Project acronym ComplexiTE
Project An integrated multidisciplinary tissue engineering approach combining novel high-throughput screening and advanced methodologies to create complex biomaterials-stem cells constructs
Researcher (PI) Rui Luis Goncalves Dos Reis
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSIDADE DO MINHO
Country Portugal
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2012-ADG_20120216
Summary New developments on tissue engineering strategies should realize the complexity of tissue remodelling and the inter-dependency of many variables associated to stem cells and biomaterials interactions. ComplexiTE proposes an integrated approach to address such multiple factors in which different innovative methodologies are implemented, aiming at developing tissue-like substitutes with enhanced in vivo functionality. Several ground-breaking advances are expected to be achieved, including: i) improved methodologies for isolation and expansion of sub-populations of stem cells derived from not so explored sources such as adipose tissue and amniotic fluid; ii) radically new methods to monitor human stem cells behaviour in vivo; iii) new macromolecules isolated from renewable resources, especially from marine origin; iv) combinations of liquid volumes mingling biomaterials and distinct stem cells, generating hydrogel beads upon adequate cross-linking reactions; v) optimised culture of the produced beads in adequate 3D bioreactors and a novel selection method to sort the beads that show a (pre-defined) positive biological reading; vi) random 3D arrays validated by identifying the natural polymers and cells composing the positive beads; v) 2D arrays of selected hydrogel spots for brand new in vivo tests, in which each spot of the implanted chip may be evaluated within the living animal using adequate imaging methods; vi) new porous scaffolds of the best combinations formed by particles agglomeration or fiber-based rapid-prototyping. The ultimate goal of this proposal is to develop breakthrough research specifically focused on the above mentioned key issues and radically innovative approaches to produce and scale-up new tissue engineering strategies that are both industrially and clinically relevant, by mastering the inherent complexity associated to the correct selection among a great number of combinations of possible biomaterials, stem cells and culturing conditions.
Summary
New developments on tissue engineering strategies should realize the complexity of tissue remodelling and the inter-dependency of many variables associated to stem cells and biomaterials interactions. ComplexiTE proposes an integrated approach to address such multiple factors in which different innovative methodologies are implemented, aiming at developing tissue-like substitutes with enhanced in vivo functionality. Several ground-breaking advances are expected to be achieved, including: i) improved methodologies for isolation and expansion of sub-populations of stem cells derived from not so explored sources such as adipose tissue and amniotic fluid; ii) radically new methods to monitor human stem cells behaviour in vivo; iii) new macromolecules isolated from renewable resources, especially from marine origin; iv) combinations of liquid volumes mingling biomaterials and distinct stem cells, generating hydrogel beads upon adequate cross-linking reactions; v) optimised culture of the produced beads in adequate 3D bioreactors and a novel selection method to sort the beads that show a (pre-defined) positive biological reading; vi) random 3D arrays validated by identifying the natural polymers and cells composing the positive beads; v) 2D arrays of selected hydrogel spots for brand new in vivo tests, in which each spot of the implanted chip may be evaluated within the living animal using adequate imaging methods; vi) new porous scaffolds of the best combinations formed by particles agglomeration or fiber-based rapid-prototyping. The ultimate goal of this proposal is to develop breakthrough research specifically focused on the above mentioned key issues and radically innovative approaches to produce and scale-up new tissue engineering strategies that are both industrially and clinically relevant, by mastering the inherent complexity associated to the correct selection among a great number of combinations of possible biomaterials, stem cells and culturing conditions.
Max ERC Funding
2 320 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-05-01, End date: 2018-04-30
Project acronym DropletControl
Project Controlling the orientation of molecules inside liquid helium nanodroplets
Researcher (PI) Henrik Stapelfeldt
Host Institution (HI) AARHUS UNIVERSITET
Country Denmark
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE2, ERC-2012-ADG_20120216
Summary In this project I will develop and exploit experimental methods, based on short and intense laser pulses, to control the spatial orientation of molecules dissolved in liquid helium nanodroplets. This idea is, so far, completely unexplored but it has the potential to open a multitude of new opportunities in physics and chemistry. The main objectives are:
1) Complete control and real time monitoring of molecular rotation inside liquid helium droplets, exploring superfluidity of the droplets, the possible formation of quantum vortices, and rotational dephasing due to interaction of the dissolved molecules with the He solvent.
2) Ultrafast imaging of molecules undergoing chemical reaction dynamics inside liquid helium droplets, exploring rapid energy dissipation from reacting molecules to the helium solvent, transition between mirror forms of chiral molecules, strong laser field processes in He-solvated molecules, and structure determination of non crystalizable proteins by electron or x-ray diffraction.
I will achieve the objectives by combining liquid helium droplet technology, ultrafast laser pulse methods and advanced electron and ion imaging detection. The experiments will both rely on existing apparatus in my laboratories and on new vacuum and laser equipment to be set up during the project.
