This project will develop methodology for the manufacture of novel peptide-based nanoparticles and nanocapsules to satisfy an unmet clinical need: sustained drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. The proposed consortium brings together internationally leading groups in self-assembling polypeptide nanoparticle and nanocapsule preparation by chemical (Durham) and genetic (Nijmegen) approaches, drug loading and in vitro release studies (Helsinki & Madrid), in vitro and in vivo assessment of nanoparticle biocompatibility and functionality (Helsinki, Madrid & Tübingen) and polymer synthesis, processing and industrial validation of manufacturing processes (DSM). Polyester micro- and nanoparticles that have been proposed for ocular drug delivery have several major drawbacks: acidic degradation products cause inflammation; drug release is difficult to control; and peptides and proteins are difficult to encapsulate. A platform of novel, peptide-based nanomaterials, formed through bio-inspired self-assembly processes, will be developed to overcome these problems. Peptide-based materials have a number of attractive features: biodegradation gives non-inflammatory products; self-assembly occurs under mild conditions; they possess a rich chemical diversity; they are defined at the sequence level. Polypeptides and peptide hybrid materials will be processed into nanoparticles, polymeric vesicles (polymersomes) and nanocapsules. These biodegradable and biocompatible materials will be used as containers for the loading, controlled release and cellular delivery of therapeutic molecules. The consortium therefore will enable the industrial manufacture of as-yet unobtainable, high value nanotechnology-based products utilising intrinisically low-energy demand nanobiotechnological phenomena. These will produce a step change improvement in the quality of products for sustained drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye, enhancing the competitiveness of European industry.

There is strong interest in the development of novel functionalized membranes which can be used as microsieves, as a component of integrated analytical systems, in food processing, drug discovery and diagnostic applications. This project is based on a combination of three break-through technologies, developed by the applicants in the past, with high impact for nano(bio)technological application: (i) the S-layer technology allowing the construction of nanoporous protein lattices, (ii) the biocatalytic formation of inorganic materials by silicatein, a group of unique enzymes capable to catalyze the formation of porous silica from soluble precursors, and (iii) the sol-gel technique for encapsulation (immobilization) of biomolecules serving as biocatalyst or as a component of sensors. The goal of this project is to design and fabricate - based on molecular biology inspired approaches - nano-porous bio-inorganic membranes with novel functionalities for industrial application. These membranes will be formed by S-layer proteins, which are able to assemble to highly ordered structures of defined pore-size, and recombinant silicateins or silicatein fusion proteins. The hydrated silica glass layer formed by silicatein will be used to encase biocatalysts (enzymes) or antibodies against small molecules as sample prep- or sensor components of integrated systems. The innovative type of the functionalized membranes developed in this project thus exploits two principles: (i) protein self-assembly and - and this has not been done before - (ii) enzymatic (silicatein-mediated) deposition of inorganic material used for reinforcement of the membranes as well as for encasing biomolecules, providing the membranes with new functionalities. The new technique will be exploited by three research-based SMEs and the enduser involved in the project, in microfluidics based sample processing and micro-array development, in industrial nanosieves, as well as in sensors in drinking water systems.

The ARTIST project aims at exploring alternative routes towards long distance (above 10 nm) information transport and storage at the atomic and molecular scale. ARTIST suggests new solutions for optical and electrical addressing of molecules, efficient inter-molecular communication and compatible data storage. We will implement new concepts and methods for molecular electronics based on: Addressing by: nanoscale plasmonic waveguides, electrostatics and single charge injection by weak coupling to nanocapacitors. Long distance information transport by: (i) intramolecular single electron transfer in long molecular ribbons made in situ by on-surface chemistry from precursor molecules, (ii) intermolecular propagation of proton transfer in self-assembled chains of tautomers and (iii) plasmon-mediated energy transfer. Information storage by: (i) charge trapping in atoms and molecules, (ii) conformation change and (iii) tautomerization of single molecules. The proposed devices will ensure operation time on the picosecond scale, sub-nanometer wire diameters and construction by self-assembly or on-surface chemistry. The ARTIST project is made possible by a multidisciplinary collaboration of experts in: (i) covalent and hydrogen-bonded self-assembled molecular ribbons, (ii) imaging and manipulation of molecules on thin insulating films, bulk insulators and wide band-gap semi-conductors with atomic-scale precision, (iii) nano-scale optical addressing (iv) measurements at the single molecule and electron level. (v) nanoscale fabrication using nanostencil and (vi) theory and simulation of adsorbed molecules and tunnelling A successful achievement of the project goals will open the way to a completely new nano-scale technology for information processing and storage. The ARTIST project has a clear long term potential for fabrication of reliable large arrays of molecular electronic devices.

