| Beneficiary Number* | Beneficiary name | Beneficiary short name | Principal scientist | Country |
| 1(CO) | Technical University of Denmark Dept. of Micro and Nanotechnology | DTU Nanotech | Prof. Jenny Emnéus | Denmark |
| 2 | Lund University Wallenberg Neurocenter | ULUND | Prof. Merab Kokaia | Sweden |
| 3 | Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Dept. Cell and Developmental Biology | TAU | Prof. Dafna Benayahu | Israel |
| 4 | University Autonomous of Madrid Center of Molecular Biology “Severo Ochoa” | UAM | Assoc. Prof. Alberto Martínez-Serrano | Spain |
| 5 | Hungarian Academy of Sciences Chemical Research Center | CRC | Dr. Zsófia Keresztes | Hungary |
| 6 | University of Genova Dept. of Biophysical and Electronic Engineering | UGDIBE | Assist. Prof. Roberto Raiteri | Italy |
| 7 | LUXCEL | LUXCEL | Prof. Dmitri B. Papkovsky | Ireland |
| 8 | Politecnico of Milano Dept. of Electronics and Information Technologies | POLIMI | Prof. Marco Sampietro | Italy |
| 9 | SciTech Link HB | STL | Assoc. Prof. Elisabeth Csöregi | Sweden |
| 10 | University of Potsdam Dept. of Analytical Biochemistry | UP | Prof. Ulla Wollenberger | Germany |
| Technical University of Denmark Dept. of Micro and Nanotechnology | |
| Role in the project | DTU Nanotech will be involved in all WPs, however, the main responsibility will be in WP1 to design and manufacture the LIC platforms (polymer based microfluidic system (LIC-B), IDAs and nano-pillar chips to be used for electrochemical measurements on individual cells in a culture. DTU Nanotech will also be substantially involved in the development of some of the different nanobiosensors (Molecular Beacon based mRNA detection, Antibody-modified pillar electrodes) application of the LIC in WP5 and in the validation that cells with implanted nanostructures are physiological the same as cells grown on a reference surface using complete gene profiling, as well as and to isolate electrically and light responsive promoters in WP6. |
 | Jenny Emnéus was recruited as new Professor and head of the BIOMICS section at DTU Nanotech in March 2007. She previously pursued her academic career at Dept. Analytical Chemistry at Lund University in Sweden. She has been involved in numerous European projects of which she has coordinated five. She is currently in the Executive Board and the leader of workpackage 3 (human resource management and mainstreaming gender equality) in the Network of Excellence Nano2Life - Bringing Nanotechnologies to Life. She has served as an evaluator of the Swedish Research Council and EU FP 7 projects for environment program. She has 95 publications in peer reviewed international journals with an H-index of 23. She still has 5 PhD students in Lund that she continues to supervise to their examination. She has many years experience in development and application of electrochemical biosensors and microchip based biological systems. Her main research interest is now focused on microfluidic bioassay systems based on enzymes, antibodies and cells, using multi-parameter detection systems (optical and electrochemical) for dynamic monitoring of cellular events in real-time to gain insight into biological processes at cell level. Complete list of the people involved >> |
| Lund University Wallenberg Neurocenter | |
| Role in the project | The main tasks for Kokaia’s group will be related to electrophysiological assessment of functional differentiation of the stem cells and establishment of their functional profile in terms of intrinsic membrane properties, as well as synaptic afferents to these cells. |
 | Merab Kokaia is Professor at the Department of Neurology since 2008. He heads the Experimental Epilepsy Group, which explores cellular and synaptic mechanisms of epileptogenesis, the role of neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors in epileptogenesis, gene therapy approach with viral vector gene transfer, as well as stem cell transplantation to deliver genes for therapeutic treatments of epilepsy. Complete list of the people involved >> |
| Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Dept. Cell and Developmental Biology | |
| Role in the project | TAU will provide the stem cells systems and expertise to develop molecular platforms to identify and biomarkers for cell differentiation. |
 | Dafna Benayahu, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel, Email: dafnab@post.tau.ac.il. Research interests: in cell and molecular biology of stem cells. She is involved in research projects dealing with methods to characterize bio molecules, living cells and biological tissues at the nanometer scale. Prof. Benayahu is principal investigator of several research projects funded by the Israeli agencies. Bi-national between USA and Israel and EU projects 5th and 6th framework. She is a reviewer for several international scientific journals. She is a Project Manager of several research projects between academia and national industries or scientific institutions. She is co-author of more than 55 publications on international journals. Prof. Benayahu is leading the research group of 2 Associated researchers 1 postDoc. 8 PhD students and 5 undergraduate students. |
| University Autonomous of Madrid Center of Molecular Biology “Severo Ochoa” | |
| Role in the project | To study/survey of maintenance of cell homeostasis when cells are cultured on a LIC platform, and also when approached with the nano-devices proposed. To adapt cell culture growth and differentiation conditions from regular cell culture systems to a LIC conditions. To analyze cell function (physiology, metabolism, cell-to-cell-interaction, electrical activity) during both growth and differentiation conditions. Contribute to the design on nano-probes for gene, protein and metabolites detection. Also, contribute to help in the design of surface-covering materials for penetration of nano-probes into the cells of study. To identify light/electricity activated promoters (if any), and provide state of the art techniques for validation/study of the function of such promoters. To contribute to the study of reporter genes in vivo (GFP and Luc), using micro PET systems. |
