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 INVISIBLE
Project Advanced Amorphous Multicomponent Oxides for Transparent Electronics
Researcher (PI) Elvira Fortunato
Host Institution (HI) FACULDADE DE CIENCIAS E TECNOLOGIADA UNIVERSIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA
Country Portugal
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2008-AdG
Summary Imagine having a fully transparent and flexible, foldable, low cost, displays or at the glass window of your home/office, a transparent electronic circuit, do you believe on that? Maybe you are asking me if I am writing science fiction. No I am not. In fact this is a very ambitious objective but is tangible in the framework of this project due to the already acquired experience in the development of transparent thin film transistors using novel multifunctional and multicomponent oxides that can behave as active or passive semiconductor materials. This is an interdisciplinary research project aiming to develop a new class of transparent electronic components, based on multicomponent passive and active oxide semiconductors (n and p-types), to fabricate the novel generation of full transparent electronic devices and circuits, either using rigid or flexible substrates. The emphasis will be put on developing thin film transistors (n and p-TFTs) and integrated circuits for a broad range of applications (from inverters, C-MOS like devices, ring oscillators, CCDs backplanes for active matrices, biossensor arrays for DNA/RNA/proteins detection), boosting to its maximum their electronic performances for next generation of invisible circuits. By doing so, we are contributing for generating a free real state electronics that is able to add new electronic functionalities onto surfaces, which currently are not used in this manner and that silicon cannot contribute. The multicomponent metal oxide materials to be developed will exhibit (mainly) an amorphous or a nanocomposite structure and will be processed by PVD techniques like rf magnetron sputtering at room temperature, compatible with the use of low cost and flexible substrates (polymers, cellulose paper, among others). These will facilitate a migration away from tradition silicon like fab based batch processing to large area, roll to roll manufacturing technology which will offer significant advantages
Summary
Imagine having a fully transparent and flexible, foldable, low cost, displays or at the glass window of your home/office, a transparent electronic circuit, do you believe on that? Maybe you are asking me if I am writing science fiction. No I am not. In fact this is a very ambitious objective but is tangible in the framework of this project due to the already acquired experience in the development of transparent thin film transistors using novel multifunctional and multicomponent oxides that can behave as active or passive semiconductor materials. This is an interdisciplinary research project aiming to develop a new class of transparent electronic components, based on multicomponent passive and active oxide semiconductors (n and p-types), to fabricate the novel generation of full transparent electronic devices and circuits, either using rigid or flexible substrates. The emphasis will be put on developing thin film transistors (n and p-TFTs) and integrated circuits for a broad range of applications (from inverters, C-MOS like devices, ring oscillators, CCDs backplanes for active matrices, biossensor arrays for DNA/RNA/proteins detection), boosting to its maximum their electronic performances for next generation of invisible circuits. By doing so, we are contributing for generating a free real state electronics that is able to add new electronic functionalities onto surfaces, which currently are not used in this manner and that silicon cannot contribute. The multicomponent metal oxide materials to be developed will exhibit (mainly) an amorphous or a nanocomposite structure and will be processed by PVD techniques like rf magnetron sputtering at room temperature, compatible with the use of low cost and flexible substrates (polymers, cellulose paper, among others). These will facilitate a migration away from tradition silicon like fab based batch processing to large area, roll to roll manufacturing technology which will offer significant advantages
Max ERC Funding
2 250 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-01-01, End date: 2014-12-31
Project acronym NanoTrigger
Project Triggerable nanomaterials to modulate cell activity
Researcher (PI) Lino Da Silva Ferreira
Host Institution (HI) CENTRO DE NEUROCIENCIAS E BIOLOGIACELULAR ASSOCIACAO
Country Portugal
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary The advent of molecular reprogramming and the associated opportunities for personalised and therapeutic medicine requires the development of novel systems for on-demand delivery of reprogramming factors into cells in order to modulate their activity/identity. Such triggerable systems should allow precise control of the timing, duration, magnitude and spatial release of the reprogramming factors. Furthermore, the system should allow this control even in vivo, using non-invasive means. The present project aims at developing triggerable systems able to release efficiently reprogramming factors on demand. The potential of this technology will be tested in two settings: (i) in the reprogramming of somatic cells in vitro, and (ii) in the improvement of hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in vivo, at the bone marrow. The proposed research involves a team formed by engineers, chemists, biologists and is highly multidisciplinary in nature encompassing elements of engineering, chemistry, system biology, stem cell technology and nanomedicine.
Summary
The advent of molecular reprogramming and the associated opportunities for personalised and therapeutic medicine requires the development of novel systems for on-demand delivery of reprogramming factors into cells in order to modulate their activity/identity. Such triggerable systems should allow precise control of the timing, duration, magnitude and spatial release of the reprogramming factors. Furthermore, the system should allow this control even in vivo, using non-invasive means. The present project aims at developing triggerable systems able to release efficiently reprogramming factors on demand. The potential of this technology will be tested in two settings: (i) in the reprogramming of somatic cells in vitro, and (ii) in the improvement of hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in vivo, at the bone marrow. The proposed research involves a team formed by engineers, chemists, biologists and is highly multidisciplinary in nature encompassing elements of engineering, chemistry, system biology, stem cell technology and nanomedicine.
Max ERC Funding
1 699 320 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-11-01, End date: 2017-10-31