The ability to control how molecules are turned in space is of fundamental importance because interactions of molecules with other molecules, atoms or radiation depend on their spatial orientation. For isolated molecules in the gas phase laser based methods, developed over the past 12 years, now enable very refined and precise control over the spatial orientation of molecules. By contrast, orientational control of molecules in solution has not been demonstrated despite the potential of being able to do so is enormous, notably because most chemistry occurs in a solvent rather than in a gas of isolated molecules.
Summary
In this project I will develop and exploit experimental methods, based on short and intense laser pulses, to control the spatial orientation of molecules dissolved in liquid helium nanodroplets. This idea is, so far, completely unexplored but it has the potential to open a multitude of new opportunities in physics and chemistry. The main objectives are:
1) Complete control and real time monitoring of molecular rotation inside liquid helium droplets, exploring superfluidity of the droplets, the possible formation of quantum vortices, and rotational dephasing due to interaction of the dissolved molecules with the He solvent.
2) Ultrafast imaging of molecules undergoing chemical reaction dynamics inside liquid helium droplets, exploring rapid energy dissipation from reacting molecules to the helium solvent, transition between mirror forms of chiral molecules, strong laser field processes in He-solvated molecules, and structure determination of non crystalizable proteins by electron or x-ray diffraction.
I will achieve the objectives by combining liquid helium droplet technology, ultrafast laser pulse methods and advanced electron and ion imaging detection. The experiments will both rely on existing apparatus in my laboratories and on new vacuum and laser equipment to be set up during the project.
The ability to control how molecules are turned in space is of fundamental importance because interactions of molecules with other molecules, atoms or radiation depend on their spatial orientation. For isolated molecules in the gas phase laser based methods, developed over the past 12 years, now enable very refined and precise control over the spatial orientation of molecules. By contrast, orientational control of molecules in solution has not been demonstrated despite the potential of being able to do so is enormous, notably because most chemistry occurs in a solvent rather than in a gas of isolated molecules.
Max ERC Funding
2 409 773 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-05-01, End date: 2018-04-30
Project acronym HARMONY
Project "Harmonic identification, mitigation and control in power electronics based power systems"
Researcher (PI) Frede Blaabjerg
Host Institution (HI) AALBORG UNIVERSITET
Country Denmark
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE7, ERC-2012-ADG_20120216
Summary "Global electrical energy consumption is still increasing which demands that power capacity and power transmission capabilities must be doubled within 20 years. Today 40 % of the global energy consumption is processed by electricity in 2040 this may be up to 70 %. Electrical power production is changing from conventional, fossil based sources to renewable power resources. Highly efficient and sustainable power electronics in power generation, power transmission/distribution and end-user applications are introduced to ensure more efficient use of electricity. Traditional centralized electricity production with unidirectional power flows in transmission and distribution system will be replaced by the operation and control of intelligent distribution systems which are much more based on power electronics systems and having bidirectional power flow. Such large scale expansion of power electronics usage will change the characteristic of the power system by introducing more harmonics from generation, from the efficient load systems all resulting in a larger risk of instability and more losses in the future power system. The projects goal is to obtain “Harmony” between the renewable energy sources, the future power system and the loads in order to keep stability at all levels seen from a harmonic point of view. The project establishes the necessary theories, models and methods to identify harmonic problems in a power electronic based power system, a theoretical and hardware platform to enable control of harmonics and mitigate them, and develops on-line methods to monitor the harmonic state of the power system. The outcomes are new tools for identifying stability problems in power electronics based power systems and new control methods for reducing the harmonic presence and reduce the overall instability risks. Further, new design methods for active and passive filters in renewable energy systems, in the power system and in the power electronics based loads will be developed"
Summary
"Global electrical energy consumption is still increasing which demands that power capacity and power transmission capabilities must be doubled within 20 years. Today 40 % of the global energy consumption is processed by electricity in 2040 this may be up to 70 %. Electrical power production is changing from conventional, fossil based sources to renewable power resources. Highly efficient and sustainable power electronics in power generation, power transmission/distribution and end-user applications are introduced to ensure more efficient use of electricity. Traditional centralized electricity production with unidirectional power flows in transmission and distribution system will be replaced by the operation and control of intelligent distribution systems which are much more based on power electronics systems and having bidirectional power flow. Such large scale expansion of power electronics usage will change the characteristic of the power system by introducing more harmonics from generation, from the efficient load systems all resulting in a larger risk of instability and more losses in the future power system. The projects goal is to obtain “Harmony” between the renewable energy sources, the future power system and the loads in order to keep stability at all levels seen from a harmonic point of view. The project establishes the necessary theories, models and methods to identify harmonic problems in a power electronic based power system, a theoretical and hardware platform to enable control of harmonics and mitigate them, and develops on-line methods to monitor the harmonic state of the power system. The outcomes are new tools for identifying stability problems in power electronics based power systems and new control methods for reducing the harmonic presence and reduce the overall instability risks. Further, new design methods for active and passive filters in renewable energy systems, in the power system and in the power electronics based loads will be developed"
Max ERC Funding
2 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-03-01, End date: 2018-02-28
