Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Alternative Energy Forms for Green Chemistry (ALTEREGO)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: New production
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Netherlands,Germany,Belgium,United Kingdom,France,Germany,Belgium,Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6, 2012)
Start date: 2013-01-01
End date: 2016-06-30
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5434036.96
EU funding (EUR): 3994000.0
Participants: 8
Project status: CLOSED

The ALTEREGO project aims at overcoming the existing bottlenecks towards implementation of alternative energy technologies for intensified chemical manufacturing. We plan to establish a new hierarchical methodology towards enabling highly efficient chemical syntheses with alternative energy forms through reliable process data collection with advanced analytical tools, robust multiscale modeling and design and development of scalable equipment. The methodology is generic and will be exemplified for three alternative energy technologies, namely ultrasound, microwave, and non-thermal plasma applied to different industrially relevant cases studies in the application areas of advanced pharmaceutical synthesis and green fuels and bulk chemicals synthesis.

Keywords: process intensification,ultrasound,microwaves,plasma,green fuels,pharmaceuticals
Bioactivated hierarchical hydrogels as zonal implants for articular cartilage regeneration (HYDROZONES)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Materials
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Germany,Spain,Germany,United Kingdom,Netherlands,Germany,Portugal,Australia,Germany,Netherlands,Germany,Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-LARGE-6, 2012)
Start date: 2013-01-01
End date: 2017-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 13243737.61
EU funding (EUR): 9749700.0
Participants: 17
Project status: CLOSED

Degeneration of cartilage is a major cause of chronic pain, lost mobility and reduced quality of life for millions of European citizens. From a clinical point of view treatment to achieve cartilage regeneration (hyaline) and not only repair (fibrous) remains a great challenge. No clinical therapy is available that leads to healing of cartilage defects. Current cartilage implants cannot establish the hierarchical tissue organisation that appears critical for normal cartilage function. We hypothesise that a biomimetic zonal organisation is critical for implants to achieve cartilage regeneration. HydroZONES represents an interdisciplinary consortium that adopts a strategy to regenerate, rather than repair, articular cartilage based on the tissues zonal structure and function. HydroZONES will use advanced bioprinting technology for fabrication of 3D biofunctional hydrogel constructs, eventually mechanically reinforced by degradable polymer scaffolds, as biomimetic reconstitution of the zonal organisation of natural cartilage. Constructs will be optimized for cell-free application and also for combination with chrondrogenic cells (chondrocytes and/or MSC). Stringent in vitro and long term in vivo testing of the constructs will be employed that will yield a new clinical standard for pre-clinical testing. Cutting edge 3D tissue models and bioreactor technology will be used together with in silico modelling to develop a predictive in vitro assay and test system that will be validated against the in vivo data. Installation of a quality and regulatory affair management system, GMP production, accredited in vitro testing and involvement of clinical partners and companies with experience in clinical trials ensures that the best performing construct will be brought into an optimal position for entering clinical trials at project end. HydroZONES will thus advance the European Union as world leader in the field of joint cartilage regeneration.

Keywords: biocompatible functional 3d implants,cartilage regeneration,biofunctional degradable hydrogels,bioprinting,in vitro assay,in silico modeling,in vivo evaluation
Carbon resistive random access memory materials (CARERAMM)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Materials
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: United Kingdom,Switzerland,Germany,United Kingdom,Bulgaria
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6, 2012)
Start date: 2013-02-01
End date: 2016-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3913167.6
EU funding (EUR): 2641860.0
Participants: 5
Project status: CLOSED

