Real cell membranes are essentially asymmetric and non-planar. Outer leaflets of the plasma membranes contain neutral lipids and glycolipids, while the inner leaflets host practically all anionic lipids and phosphoinositides. In addition to asymmetric composition the membranes are usually curved due to spontaneous curvature of the membrane lipids and an influence of membrane proteins and cytoskeleton. There are many cellular phenomena, which are influenced by the asymmetry and the membrane curvature such as formation of synaptic vesicles, blebs and apoptotic bodies, membrane fusion and splitting, budding of enveloped viruses, endo and exocytosis, etc. In this work we propose comprehensive interdisciplinary study of the influence of membrane asymmetry and curvature on the functioning of integral membrane proteins and the transmembrane transport of therapeutic compounds (such as cisplatin and its derivatives). The goal is to reveal major physical factors, which distinguish asymmetric and curved membrane environment and govern interactions, orientation and diffusion of the small molecules (drugs) and large integral proteins. The combination of experimental methods (“wet” biochemistry and molecular biology, enhanced infrared and Raman spectroscopy) and computer simulations (coarse-grained and atomistic molecular dynamics, quantum chemistry) would be used in the project in complimentary manner.

The long-term goal of MX-MAP is to develop a functional pipeline for the immune characterization of new 2D nanomaterials of MXene family, for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the human immune compatibility and immune activity towards biomedical applications. The immune characterization of the tested materials on the basis of intrinsic physical-chemical and immunological properties, through the combination of the most innovative technologies such as single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF), will open breakthrough perspectives for the development of new therapeutic approaches applying nanomaterials as immunomodulators, scaffolds for tissue engineering, cancer therapy, and antibacterial agents. MX-MAP will develop key chemistry and immune-based strategies for MXene medical applications. The implication of this project extends beyond the specific nanoscience program greatly advancing the engineering process of 2D materials and their use in biomedicine. The MX-MAP project involves fourteen key players in European and non-European countries, including the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and three partners from Ukraine, coming from academia and SMEs. This program will provide strong support for the development of the careers of young brilliant scientists who want to grow towards an interdisciplinary vision of Science. Chemistry, biology, immunology, engineering, and cancer research are the expertise of MX-MAP. The senior team members are among the most influential scientists, including Prof. Yury Gogotsi (H-index=168) - inventor of MXenes, Prof. Klaus Ley (H-index=147) - one of the most cited immunologists worldwide, and Prof. Husam N Alshareef (H-index=99). The Consortium is perfectly balanced in terms of equal gender presence; the project Coordinator Lucia Gemma Delogu is a female, and 2 out 4 of four WP leaders are female. The project embraces a large view of inclusiveness and diversity, including countries with smaller economies such as Ukraine.

The project CanBioSe targeted to strengthen international and intersectoral collaboration, sharing new ideas and knowledge transfer from research to market and vice versa in the field of nanostructured metal oxide optical biosensors for cancer cells detection. Interdisciplinary project research and innovation goals are targeted to develop a new portable tool for early stage cancer detection which can solve on of important health challenges in EU society. One dimensional (1D) polimer nanofibers will be deposited by electrospinning technique. Photonic nanomaterials, based on metal oxide based nanostructures (ZnO, ZnO/Al2O3 nanolaminates, Au/ZnO and ZnO/Au) will coat the 1D nanofibers. Metal oxides and Au nanoparticles will be deposited with Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and electrophoresis, respectively. Bioselective layer will be formed by immobilization of specific antibodies on the biosensor surface. Photoluminescence and optical spectroscopy will be used for recording of the biosensor signal. Biosensor testing will be performed on cancer cells (human chronic lymphocyte leukemia (CLL) leucosis and acute lymphoblastic leucosis). The biosensor will be integrated with microfluidic system in order to minimize dimensions and simplify the use of the detection system. The project partners will provide research and training activities in the fields of nanotechnology, surface functionalization, bioengineering, microfluidics and biosensor testing, market analysis and commercialization. Provided research and management training to experienced researchers and early stage researchers will strengthen their personal skills and CVs via new scientific papers and conference theses and strengthen a development of EU research human resources. Long lasting collaboration between partners, based on co-supervising students and preparation of novel collaborative project proposals is foreseen. Dissemination of the project results to scientific society and wide auditories is foreseen.

The overall project idea is on contribution to European culture and creativity through developing technological readiness of the breakthrough engineering solution for indoor air safeguard via inter-sectoral European and international cooperation, knowledge sharing, broad skills development and mobility of researchers and innovation staff. Under NANOGUARD2AR it is expected to build new and enhance existing network of international and inter-sectoral cooperation in the form of joint research and innovation activities between the project Partners with multidisciplinary skills and complementary competences in nanomaterials, physics, civil engineering, chemical engineering, green chemistry, microbiology, environmental protection, indoor air quality control and safety. It will significantly strengthen the interaction between academic and non-academic sectors within MS/AC Countries France, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine and Third Country the Republic of Belarus in the field of the innovative nanomaterials engineering application for the environmental protection. The main objectives of the NANOGUARD2AR project are to develop and design, test, validate and demonstrate an innovative nanomaterials-based “microbial free” engineering solutions and responsive system [NANOGUARD2AR system] for the indoor air safeguard to support concept of green buildings. To achieve this goal the NANOGUARD2AR project will explore the use of nanomaterials (NMs) as photosensitizers coupled with advanced air-curtains technology and innovative interactive dark operating oxidizing composite materials being able to generate adsorbed hydroxyl radicals without any external energetic excitation. The emphasis of the project activities is on the proof of the concept of the innovative nanomaterials-enhanced air-barrier engineering solution towards efficient and sustainable protection of the indoor environment from microbial contaminations (fungus, fungal propagules, bacteria, their spores and germination).

NANO2DAY is aiming at the development of advanced multifunctional composites with outstanding electronic and mechanical properties by incorporation of novel MXene nanosheets into polymer matrixes. The project will firstly go forward to the rational design and systematic exploration of MXene-polymer nanocomposites for wearable electronics and advanced structural components for airspace applications. This will be achieved by i) intersectoral consolidation and sharing of knowledge and expertise of 11 members from Europe and USA working in different areas and ii) collaborative research on the development and assessment of novel materials, including technology, characterisation, modelling, and validation. The concept explored in the project accounts for finding and extending the application potential of MXene-doped polymers and validation of their effectiveness compared to well-known graphene-doped polymers. The innovative aspects followed in the project are based on up-scaling of novel technologies for “close-to-industrial” synthesis of MXenes and MXene-doped polymer masterbatches and implementation of MXenes into design of structural polymer composites, including FRPs. NANO2DAY will essentially contribute to the integration of scientific insights into innovation-based industrial environment and successful implementation of novel advanced materials into practical applications.