequently, new methods for quantifying the kinetics of lipid trans-bilayer movement are required, as traditional approaches are mostly suited for analysing quasi-steady-state conditions. Addressing this need, we will develop and employ novel photochemical lipid probes and lipid biosensors to quantify localized trans-bilayer lipid movement. We will use these tools for identifying yet unknown protein components of the lipid asymmetry regulating machinery and analyse their function with regard to membrane dynamics and signalling in cell motility. Focussing on cell motility enables targeted chemical and genetic perturbations while monitoring lipid dynamics on timescales and in membrane structures that are well suited for light microscopy. Ultimately, we aim to reconstitute lipid asymmetry as a driving force for membrane remodelling in vitro. We expect that our work will break new ground in explaining one of the least understood features of the plasma membrane and pave the way for a new, dynamic membrane model. Since the plasma membrane serves as the major signalling hub, this will have impact in almost every area of the life sciences.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-01-01, End date: 2022-12-31
Project acronym BACTIN
Project Shaping the bacterial cell wall: the actin-like cytoskeleton, from single molecules to morphogenesis and antimicrobials
Researcher (PI) Rut CARBALLIDO LOPEZ
Host Institution (HI) INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), LS3, ERC-2017-COG
Summary One of the ultimate goals in cell biology is to understand how cells determine their shape. In bacteria, the cell wall and the actin-like (MreB) cytoskeleton are major determinants of cell shape. As a hallmark of microbial life, the external cell wall is the most conspicuous macromolecule expanding in concert with cell growth and one of the most prominent targets for antibiotics. Despite decades of study, the mechanism of cell wall morphogenesis remains poorly understood. In rod-shaped bacteria, actin-like MreB proteins assemble into disconnected membrane-associated structures (patches) that move processively around the cell periphery and are thought to control shape by spatiotemporally organizing macromolecular machineries that effect sidewall elongation. However, the ultrastructure of MreB assemblies and the mechanistic details underlying their morphogenetic function remain to be elucidated.
The aim of this project is to combine ground-breaking light microscopy and spectroscopy techniques with cutting-edge genetic, biochemical and systems biology approaches available in the model rod-shaped bacterium Bacillus subtilis to elucidate how MreB and cell wall biosynthetic enzymes collectively act to build a cell. Within this context, new features of MreB assemblies will be determined in vivo and in vitro, and a “toolbox” of approaches to determine the modes of action of antibiotics targeting cell wall processes will be developed. Parameters measured by the different approaches will be used to refine a mathematical model aiming to quantitatively describe the features of bacterial cell wall growth. The long-term goals of BActin are to understand general principles of bacterial cell morphogenesis and to provide mechanistic templates and new reporters for the screening of novel antibiotics.
Summary
One of the ultimate goals in cell biology is to understand how cells determine their shape. In bacteria, the cell wall and the actin-like (MreB) cytoskeleton are major determinants of cell shape. As a hallmark of microbial life, the external cell wall is the most conspicuous macromolecule expanding in concert with cell growth and one of the most prominent targets for antibiotics. Despite decades of study, the mechanism of cell wall morphogenesis remains poorly understood. In rod-shaped bacteria, actin-like MreB proteins assemble into disconnected membrane-associated structures (patches) that move processively around the cell periphery and are thought to control shape by spatiotemporally organizing macromolecular machineries that effect sidewall elongation. However, the ultrastructure of MreB assemblies and the mechanistic details underlying their morphogenetic function remain to be elucidated.
The aim of this project is to combine ground-breaking light microscopy and spectroscopy techniques with cutting-edge genetic, biochemical and systems biology approaches available in the model rod-shaped bacterium Bacillus subtilis to elucidate how MreB and cell wall biosynthetic enzymes collectively act to build a cell. Within this context, new features of MreB assemblies will be determined in vivo and in vitro, and a “toolbox” of approaches to determine the modes of action of antibiotics targeting cell wall processes will be developed. Parameters measured by the different approaches will be used to refine a mathematical model aiming to quantitatively describe the features of bacterial cell wall growth. The long-term goals of BActin are to understand general principles of bacterial cell morphogenesis and to provide mechanistic templates and new reporters for the screening of novel antibiotics.
