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A new call for the UNESCO/IUPAC Course 2025/2026.
You can send your applications till 20 February 2025.

Research projects for UNESCO/IUPAC Course 2025–2026

Supervisor Co-supervisors	Topic
Vladimír Raus	Poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline): A unique post-polymerization modification platform Poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) (PIPOx) has recently emerged as a unique post-polymerization modification platform exhibiting numerous advantages over alternative approaches and showing promising applications, particularly in the biomedical field. Nevertheless, the reactivity of the parent polymer is still rather underexplored. Introducing new modification reactions or increasing the efficiency of the current ones can significantly broaden the scope of the PIPOx platform and open avenues for new applications. In this project, we will explore new routes for the efficient introduction of different functional groups onto the PIPOx backbone while maintaining control over the composition and properties of the resulting multifunctional poly(methacrylamide)s. We will also seek applications of the prepared polymers, for example, as auxiliaries in biochemical studies of proteins or as membrane materials for enantiomeric separations.
Rafal Poreba	Surface-Initiated Controlled Polymerizations Towards Antibacterial Surfaces In recent years, surface modifications using polymer brushes have emerged as a powerful tool to tailor the chemical and physical properties of interfaces, such as wettability, biocompatibility, and friction. In particular, polymer brushes prepared via the "grafting-from" technique have been found to provide well-defined polymer layers capable of preventing bacterial attachment and growth. This project focuses on utilizing controlled radical polymerization methods, such as ATRP and RAFT, to prepare surfaces that can prevent bacterial attachment, which often leads to biofilm formation. The effectiveness of the surface modification will be evaluated based on surface composition, non-specific protein adsorption, and bacterial attachment. The aim of this project is to develop a surface modification strategy that protects biomaterials from biofilm formation.
Ivan Kelnar	Nanotubular materials from natural polymers for medical applications In the area of self-assembled high-performance materials, the successful preparation of biodegradable/bioresorbable nanotubes is still in its infancy. The aim is a complex study based on our recent original finding of bottom-up formation of unique tubular fibrils (HF) via self-assembly of natural polymer precursors. The research will consist of two parallel, mutually interacting ways: a) Development of HF and deep understanding of self-assembling processes and creation of models of self-ordering performance b) Highlighting the potential of HF for unique so far impossible medical applications together with radical upgrade of existing systems/materials.
Adam Strachota	Self-healing vitrimer-like reversible networks with potential for 3D printing Novel vitrimer-like epoxy copolymers and nanocomposites will be synthesized and characterized. They will combine rigidity similar to classical epoxy thermosets with self-healing ability at moderately elevated temperatures, as well as with fusibility and easy processing at higher ones. This will be achieved via the incorporation of a certain fraction of co-monomers able of forming reversible physical or chemical crosslinks, including strongly aggregating POSS compounds, or comonomers containing reversible covalent bonds. Additionally, in some of the copolymers, fibrous 1D nanofillers will be tested as reinforcement, especially polysaccharide nanocrystals, or titanate nanotubes. The copolymers are of interest as advanced self-healing structural materials, materials for 3D printing, but also as self-regenerating coating- or embedding resins in electrical engineering. The course participant will carry out the syntheses of the copolymers, and also the characterization of their thermo-mechanical (DMTA), rheological (viscoelasticity, gelation, thixotropy), shape memory, as well as self-healing properties. Further extensive product characterization (NMR, nanocomposite morphology) will be done by cooperating with other departments our Institute.
Ivan Kelnar	Biodegradable in-situ composites with dual micro-nano- sized reinforcement Performance of eco-composites is limited especially by parameters of organic nano- and microsized reinforcement.  The proposed research deals with upgrading structures formed insitu by a hot or cold drawing of blends of biodegradable polymers by the complex effect of organic nanocrystals (ON) with targeted modification. This consists of reinforcement, support or even enabling of drawing, increasing of dimensional stability of fibres by oriented crystals formation; affecting of structure and parameters of interface based on localization and arrangement of ON including the formation of novel hierarchical structures. The goal is to get a base for the development of high-performance ecocomposites capable of thermoplastic processing and additive manufacturing.