 | Alberto Martínez Serrano is leading the group on Human Neural Stem Cells (basic biology and applications), at the CBMSO. His group team is presently composed by two post-docs, three pre-docs and three technicians. His main research interest is in the field of neuro-degeneration and neuro-regeneration. Since the early 90´s, AMS has been mostly dedicated to the development of efficient gene therapy and cell therapy procedures based on the use of neural stem cells for the future treatment of neurological diseases. From the late 90´s the focus of his research group pointed to the study of human NSCs, in particular of their basic biological properties, and how to coax them for the development of mature, functional cells of the nervous system, as a way to generate knowledge that could pave the way for future therapies. AMS has authored around 60 papers in international journals, and participated as partner in several International and European projects (under 5th and 6th FP). |
| Hungarian Academy of Sciences Chemical Research Center | |
| Role in the project | To modify nanostructures in various ways, such as different chemical methods, self assembled monolayers (SAMs), polymer brushes etc., to create biocompatible environment for cell growth and differentiation as well as to achieve reversible/improved electrochemistry. Commercial carbon nanotubes (CNT) and other nanoparticles as well as nanostructured surfaces will be modified to alter their hydrophobic/hydrophilic character. Subsequently, different groups will be introduced in order to elaborate the most suitable modified nanostructure for further experiments, i.e., for immobilization of biomolecules to create nanobiosensors and for increased biocompatibility and penetration of pillars into the cell. The modified/functionalised nanostructures will be tested in terms of surface topography, physical properties (roughness, elasticity), and chemical properties (hydrophilicty/hydrophobicity, surface charge, specific molecule mapping). This will allow nanoscale functional characterization of the surfaces. |
 | Zsófia Keresztes is PHD. Her main fields of interest is adaptation of surface modification protocols to nanostructured surfaces. Verification of functional performance of nanoscale controlled coatings by scanning probe microscopic techniques. E-mail: zsofi@chemres.hu Complete list of the people involved >> |
| University of Genova Dept. of Biophysical and Electronic Engineering | |
| Role in the project | To develop the data acquisition and analysis software for the LIC platform (WP8) and to integrate and test the LIC platform in collaboration with partner POLIMI (WP2). In particular coding algorithms will be developed in order to process the recorded input signals from the heterogeneous sources (sensors, imaging). The expertise acquired by NBT Group during past projects (e.g. EU FP5 project IST-2001-33564), especially regarding the electrophysiological measurements, the network characterization and analysis and the development of innovative tools for real-time processing, will certainly be exploited in the framework of the present project. |
 | Roberto Raiteri is leading the activities related to bionanotechnology at the NBT group. His main research interests deals with the use of Scanning Probe Microscopy-based methods to characterize biomolecules, living cells and biological tissues at the nanometer scale, and with the development of micro/nano mechanical biosensors. He has also developed data acquisition and instrumentation software within different research projects. On the above topics he has contributed with more than 25 papers to peer reviewed international journals. He is/has been principal investigator of several research projects funded by different Italian and international agencies and private companies. Complete list of the people involved >> |
| LUXCEL | |
| Role in the project | Will coordinate the research carried out at Luxcel and the adaptation of Luxcel technology sensing to the new biochip, together with TOR who will carry out most of the technical work. Both will be extensively involved microfluidic culturing under WP1, developing nano-biosensors WP3 and WP4, analysis with fully integrated LIC chip under WP6 and finally in management in WP7. RF will be involved in the managerial and financial parts of the project, and also in the technical aspects of WP6-7. |
 | Dmitri Papkovsky (born 1960) is Chief Scientific Officer and head of R&D at Luxcel. He is involved in the development of new bioanalytical techniques and applications, based on the use of the phosphorescent porphyrin probes and time-resolved fluorescence detection. He is in charge of strategic planning of Luxcel R&D work, development of product pipeline, new technologies and in-licensing. His current research interests include: 1) New platforms for the analysis of mitochondrial and cellular function: bioenergetics, signalling and metabolic responses of cells; 2) Dynamic sensing of intracellular oxygen and live-cell oxygen imaging; 3) mechanisms of oxygen sensing in cells, hypoxia-induced responses, the roles of mitochondria. 4) Biochemical toxicology. D.Papkovsky is the author/co-author of 90+ peer-reviewed scientific papers, several book chapters and 13 patents. He is also Associate Professor, head of the Biophysics and Bioanalysis lab at the University College Cork. |
| Politecnico of Milano Dept. of Electronics and Information Technologies | |