Carbon offers an exciting route to the realisation of future generations of high-performance, cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, resistive-switching type non-volatile data storage. Scalability to the molecular level, sub-nanosecond switching time, ultra-low power operation, environmental stability, environmental friendliness, simple memory structures, advanced functionality and cost-effectiveness are all features readily provided by carbon-based data storage materials. CareRAMM will develop advanced carbon-based resistive switching materials, specifically sp3-rich a-C and graphene-oxide (GO) films, for next generation non-volatile data storage applications. Our aims are: (i) To fabricate and characterise a-C and GO films for resistive memory applications (ii) To determine the precise nature and origin of resistive switching in such a-C and GO films (iii) To determine the ultimate scalability - dimensionally, temporally and in terms of energy - of such resistive switching (iv) To determine the expected limits of endurance, lifetime and operating temperatures. We will also pursue entirely new materials concepts that potentially offer enhanced performance, in particular 'all carbon' materials combinations and structures (e.g. graphene/a-C/graphene). Measurable project objectives include: (i) sub-nanosecond switching times (ii) sub-10 nm feature size (iii) sub-10 µW write power (~ pJ write energy) (iv) predicted lifetime of at least 10 years at 100C for consumer applications (v) predicted lifetime of at least 10 years at 200C for automotive, aerospace and military applications (vi) demonstration of multi-level storage capability (vii) demonstration of memristive-like functionality (viii) demonstration of suitability of GO-materials for flexible memories. To realise our objectives we bring together academic and industrial partners with internationally leading expertise covering all aspects of the proposed work.

Keywords: data storage materials,carbon-based memories,resistive memory materials,carbon thin film materials,graphene memories,non-volatile data storage
Nanocomposite materials for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants (LIMPID)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Materials
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Italy,Spain,Germany,Switzerland,Malaysia,Thailand,Canada,United Kingdom,Spain,Germany
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6, 2012)
Start date: 2012-12-01
End date: 2015-11-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5120223.57
EU funding (EUR): 3299469.0
Participants: 13
Project status: CLOSED

Limpid aims at generating new knowledge on photocatalytic materials and processes in order to develop novel depollution treatments with enhanced efficiency and applicability. The main goal of LIMPID is to develop materials and technologies based on the synergic combination of different types of nanoparticles (NPs) into a polymer host to generate innovative nanocomposites which can be actively applied to the catalytic degradation of pollutants and bacteria, both in air or in aqueous solution. Single component nanocomposites including TiO2 NPs are already known for their photocatalytic activities. LIMPID will aim at going one big step further and include, into one nanocomposite material, oxide NPs and metal NPs in order to increase the photocatalytic efficiency and allow the use of solar energy to activate the process. One of the main challenge of LIMPID is to design host polymers, such as hybrid organic inorganic and fluorinated polymers, since photocatalysts can destroy the organic materials. The incorporation of NPs in polymers will allow to make available the peculiar nano-object properties and to merge the distinct components into a new original class of catalysts. At the same time nanocomposite formulation will also prevent NPs to leach into water and air phase, thus strongly limiting the potential threat associated to dispersion of NPs into the environment. Therefore nanocomposites developed in LIMPID will be used as coating materials and products for the catalytic degradation of pollutants and bacteria in water and air, i.e. deposited onto re-usable micro-particles, or in pollutant degradation reactors, and even onto large surfaces, as a coating or paint. In addition such new class of nanocomposites will be also exploited for the fabrication of porous membranes for water treatment. In order to fulfill its objectives, the LIMPID consortium has been designed to combine leading industrial partners with research groups from Europe, ASEAN Countries and Canada.

Keywords: photocatalytic materials,inorganic nanoparticles,polymers,nanocomposites,water purification,air purification
Design of Thin-Film Nanocatalysts for On-Chip Fuel Cell Technology (CHIPCAT)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Czechia,Germany,France,Italy,Spain,Germany
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6, 2012)
Start date: 2012-12-01
End date: 2016-11-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4960655.86
EU funding (EUR): 3675906.0
Participants: 9
Project status: CLOSED

