Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Extended shelf-life biopolymers for sustainable and multifunctional food packaging solutions (NANOBARRIER)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Norway,Germany,Slovenia,Portugal,Greece,Spain,Sweden,France,Germany,Finland,United Kingdom,Greece,Sweden,Belgium
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2011-LARGE-5, 2011)
Start date: 2012-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 9853284.73
EU funding (EUR): 7207600.0
Participants: 18
Project status: CLOSED

The overall concept of NanoBarrier is to develop a new nanotechnology platform based on inorganic-organic hybrid polymers, microfibrillated cellulose, nanocapsules with controlled permeability and additive technology and combine this with resource-efficient processing technologies to realize safe and extended shelf-life and multifunctional biopolymer food packaging solutions. These solutions based on CO2 neutral and renewable resources, should work as an enabling technology for innovative companies to stimulate to further consumption growth of fish and seafood and environmental conscious packaging solutions for meat and dairy products; food sectors of major social, economical and health impact in the European region. The project will also bring forward robust biopolymer formulations, compounding expertise and coating approaches to combine nanoparticle technology with biopolymer formulations. Dedicated demonstrators are planned based on resource-efficient processing technologies, such as blow moulding and film blowing. The demonstrators will be multifunctional barrier films for meat packaging, multifunctional barrier bottles for liquid yoghurt and milk and multifunctional barrier jars for crab packaging. NanoBarrier will include sustainable parameters from the demonstrator design step applying ecodesign methodology to minimize the environmental, social and economic impact from the early development step. An LCA will quantify the impact of the foreseen demonstrators and measures are taken to evaluate safety. The objectives of the project will be achieved by implementing the work organized in four technical work packages (in addition to a coordination work package) where each WP are designed to fulfill one- or several of the specific scientific objectives in the project. The project consortium cover the whole value chain from manufacture and competence of nanoparticle technology to end-use supply and include leading organizations and competences throughout Europ

Keywords: biopolymer,packaging,nanotechnology,coating,blow moulding,film blowing
Development of NEXT GENeration cost efficient automotive CATalysts (NEXT-GEN-CAT)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Materials
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Greece,France,Spain,Italy,Belgium,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,Poland
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2011-SMALL-5, 2011)
Start date: 2012-02-01
End date: 2016-01-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5615292.4
EU funding (EUR): 3938298.0
Participants: 11
Project status: CLOSED

The main objective of NEXTGENCAT proposal is the development of novel eco-friendly nano-structured automotive catalysts utilizing transition metal nanoparticles (Cu, Ni, Co Zn, Fe etc) that can partially or completely replace the PGMs. Based on nanotechnology, low cost nanoparticles will be incorporated into different substrates, including advanced ceramics (SiO2, perovskite etc) and silicon carbides, for the development of efficient and inexpensive catalysts. The main idea of the proposal is the effective dispersion and the controllable size of the metal nanoparticles into the substrate that will lead to improved performance. To this end a modified polyol process as well as chemical and physical treatment of selected substances will enable the introduction of transition metal nanoparticles on the catalyst substrate precursors via adsorption and ion-exchange. The presence of metal ions sorbed on fixed precursor sites will inhibit the agglomeration during heating and final products with very fine particle dispersion and tuneable metal content will be obtained. It is expected that the developed catalysts will exhibit increased catalytic performance, even at low temperatures (200-250oC). Other key properties of the proposed nanostructured catalysts include: increased thermal stability (avoiding aggregation), improved durability, capability of reuse and recovery of transition metals as well as low health and environmental impact. Apart from the scientific innovations and the environmental impact, the proposal holds also great economic importance. Taking into account that the autocatalyst industry uses extremely large quantities of precious metal-68% of Pt and 72% of Pd in Europe – the impact of replacing PGMs is of tremendous significance. Based on the current metal prices, it is estimated that the developed catalysts will reduce the catalyst cost at about 40-50%, opening the way to an efficient adaptation of nanotechnology-based catalysts in the automotive sector.