This project aims at combining inorganic and organic materials in hybrid nanoelectronic structures for addressing a set of key problems in solid-state physics: (1) the magnetic ordering of 2D spin systems and their interaction with conduction electrons, (2) the coherent transport properties of organic molecules, and (3) reliable electronic characterization of single nanostructures. For all objectives we will integrate top-down and bottom-up (self-assembly) techniques, benefitting from strong collaborations with leading chemistry groups. For Objective 1, we will apply self-assembled monolayers of organic paramagnetic molecules on various substrates. This geometry offers great tunability for the nature, density and ordering of spins, and for their interaction with underlying electrons. We will study (many-body) phenomena that lie at the very heart of solid-state physics: the Kondo effect, RKKY interaction, spin glasses and the 2D Ising/Heisenberg model, addressing open questions concerning the extension of the Kondo cloud, RKKY-Kondo competition, and the relevance for high-Tc superconductivity. For Objective 2, molecular monolayers are inserted in an electron interferometer, allowing a systematic study of molecular charge coherence. We will study how coherence depends on the molecule s characteristics, such as length and chemical composition. For Objective 3 we will attach single nanostructures (quantum dots) by an innovative self-assembly method to highly-conductive, selectively metallized DNA molecules, bridging the gap between nano and micro. A crucial advantage compared to conventional (top-down) nanocontacting schemes is the high control and reproducibility afforded by sequence-specificity of DNA hybridization, enabling a wide range of fascinating experiments.

The MemTide Initial Training Network will create a new generation of synthesis technologies for peptide and oligonucleotide ('tide') manufacture, with focus on the use of emerging membrane technology to effect critical separations. New nanofiltration membranes with improved chemical stability, and closely controlled molecular discrimination properties, will be developed. Novel synthesis strategies for tides, which utilise membranes for key separations will be created. MemTide will consider both step change improvements to solid phase tide synthesis, and the realisation of a completely new concept of tide synthesis based on solution phase synthesis coupled to membrane purification. The applications of these technologies will be through the industrial partners. The project is multidisciplinary, involving chemists, materials scientists and chemical engineers. The consortium is intersectorial, comprising 3 universities/research institutes, a technology SME, a fine chemicals company and a large pharmaceutical manufacturer, and will have a strong emphasis on knowledge creation, technology commercialisation, and entrepreneurship. The training programme involves Early Stage Researchers (ESR), at both university and industrial partners, each of whom will complete a PhD thesis through a combination of local and network wide research experience. Experienced Researchers (ER) will complete their training through development of entrepreneurship and project management skills. ESR and ER will complete complementary training through a series of Personal Skills Modules, and a course on Technology Commercialisation and Entrepreurship. MemTide seeks to contribute to improving the European knowledge supply chain through this industry-academia programme aimed at developing engineers and scientists who are academically excellent and achieve PhD degrees, but who thrive at the interface between fundamental research and industrial application.