chipCAT aims at the knowledge-driven development of a novel type of thin-film catalysts for silicon-based “on-chip” micro fuel cells (u-FCs). Combining fundamental surface-science, model catalysis, and first-principles computational studies, a detailed understanding of the surface chemistry on complex nanostructured catalysts will be achieved. This microscopic-level understanding will be used to tailor active sites and their mutual interplay at the nanoscale in order to maximize activity and selectivity and to reduce deactivation and poisoning. Starting from new oxide-based materials with minor demand for noble metals, new material concepts will be explored. Target structures defined by fundamental research will then by transferred to standard FC and u-FC catalysis by using advanced thin-film preparation techniques, such as magnetron sputtering and vacuum deposition. Knowledge-transfer between real and model catalysis will be guaranteed with atomic-level control, using a broad spectrum of surface spectroscopies, in-situ/operando spectroscopies, and microscopies with atomic resolution. Using modern microtechnologies, the novel tailor-made catalyst materials will be integrated into working FC test devices. Prototype devices will be fabricated for performance tests with results fed back to fundamental research. Finally, a process for laboratory-scale production of u-FC batches will be developed. Thus, we will connect surface science, model catalysis, state-of-the-art theory, thin-film-technology, applied heterogeneous catalysis, and microtechnology in an interdisciplinary approach, aiming at the development of a new generation of metal-oxide FC catalysts with improved performance and stability. This project not only will allow to drastically reduce or replace usage of critical materials in the related applications but also will open the pathway to groundbreaking energy storage technologies for mobile devices.

Keywords: fuel cell,thin films,catalysis,on-chip fc,model catalysts,surface science
Non-coding RNA pathways and the mammalian male germline (NCRNA)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Cellular and Developmental Biology
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111109, 2012)
Start date: 2013-01-01
End date: 2017-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1499078.0
EU funding (EUR): 1499078.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The integrity of the genome transmitted to the next generation intrinsically relies on germline cells. Processes ensuring germ cell development, genomic stability and reproductive lifespan are essential for the long-term success of a species. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) support spermatogenesis throughout life, the identity of this mammalian adult stem cell population in vivo remains unknown. Here, we propose analyze the contribution of both short and long non-coding RNAs to mammalian male germ cell development and SSC homeostasis. In the mouse male germline the small non-coding piRNAs and their interacting-Piwi proteins Mili and Miwi2 are essential for the establishment of epigenetic transposon silencing. Miwi2 is also required for the long-term survival of SSCs in adult mice and in contrast to Mili, Miwi2 is not broadly expressed during adult spermatogeneis. We found that Miwi2 is expressed in in vitro cultured SSCs and in a tiny population of adult testis cells in vivo. We will determine if Miwi2 expression identifies the illusive SSC population with long-term self-renewal capacity in vivo and explore the biology of this adult stem cell population as well as the molecular mechanisms by which the Miwi2-piRNA pathway governs SSC maintenance. We will also define function(s) beyond transposon silencing for Mili during spermatogenesis. Recently, transcriptome sequencing has reveled abundant and diverse classes of genes encoding long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) whose functions remains mostly unknown. We will explore the contribution this novel class of cellular RNAs in SSC self-renewal and differentiation. For the above, we propose using state-of-the-art mouse genetic strategies, high throughput sequencing, shRNA screening and proteomic approaches. In summary, this proposal aims to address basic questions at the intersection of non-coding RNA function and germ cell development/maintenance to reveal processes that underpin the integrity of the immortal lineage.

Keywords: non-coding rna,pirna,long non-coding rna,spermatogenesis,spermatogonial stem cells
Directed Evolution in Microdroplets (EVODROP)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2011-PoC, 2011)
Start date: 2012-06-01
End date: 2013-05-31
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 168220.2
EU funding (EUR): 149996.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Directed evolution of functional proteins has arguably emerged as an approach to protein engineering that can complement or better design-led approaches to protein function. However, as a random process, enormous numbers of variants have to be screened and selected to have a chance to identify successful catalysts. This process is costly and cumbersome: Industrial screening facilities require investment of tens to hundred of millions of dollars. In the context of ERC StG “ChemBioMech” key steps towards conducting quantitative biological experiments in a much cheaper format (with higher throughput) have been made. Screening of individual library members in monodisperse oil-in-water compartments ('microdroplets’) that are generated in microfluidic devices has been shown to be possible. The droplet compartment constitutes a link between a given phenotype and its encoding genotype. By capturing reaction product the droplet provides a unique system to screen for catalysis. This application is to exploit the commercial potential of a screening system of unprecedented capacity for directed evolution of enzymes that will be attractive for the biotech industry. To implement proof-of principle experiments we have teamed up with two leading industrial partners, to develop and validate the technology by implementing droplet-based selections for relevant industrial problem. Based on interactions with Cambridge Enterprise (the technology transfer office of Cambridge University) that have led to the filing of one patent, we continue to explore the IP landscape, expand ongoing interaction with potential licensees and conduct a marketing study. Finally we will develop a training module to facilitate uptake of this technology in different settings.

