SMILEY

Smart nano-structured devices hierarchically assembled by bio-mineralization processes

 Partecipanti

Mappa

 Word cloud

Esplora la "nuvola delle parole (Word Cloud) per avere un'idea di massima del progetto.

 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'SMILEY aims to develop and apply a 'bottom-up' approach to build nano-structured devices with smart multi-functional properties: bio-mineralization, self-assembly, self-organization are an ensemble of concomitant phenomena, inspired by nature, that will be properly directed to generate elementary nano-sized building blocks organized in macroscopic devices for application in EHS (Environment, Health, Safety) Biomedical and Energy fields. SMILEY will exploit the ability of such a cascade of biologically-inspired processes to form complex hybrid nano-composites, starting from abundant and environmentally safe raw materials such as natural polymers and fibres, whose characteristics and organization are mediated by the activation of control mechanisms and structural confinement conferring defined functionalities to the final devices. The processes of self-assembling and mineralization, scaled at pilot plant, will be directed and adjusted to obtain 3-D porous hybrid nano-composites to be used as: i) filters for air purification from nano-particles; ii) biomedical devices exhibiting high mimesis with human hard tissues, addressed to dental regeneration; iii) fibrous integrated photovoltaic devices. The control mechanisms inherent in the whole process will allow to establish a technological platform based on highly repeatable, scalable and cost-effective technology for the manufacturing of multi-functional devices with huge economic, environmental and social impact. This will also represent a proof of concept for further development of smart devices obtained by biologically-inspired self-assembling processes; in this respect, roadmaps addressing wider industrial exploitation will be prepared, basing on the knowledge gained in the development of SMILEY.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Nature is a source of inspiration for new assembling and mineralization processes addressed to smart multi-functional devices. The project will exploit this new process for flexible manufacturing of HME filtering devices, dental scaffolds and photovoltaic fabrics.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Bio-inspired mineralisation process bases on heterogeneous nucleation of nanosize inorganic phases, such as calcium phosphate or carbonate, onto 3D organic templates that assemble in a complex fashion, thanks to information exchanged at the molecular level. Many living organisms exploit this process to build structures with the function of sustain and protection (i.e. exoskeletons in insects and molluscs, endoskeletons in mammals). New green chemistry procedures enable the in-lab activation of the control mechanisms at the basis of such ensemble of complex phenomena to flexibly drive the controlled formation of new hybrid materials with function of arresting nanoparticles in critical size range; controlled heating and moisturising of medical gases; scaffolds for regeneration of dental tissues and fibrous photovoltaics to be integrated into new dye sensitized solar cells.

These new bio-inspired process for development of smart multi-functional devices with wide application in Health, Environment and Safety (EHS) is settled within work on the EU-funded project 'Smart nano-structured devices hierarchically assembled by bio-mineralization processes' (http://www.istec.cnr.it/index.php/eng/projects/69-projects-in-progress/european-projects-in-progress/585-smart-nanostructured-devices-hierarchically-assembled-by-biomineralization-processes-fp7-nmp-2012-small-6-310637-en (SMILEY)).

One of the strengths of these processes is the use of abundant and environmentally friendly raw materials such as natural polymers and fibres. These materials are blended by inducing chemical or physical linking between different bio-polymers or natural fibres thus generating composite bio-polymeric matrices, used to develop nano-sized building blocks then subjected to bio-inspired assembling and mineralization. In this respect, potential materials and processes were screened and tested and the best candidates chosen for further development.

At this point, the team has built and tested prototype devices for air filtering as well as for heat and moisture exchange. The air filters could play an important role not only in production processes but also in situations of natural disasters, building demolition or war. One filter can be used for humidifying gases coming from pulmonary ventilators for patients requiring breathing support.

Researchers also developed scaffolds mimicking various tissues important in dental repair, including periodontium (alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and cementum) and dentine. Dental regeneration is a still unmet clinical need and is expected to enable a great leap forward in the quality of life of the European population. Indeed, tooth loss and impaired oral function, accompanied by a number of side effect at a systemic level, are likely to increase and the new biotechnology developed in SMILEY will help to retain full mobility and chewing capacity even at advanced ages.

The team has also investigated various natural fibres and surface modification aimed at activating surface functional groups enabling heterogeneous nucleation of inorganic nano-phases. On this basis new materials with photovoltaic properties were developed and prototypes of fibrous photoanodes were produced. The development of new flexible photovoltaics will provide an important contribution to current challenges related to energy production when integrated in garments, curtains, buildings or greenhouses.

SMILEY is developing nanomaterials inspired by nature for use in devices that support and protect both the environment and its inhabitants.