| Role in the project | To design, test and produce the electronic circuits that will be mounted in the LIC platform. In particular: the circuitry to address individually the nano-pillars and the array of microelectrodes (this will be done in collaboration with WP1- DTU Nanotech); the high sensitivity circuitry to amplify and to drive the electrical signals from and to the pillars and the microelectrodes (this will be done in collaboration with WP1-DTU Nanotech for what concerns the integration in the LIC platform and with WP5 members for what concerns the detection strategy and specifications); to design the circuitry for the transfer of signal data from the high sensitivity measuring electronic stages in the LIC platform to the external data acquisition board (this will be done in close collaboration with WP8-DIBE).', url=', contact=', contact_desc='<strong>Marco Sampietro</strong>, Dipartimento di Elettronica e Informazione, Politecnico di Milano, P.za L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy, Phone: +39 022 3996188, Fax: +39 022 3993574, E-mail: <a href="mailto: marco.sampietro@polimi.it">marco.sampietro@polimi.it</a>Marco Sampietro is responsible for the activities in the fields of high-sensitivity instrumentation for the nanoscience and of molecular semiconductor sensor devices. His group has developed instrumentation for single spin resonant study through the investigation of single charge trapping & detrapping in MOSFETs under strong magnetic fields and at sub-kelvin temperatures. The group has also investigated the electrical properties of biological materials with emphasis on the electrical response of mammal olfactory receptors upon interaction with specific odorants, aiming to explore high sensitive and selective bio-sensors. To address the single nanosome, the group has developed a special AFM (atomic force microscope) that performs impedance spectroscopy measurements with attofarad resolution on nanometric areas. He is co-author of more than 130 peer-reviewed international publications. He has been partner in two European projects and holds 3 patents. |
 | Marco Sampietro, Dipartimento di Elettronica e Informazione, Politecnico di Milano, P.za L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy, Phone: +39 022 3996188, Fax: +39 022 3993574, E-mail: marco.sampietro@polimi.itMarco Sampietro is responsible for the activities in the fields of high-sensitivity instrumentation for the nanoscience and of molecular semiconductor sensor devices. His group has developed instrumentation for single spin resonant study through the investigation of single charge trapping & detrapping in MOSFETs under strong magnetic fields and at sub-kelvin temperatures. The group has also investigated the electrical properties of biological materials with emphasis on the electrical response of mammal olfactory receptors upon interaction with specific odorants, aiming to explore high sensitive and selective bio-sensors. To address the single nanosome, the group has developed a special AFM (atomic force microscope) that performs impedance spectroscopy measurements with attofarad resolution on nanometric areas. He is co-author of more than 130 peer-reviewed international publications. He has been partner in two European projects and holds 3 patents. Complete list of the people involved >> |
| SciTech Link HB | |
| Role in the project | Research management, dissemination, and communication strategies |
 | Elisabeth Csöregi received her PhD from Lund University and further specialised at the University of Texas at Austin, USA. Between 1995-2008, she has been a senior scientist at Lund University (Departments of Biotechnology and Analytical Chemistry) where she was an associated professor during the last 8 years. Part of this period, she has been seconded by the Swedish Ministry of Education to the INTAS Research Program of the European Union for 2.5 years where she was the scientific officer of about 175 research projects for the field of Earth sciences, Environment and Energy. Her research interest is within bioanalysis, development, integration, and miniaturisation of enzyme-, protein, and bacteria-based biosensors for application in the medical field, food sector and environmental protection. She was/is/ involved in several international and national projects amounting a total funding of approximately € 6.5M during the past 10 years. She is the author/co-author of about 200 articles published in journals, books and conference proceedings, was the funding editor of Applied Nanosciences and the European Editor of Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Presently she is Managing Director of SciTech Link AB, a research management and Technology Transfer company (SME). The main activity of STL AB is consulting on European projects, consortium building, research management, training and education. |
| University of Potsdam Dept. of Analytical Biochemistry | |
| Role in the project | Will be responsible for the bioanalytical workpackage and contribute also in the field of electrode design. The main contribution of UP to the project is to measure and trigger redox processes extra-and intracellular and to validate the new electro-chemical methods (this will be done in close collaboration with P1- DTU Nanotech). |
 | Ulla Wollenberger heads the Bio-electrochemical Laboratory of the Department of Analytical Biochemistry. Her main research interests are the investigation and exploitation of electron transfer to redox proteins and enzymes, design of biosensors using single and coupled enzyme reactions, in particular enzymatic signal amplification, nanoparticles, array (micro)electrodes and combination of bioaffinity and (bio)electrochemical sensors for medical, biotechnological and environmental applications. The laboratory has the equipment for electrochemical analysis systems (cyclic voltammetry, amperometry, coulometry, multipotentiostat) affinity studies (quartz crystal micro balance), visualization (microscope with micromanipulator) and biochemical methods (chromatography, spectrophotometry). Her research has been published in more than 100 peer reviewed articles in international journals. She is involved in several National Research activities in the area of Modern Bioanalytics and Catalysis. Complete list of the people involved >> |