Max ERC Funding
1 902 195 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-02-01, End date: 2024-01-31
Project acronym BinD
Project Mitotic Bookmarking, Stem Cells and early Development
Researcher (PI) Pablo Navarro Gil
Host Institution (HI) INSTITUT PASTEUR
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), LS3, ERC-2017-COG
Summary The goal of this proposal is to deliver a new theoretical framework to understand how transcription factors (TFs) sustain cell identity during developmental processes. Recognised as key drivers of cell fate acquisition, TFs are currently not considered to directly contribute to the mitotic inheritance of chromatin states. Instead, these are passively propagated through cell division by a variety of epigenetic marks. Recent discoveries, including by our lab, challenge this view: developmental TFs may impact the propagation of regulatory information from mother to daughter cells through a process known as mitotic bookmarking. This hypothesis, largely overlooked by mainstream epigenetic research during the last two decades, will be investigated in embryo-derived stem cells and during early mouse development. Indeed, these immature cell identities are largely independent from canonical epigenetic repression; hence, current models cannot account for their properties. We will comprehensively identify mitotic bookmarking factors in stem cells and early embryos, establish their function in stem cell self-renewal, cell fate acquisition and dissect how they contribute to chromatin regulation in mitosis. This will allow us to study the relationships between bookmarking factors and other mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance. To achieve this, unique techniques to modulate protein activity and histone modifications specifically in mitotic cells will be established. Thus, a mechanistic understanding of how mitosis influences gene regulation and of how mitotic bookmarking contributes to the propagation of immature cell identities will be delivered. Based on robust preliminary data, we anticipate the discovery of new functions for TFs in several genetic and epigenetic processes. This knowledge should have a wide impact on chromatin biology and cell fate studies as well as in other fields studying processes dominated by TFs and cell proliferation.
Summary
The goal of this proposal is to deliver a new theoretical framework to understand how transcription factors (TFs) sustain cell identity during developmental processes. Recognised as key drivers of cell fate acquisition, TFs are currently not considered to directly contribute to the mitotic inheritance of chromatin states. Instead, these are passively propagated through cell division by a variety of epigenetic marks. Recent discoveries, including by our lab, challenge this view: developmental TFs may impact the propagation of regulatory information from mother to daughter cells through a process known as mitotic bookmarking. This hypothesis, largely overlooked by mainstream epigenetic research during the last two decades, will be investigated in embryo-derived stem cells and during early mouse development. Indeed, these immature cell identities are largely independent from canonical epigenetic repression; hence, current models cannot account for their properties. We will comprehensively identify mitotic bookmarking factors in stem cells and early embryos, establish their function in stem cell self-renewal, cell fate acquisition and dissect how they contribute to chromatin regulation in mitosis. This will allow us to study the relationships between bookmarking factors and other mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance. To achieve this, unique techniques to modulate protein activity and histone modifications specifically in mitotic cells will be established. Thus, a mechanistic understanding of how mitosis influences gene regulation and of how mitotic bookmarking contributes to the propagation of immature cell identities will be delivered. Based on robust preliminary data, we anticipate the discovery of new functions for TFs in several genetic and epigenetic processes. This knowledge should have a wide impact on chromatin biology and cell fate studies as well as in other fields studying processes dominated by TFs and cell proliferation.
Max ERC Funding
1 900 844 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-09-01, End date: 2023-08-31
Project acronym BioELCell
Project Bioproducts Engineered from Lignocelluloses: from plants and upcycling to next generation materials
Researcher (PI) Orlando Rojas Gaona
Host Institution (HI) AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2017-ADG
Summary BioELCell will deliver ground-breaking approaches to create next material generation based on renewable resources, mainly cellulose and lignin micro- and nano-particles (MNC, MNL). Our action will disassemble and re-engineer these plant-based polymers into functional materials that will respond to the demands of the bioeconomy of the future, critically important to Europe and the world. My ambitious, high gain research plan is underpinned in the use of multiphase systems with ultra-low interfacial tension to facilitate nanocellulose liberation and atomization of lignin solution streams into spherical particles.
