General information
Organisation
The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
Reference
SL-DRF-24-0410
Direction
DRF
Thesis topic details
Category
Condensed Matter Physics, chemistry, nanosciences
Thesis topics
Nano- and micropatterned biomineral-based materials: Orientation-specific assembly of coccoliths into arrays
Contract
Thèse
Job description
Coccoliths of coccolithophorid algae are anisotropically-shaped microparticles consisting of calcite (CaCO3) crystals with unusual morphologies arranged in complex 3D structures. Their unique micro- and nanoscale features make coccoliths attractive for various applications in nanotechnology. It is anticipated that the range of applications of coccoliths can be further extended by (bio)chemical modification and functionalization as well as possibilities for their arrangement into 2D and 3D arrays. However, methods for both aspects are still lacking.
The aim of this project is thus to develop methods for regioselective functionalization of coccoliths and their assembly into arrays. Regioselective functionalization of the margin area and central area of coccoliths will be achieved by exploitation of local differences in the composition of the insoluble organic matrix of coccoliths. The existence of local differences in the composition of biomacromolecules within this matrix has only very recently been demonstrated. In particular, we will regioselectively introduce proteins/(poly-)peptides that can serve as “anchoring points” for in vitro modifications into the insoluble organic matrix of coccoliths by genetic engineering of a coccolithophore. These engineered coccoliths form the basis for the construction of coccolith arrays. Three independent approaches for the assembly of such arrays will be pursued. The structural and physico-chemical properties of the coccolith-based magnetite-calcite hybrid material will be determined by means of a number of analytical methods.
This interdisciplinary project will benefit greatly from the complementary expertise of the binational groups. In the long term, we aim to create an advanced pool of methods to regioselectively endow coccoliths with desired properties and to develop new biomineral-based materials for nanotechnological applications.
University / doctoral school
Ecole Doctorale des Sciences Chimiques (SC)
Aix-Marseille Université
Thesis topic location
Site
Cadarache
Requester
Position start date
01/03/2024
Person to be contacted by the applicant
FAIVRE Damien damien.faivre@cea.fr
CEA
DRF/BIAM/SBVME/LBC
CEA Cadarache
Bat 1900
13108 Saint Paul Lez Durance Cedex
04 42 25 46 19
Tutor / Responsible thesis director
FAIVRE Damien damien.faivre@cea.fr
CEA
DRF/BIAM/SBVME/LBC
CEA Cadarache
Bat 1900
13108 Saint Paul Lez Durance Cedex
04 42 25 46 19
En savoir plus
https://www.cite-des-energies.fr/chercheur/damien-faivre/?lang=en
https://www.cite-des-energies.fr/biam/recherche/mem/