With an ERC Advanced Grant, leading researchers, who are well-established in their field, are given the opportunity to carry out an ambitious and ground-breaking project.
Funding period
2024–2029
Abstract
Water activation, which allows the transfer of universally abundant hydrogen into value added compounds, is an important research field in modern science. This task has been realized mainly by using transition-metal-based systems. Herein we will use a conceptually novel mild water activation strategy which proceeds through a photocatalytic phosphine-mediated radical process. The active species in these processes is a metal-free R3P-OH2 radical cation intermediate where both hydrogen atoms are used in the following chemical transformation through sequential heterolytic (H+) and homolytic (H•) cleavage of the two O-H bonds. The R3P-OH radical intermediate provides an ideal platform to mimic the reactivity of a "free" hydrogen atom that can be directly transferred to various π-systems to give H-adduct C-radicals, which are eventually reduced by a thiol cocatalyst leading to overall transfer hydrogenation of π-systems, with the two H-atoms of water ending up in the product. The driving force is the strong P-O bond formed in the phosphine oxide byproduct.
Funding period
2023–2028
Abstract
The development of novel synthetic methodologies is one of the most essential chemical research areas since the access to organic molecules is the foundation for many applied sciences (e.g. medicinal chemistry, materials science). In recent years, the construction of increasingly complex molecular scaffolds has gained significance, with a particular need for conformationally restricted, three-dimensional architectures. However, the synthesis of such molecular frameworks remains exceptionally challenging, limiting their application in other research branches. Consequently, revealing novel strategies to convert simple feedstock chemicals into complex building blocks has a beneficial impact on society as a whole. In HighEnT we will disclose ground-breaking methodologies augmenting the synthetic toolbox of organic chemists focusing on expanding the chemical space to discover pharmacologically relevant structural motifs.
Funding period
2022–2027
Abstract
The microenvironment around blood capillaries is known as the perivascular niche and plays an important role in various conditions, including neuroinflammation. The scope of the B3M project funded by the European Research Council is to study the perivascular niche of cerebral vessels by recreating it in vitro. Using hydrogels with tunable properties as a scaffold and endothelial cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, researchers will recapitulate the architecture and function of the in vivo perivascular niche. The in vitro system will allow investigation of the cellular and molecular events that dictate leukocyte penetration of the perivascular niche leading to neuroinflammation.
Funding period
2022–2027
Abstract
Two leading collaborations – the XENON/DARWIN and LUX-ZEPLIN (liquid xenon detectors) – that study dark matter are joining forces to create the next-generation dark matter detector. The detector will also be sensitive to other rare physics processes, such as the neutrinoless double beta decays, solar neutrinos, axions, etc. Despite the existence of shielding systems for muons or neutrons, the sensitivity of both detectors is limited by radioactive decays within the xenon, especially of the radioactive noble gas isotopes 222Rn and 85Kr. The EU-funded LowRad project will establish cryogenic distillation set-ups to reduce the concentrations of 222Rn and 85Kr to unprecedented levels. These should help reduce their background contributions to the detector by a factor of 10.
Funding period
2019–2025
Abstract
Algebras of continuous linear operators on Hilbert spaces were originally devised as a suitable mathematical framework for describing quantum mechanics. In modern mathematics, the scope has broadened due to the highly versatile nature of operator algebras. Topics of particular interest include the analysis of groups and their actions. Amenability is a finiteness property that has a large number of equivalent formulations. The EU-funded AMAREC project will conduct an analysis of amenability in terms of approximation properties in the context of abstract C*-algebras, topological dynamical systems and discrete groups. Approximation properties will serve as a bridge between these setups and will be used to systematically recover geometric information about the underlying structures.