BioELCell will design novel routes to control MNC and MNL reassembly in new 1-D, 2-D and 3-D structures. The systematic methodologies that I propose will address the main challenges for lignocellulose processing and deployment, considering the important effects of interactions with water. This BioELCell action presents a transformative approach by integrating complementary disciplines that will lead to a far-reaching understanding of lignocellulosic biopolymers and solve key challenges in their use, paving the way to functional product development. Results of this project permeates directly or indirectly in the grand challenges for engineering, namely, water use, carbon sequestration, nitrogen cycle, food and advanced materials. Indeed, after addressing the key fundamental elements of the research lines, BioELCell vindicates such effects based on rational use of plant-based materials as a sustainable resource, making possible the generation of new functions and advanced materials.
BioELCell goes far beyond what is known today about cellulose and lignin micro and nano-particles, some of the most promising materials of our century, which are emerging as key elements for the success of a sustainable society.
Summary
BioELCell will deliver ground-breaking approaches to create next material generation based on renewable resources, mainly cellulose and lignin micro- and nano-particles (MNC, MNL). Our action will disassemble and re-engineer these plant-based polymers into functional materials that will respond to the demands of the bioeconomy of the future, critically important to Europe and the world. My ambitious, high gain research plan is underpinned in the use of multiphase systems with ultra-low interfacial tension to facilitate nanocellulose liberation and atomization of lignin solution streams into spherical particles.
BioELCell will design novel routes to control MNC and MNL reassembly in new 1-D, 2-D and 3-D structures. The systematic methodologies that I propose will address the main challenges for lignocellulose processing and deployment, considering the important effects of interactions with water. This BioELCell action presents a transformative approach by integrating complementary disciplines that will lead to a far-reaching understanding of lignocellulosic biopolymers and solve key challenges in their use, paving the way to functional product development. Results of this project permeates directly or indirectly in the grand challenges for engineering, namely, water use, carbon sequestration, nitrogen cycle, food and advanced materials. Indeed, after addressing the key fundamental elements of the research lines, BioELCell vindicates such effects based on rational use of plant-based materials as a sustainable resource, making possible the generation of new functions and advanced materials.
BioELCell goes far beyond what is known today about cellulose and lignin micro and nano-particles, some of the most promising materials of our century, which are emerging as key elements for the success of a sustainable society.
Max ERC Funding
2 486 182 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-08-01, End date: 2023-07-31
Project acronym BIOELE
Project Functional Biointerface Elements via Biomicrofabrication
Researcher (PI) YANYAN HUANG
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2017-STG
Summary Imagine in the future, bionic devices that can merge device and biology which can perform molecular sensing, simulate the functions of grown-organs in the lab, or even replace or improve parts of the organ as smart implants? Such bionic devices is set to transform a number of emerging fields, including synthetic biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and human-machine interfaces. Merging biology and man-made devices also mean that materials of vastly different properties need to be seamlessly integrated. One of the promising strategies to manufacture these devices is through 3D printing, which can structure different materials into functional devices, and simultaneously intertwining with biological matters. However, the requirement for biocompatibility, miniaturisation, portability and high performance in bionic devices pushes the current limit for micro- nanoscale 3D printing.
This proposal aims to develop a new multi-material, cross-length scale biofabrication platform, with specific focus in making future smart bionic devices. In particular, a new mechanism is proposed to smoothly interface diverse classes of materials, such that an active device component can be ‘shrunk’ into a single small fibre. This mechanism utilises the polymeric materials’ flow property under applied tensile forces, and their abilities to combine with other classes of materials, such as semi-conductors and metals to impart further functionalities. This smart device fibre can be custom-made to perform different tasks, such as light emission or energy harvesting, to bridge 3D bioprinting for the future creation of high performance, compact, and cell-friendly bionic and medical devices.
Summary
Imagine in the future, bionic devices that can merge device and biology which can perform molecular sensing, simulate the functions of grown-organs in the lab, or even replace or improve parts of the organ as smart implants? Such bionic devices is set to transform a number of emerging fields, including synthetic biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and human-machine interfaces. Merging biology and man-made devices also mean that materials of vastly different properties need to be seamlessly integrated. One of the promising strategies to manufacture these devices is through 3D printing, which can structure different materials into functional devices, and simultaneously intertwining with biological matters. However, the requirement for biocompatibility, miniaturisation, portability and high performance in bionic devices pushes the current limit for micro- nanoscale 3D printing.