Keywords: catalysts,automotive,denox,transition metal nanoparticles,preparation of nanomaterials,characterisation,modelling,catalytic performance,lca,demonstration,catalytic prototypes
Development & Evaluation of a Viable Stent Device for the Treatment of BronchoTracheal Cancer (PULMOSTENT)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Materials
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Germany,Ireland,Netherlands,Switzerland,Germany
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2011-SMALL-5, 2011)
Start date: 2012-04-01
End date: 2015-03-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4085248.53
EU funding (EUR): 3167699.0
Participants: 8
Project status: CLOSED

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in terms of both incidence and mortality, worldwide. With a median age at diagnosis of 71, lung cancer is mainly affecting the aging population. Airway stenosis is a key problem with significant morbidity and premature death. Endobronchial stenting is a proven therapy to keep the airways open. Nevertheless the currently used clinical stents have major disadvantages either by rapid re-occlusion due to tumour ingrowths (metal stents) or massive mucus retention due to the interrupted mucociliary function (coated stents). The aim of the project is to develop a viable endobronchial stent (syn. PulmoStent) for the treatment of broncho-tracheal cancer diseases. The concept is based on the combination of stent technologies with the principles of tissue engineering. The PulmoStent is a multi-layered structure providing (1) a functional respiratory epithelium on the luminal side, which allows the maintenance of the mucociliary function in the stented area, (2) an embedded micro- or nanosphere formulations, enabling the sustained, local release of tumour-specific therapeutics in combination with (3) a mechanical separating layer on the external side, enabling a local tumour suppression to avoid stent displacement and restenosis by a growing tumour. The PulmoStent is a step change beyond the state-of-the-art from a passive to a viable and functional active implant tailored to the patient. It focuses on a clearly identified clinical need for the treatment of lung cancer. The combination of different kinds of biomaterials to a co-scaffold system for the bio-functionalization of the stent will lead to an improved performance of endobronchial stents and thereby to longer durability. The novel PulmoStent will improve the quality of life and increase the life expectancy of lung cancer patients, because of the reduced mucus retention in the stented area, and herewith the reduced risk of life-threatening pneumonia and the local tumour suppression.

Keywords: viable stent device,age-related cancer therapy,personalized medicine,innovative biomaterials,co-scaffold-system,biocompatibility,tissue engineering
Development of a resorbable sealing patch for the prevention of anastomotic leakage after colorectal cancer surgical treatment (ANASTOMOSEAL)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Materials
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Italy,Netherlands,France,Norway,Poland
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2011-SMALL-5, 2011)
Start date: 2012-05-01
End date: 2015-04-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3708529.4
EU funding (EUR): 2699845.0
Participants: 6
Project status: CLOSED

The goal of the AnastomoSEAL project is to develop a biomaterial for tissue engineering for the age-related colorectal cancer (CRC), aiming at increasing the quality of life of patients as well as decreasing the costs of health and long term care. CRC is the second commonest form of cancer in Europe, with an aged-standardized incidence rate of 48 cases per 100’000 in 2008 (data from European Cancer Observatory), mostly affecting elderly people. The most frequent post-operative complication of any bowel resection is the “Anastomotic Leakage” (AL) which occurs up to 21% of cases, after suturing the resected bowel extremities. The project aims to satisfy the widespread clinical need of preventing AL after CRC resection. The objective of the project is the development of a degradable biomaterial, specifically capable of promoting a safe anastomosis during the critical period of tissue healing. We propose to design an innovative biomaterial in form of patch inserted by the surgeon after the anastomotic procedure which wraps around the sutured tissue to reinforce and seal the external part of the intestine, preventing AL and inducing tissue regeneration. The biomaterial will be based on natural polysaccharides alginate and hyaluronic acid (and its butyrate ester), and it will be designed to adhere to the intestinal tissue and to remain in situ for the required time. The goal of the project is to produce a resorbable reinforcing medical device specifically designed to aid rapid sealing and healing of colon-rectal anastomoses. At present, no such specific material for clinical use is available on the market. This device has the potential to become the material of choice for a non-invasive technique and represents an opportunity for the European companies involved in the project to pursue innovation in the biomaterial market. The AnastomoSEAL Consortium involves 2 academic and 4 industrial partners, integrating the RTD chain from material design to pre-clinical testing.

Keywords: colorectal cancer,anastomosis,polysaccharides,biomaterials,surgery
Compact X-ray computed tomography system for non destructive characterization of nano materials (NANOXCT)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Austria,Germany,Bulgaria,Sweden,France,Italy,Germany,Greece
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2011-SME-5, 2011)
Start date: 2012-05-01
End date: 2015-04-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4183063.82
EU funding (EUR): 3100000.0
Participants: 10
Project status: CLOSED