Miroslav Šlouf	Macro- and microscale creep of biodegradable polymer systems Biodegradable polymer systems attract more-and-more attention of researchers. Creep resistance, i.e. the material resistance to long-term load, is one of important properties of polymer systems. We have recently demonstrated that the very-long-term macroscale creep behavior (experiments taking tens of hours, days, or even months) can be estimated from the substantially shorter microscale creep indentation experiments (experiments taking a few minutes). In this project, we plan the systematic comparison of macro- and microscale creep behavior of biodegradable PLA/PCL blends and composites (where PLA = polylactide, and PCL = polycaprolactone). The work will comprise the preparation of the abovementioned systems (by melt mixing and compression molding), characterization of their morphology (electron microscopy), macroscale properties (macroscale tensile and creep tests), and micromechanical properties (microindentation hardness testing including microcreep measurement). The macro- and microcreep measurements will be evaluated in Python, using our own program package MCREEP (https://pypi.org/project/mcreep).
Jana Dvořáková / Dana Kubies	3D printing of poly(glycerol sebacate) for tissue engineering applications Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is recently emerging as novel hydrogel biomaterial in tissue engineering. With its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and tunable mechanical properties, PGS represents a promising alternative to non-degradable materials for applications in soft tissue regeneration and other areas requiring flexible elastomeric scaffolds. With the advent of 3D bioprinting, PGS is also being explored for its potential to produce complex, patient-specific scaffolds. Current challenges in optimising 3D bioprinting of PGS mainly include adjusting the viscosity of PGS inks and innovating cross-linking techniques (photo- or enzyme-mediated). The aim of the project is to post-modify PGS with functional groups required for photo- or enzymatic crosslinking using well-established methods in our laboratory, and to fabricate and characterise 3D printed PGS scaffolds with dual porosity. The student will learn various synthesis techniques, 3D printing and characterisation methods using modern instrumentation (GPC, 1H and 13C NMR, UV/VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy, Cellink BioX 3D printer, electron and optical microscopy, rheological measurements). A background in polymer and organic chemistry or biomaterials is highly desirable but not essential, as is a willingness to learn new things in these fields.
Vitalii Patsula / Hana Macková	Lanthanide nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo bioapplications Light-responsive lanthanide nanoparticles based on the NaREF4 (RE = rare earth elements) host structure are currently attracting considerable attention. This is because they show unique spectroscopic properties such as large anti-Stokes shift, long luminescence lifetime, narrow emission bands and, in particular, minimal autofluorescence. In our group, the particles are prepared by thermal decomposition techniques, which allow the design of uniform nanoparticles with regulated size. Depending on the nature of the lanthanide fluoride, it will be possible to obtain up- and/or downconversion of light. The work will focus on tuning nanoparticle properties in terms of their size, luminescence intensity and adsorption and emission maxima or their magnetic properties to make them suitable for in vitro and in vivo bioimaging or as drug delivery vehicles. For example, the conjugation of nanoparticles with photosensitizers will enable the generation of reactive radicals to treat cancer by photodynamic therapy. In addition, new polymer coatings will be synthesized to improve the dispersibility of nanoparticles in water, suppressing their possible degradation, enabling targeting of nanoparticles to cells or specific tissues, or prolonging circulation in the body. This will be achieved by using various hydrophilic polymers bearing targeting groups. The polymer conjugates will be synthesized using reversible addition-fragmentation polymerization of acrylic and methacrylic monomers followed by modification using click or carbodiimide chemistry. The properties of polymer-coated nanoparticles will be thoroughly analyzed with dynamic light scattering, fluorimeter, TEM, SEC, NMR and biological tests.
