NanoUnits in Motion - NanoMot

We are developing a proposal for a network of Excellence for submission to the 6th Framework Priority 3 (Nano-technologies and nano-sciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials, and new production processes and devices” Identifier: [FP6-2002-NMP-1].  The following areas will be addressed in the bid:

NMP-2002-3.4.1.1-3       Molecular and bio-molecular mechanisms and engines

The objective will be to develop new concepts and technologies for further developments with substantial breakthrough potential applications. Research may address a vast variety of areas, such as molecular electronics, artificial photosynthesis and molecular motors.

NMP-2002-3.4.1.1-2       Self-organisation and self-assembling

The objective will be to achieve materials and systems with predictable composition and structure, and control of their final properties, e.g. through external fields. Interdisciplinary research may include growth, characterisation and/or functionalisation of nano-entities; positional assembly; self-replication (automatic copying); molecular replication.

NMP-2002-3.4.1.2-1       Interfaces between biological and non biological entities

The objective is to realise novel forms of integration of biological and non-biological systems at the nano-level. Research may include bio-molecular, chemical and physical modifications at the substrate surface, including patterning or growth of cells, enabling specific bioactivity/biomimetic performance and integration in devices with new potential applications. Health and environmental risks should be addressed.

NMP-2002-3.4.1.4-1       Handling and control instrumentation at the level of single molecules and/or < 10 nm

The objective is to develop instrumentation and methods, for manipulation and manufacture at the nano-scale, supported by appropriate analysis and control, including benchmarking of efficient and cost effective instrumentation, and nano-metrology. Research at frontiers of knowledge may include the study of a variety of advanced techniques for nano-scale manufacture; the development of breakthrough technologies and methodologies exploiting the self-assembling properties of matter.

If you are interested in this Network of Excellence please contact either Keith Firman or Hans-Georg Braun as quickly as possible with a short summary of your area of interest.  It will also speed along the process if you can complete the questionnaire available through this link.

Team wins £1.2 million grant to develop molecule-sized switch

A molecule-sized magnetic switch is to be developed by a Europe-wide team headed by the University of Portsmouth following a £1.2 million grant from the European UnionCommission.

The switch makes use of a key component - a molecular motor, developed at Portsmouth, which will bridge the gap between the carbon-based world of biology and the silicon-based one of computers and electronics. Potential uses range from DNA sequencing devices through to a new generation of artificial limbs.

Project co-ordinator, Dr Keith Firman (Reader in Molecular Biotechnology at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Portsmouth) says:

“The University of Portsmouth is delighted to be leading this important research."

“No single laboratory in Europe could do this work on its own. That is why six leading centres of excellence have come together as one team."

“The magnetic switch is a key element of the ‘lab on a chip’ concept on which the future of molecular diagnostics – detecting medical and other conditions at the molecular level – is based.”

Notes for editors

· The successful consortium headed by the University of Portsmouth also includes the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington; the Technology University, Delft, Netherlands; CNRS, Paris, France; The University of Parma, Italy; and the Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
· The grant of 1.974 million euro (about £1.2 million) has been awarded under the Future and Emerging Technologies Programme of the European Union. It will be shared between the consortium over three years.