Access is offered to advanced micro- and nanotechnology device processing environments for microwave and photonic devices and for nanotechnology at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2) at Chalmers University of Technology in Göteborg, Sweden. The laboratory provides means to develop process steps, process sequences, and components in small/medium quantities. In 1240 m2 clean-room area more than 150 tools are available, including two e-beam lithography systems (one of which is a JBX 9300FS from JEOL with a spot diameter of 4 nm and a minimum feature size of below 10 nm), silicon processing on up to 150 mm wafers, III-V and wide bandgap processing, molecular beam epitaxy, CVD and dry etching systems.

We seek to provide Europe with a major time advantage over their main international competitors by developing a bionanotechnological device that can be used as a nanoactuator/biosensor, which also provides a novel interface between the Biological and Silicon Worlds. The time advantage is provided by ?picking up? the highly successful Mol Switch Project (IST-2001-38036), in which we were able to show that biological molecular motors could be used as bio-nanoactuators. However, this project will push the frontiers of knowledge and skill by developing a useful generic biosensor/nanoactuator device. The device will be assembled in a series of stages using independent Modules that each incorporate new technology, or, expand the frontiers of existing technology. A prototype integrated biosensor will be built around this nanoactuator, incorporating the proposed Modules. The switching device within this nanoactuator is provided by a moving magnetic particle, attached to the DNA that is translocated (or ?pulled?) by the motor, and a suitable electronic sensor that detects this movement. Integration of these individual components into a single Module will provide a major step forward in the design of Lab-on-a-Chip technology. Therefore, we will seek to develop a microfluidics system that will allow us to incorporate the electronic sensor into a chip-based device. The project will also focus on the precise location and self-assembly of these motors and their DNA substrates within the microfluidics system to be used. The project will involve partners who will focus on the further development of the electronic sensor. We know of no other bionanotechnological device, which incorporates biological molecular motors to produce moving parts, that is as far advanced as this project offers and, therefore, we believe the project will provide the EU with a significant advance in this area.

MULTICERALis a joint effort of eight European research institutions/universities from six countries (UK, Germany, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Lithuania) aimed at the development, detailed characterization, and evaluation of novel multifunctional thin-film materials based on ferroelectrics [Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, BaTiO3, SrBi2Ta2O9], magnetics and shape memory alloys (SMA) (Ni2MnGa, BiFeO3), and relaxors [PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3, Ba(Ti,Zr)O3] assembled in complex geometries. These include planar films and multilayers, hybrid sol-gel composites, and vertically assembled tube and nanowire arrays. We expect that such geometries will greatly enhance the cross-coupling between magnetic, electric, and elastic T-dependent properties and give rise to unrivaled multifunctionalities unavailable so far. For example, the microactuator based on ferromagnetic shape memory alloy/piezoelectric bilayer will respond to electric/magnetic/stress fields while exhibiting two-way shape memory effect. Another example is magnetically tuned capacitor with giant magnetodielectric coupling based on magnetic/piezoelectric multilayers. At least two prototype devices based on the high cross-coupling effects will be fabricated/tested in this project proving the proposed concepts. The variety of the available deposition techniques combined with using advanced characterization tools will ensure that the desired thin film geometries will be assembled with minimum cross-contamination, non-stoichiometry and defect formation. These efforts will be supported by the extensive modeling activities aimed at the elucidation of the nature of magnetoelectroelastic coupling in thin films, calculation of the effect of curved geometries on cross-coupling effects, and influence of disorder and long-range interactions on the properties of multilayers and magnetic/ferroelectric domain patterns. Finite element calculations will be performed once the physical mechanism of the relevant coupling effect is clarified.

HESPERUS aims at enabling cross-disciplinary training and research at the interface between Electrical Engineering, Supramolecular Chemistry, Materials- and Nano-Science and Physics. The overall goal of HESPERUS is to generate new scientific and technological knowledge by combining supramolecularly engineered nanostructures (SENs), mostly based on organic semiconductors, with tailor-made interfaces to textured solid substrates and electrodes, for fabricating prototypes of two-terminal devices (supramolecular wires) and three-terminal devices (field-effect transistors). The training and research objectives of HESPERUS are: 1. Surface texturing: derivatization of electrically conductive solid substrates and metallic nanostructures to achieve a full control over the surface work-function, wettability and adhesion, thus ultimately to be able to tune the self-assembly of electroactive molecules at surfaces into pre-programmed supramolecular assemblies. 2. Hierarchical self-organization on textured surface of multifunctional SENs based on electrically/optically active functionalized carbon-based (I) 2D nano-objects such as n- and p-type discotics (perylenediimide and hexabenzocoronene derivatives) and (II) polymeric multichromophoric architectures at surfaces on the functionalized substrates. 3. Nanochemistry and nanoprobes: Scanning probes (AFM, STM, KPFM, C-AFM) quantitative time and space resolved characterization of various physico chemical properties of SENs, in particular correlation between structural and electronic properties. 4. Fabrication of supramolecular wires and transistors: Measurement of charge mobility in SENs two- and three-terminal devices varying systematically the wire’s (1) chemical composition, (2) conformation, (3) length and (4) doping.