Within the past decades, advances in miniaturization from micro to nano-scale have had dramatic impacts on our lives. Consumer electronics, which once occupied large volumes, now fit in the palm of a hand. But nanotechnology does not only improve in electronics. Also material sciences, chemical engineering, or biology are strongly profiting from nanotechnology. The tremendous achievements in all of these areas would not have been possible without the material analytics in behind. Material analytics for nano-scale characterization currently covers destructive methods, surface inspection methods, or 2D methods. To date it is not possible to get a comprehensive representation of a specimen including internal and external 3D-structure analysis as well as a chemical analysis without destroying the probe. In this respect nano-scale material analytics is currently on the edge of a new era, which is targeted in NanoXCT. The project addresses the limitations of conventional techniques using 3D X-ray computed tomography, which allows for non destructive and fully three dimensional characterizations of specimens. In order to facilitate X-ray computed tomography at the nanometer scale, NanoXCT comprises a novel concept of an ultra-bright X-ray source in combination with a high precision focusing and emission system. Furthermore, a highly sensitive, photon counting wide field of view small pitch X-ray detector concept will be included. The concept is perfected by a high precision manipulation system, which allows for alternative scanning geometries as helical CT, and a suitable software environment for data processing and analysis. NanoXCT links the activities of 11 partners from 7 European countries including 5 SMEs to design, develop and implement a compact X-ray computed tomography system for non destructive characterization of nano materials and components. The targeted specifications yield a wide field of view of 1mm, a probe size of up to 1mm² and a voxel size of 50 nm.

Keywords: x-ray computed tomography,nano-scale characterization,non destructive,structural and chemical analysis,ultra bright nano focus x-ray source,photon counting wide field of view small pitch detector
Mapping the late-life health promoting mechanisms in worms and mammals (LATELIFEHEALTH)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Neurosciences and neural disorders
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (ERC-2011-StG_20101109, 2011)
Start date: 2011-10-01
End date: 2017-09-30
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1438899.2
EU funding (EUR): 1438899.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Aberrant protein aggregation (proteotoxicity) is an underlying mechanistic event common to numerous late-onset human neurodegenerative maladies including Alzheimer’s (AD) disease. Recent studies indicated that the ageing process plays key roles in enabling protein aggregation to become toxic late in life. The insulin/IGF signaling pathway (IIS) is a major ageing, stress resistance and lifespan regulator in worms and mice. We found that IIS reduction protects worms and mice from toxicity associated with the AD linked peptide, Aβ. These findings point to the alteration of ageing by IIS reduction as a promising research avenue towards the development of neurodegeneration therapies. In the nematode C. elegans, both effects of IIS reduction; longevity and protection from proteotoxicity are dependent on the activity of the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16. However, these functions of DAF-16/FOXO differ temporally; in worms the mediation of longevity by DAF-16 is restricted to reproductive adulthood while protection from proteotoxicity extends also to late adulthood. This differential temporal activity pattern suggests that different DAF-16 co-factors and target genes play roles in the mediation of longevity and in protection from proteotoxicity. Thus, a careful characterization of the late life DAF-16 regulated protective mechanism is required to evaluate the therapeutic potential of IIS reduction as a future treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. Here I propose to use nematodes and mice to explore the DAF-16/FOXO co-factors and target genes that mediate stress resistance and protection from proteotoxicity in the aged organism. Dual experimental approach will be utilized to achieve this goal; a directed genetic screen for the identification of co-factors and temporally differential set of DNA microarrays for the recognition of late life DAF-16/FOX target genes. This project is expected to yield new insight and to serve as a platform for future studies.

Keywords: ageing,insulin/igf signaling,proteotoxicity,neurodegeneration,nematodes,mice
Regenerable active polyelectrolyte nanofiltration membranes for water reuse and metal/acid recovery (LBLBRANE)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Germany,Spain,France,Netherlands,Spain,Finland,Denmark,Germany,Netherlands,Spain
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2011-SMALL-5, 2011)
Start date: 2012-02-01
End date: 2015-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4955830.8
EU funding (EUR): 3676443.0
Participants: 12
Project status: CLOSED

The shortage of drinking water in many regions on the planet constitutes a real problem and hazard. The use of seawater, brackish water and wastewater for human consumption is not a new concept. In spite of the success of membrane technology in water reclamation, membrane separation systems suffer from a serious problem: membrane fouling. The main downside is an inevitabe increase in operation and maintenance costs as well as an adverse effect on the lifespan of the membrane (harsh cleaning treatment). LbLBRANE is an ambitious project ensuring competent input right from the membrane concept down to lab-scale production and optimisation before scaling-up in pilot plants for end users. LbLBRANE applies novel nanotechnology tools, namely the layer-by-layer (LbL) technology to develop a versatile and generic procedure for the fast fabrication of low-cost, stable, chemical-resistant polyelectrolyte membranes. The LbL technology is the way to go for a bottom-up nano-engineered membrane whereby the modification is performed stepwise in a controlled manner - the thickness can be finely tuned by the number of layers deposited, the architecture of the film can be compartmentalised by incorporating functional species (polyelectrolyte as well as nanoparticles with specific functions, such as antibacterial properties) and the morphology of the film can be modulated via the pH, charge density and type of polyelectrolyte pairs to create pore size (hence permeability) tailored according to the specific need of the membranes. Our concern is focused towards high performance, regenerable membranes which could be cleaned in-situ and hybrid membranes with extremely high flux with high permselectivity and mechanical robustness. The ultimate aim is towards implementation of LbL on large industrial scale, from module design and construction to end user, especially for water reuse and metal/acid recovery.

