Sustainable production of advanced materials is crucial to the continued progress of humanity. A particularly challenging target are porous materials (PMs) whose functionality relies on empty space within their structure.

The main objectives of the proposed project are to design and synthesize structurally different metallosurfactants (monomeric, dimeric, and double-chain) with selected transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) in order to:

a)    obtain simple-to-produce, cost-effective, multifunctional metallosurfactants with improved self-assembly and solution properties by establishing an optimal structure-property relationship

b)    optimize simple, cost-effective, environmentally more friendly synthesis of metallic nanoparticles from synthesised metallosurfactants as metal precursors by establishing an optimal structure-property relationship and reactions conditions

c)   explore metallosurfactants as solid-state low-dimensional magnetic materials by establishing an optimal magneto-structural correlation

AIMed's Innovative Training Network (ITN)

The AIMed network, consisting of 12 beneficiaries and 7 partner organisations, will develop a range of materials with antimicrobial properties that are suitable for use on the surfaces of orthopaedic implants. This is in response to the increasing problem of post-operative infection by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

AIMed will carry out a thorough investigation of the properties of the new materials to ensure that they are feasible for use in future implants. This work will include the evaluation of antibacterial action and biocompatibility using appropriate models. The training of the 15 ESRs appointed to AIMed will be multidisciplinary and intersectoral, with an emphasis on the need for technology transfer from academic institutions to commercial users.

Grant agreement ID: 861138 (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019)

More info: Antimicrobial Integrated Methodologies for orthopaedic applications | AIMed | Project | Fact sheet | H2020 | CORDIS | European Commission (europa.eu)

The EU-funded STOP project will develop antimicrobial and antiviral nanocoatings for application to high-touch surfaces. The nanocoatings will be developed using combinations of inorganic nanoparticles, antimicrobial peptides, and nanoscale laser surface modifications. The formulations will be evaluated for efficacy using existing international standards and novel testing methods. The components for the formulations have to allow flexible, sprayable and long-lasting coatings, with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antiviral activity and reduced risk for development of resistance. The project nanocoatings will significantly reduce infections transmitted via high-touch surfaces, healthcare costs, and environmental pollution by current disinfectants and increase general preparedness for future pandemics.

Mechanochemical and solvent-free strategies towards functional porous materials with advanced physico-chemical and catalytic properties

The main goal of this project is preparation and thorough characterization of new magnetic metalo-organic framework (MOF) materials based on the efficient spatial resolution of selected molecular magnets, such as endofulerenes or polyoxometalates (POMs), in collaboration between Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden) and Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb (RBI Zagreb).

The main goal of this project is the investigation and understanding of magneto-structural correlations in the newly synthesized metal-organic complexes. Synthesis and investigation of magnetic properties of these complexes will be performed in the frame of collaboration between Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden) and Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) Zagreb.

The development of new molecular systems able to recognize specific sequences in nucleic acids is a subject of uttermost importance for the development of new drugs, biosensors or tools for basic biochemical and biological studies. Unlike proteins which recognize ds-DNA through the interaction with its major grove, small molecular binders usually undergo intercalation or choose minor groove to interact, leaving the study of the major groove recognition by small molecular systems practically unexplored so far. We propose a study of the interaction of nucleic acids with macrocyclic structures based on derivatized calix[6]arenes (conformationally flexible “funnel” systems) and resorcinarenes (more rigid “bowl” systems), featuring a required size, shape and functionalities to mimic the way proteins recognize nucleic acids. The research will be conducted in an iterative fashion and start with a (already optimized) synthesis and chemical/structural characterization of the initial set of 16 funnel and bowl potential DNA/RNA binders, followed by their recognition and binding studies on the chosen set of poly- and oligonucleotides, biological tests and X-ray structure analysis of their complexes with oligonucleotides. Based on the results from the first iteration, fluorophoric amino acids will be grafted to the best binding candidate molecules from the initial set in order to further enhance the binding capacity, specificity and to facilitate spectroscopic monitoring of the binding process. Complete set of analyses (recognition/binding biological and structural) will be applied to the fluorophoric set. Based on the results from the second iteration, a final set will be designed, synthesized and explored, to come up, at the end, with a set of promising biologically active binders capable of selective recognition of defined structural elements within the nucleic acid chains, and hence with the clear and imminent applicative potential in drug design and biosensor research.