In this project, I will develop chemical methods to synthesize colloidal chiral plasmonic nanoparticles and assemble them into 2D plasmene nanosheets. Chiral components on the surface of metal nanocrystals enantioselectively interact with chiral growth-directing molecules, such as amino acids and peptides, leading to the asymmetric evolution of chiral plasmonic metal nanoparticles. The chirality transfer from soft chiral molecules to inorganic metal surfaces derive from the highly twisted surface features on the nanoparticles induced by the chiral molecules during overgrowth. I will synthesize chiral plasmonic nanoparticles with different morphologies, finely tune the twisted surface elements, adjust their interparticle spacings and orientation, and optimize their chiroptical responses. Highly chiral 2D graphene-like plasmonic superlattices, or “plasmene nanosheets”, will then be fabricated on flexible substrates to serve as all-hot-spot practical chiral sensing platforms via control over interparticle spacing and orientation. A novel functional chiral plasmonic biosensing platform will be constructed by the self-assembled 2D chiral plasmene nanosheets, based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering, for ultrasensitive biomarker detection and chirality discrimination.

This proposal describes the third core project of the Graphene Flagship. It forms the fourth phase of the FET flagship and is characterized by a continued transition towards higher technology readiness levels, without jeopardizing our strong commitment to fundamental research. Compared to the second core project, this phase includes a substantial increase in the market-motivated technological spearhead projects, which account for about 30% of the overall budget. The broader fundamental and applied research themes are pursued by 15 work packages and supported by four work packages on innovation, industrialization, dissemination and management. The consortium that is involved in this project includes over 150 academic and industrial partners in over 20 European countries.

THERABOT pioneers a groundbreaking approach in the fight against cancer through the development of engineered biohybrid agents, iBots. These iBots represent a significant leap in bacterial cancer therapy (BCT), combining synthetic biology and nanotechnology to encapsulate therapeutic bacteria with protective polymeric coatings. This encapsulation aims to enhance the delivery and efficacy of bacteria to colonize tumor tissue, drastically reducing the adverse immune responses and systemic toxicity associated with traditional BCT. THERABOT's innovative strategy focuses on colorectal cancer, employing a multifaceted approach that includes the design of advanced intelligent biohybrids by programming iBots for targeted therapeutic action, and validating their effectiveness in vivo. Central to THERABOT's mission is its interdisciplinary and international consortium, comprising 12 members from 10 leading academic institutions and 2 SMEs across Europe (France, Spain and Sweden) and from non-EU countries (Japan, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Thailand). This collaboration fosters a unique integration of diverse scientific disciplines, including bioengineering, immunology, material science and oncology, promoting the exchange of knowledge, techniques, and cultural perspectives, which is pivotal for addressing the complex challenges of developing a new cancer therapy. THERABOT not only emphasizes the scientific innovation but also prioritizes the training and career development of seconded staff, enhancing their research competencies and preparing them for future challenges in diverse fields. THERABOT's focus on developing accessible and patient-friendly cancer treatments, underscores its alignment with EU priorities in health and innovation. By redefining cancer treatment paradigms towards more precise, effective, and personalized approaches, our project aspires to have a lasting impact on society, improving patient outcomes, and contributing to the global fight against cancer.

The vast majority of industrial chemical oxidations catalyzed by heterogeneous catalysts (chemical and enzymatic) in aqueous solvents suffer from several technical hindrances related to diffusion restrictions of oxygen This limitation derives from the low transport rate of molecular oxygen from the gas phase to the solvation sheath on the surface of the solid catalyst where catalysis occurs. The restriction of molecular oxygen availability at the reaction point creates a bottleneck in the productivity of industrial processes. To overcome a such major limitation in industrial productivity of oxidative biocatalysis, we propose the use of a new generation of heterogeneous biocatalysts based on oxidoreductases immobilized on polymeric matrices for the oxidation of alcohols, replacing the molecular oxygen with water soluble inorganic salts as ultimate electron acceptor. The results of NIBIOX will be exploited in the fine chemicals industry. Oxidative reactions are one of the pillars of the organic synthesis toolbox. For example, the global market for aldehydes is expected to reach more than $2 billion by 2025. This means a total global market of $232 billion in industrial fine chemistry by 2027. Therefore, the successful outcome of NIBIOX and its implementation in industrial processes will result in a profitable business with a positive impact on the economy of the stakeholders involved in the exploitation of our solution.

This project is the second in the series of EC-financed parts of the Graphene Flagship. The Graphene Flagship is a 10 year research and innovation endeavour with a total project cost of 1,000,000,000 euros, funded jointly by the European Commission and member states and associated countries. The first part of the Flagship was a 30-month Collaborative Project, Coordination and Support Action (CP-CSA) under the 7th framework program (2013-2016), while this and the following parts are implemented as Core Projects under the Horizon 2020 framework. The mission of the Graphene Flagship is to take graphene and related layered materials from a state of raw potential to a point where they can revolutionise multiple industries. This will bring a new dimension to future technology – a faster, thinner, stronger, flexible, and broadband revolution. Our program will put Europe firmly at the heart of the process, with a manifold return on the EU investment, both in terms of technological innovation and economic growth. To realise this vision, we have brought together a larger European consortium with about 150 partners in 23 countries. The partners represent academia, research institutes and industries, which work closely together in 15 technical work packages and five supporting work packages covering the entire value chain from materials to components and systems. As time progresses, the centre of gravity of the Flagship moves towards applications, which is reflected in the increasing importance of the higher - system - levels of the value chain. In this first core project the main focus is on components and initial system level tasks. The first core project is divided into 4 divisions, which in turn comprise 3 to 5 work packages on related topics. A fifth, external division acts as a link to the parts of the Flagship that are funded by the member states and associated countries, or by other funding sources. This creates a collaborative framework for the entire Flagship.