OPTSUFET aims at enabling cross-disciplinary training and research at the interface between Supramolecular Chemistry, Materials-/Nano-Science, Physics and Electrical Engineering. The overall goal of OPTSUFET is to generate new scientific and technological knowledge by combining supramolecularly engineered nanostructured materials (SENMs), mostly based on organic semiconductors, with tailor-made interfaces incorporating photochemically switchable self-assembled monolayers on substrates and electrodes, for fabricating prototypes of optically tuneable two- (supramolecular wires) and three-terminal devices (field-effect transistors). The training and research objectives of OPTSUFET are: 1. Surface texturing with photoswitchable SAMs: derivatization of electrically conductive/insulating solid substrates and metallic nanostructures with azobenzene SAMs to optically modulate the charge injection at the metal-SENM and dielectric-SENM interface. By controlling the interface chemistry it will allow the tuning of the self-assembly of electroactive molecules at surfaces into pre-programmed supramolecular assemblies. 2. Hierarchical self-organization on textured surface of multifunctional SENMs based on electrically active functionalized carbon-based 1D and 2D nano-objects such as n- and p-type rod-like and discotics (oligo-thiophenes, perylenediimides, hexabenzocoronenes, etc) 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 SENMs, in particular correlation between structural and electronic properties. 4. Fabrication of photoswitchable supramolecular wires and transistors: Measurement of charge mobility, under photochemical modulation, in SENMs two- and three-terminal devices varying systematically the wire's (1) chemical composition, (2) conformation, (3) length and (4) doping.

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.

The project 'Superantibodies' encompasses an interdisciplinary approach to accomplish the first instance of a biohybrid, yet fully synthetic three dimensional recognition element by converging the benefits of natural biorecognition with those of a synthetic approach. The bio-inspired concept is modelled on the antibody binding site whose binding capacity is the result of a defined three-dimensional structure in which loops of polypeptides cooperatively interact with the antigen through specific biomolecular interactions. The project implements a combination of modern biomolecular and bioanalytical techniques to identify peptides within these structures that are pivotal for the interaction with the antigen, and to use organic chemistry to synthetically mimic these peptides whilst maintaining their biological function. Affinity driven self-assembly between these peptides and their specific antigen is used to produce templates for a subsequent molecular imprinting process, resulting in a site-specific integration of peptides into the structural backbone of a molecularly imprinted polymer. It is hypothesised that it will be possible to rationally engineer recognition elements with tailored affinities by changing the number and the type of the embedded peptides to rationally create structures whose affinity can outperform that of naturally derived antibodies. This proposal is built on the expertises and scientific strengths of Dr Heiko Andresen while taking him in new directions. The multidisciplinary group of Dr Molly Stevens provides a fertile environment for the scientific and professional development of the applicant, and Imperial's infrastructures and dedication to high-quality professional and personal career development strongly support Dr Andresen in reaching a position of professional maturity. The project proposal is in line with aims and policy objectives of the FP7, with particular high relevance for the theme-crossing FP7 initiative 'NanoMedicine'.

We have demonstrated the presence of attractive interactions arising in low ionic strength solution between charged soft-matter objects and highly curved regions of like-charged confining surfaces. These unexpected interactions result in stretching of DNA and trapping of colloidal particles in solution in a nanofluidic slit. This proposal seeks to further understand the attractive interactions arising between colloidal objects and like-charged confining walls in low-ionic-strength solution, in order to better control the underlying self-assembly process. The controlled self-assembly of arrays or arbitrary arrangements of discrete charged metal or dielectric nano-objects will permit the investigation of plasmonic and photonic phenomena in two dimensions, e.g., plasmonic coupling of resonantly excited metal nanoparticles, modification of fluorescence emission of single emitters diffusing in solution very close to discrete metal nano-objects, realization of novel ordered and disordered arrangements of nano-objects (e.g. dielectric particles like TiO2) for studying light scattering phenomena in two dimensions. One of the chief advantages of the self-assembly technique described here over conventional fabrication techniques is that the substrate surface structure which directs self-assembly of the optically active element acts as a 'rewritable surface' enabling the investigation of the plasmonic and photonic properties of ensembles of particles of similar surface charge but variable dielectric properties.