LightDyNAmics

DNA as a training platform for photodynamic processes in soft materials

Light interaction with biomaterials is the driving mechanism of fundamental biological processes, from photosynthesis to DNA photodamage, and is a powerful tool in biomedicine for analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The main goal of LightDyNAmics is to achieve a complete understanding of the ultrafast dynamical processes at the molecular scale induced by UV light absorption in DNA, and to unveil the mechanisms leading to photodamage of the genetic code. At the same time, our project will transfer this knowledge on light-matter interaction to a broad class of optoelectronic materials, highly relevant for Europe`s high-tech industries.
LightDyNAmics is an academia-industry research environment training 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) by crossing the traditional border between theoretical and experimental expertise. This will be achieved by performing independent, yet interrelated and complementary research projects focussed on photoactivated dynamics of DNA, and by developing a variety of new spectroscopic and computational methods. For all the ESRs, personalised training in advanced techniques will be combined with a broad common interdisciplinary background on dynamical processes in bio-macromolecules.
The consortium brings together 10 leading academic groups with multidisciplinary expertise (chemistry, physics, biology) and a unique blend of experimental and computational skills. 6 innovative companies, from SMEs specialised in click-chemistry and in biosensors to a pharma industry, will be fully integrated in the research and training programme and help promote technological exploitation of its results.
LightDyNAmics will develop innovative molecular probes for DNA/protein interaction, paving the way to new diagnostic tools and new drugs. The understanding of light interaction with organic molecules will impact on basic sciences, from biochemistry to nanosciences, and on industrial applications ranging from healthcare to photonic technologies.

This project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4 and 9.

• Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, FR
• University of Durham, UK
• Kemijski Institut, SI
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Muenchen, DE
• Masarykova Univerzita, CZ
• Politecnico di Milano, IT
• University College Dublin, IE
• Alma Mater Studiorum - Universita di Bologna, IT
• Universitaet Wien, AT
• AstraZeneca Ltd, UK
• Baseclick GmbH, DE
• Dynamic Biosensors GmbH, DE
• accelopment Schweiz AG, CH