Keywords: 208813
The interaction landscape between microbial colonization and functional genome of the host: a systems biology approach in fungal infections (SYSBIOFUN)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Immunity and infection
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2012-StG_20111109, 2012)
Start date: 2013-01-01
End date: 2017-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1492835.0
EU funding (EUR): 1492835.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Fungi such as Candida albicans are ubiquitous colonizers of human skin and mucosa. Fungal pathogens invade the host when host defence is diminished, and the combination of fungal and bacterial colonization modulates mucosal and systemic immune responses. Little is known of the complex interaction between fungal and bacterial colonization, as well as between these two and the host genome and immunity. The Hypothesis of this proposal is that immunity to C. albicans is determined by the interaction between fungal colonization (mycobiome), bacterial flora (bacteriome), and the genetic background of the host (genome). This interaction is distorted in patients with fungal infections, and the identification of these imbalances will lead to novel therapeutic targets. The Key Objectives are: 1) To map the landscape of interaction between the fungal colonization (mycobiome), bacterial flora (bacteriome) and the genetic and immunological make-up of the host (functional genome). 2) To assess the dysregulation of these interactions in patients with the two most important Candida infections: recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) and disseminated candidiasis. Methodological approach: - the mycobiome and bacteriome will be determined on the skin and mucosal surfaces of healthy volunteers, RVVC and disseminated candidiasis patients. - functional assessment of antifungal immune mechanisms will be correlated with the mycobiome/bacteriome, and with the host genetic variation (genome). - validation of the functional interactions of microbial communities with host immunity using focused genotyping and follow-up pathway activity screening in human cell cultures and experimental models. - microbiome/functional genome dysregulation between healthy individuals and patients with muocosla and systemic candidiasis will be identified. Expected results: Proof-of-concept in-vitro and experimental studies will validate these interactions as novel diagnostic and/or therapeutic targets.

Keywords: mycology
Standardised metrology of Nano-sTrUctuRed CoAtings with Low surface energy (NATURAL)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: United Kingdom,Netherlands,Spain,United Kingdom,Cyprus,Netherlands,Spain,Denmark
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2012-SME-6, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3247519.53
EU funding (EUR): 2333750.0
Participants: 11
Project status: CLOSED

There is a growing range of applications that would benefit from the use of nanostructured coatings. The functional performance of a surface is intimately linked with its structure. The ability to characterise nanostructured coatings is therefore an essential part of their future uptake. However, the ability to examine and characterise at the nano-scale is currently limited to sophisticated, time-consuming laboratory based equipment. The standards body (ISO TC229) recognises that there are no current procedures that relate the functional performance of a surface or coating to its nanostructure, however, it is recognised that loss of the nanostructure frequently leads to a loss of performance. The NATURAL project will develop methods that allow rapid evaluation of surfaces at the nanoscale and correlate the measured surface structure with functional performance. This step change in measurement methodology will enable new lifetime determination methods and enhance the knowledge base for providers of nanostructured coatings and surfaces to tailor their products and technologies towards the end-user needs. This will facilitate the entrance into the market place of novel nanostructured coatings with proven capability to improve properties such as fouling resistance. In order to achieve this, NATURAL will focus on the development of surface profilometry methods to allow the rapid resolution of surfaces at the nanoscale. These methods will be correlated with the physical and physico-chemical characteristics of surfaces to allow their rapid, reliable and accurate assessment. The change of the surface nano-morphology and the functional performance will be related to allow the estimation of durability and to enable the development of new methods for lifetime determination and, ultimately, prediction of in-service performance throughout the lifetime of the surface structure.

Keywords: metrology,nanostructure,coating,low surface energy,low friction,nanotribology,standards,afm