The objective of this proposal is to combine different computational methods to study the physics of specific cellular components and processes which involve biological macromolecules. We will especially concentrate on the study of polyelectrolye DNA chains and analogous biopolymers and will investigate on their interaction with cellular structures and on the mechanisms of modifications of their physical properties. The understanding gained will allow us to explore different cellular processes related to gene delivery such as self-assembly of cationic lipid-DNA complexes and membrane fusion, relevant because of their fundamental properties as well as their applications in the biomedical sector. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to reach time and length scales in which macromolecules evolve, a regime that is out of reach of standard modelling approaches. To this end, we intend to adopt and refine a new chemically-aware coarse grained scheme and use complementary state of the art modelling techniques such as atomistic molecular dynamics and unspecific coarse graining. In addition, supercomputing techniques and resources will be exploited to provide unique scientific insights. The proposal will benefit from the expertise in biomolecular studies of scientists at the Barcelona Biomedical Park (PRBB), which will guarantee feedback and a cross-field perspective to the management of the project and to the production and interpretation of scientific results. This project is very relevant to the goals of the IEF activity of the people work programme because of its ingrained multidisciplinary character and because it directly targets key research areas indicated by the EU such as biotechnology and nanotechnology. The different training and research activities planned would increase and diversify the scientific competences of the fellow, leading him to a more independent and mature professional status on which to build his future career.

The target of the present project is to fabricate high efficiency nanostructured hybrid solar cells in which the exciton recombination is strongly avoided by interface nanoengineering. The cells will be made in three main steps. First, large-area, ordered Anodised Aluminium Oxide (AAO) templates will be fabricated electrochemically onto transparent conducting substrates. Order will be induced prior to the anodization of aluminium by pre-patternig using Focussed Ion Beam (FIB). In a second step, the ordered templates fabricated will be used for the synthesis of large-area arrays of aligned semiconducting oxide nanowires. The arrays will be synthesized by electrodeposition within the template pores and by later removal of the same. Finally, films of conducting organic materials will be deposited onto the nanowire arrays by classical methods such as spin-coating from solution or thermal evaporation. The structures and devices obtained after each of the steps will be thoroughly characterised and the final test device performance will be evaluated. There are many materials science issues which will be addressed for improving the efficiency of hybrid solar cells. In particular, reduction of recombination of photo-induced charges through control of arrangement and size of oxide nanostructured electrodes, understanding of charge transfer at inorganic/organic interface, and permeation of organic semiconductor into the oxide nanostructures.

PRAIRIES is an interdisciplinary and intersectorial network exposing high-profile, early-stage and experienced researchers to a broad spectrum of training and transfer of knowledge activities beyond conventional academic boundaries, thereby educating them not only to supramolecular chemistry, nanoscale science and technology, but also to complementary skills (i.e., management, communication, IPR) and preparing them for positions in academia, industry, and government labs. A personal career development plan for each researcher will define the training milestones accomplished through local and network-wide activities and transfer of knowledge actions, both at academic and industrial nodes, along with the short and long term career objectives. The overall scientific and training objectives are centered around the design and synthesis of structurally programmed molecular modules which self-assemble at precisely define host and receptor sites in a regular manner. These unique 2- and 3-dimensional architectures will result from the application of strong directional intermolecular interactions between specifically designed molecular components allowing the controlled formation of the desired networks on surfaces. Such tailored-made, tunable receptor cavities (diameters between 1 and 10 nm) will be employed to host a series of functional molecules, modulated for the different applications targeted in this project. All supramolecular assemblies will be refined for specific technological applications through a step-wise approach involving also theoretical calculations and advanced characterization using single molecule spectroscopy, electrochemistry, nanoscale imaging and manipulation via scanning probe microscopy methods. Thus, PRAIRIES will apply a cross-disciplinary approach to generate highest level of training and new knowledge in the burgeoning area of molecular biology, supramolecular-, materials-, and nano-science with impact in biosensing and optoelectronics.

