Polymer-[2]rotaxane molecular shuttles: a new class of non-covalent mechanophore for sensing cell forces
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: School of Chemistry
Abstract
Annual cancer diagnoses in Europe will increase to more than 4.3M by 2035, making it the second most important cause of death and
morbidity. The Horizon Europe 'Cancer mission' aims to save 3 million lives from cancer by 2030, making it critical that new strategies
for the early diagnosis of cancer are established. The primary objective of this project is to develop a novel molecular probe for
detecting a key marker of metastatic cancer: the mechanical forces that arise from uncontrolled cell division. To realise
this, the project brings together Dr Sharma (Fellow), an expert in polymer mechanochemistry, and Dr Barendt (Host), an expert in
photo-active molecular machines. This project presents a timely opportunity for the team to fill the current need for mechanophores
for bio-sensing. This project will arm biologists and clinicians with a state-of-the-art sensor for diagnosing cancer at an early-stage.
The project synergises Fellow and Host expertise, providing opportunities for two-way knowledge transfer throughout the
programme. For the Fellow, specific training objectives in scientific and transferable skills will enable them to realise their next career
goal: leading an independent research programme in organic materials for bio-sensing. The project work plan (work packages, tasks) and established support team (scientific,
transferable skills) will ensure all research and training objectives are realised.
morbidity. The Horizon Europe 'Cancer mission' aims to save 3 million lives from cancer by 2030, making it critical that new strategies
for the early diagnosis of cancer are established. The primary objective of this project is to develop a novel molecular probe for
detecting a key marker of metastatic cancer: the mechanical forces that arise from uncontrolled cell division. To realise
this, the project brings together Dr Sharma (Fellow), an expert in polymer mechanochemistry, and Dr Barendt (Host), an expert in
photo-active molecular machines. This project presents a timely opportunity for the team to fill the current need for mechanophores
for bio-sensing. This project will arm biologists and clinicians with a state-of-the-art sensor for diagnosing cancer at an early-stage.
The project synergises Fellow and Host expertise, providing opportunities for two-way knowledge transfer throughout the
programme. For the Fellow, specific training objectives in scientific and transferable skills will enable them to realise their next career
goal: leading an independent research programme in organic materials for bio-sensing. The project work plan (work packages, tasks) and established support team (scientific,
transferable skills) will ensure all research and training objectives are realised.
