Objective "The aim of VISUAL-MS is to investigate the structure and the assembly of individual functional adsorbed molecules with sub-nm resolution. This is an essential and still missing step in the development of a molecular scale foundation of many contemporary research fields. In order to achieve these goals, ultra high resolution scanning probe microscopy techniques are needed. However, these require that complex molecular units are deposited onto well-defined substrates under perfectly controlled conditions and that they are analysed in-situ. This is beyond the current state-of-the-art. In fact, thermal sublimation in ultra high vacuum is the strategy of choice for small, heat-resistant molecules but big functional (bio)molecules are not compatible with this process. VISUAL-MS will address this challenge by adapting a technique developed in mass spectrometry for transferring intact fragile molecules into the gas phase and by combining this with in-situ scanning probe microscopy. This interdisciplinary approach will expand the boundaries of modern surface science by enabling to apply its powerful diagnostic techniques to almost any type of complex functional molecule. It represents an essential step change in analytical capability and will provide groundbreaking new insight into fundamental molecule-substrate interactions. VISUAL-MS will apply this innovative instrumentation to explore the adsorption, mutual interaction and real-time dynamics of peptides on surfaces. The planned experiments will allow to determine which functional groups in a peptide interact with a substrate of given structure and chemistry and to directly visualise, for the first time, the secondary structure of individual peptides with sub-molecular resolution. These breakthrough achievements will open new horizons in the basic understanding of molecule-surface interactions and serve as a reference in the formulation of rationale protocols for the fabrication of (bio)molecular functionalised substrates" Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopynatural scienceschemical sciencesanalytical chemistrymass spectrometry Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE4 - ERC Starting Grant - Physical and Analytical Chemical sciences Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111012 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK EU contribution € 1 578 211,20 Address Kirby Corner Road - University House CV4 8UW Coventry United Kingdom See on map Region West Midlands (England) West Midlands Coventry Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Giovanni Costantini (Dr.) Administrative Contact Catherine Cochrane (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK United Kingdom EU contribution € 1 578 211,20 Address Kirby Corner Road - University House CV4 8UW Coventry See on map Region West Midlands (England) West Midlands Coventry Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Giovanni Costantini (Dr.) Administrative Contact Catherine Cochrane (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data