THREADMILL aims at enabling cross-disciplinary training and research at the interface between Supramolecular Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Nanoscience. The overall goal is the generation of new knowledge underpinning the exploitation of supramolecular wires (namely conjugated polyrotaxanes) in the fabrication and investigation of prototypical systems, both at the level of single-molecule devices, and of large-area polymer applications (LEDs, PVDs, ultrafast photonic switches). The training and research objectives of THREADMILL are: 1 Supramolecular synthesis. Engineering of van der Waals, ionic, and p-p stacking interactions, leading to prototypes of multifunctional nanowires. Special emphasis on polyelectrolytic, conjugated polyrotaxanes. Synthetic and processing breakthroughs sought by combining Anderson synthetic chemistry expertise with that on ionic liquids of Mecerreyes. 2 Nanofabrication of electrodes nanostructures (metals and conductive plastics) 3 Self-organisation. self-assembly of hybrid metallic-supramolecular architectures. Scanning probes, XPS, and TOF-SIMS. 4 Applications I: single-molecule devices. Fabrication of organic nano-optoelectronic devices incorporating prototypes of supramolecular wires operating at surfaces. 5 Transport studies. Measurement of charge transport and mobility in organic semiconducting wires bonded between homogeneous/heterogeneous electrodes. A theory component will be provided by collaboration with an independent, ongoing project at UCL. Details and a letter of support will be provided if invited to submit a full proposal. 6 Ultrafast spectroscopy. evaluation of the TMWs potential for ultrafast switches. General photophysical characterisation of ultrafast processes. 7 Applications II: large area devices. optoelectronic devices incorporating large ensembles of the supramolecular wires. Target applications: LEDs and photovoltaic diodes. 8 Dissemination and strategic development.

The construction of nanostructured objects of well-defined size is of outmost importance for nanotechnology to surmount claims for potential applications and exploit improved chemical, physical or biological properties of a functional nanofeatured material. Biomedical imaging is one particular field of interest for water-compatible chemical self-assembly of nanosized objects. The outlined project aims to develop a methodology for the preparation of nanostructured objects in aqueous media with the emphasis lying on the precise control over the size, shape and degree of functionalisation of the features. The goal is to build upon supramolecular helical scaffolds for the development of self-assembled functional structures in the nanoscopic range, which are to be used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. MRI has made a significant impact to the area of diagnostic medicine, predominantly due to advances in the development of contrast agents (e.g. paramagnetic Gd(III)-complexes). We believe that a supramolecular approach based on self-assembled Gd(III) chelating molecular units can combine the benefits from both low and high molecular weight derivatives: high contrast agent efficiency or contrast enhancement on one hand, and an improved control over the pharmacokinetics on the other hand, because of the non-covalent dynamic nature that holds the objects together. Furthermore, challenges in the field of MRI contrast agents will be met by the development of multivalent target-specific structures. Advantages include the accumulation of MRI signals in a region of interest, and the combination of 1H MRI contrast enhancement with a second imaging label. 19F MRI is a highly promising probe because of the high sensitivity of the 19F nuclide and the absence of any background interference in living systems.

TEM-PLANT project focuses on the development and application of breakthrough processes to transform plant-derived hierarchical structures into templates for the exploitation of innovative biomedical devices with smart anisotropic performances and advanced biomechanical characteristics, designed for bone and ligament substitution. Natural bio-structures usually have properties superior to those of analogous synthetically manufactured materials with similar phase compositions. The remarkable biomechanical properties of bone and ligament tissues depend on their hierarchic structure which is an organized assembly of structural units at increasing size levels. In fact, these structures are highly organized from the molecular to nano-, micro- and macro-scales, always in a hierarchical manner, with intricate but extremely functional architectures able to constantly adapt to ever changing mechanical needs.The TEM-PLANT project primary addresses the nano-biotechnologies area and will push the current boundaries of the state-of-the-art in production of hierarchical structured biomaterials. By combining biology, chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology and production technologies, new and complex plant transformation processes will be investigated to copy smart hierarchical structures existing in nature and to develop breakthrough biomaterials that could open the door to a whole new generation of biomedical applications for which no effective solution exists to date. Starting from suitably selected vegetal raw material, ceramization processes based on pyrolysis will be applied to produce carbon templates, which will be either infiltrated by silicon to produce inert SiC ceramic structures or exchanged by electrophoresis deposition to produce bioresobable ceramics. For ligament yielding two processes will be developed: pH-controlled and electrophoresis- controlled fibration to generate fibrous collagenous cords with high tensile strength and wear-resistance.