Active Biomics

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People involved: Alberto Redaelli, Monica Soncini, Søren Enemark, Iuliana Aprodu, Marco Deriu

Funding source: FP6 EU Grant

Grant number: NMP4-CT2004-516989

Funding period: 2005 - 2008

Partners: Max-Planck Institute of Potsdam, Stiching voor Fundamenteel Onderzoek der Materie of Amsterdam, Institute Curie of Paris, European Molecular Biology Laboratory of Heidelberg, Institut für Molekulare Biotechnologie of Jena, CNRS of Gif-sur-Yvette, University of Leipzig.

The biomimetic systems studied contain two types of linear motors, growing filaments and stepping motor proteins. Growing filaments generate pushing forces; stepping motor proteins exert pulling forces. The project has several scientific objectives: to understand the molecular processes which are responsible for the generation of these forces; to elucidate the cooperative behavior of small and large groups of motor molecules which lead to active surface layers and active filament assemblies or scaffolds; and to control and optimize the properties of these biomimetic systems.
The research performed in this STREP is at the cutting edge of science and has a high potential for long-term innovation. Indeed, there are many possible applications in bioengineering, pharmacology, and medicine such as sorting devices for biomolecules and biocolloids, active drug delivery systems, and force generating components for the development of nanoscale manufacturing. The project proposed is devoted to a highly innovative research field which is likely to provide key components for the development of a truly biomimetic nanotechnology. The strategic target of this STREP is to transform the qualitative knowledge about biomolecular machines as available in the life sciences into a quantitative knowledge base for biomimetic nanosciences.