This proposal aims to develop a new multi-material, cross-length scale biofabrication platform, with specific focus in making future smart bionic devices. In particular, a new mechanism is proposed to smoothly interface diverse classes of materials, such that an active device component can be ‘shrunk’ into a single small fibre. This mechanism utilises the polymeric materials’ flow property under applied tensile forces, and their abilities to combine with other classes of materials, such as semi-conductors and metals to impart further functionalities. This smart device fibre can be custom-made to perform different tasks, such as light emission or energy harvesting, to bridge 3D bioprinting for the future creation of high performance, compact, and cell-friendly bionic and medical devices.
Max ERC Funding
1 486 938 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-01-01, End date: 2022-12-31
Project acronym BIOGEOS
Project Bio-mediated Geo-material Strengthening for engineering applications
Researcher (PI) Lyesse LALOUI
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2017-ADG
Summary Given the increasing scarcity of suitable land for development, soil strengthening technologies have emerged in the past decade and go hand-in-hand with the implementation of the majority of foundation solutions. The goal is to alter the soil structure and its mechanical properties for ultimately securing the integrity of structures. The BIOGEOS project puts the focus on bio-mediated soil improvement, which falls within the broader framework of multi-physical processes in geo-mechanics. The goal of the project is to engineer a novel, natural material under controlled processes, for ultimately providing solutions to real problems in the geo-engineering and geo-energy fields by advancing knowledge around complex multi-physical phenomena in porous media. The bio-cemented geo-material, which is produced by carefully integrating the metabolic activity of native soil bacteria, is produced through the bio-mineralization of calcite bonds, which act as natural cementation for endowing the subsurface with real cohesion and increased resistance. A principal characteristic of the project is its multi-scale approach through advanced experimentation to identify the main physical mechanisms involved in the formation of the bio-mineralized bonds and their behaviour under mechanical loading. The development of such a bio-mediated technology will lead to innovative applications in a series of engineering problems such as the restoration of weak foundations, seismic retrofitting, erosion protection, and the enhancement of heat transfer in thermo-active geo-structures. The project foresees to adopt multiple loading conditions for its laboratory characterization and ultimately pass to the large experimental scale. BIOGEOS further aims to provide new knowledge around the way we perceive materials in relation with their micro-structure by implementing state-of-the-art inspection of the material’s structure in 3D space and subsequent prediction of their behaviour through numerical tools.
Summary
Given the increasing scarcity of suitable land for development, soil strengthening technologies have emerged in the past decade and go hand-in-hand with the implementation of the majority of foundation solutions. The goal is to alter the soil structure and its mechanical properties for ultimately securing the integrity of structures. The BIOGEOS project puts the focus on bio-mediated soil improvement, which falls within the broader framework of multi-physical processes in geo-mechanics. The goal of the project is to engineer a novel, natural material under controlled processes, for ultimately providing solutions to real problems in the geo-engineering and geo-energy fields by advancing knowledge around complex multi-physical phenomena in porous media. The bio-cemented geo-material, which is produced by carefully integrating the metabolic activity of native soil bacteria, is produced through the bio-mineralization of calcite bonds, which act as natural cementation for endowing the subsurface with real cohesion and increased resistance. A principal characteristic of the project is its multi-scale approach through advanced experimentation to identify the main physical mechanisms involved in the formation of the bio-mineralized bonds and their behaviour under mechanical loading. The development of such a bio-mediated technology will lead to innovative applications in a series of engineering problems such as the restoration of weak foundations, seismic retrofitting, erosion protection, and the enhancement of heat transfer in thermo-active geo-structures. The project foresees to adopt multiple loading conditions for its laboratory characterization and ultimately pass to the large experimental scale. BIOGEOS further aims to provide new knowledge around the way we perceive materials in relation with their micro-structure by implementing state-of-the-art inspection of the material’s structure in 3D space and subsequent prediction of their behaviour through numerical tools.
Max ERC Funding
2 497 115 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-11-01, End date: 2023-10-31
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
