Research

Xylem parenchyma cells (XPCs) are usually the least hardy stem tissue and therefore determine frost survival of trees and their northern distribution limit. Based on differential thermal analysis (DTA), two mechanisms for frost survival of XPCs have been described: Less frost-hardy XPCs are killed by lethal intracellular freezing, called deep supercooling, which occurs between −24 and −50°C. Most frost-hardy XPCs (−196°C) are thought to survive by freeze dehydration and were termed freezing tolerant. However, recent evidence suggests that superimposed freeze dehydration may be also involved in deep supercooling. The underlying mechanisms of frost hardiness of XPCs remain largely unknown. Therefore we aim to use a new, high resolution differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) to quantify the extent and temperature-dependent dynamic of supercooling and freeze dehydration of XPCs. Additionally attention is paid to specific freezing responses that originate from intraspecific differences in xylem anatomy, XPC architecture and function. Quantitative cell parameters of XPCs including pit traits of vessel associated cells will all be related to the specific freezing behavior measured by DSC. In this context, specific molecular components inside XPCs (anti ice nucleation substances) and of cell walls that affect their porosity and stiffness, and of the black cap (lipids) associated with the pits that act at the symplast-apoplast interface, will be analyzed by microscopic techniques including Raman micro-spectroscopy and Atomic force microscopy. The mechanisms of frost hardiness of XPCs are poorly understood, and, most strikingly, still unknown for most European tree species. In this context, the aspect of differences in XPC construction types and xylem anatomy have not particularly been investigated by so far. Mechanistic involvement of molecular components in XPC frost survival is – except for some recent studies – an understudied topic. In view of climate change, the regrowth dates are rapidly advancing, which increases the overall probability of devastating frost events. Therefore, the results will yield much needed improvement in our predictions of tree fitness response to climate change, which is economically relevant in forestry but also for the cultivation of fruit trees and ornamental plants.

Spread and progression of the tumour plays a crucial role, through the dynamic overlap between tumour cells and the extracellular matrix. CARES brings together leading academic and non-academic experts in the fields of matrix biology, biomaterials, microfluidics and cancer research to provide an accurate tool for assessing the response of cancer cells to a variety of anticancer drugs. As a proof-of-concept, we will use breast cancer cells as a model system, with the prospect of extending the system to other cancers. extending the system to other cancers. Our ultimate goal is to develop a novel and user-friendly platform that mimics the human tumour microenvironment in early and advanced stages of cancer by resembling the human tumour microenvironment in early and advanced stages of cancer and can predict with unprecedented accuracy the response of tumour cells to response of tumour cells to cancer therapies in vivo. This will facilitate the development and testing of new drugs and narrow the gap between translational cancer research and targeted cancer therapy, which will have a significant impact on society and the economy. The ambitious scientific goal will provide the backdrop for intensive cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary training of young scientists, providing them with an excellent translational research portfolio that will enable them to succeed in both academia and industry.

In 2025 around 11 billion tonnes of plastic waste will pollute the environment. Therefore, a circular economy with biotransformation and biodegradation of oil-based plastics is as crucial as implementing biobased and biodegradable materials. Transforming lignocellulosic waste biomass into commercially valuable “green” materials is an emerging and promising way to minimize waste, substitute plastic and reduce our carbon footprint. As a waste resource, we suggest walnut shells, in which we discovered the interlocked 3-D puzzle cells. The homogeneity, the high surface area and the channels make these cells interesting for transformation into biodegradable bioplastic. We plan to dissolve the walnut shells in deep eutectic solvent to separate the cells, add water to regenerate lignin and recycle the solvent. The result of this closed process circle is a NUT slurry as a basis for our materials. To tailor and functionalize the composite for different applications we propose to add bacterial cellulose pellicles, a waste from kombucha fermentation or produced in bioreactors. The pure cellulose fibrils with high tensile strength are an exciting counterpart to the high lignin content pressure optimised puzzle cells. With different ratios of the two agri-residues we will tune the material properties for NUTplastic and NUTleather. Sustainable, energy and resource efficient, biodegradable NUTmaterials with a low carbon and environmental footprint are envisaged for the packaging and textile sector. The project activities comprise 1) development and characterisation of NUTleather and NUTplastic products at the demonstration level 2) life cycle analysis, cost of goods and carbon footprint, 3) define endusers, market analysis, potential industrial partner, buisness plan and IP strategy.