Michal Babič	Polymer colloids as specialized carriers for intranasal transport of biologically active substances The project is focused on the development, synthesis and characterization of novel polymer particles in colloidal form for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes via intranasal administration. The particles will be prepared by heterogeneous polymerisation techniques (dispersion or precipitation) and the main polymerisation reaction will be based on an aromatic substitution mechanism. Bioanalogic substances derived from aromatic structures of plant and animal origin will be used as monomers. The influence of reaction conditions on the morphology and composition of polymer particles and other physicochemical parameters determining the behaviour of polymer particles in biological environments will be studied. Subsequently, the particles will be derivatized for their detection using preclinical imaging methods so that their biodistribution and pharmacokinetics can be monitored after intranasal administration. Biological testing of the particles will be performed at the collaborating departments of the UEM CAS and the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University. The aim of this collaboration is to describe how the composition and morphology of the particles from the new polymer types affects the mechanism of each type of intranasal delivery further into the body. The researcher will be based in the laboratories of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry at the BIOCEV Biotechnology Centre.
Zdeněk Starý	Multifunctional polymeric materials and composites for 3D printing 3D-printing is a promising technology for fabrication of the advanced functional structures, which show great potential in diverse fields (biomedical, automotive and aerospace field). A possible approach for tailoring the properties of 3D-printing materials to expand the range of their application is adding nanoparticles or fibers into polymer matrices. Carbonic particles are preferred choice as reinforcing fillers since they can endow stiffness and strength to the polymer composites and simultaneously electrical and/or hear conductivity. Morphological characterization techniques, mechanical, rheological and functional tests will be conducted to evaluate the properties of the polymer composites with carbonic fillers. Perspective composites will be used for preparation of 3D printing filaments and their performance during FFF (fused filament fabrication) experiments will be evaluated.
Hynek Beneš	Bio-based epoxy resins derived from divanillin The worldwide environmental concerns have recently led to the development of novel polymers based on renewable (bio-) resources. In this project, bio-based epoxy resins derived from divanillin precursors will be explored as eco-friendly substitutes for traditional petrochemical DGEBA-based epoxides. Epoxidized divanillin-based precursors will be first synthesized and structurally characterized. Subsequently, the synthesized precursors will be crosslinked with commercially available bio-based amine hardeners to receive divanillin-based epoxy thermosets. The progress and kinetics of the epoxy crosslinking reaction will be studied and structure-related properties of the final epoxy networks will be explored.
Gloria Huerta Angeles	Preparation of nanocomposites for efficient organic pollutant removal A large number of toxic organic pollutants are discharged from industrial wastewater, which causes serious harm to the environment and human health. This study will focus on the preparation and characterization of nanocomposites for the adsorption of organic pollutants such as dyes and microplastics, highlighting their structural advantages and adsorption mechanisms. The composite will be prepared by combining biomass-based polymers/polysaccharides and clays to prepare biodegradable and non-toxic hydrogels. The prepared composites will be characterized by several techniques including infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal analyses, rheology, and Small-angle X-ray scattering. Their adsorption performance will be evaluated against organic dyes and polystyrene microplastic beads. The adsorption capacity and removal efficacy will be calculated. The thermodynamics, kinetics, and isotherm of the adsorption process will be evaluated. In addition, the mechanism of up-take of pollutants, as well as the regeneration and reuse of materials, will be investigated.