Keywords: layer-by-layer,polyelectrolytes,membranes,regenerable nanofiltration,water reuse,industrial water treatment for ion seperation
Evolution and consequences of floral signaling in plants (FLORSIGNALS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Evolutionary, population and environmental biology
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (ERC-2011-StG_20101109, 2011)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2016-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1395639.6
EU funding (EUR): 1395639.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Most angiosperms plants use animals as vector for their gametes, and the interaction of plants with their pollinators represents a key mutualism for ecosystem functioning as well as for human nutrition. For maintaining interactions with pollinators, plants have evolved floral signals, such as color and fragrance. In the proposed research, functions and evolution of floral signals will be investigated in model systems representing key components of ecosystems and agriculture. In the first part, functions of floral signals will be investigated in the context of a plant’s dilemma arising through the need of attracting pollinators, but at the same time deterring herbivores. Fitness effects of herbivore-induced floral volatiles in different biotic environments, synergistic effect with visual cues, and the molecular bases will be analyzed. In the second topic, the maintenance of mutualistic associations will be studied in a so-called open nursery pollination system, where plant-pollinator associations can vary between mutualisms and antagonism. Cost/benefit ratios of this association and thus selection for/against nursery pollinators will be quantified in different populations, and corresponding floral adaptations, such as signals attracting/deterring pollinators/parasitoids as well as oviposition cues for pollinators will be analyzed. The third part will focus on pollinator/herbivore-induced selection on floral traits, adaptations to specific pollinators, and plant speciation. In an experimental approach, the evolution of floral traits under selection will be directly quantified, by imposing plants over several generations to mutualist/antagonist-driven selection. Diversification through adaptation to different pollinators will be investigated in a second experiment. In a highly specialized pollination system, floral signals mediating specific pollinator attraction and thus delivering reproductive isolation and their genetic basis will be studied.

Keywords: pollination,herbivory,floral scent,chemical ecology,floral evolution,speciation,reproductive isolation,mutualism
Enrichment of macular pigment, and its impact on vision and blindness (CREST)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Diagnostic tools, therapies and public health
Countries involved: Ireland
Call:  (ERC-2011-StG_20101109, 2011)
Start date: 2011-10-01
End date: 2016-09-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1493342.0
EU funding (EUR): 1493342.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. The macula, the central part of the retina, is responsible for optimal spatial vision. There is a growing body of evidence that a lack of a dietary pigment at the macula, known as macular pigment (MP), is associated with increased risk of AMD. MP contains the carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-zeaxanthin (meso-Z). The typical western diet contains around 60 carotenoids, and 18 have been identified in human serum. However, only three are found at the macula, indicating the unique biological selectivity for their uptake at this location. The function of MP remains undetermined. It is likely that the accumulation of MP has evolved because of its optical and antioxidant properties; for example, MP limits retinal oxidative damage passively (through filtration of blue light) and actively (by quenching free radicals). Furthermore, its optical properties suggest a key role for MP in enhancing visual performance and supporting ‘super’ vision by reducing the effects of chromatic aberration and light scatter. Recent research has shown that MP can be augmented by dietary supplementation in most (but not all) subjects, suggesting that the macular concentrations of these carotenoids are suboptimal in many people. My laboratory has discovered that a dip in the central portion of this pigment, seen in around 12% of individuals, is an undesirable feature of its spatial profile and may be linked to an inability to generate meso-Z at the macula. However, we have identified that enrichment of MP can be achieved by inclusion of meso-Z in a dietary supplement. We propose to uniquely enrich MP and assess its impact on visual performance in normal subjects and visual function in patients with AMD. This groundbreaking study will advance our understanding of the protective and optical hypothesis of MP, and potentially improve normal vision and prevent or delay blindness due to AMD.

Keywords: blindness,vision,carotenoids,macular pigment,visual function,visual performance,age-related macular degeneration,nutrition