Polymer nanostructure-based bioimaging systems possess many advantages over traditional ones in terms of sensitivity, signal stability, multiplexing capability and facile surface functionalization for targeting. Polymer nanostructure-based drug delivery systems (DDS) show reduced cytotoxicity and better protection of active molecules and provide drug release control in time and space. Polymersomes (polymer vesicles) are of particular interest as they show high stability and unique encapsulation ability for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules, and their membrane properties can be finely adjusted using a variety of monomers to achieve stimuli-responsive opening. Nevertheless, up to nowadays, few bioimaging nanoparticles and nano-DDS based on polymers reach commercial level. Several challenges remain such as how to image cells/tissues efficiently and track the distribution of drugs, how to enhance the imaging and treatment efficacy, how to achieve controlled release of drugs, etc. Fluorescent polymer nanoparticles studied for bioimaging contain generally conventional organic dyes which suffer from aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). Recently, luminogens with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics have emerged as a new class of fluorescent materials for organelles imaging and drug delivery monitoring. The combination of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) with polymer nanostructures, especially polymersomes, will provide innovative approaches to cell/tissue imaging and to in vivo study of drug distribution. However, there are only a few systems reported to date that combine AIE properties with polymer nanostructures self-assembled in well-controlled manners. Studies on AIE polymersomes are just scarce. In this project, we will propose a rational design of AIE polymer nanostructures, especially AIE polymersomes, and develop them as efficient systems for bioimaging and theranostics (combining diagnostics and therapy). The French teams of this international collaborative project are specialists in the polymer synthesis, the polymer self-assembling and the design of stimuli-responsive polymersomes sensitive to light, temperature and reduction agents, and the Hong Kong team is the frontier research group to design, synthesize and investigate AIE luminescent materials. With the complementary strengths, together we propose to develop: (1) light-up AIE polymersomes and (2) AIE fluorescent polymersomes. (1) The light-up AIE polymersomes represent a totally new system, where water-soluble AIEgen-conjugates are encapsulated in the inner aqueous compartment of polymer vesicles. The stimuli-responsive opening of the polymersomes and the specific cleavage of the AIEgens-conjugates will activate the fluorescence of AIEgens. The polymer nanostructures will ensure the long systemic circulation and favor the in vivo applications. The specific light-up AIEgen-conjugates show advantages of low background interference, high signal to noise ratio, superior photostability and possibly activatable therapeutic effects if pro-drug is introduced in the conjugates. (2) The AIE fluorescent polymersomes take advantage of the big hydrophobic pockets in the polymer membrane that will house AIEgens of a normally rigid hydrophobic nature. We will investigate the photophysical properties of AIE fluorescent polymersomes or polymer nanoparticles on the basis of their molecular and soft-condensed-matter structures in order to obtain ultra-bright fluorescent nanoparticles. When drugs are co-encapsulated with AIEgens, these systems can not only be used for bioimaging, but also for theranostics. Both light-up AIE polymersomes and AIE fluorescent polymersomes will undoubtedly contribute to the development of personal medicine and will also guide the design of new biosensors.

The EU has set a clear target to curb climate change: a climate neutral industry by 2050. For several crucial EU industries, this means that the CO2 they emit needs to be captured, utilised and/or stored. ConsenCUS aims to provide an industrial roadmap to a net-zero carbon future through “Carbon neutral clusters by electricity-based innovations in Capture, Utilisation and Storage”. We will demonstrate this concept by integrating a demonstration unit at major cement, magnesia and oil refining installations. The project presents technological innovations in the 3 main components of CCUS: (1) carbon capture based on alkali absorption, coupled to a novel electrodialysis cell (100 kg CO2/h), (2) conversion of CO2 to formate and formic acid for the current market, as well as emerging markets and (3) safe cyclic loading of CO2 into salt formations and aquifers for storage. The capture and conversion routes are unique in taking only electricity and water as consumables, while providing energy- and cost-efficiency beyond the current industrial standard (targets: TRL 6-7, 1.4 GJ and €34 per tonne CO2). Life cycle analysis and techno-economic evaluations will address how the innovations can be exploited, optimising environmental benefits while providing sound business cases for the three sectors participating and beyond. ConsenCUS also designs so-called CO2 clusters and networks in NW and SE Europe, around our demonstration sites. Our partners are spread across the CO2 value chain and will optimise such clusters based on an interconnected network of emitters fitted with (our) carbon capture and utilisation technology, other CO2 end users and geological storage. Joint infrastructure and operation will drive cost down and encourage collaboration. Importantly, we will create narratives to promote CCUS at communities surrounding these cluster components, by clarifying the social and environmental impact to locals, raising awareness alongside investigating their critical needs.

Somatic stem cells (adult stem cells) are essential for homeostatic maintenance of various tissues. In addition to normal homeostasis, they are also involved in tissue regeneration in case of injury. Interestingly, adult stem cell function declines with age and this phenomenon limits tissue regeneration in aged tissues. To understand the molecular basis of the functional decline in aged stem cells, we will investigate how canonical Wnt signaling is involved to regulate cell fate decisions in tissue homeostasis and repair. We are using muscle stem cells (MuSCs) as a model stem cell system, our preliminary data suggests that an adequate intrinsic level of ß-Catenin, the main effector of canonical Wnt signaling, is required for MuSC function during muscle regeneration. We thus began to examine how Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling functions as a pleiotropic pathway to regulate both myogenic differentiation and cell fate decisions. Accumulated evidence has suggested that rejuvenation of aged stem cell populations can be performed and that such mechanism can be controlled in an epigenetic fashion. However, the extent to how this cellular reprogramming event works is unclear. Wnt signals are a key sources of cues that direct myogenic lineage progression and it has also been implicated in promoting MuSC to adapt an alternative fate in aged muscle, rendering MuSC dysfunctional and resulting in an impairment of muscle regeneration in aged animals. We thus propose to understand the molecular and epigenetic regulation of canonical Wnt signaling in MuSCs during organismal ageing. Our project aims to decipher the role(s) of canonical Wnt/ß-Catenin in MuSCs cell fate decisions during ageing. Using Cre/Lox genetic approaches, we will first assess and compare the implication of ß-Catenin in young and old MuSCs function. As aged MuSCs can be rejuvenated and thus appear not genetically altered, we will then focus on understanding the age-related changes in epigenetic determinants in MuSCs, and whether canonical Wnt signaling is differentially controlling asymmetric divisions of young and old MuSCs. This project is lead by an interdisciplinary consortium comprises of researchers in France and Hong Kong studying molecular regulation of stem cell function. Members of this consortium have complementary expertise in the area of stem cell biology, computational biology and genetics. It is expected our study will contribute to the understanding of MuSC fate during normal ageing. We strongly believe this proposal will provide new insights as to the molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell ageing. The result of this proposal will lead to the identification of new selective targets for the development of therapy for stem cell rejuvenation.