NANOEMCA – Confined Nanoreactors for Environmental, Medical and Catalytic Applications
NANOEMCA is a 48-month Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Staff Exchanges (MSCA-SE) project dedicated to developing advanced confined nanoreactors based on mesoporous organosilica for environmental, medical, catalytic and sensing applications.
Through international and intersectoral exchanges between academic and industrial organisations, the project strengthens research collaboration, enhances skills development for researchers at all career stages, and accelerates innovation across Europe and third countries.
NANOEMCA brings together a multidisciplinary consortium working on nanomaterials, chemical engineering, catalysis, biotechnology, environmental monitoring, advanced sensors and sustainable manufacturing, shaping new knowledge and solutions with high societal impact.
The project aims to create and test metallic and organic nanoreactors with various morphologies, high surface areas, and high porosity, produced through four innovative approaches:
- the use of surfactants and slices quinone precursors,
- post-grafting functionalization,
- photo-induced sol–gel acrylic cross-linking,
- green synthesis of metal nanoparticles, using natural extracts as reducing agents.
The resulting materials will be assessed in high-impact applications, such as:
- remediation of polluted water (heavy metals, phenols, dyes, pharmaceuticals),
- antibacterial systems and core–shell nanostructures targeting antibiotic-resistant pathogens,
- controlled delivery systems for bioactive compounds, enzymes, or drugs,
- advanced photocatalysis,
- biomedical applications (e.g., tests on MG63 cell lines),
- active food packaging with antimicrobial or antioxidant functionality.
To ensure sustainability, the project includes full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) of both synthesis processes and proposed applications, aligned with the MSCA Green Charter. Green processes such as solvent-free synthesis and reduced environmental footprint through online engagement and responsible training for early-stage researchers are promoted.
Project website: https://nanoemca.upb.ro/
CORDIS Website: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101235833
Dissemination activities
Kick-off meeting
BEIA has taken part in the kick-off meeting for the new NANOEMCA project on the 21st of November! Great discussions at this early stage, with project partners from all the consortium countries joining both in person and online. Looking forward to the collaboration ahead and the progress we’ll make together.
