Objective
Cells respond to external mechanical stimuli through an activation of a cellular mechanism called mechanotransduction. The cellular responses in this mechanism are expressed by a modification in cellular proliferation, migration and differentiation, as well as in a strengthening of their adhesion. Likewise, diseases such as cancer and cardiac dysfunctions are also related to cellular mechanotransduction. Here we propose to take a novel 3D material porous material towards commercial applications. The material serves as a platform for controlling mechanotransduction (e.g. in implant materials) and enables a control of mechanotransduction by mimicking natural 3D cellular environments. Our material contains a novel form of microporous structures represented by micron-sized channels embedded in a polymer matrix of a well-defined stiffness that has been developed within the ERC project CELLINSPIRED. The material guarantees pore interconnectivity independently of pore density and size, a unique feature offered by our fabrication procedure, for which we have applied for a patent (EP 15166793.8 PCT/EP2016/060160). Furthermore, it also provides a large, three-dimensionally controlled cell-surface contact area, such that the mechanical properties of the environment will have large impact on the cells. Our goal in this project is to validate our novel material for cellular applications where mechanotransduction is targeted. The expected outcome of our project is to receive a demonstrator material that (1) has well-defined mechanical properties, porosities and pore dimensions, (2) is biocompatible and can be sterilized, (3) can be fabricated in different levels of complexity, (4) can activate mechanotransduction in cells, and (5) can be fabricated using high-throughput processes. As for commercialization, we aim to license the patent to biomaterials companies involved in applications that range from 3D cell cultures to implant materials.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- engineering and technology industrial biotechnology biomaterials
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2017-PoC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
24118 Kiel
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.