Funding period
2018–2023
Abstract
The hydrogenation of ketones and olefins is one of the oldest synthetically used transformations. The reaction is highly sustainable and its value has been acknowledged by two Nobel Prizes. In contrast, the hydrogenation of arenes is still underexplored due to the high kinetic barrier caused by aromaticity. However, the selective arene hydrogenation constitutes a dream reaction for use in an ideal synthesis: The transformation is straightforward, uses readily available substrates, and is able to build-up an astonishing amount of complexity, with the potential to form multiple defined sterocentres, in a single step. With our first paper on selective arene hydrogenation published in 2004, we became pioneers in this field and have continuously made important contributions using metal–carbene complexes. As a world-leader in this area and with expertise in several relevant fields of catalysis, we are perfectly suited to convert arene hydrogenation into a reliable and general transformation within the frame of this project. We will provide rapid access to sought-after motifs and consequently will enable breakthroughs in material and life sciences. Key to our success will be the design of strongly electron-donating carbene ligands and deep mechanistic understanding. Specifically, we will develop solutions for the problematic hydrogenation of heteroatom-substituted arenes, and heteroarenes. Utilising the soluble nature of a homogenous catalyst, we also envision applications in the hydrogenation of polymers, offering direct access to new materials. Furthermore, the use of syngas is expected to allow for the development of a merged hydrogenation-hydroformylation reaction to yield highly functionalised cyclohexanes in a single step from minimally functionalised arenes. Finally, we aim to develop chiral versions of our highly reactive metal–carbene catalyst to enable the previously unknown but highly desirable enantioselective hydrogenation of benzene derivatives.
Funding period
2016–2022
Abstract
Is the electron a catalyst in synthesis? This fundamental question will be addressed within the frame of the suggested ERC-project. Brönsted acid catalysis is well established in organic synthesis. The electron, as compared to the proton about 1800 times smaller and omnipresent, is currently not recognized as a potential catalyst in synthesis. The concept of using the electron as a catalyst is nearly unexplored. In the suggested, challenging project this kind of catalysis and its potential in synthesis will be the target of the investigations. The aim is to establish catalysis with the electron as an independent research branch in organic synthesis. To this end, the generality and broad applicability of the concept has to be documented. Different reactions, which are currently conducted as non-chain reactions by using transition metals as redox catalysts, will be performed via electron-catalyzed radical chain processes. In view of the foreseen shortage of transition metals we consider the development of transition-metal-free chemistry as important. Guided by Mother Nature we plan to develop synthetic dehydrogenases. Unactivated aliphatic sites in complex substrates will be selectively oxidized to the corresponding alkenes. Remote regioselective C-H functionalization in complex molecules comprising C-C- and C-X-bond formation will be investigated and also transition-metal-free radical arene and alkene C-H functionalization will be explored. Furthermore, the potential of electron-catalysis in asymmetric synthesis will be elucidated. Preparative and kinetic experimental studies will be supported by theoretical chemistry, new methods for initiation of electron-catalyzed processes will be developed and also mechanistic studies will be performed.
Funding period
2014–2019
Abstract
The skeleton and the sinusoidal vasculature form a functional unit with great relevance in health, regeneration, and disease. Currently, fundamental aspects of sinusoidal vessel growth, specialization, arteriovenous organization and the consequences for tissue perfusion, or the changes occurring during ageing remain unknown. Our preliminary data indicate that key principles of bone vascularization and the role of molecular regulators are highly distinct from other organs. I therefore propose to use powerful combination of mouse genetics, fate mapping, transcriptional profiling, computational biology, confocal and two-photon microscopy, micro-CT and PET imaging, biochemistry and cell biology to characterize the growth, differentiation, dynamics, and ageing of the bone vasculature. In addition to established angiogenic pathways, the role of highly promising novel candidate regulators will be investigated in endothelial cells and perivascular osteoprogenitors with sophisticated inducible and cell type-specific genetic methods in the mouse. Complementing these powerful in vivo approaches, 3D co-cultures generated by cell printing technologies will provide insight into the communication between different cell types. The dynamics of sinusoidal vessel growth and regeneration will be monitored by two-photon imaging in the skull. Finally, I will explore the architectural, cellular and molecular changes and the role of capillary endothelial subpopulations in the sinusoidal vasculature of ageing and osteoporotic mice. Technological advancements, such as new transgenic strains, mutant models or cell printing approaches, are important aspects of this proposal. AngioBone will provide a first conceptual framework for normal and deregulated function of the bone sinusoidal vasculature. It will also break new ground by analyzing the role of blood vessels in ageing and identifying novel strategies for tissue engineering and, potentially, the prevention/treatment of osteoporosis.
