Nanopeptides and nanosaccharides for advanced and sustainable materials
Long-range research and innovation goal towards transformative biomaterials and technologies: The long-range goal of PEPSA-MATE is to develop and translate sustainable nanostructured functional materials, based on peptides and polysaccharides, using computer-based theoretical design approach and innovative fabrication technologies.PEPSA-MATE will generate a library of functional nanosaccharides and nanopeptides to be used as building blocks for the fabrication of advanced biomaterials.
Key Research and Innovation Goals: The objective of PEPSA-MATE is to turn biopolymers into sustainable products using innovative technologies. This will result in alternative biomaterial to conventional, non-degradable synthetic polymers and inorganic materials.
Scientific impact: Translation opportunities will be explored in three topic research areas; 1) Phytoglycogen nanoparticles to fabricate bioadhesives, bioplastics and drug carriers; 2) Ultrasonic fabrication of biofunctional nanopeptides; 3) Nanostructured saccharide microparticles as universal platform to deliver a wide range of therapeutic molecules.
Impact on early-stage researchers: PEPSA-MATE involves key participation of junior researchers providing strong support for the development of their careers.
Intersectoral dimension: PEPSA-MATE will develop intersectoral collaborations between a SME and academic partners to boost entrepreneurship creativity towards sustainable products and processes.
Interdisciplinary dimension: PEPSA-MATE will bring together interdisciplinary and complementary expertise in the field of nanomaterials science, polysaccharides and peptides chemistry, acoustic technologies, cell biology, biophysics, and computational modelling. International dimension: PEPSA-MATE will enable long-term, transformative research collaborations between research groups and SMEs settled in European Countries (Italy, Czech Rep., Germany and Spain) and in four non-EU Countries (Australia, Brazil, Cuba and South Africa).