BIOFUS · Biofunctionalized surfaces: a multiscale modeling approach
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2011-02-10 → 2012-03-09
- EU contribution
- €162,161
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MC-IEF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Biofunctionalized surfaces: a multiscale modeling approach
The aim of the Marie-Curie project entitled Biofunctionalized surfaces: a multiscale modeling approach (in short BioFuS) was to investigate the properties of biologically modified surfaces, surfaces on which biomolecules have been attached. The interest on these biomaterials is high with respect to their potential applications ranging from bio-electronics and bio-sensors to templates for programmable self-assembly. From a theoretical point of view, though, the challenges related to modeling such biomodified materials are complex. In this project, the tools for the investigation should be purely computational utilizing different approaches, spanning different time and length scales and ranging from single- to multiscale schemes. The choice of the scheme used is based on the type of properties under study and the desired accuracy. Different types of biomolecules (from a single nucleotide to a short sequence of double-stranded and single-stranded DNA, and small peptides) attached on a variety of surfaces, metallic (gold) as well as non-metallic (carbon-based and silicon), were to be characterized and studied, while various factors affecting these biomaterials were proposed to be examined. The goal was an in depth understanding of the structure, mechanical stability, and properties of biofunctionalized surfaces and a guide to experiments for potential biotechnological applications. In order to pursue this goal many preliminary tests and a check or update of the necessary computational tools and schemes was essential.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The proposed research project will deal with biofunctionalized materials, specifically surfaces on which biomolecules have been attached. These novel biomaterials have recently attracted attention, as they are believed to potentially give rise to a variety of innovative biotechnological applications, ranging from bio-electronics and bio-sensors to templates for programmable self-assembly. From a more fundamental point of view, the complex behavior of biopolymers at interfaces is not yet fully understood and poses a challenging theoretical and experimental problem. The effect of various factors will be investigated, like the the deformations (mechanical or thermal) occurring on the biomolecule or the surface and the effect of the surrounding fluid solvent (pH and fluid flow). The different surfaces that will be used are metallic (gold) as well as non-metallic (carbon-based and silicon). On these surfaces, biomolecules will be grafted at various orientations. These biomolecules will range from a single nucleotide to a short sequence of double-stranded and single-stranded DNA, and small peptides. The current research will be conducted using purely computational and theoretical tools. Simulation techniques based on different methodologies will be used, the choice of which will be based on the type of properties under study and the desired accuracy. This will probe the scanning of different spatial and temporal scales, and thus lead to an in depth understanding of the structure and properties of biofunctionalized surfaces and a guide to experiments for potential biotechnological applications.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN · MuenchenCoordinatorGermany
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union