Funding period
2012–2017
Abstract
Frustrated Lewis pair chemistry is an exciting new field of very high current interest. Usually, Lewis acids and Lewis bases quench each other by strong adduct formation when brought together in solution. This is avoided or hindered by the attachment of sufficiently bulky substituents at these components. Non-quenched pairs of bulky Lewis acids and Lewis bases feature an unprecedented potential for cooperative small molecule activation and they induce an amazing manifold of new reactions and reactivities. This project will significantly advance this fascinating new field by the specific design and synthesis of novel advanced frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) and by using them for finding and developing new chemical reactions of fundamental chemical building blocks according to the following scheme: Design and Preparation of New Frustrated Lewis PairsNew FLP ReactionsNew Areas of Metal-free Catalytic HydrogenationOpening the New Field of FLP-Based Free Radical ChemistryNew Oxidation reactionsFLP-Based Carbon Dioxide ChemistryFLP Reactions of High Energy Intermediates With this project and its subdivisions we propose to tackle very timely questions in an innovative and original way by using the enormous potential that the emerging field of frustrated Lewis pairs has to offer.
Funding period
2011–2017
Abstract
The regulation of cell migration is central in pattern formation, homeostasis and disease. The proposed research is aimed at investigating the molecular basis for cell motility and the associated polarization of the cell. In view of the dynamic nature of these processes, we have chosen to utilize the migration of Primoridal Germ Cells (PGCs) in zebrafish - a model that offers unique experimental advantages for imaging and experimental manipulations. The fact that molecules facilitating the motility of zebrafish PGCs are evolutionary conserved and the finding that the cells are directed by chemokines, molecules that control a wide range of cell trafficking events in vertebrates, make this in vivo study of particular importance. The proposed work involves both the functional analysis of previously identified candidates and the identification of molecules, which have a presently unknown effect on the migration process. For both objectives, we will employ novel experimental schemes. We will examine the role of proteins in achieving functional cell polarity compatible with efficient motility and response to directional cues, using unique techniques and analysis tools in the context of the living organism. The precise function of the identified proteins will be determined by combining mathematical tools aimed at quantitatively gauging the role of the molecules in conferring proper cell shape, biophysical methods aimed at measuring forces, rigidity and cytoplasm flow and determination of the effect on the organization of relevant structures using cryo electron tomography. Together, this approach would provide a non-conventional understanding of cell migration by correlating structural, morphological and dynamic cellular properties with the ability of cells to effectively migrate towards their target.
Funding period
2011–2016
Abstract
This project is concerned with problems in several areas. A starting point is the new concept of a ring C*-algebra associated with a countable ring without zero divisors. For special rings this C*-algebra has a very rich and surprising structure. A particularly interesting case is the ring of algebraic integers in a global field. In this context the algebra contains well known topological dynamical systems. We plan to use the analysis of ring algebras as an organizing principle for the study of many questions in C*-algebra theory, K-theory, ergodic theory and number theory. Some of these questions are well known and very difficult.
Funding period
2010–2015
Abstract
MaGIC intends to explore the use of nano/micro objects, in particular zeolite L, as materials for imaging, and, when the zeolites are used as substrates, for analyzing and manipulating cells. In particular in vivo and in vitro imaging, cell growth on nano/micro patterned zeolite monolayers, and understanding some of the processes of cell-to-cell communication are the ambitious goals of this proposal. We intend to achieve these goals through 5 objectives: 1. Synthesis and characterization of zeolites and loading and trapping of dye molecules. 2. Patterned zeolite monolayers and microcontact printing for asymmetric functionalization and cells transfer. 3. Molecular imaging using nanoporous materials as multiresponsive probes. 4. Cell growth, proliferation and stimulation of processes in spatially confined areas. 5. Communication between cells and cell differentiation. The project is extremely challenging and if successful will open new horizons in the use of nanomaterials in combination with living systems and will develop new technologies for handling delicate substrates and assemblies. The numerous ideas and problems that MaGIC addresses are of fundamental importance and collectively represent an interesting approach to simply mimicking nature, connecting biological components to abiotic materials in order to understand the mechanisms of the biological systems or to take advantage of the unique properties of the ‘non-biological’ components in a natural setting (in vivo and in vitro). The stepwise approach, starting from the use of the nanomaterials for observing the surrounding environment (cell imaging), and proceeding to their assembly in functional architectures, culminates in the realization of special interfaces with the ambition to realize and study cell-to-cell communication.