Eliezer Jäger / Alessandro Jäger	Synthesis, characterization, and microfluidic self-assembly of polymers and block copolymers responsive to external stimuli, including pH, temperature, and reactive oxygen species concentration Nanomedicines hold significant promise for biomedical applications, especially when designed to degrade in response to specific external stimuli. Such stimuli can include enzymatic removal of protective groups, pH changes, light, or, more recently, the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer. In this work, imbalances in the cellular microenvironment—such as changes in pH or ROS production—will be harnessed for the synthesis of stimuli-responsive polymers and block copolymers. Inspired by the simplicity and efficiency of amphiphilic block copolymer self-assembly in solution, various polymer nanomedicines (PNMs), including polymersomes and giant vesicles, will be engineered to exhibit tunable stimuli-responsive degradation under physiologically relevant conditions, such as changes in pH, temperature, or ROS concentrations. These PNMs will be fabricated using microfluidic nanoprecipitation, a technique that enables the production of uniform particles with controlled size, shape, and surface chemistry in a reproducible and scalable manner. The self-assembled PNMs will be thoroughly characterized using standard scattering techniques (DLS, SLS, ELS, SAXS) and visualized with advanced microscopy methods (SEM, TEM, cryo-TEM), as well as confocal microscopy. Finally, their effectiveness will be evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo models, simulating physiological conditions with balanced and imbalanced microenvironments.
Volodymyr Lobaz	Investigating polyelectrolyte complex formation using isothermal titration calorimetry for advanced drug delivery systems Polyelectrolyte complexes (PCs) are a versatile class of soft matter with broad applications in wastewater treatment, the food industry, protein purification, and cosmetics. In the healthcare sector, PCs are employed for the delivery of drugs, proteins, and DNA, either as particulate carriers or as layered surface structures. The formation of PCs is commonly investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), a technique that enables the analysis of intramolecular forces dictating the final morphology of PCs and their capacity to solubilize non-polar or charged pharmaceutical compounds. However, the binding isotherms obtained from ITC are often highly complex, suggesting a multistep assembly process with poorly understood mechanisms at each stage. This study aims to investigate the formation of PCs derived from pharmaceutically relevant polyelectrolytes using ITC in combination with complementary structural analysis techniques. The objective is to predict the loading capacity of PCs for the development of effective drug delivery systems. Theoretical aspects of PC formation will be examined in collaboration with Freie Universität Berlin.
Zulfiya Černochová / Peter Černoch	Bio-based microparticles for the treatment of mycoses This interdisciplinary investigation aims to develop bio-inspired microparticles for the treatment of mycotic diseases, including fungal infections on the skin, nails, and oral cavity. The limited selective targets for antifungal drug development have led to a constrained repertoire of clinically available options, such as polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and flucytosine. Unfortunately, these options face challenges including toxicity, drug interactions, and emerging resistance. The proposed bio-inspired microparticles aim to release antifungal drugs from their structure's pores. By encapsulating the drug within a polymer carrier, the toxicity of the structure is expected to be lower compared to non-complexed counterparts. Efficacy will be assessed in specialized biological labs, and the structural characteristics of the materials will be determined using advanced physico-chemical techniques. This research seeks to advance safer and more effective treatments for mycotic diseases, addressing the limitations of current antifungal therapies.
Zuzana Morávková	New electrolytes for Li-Ion batteries – polymer matrix architecture and ion mobility Lithium-ion batteries are in focus of current research due to the growing need for tailored batteries for specific applications such as large-scale energy storage for transportation and energy industry. Therefore, new chemistries for electrolytes and electrodes are intensively investigated. Yet, the effect of the architecture of the gel polymer electrolyte matrix is mostly underrated. Therefore, in this project, the emphasis will be put on the effect of the location of the ion-coordinating sites on the polymer matrix. Two types of polymer gel electrolytes of distinctly different polymer network architecture will be designed – one with ion-coordinating sites located on easily accessible segments of the polymer matrix and one with steric hindrance. We will specifically focus on the effect of the molecular structure on the mobility of ions through the polyelectrolyte. The structure and interactions in the system will be investigated using vibrational spectroscopies and NMR methods, while the macroscopic parameters will be characterized using swelling and mechanical testing of the GPE.
Ivana Šeděnková	Raman and FTIR spectroscopy of SERS-active contrast agents based on gold nanoparticles Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based medicinal imaging leverages contrast agents to enable direct visualization during surgical procedures with micron-level spatial resolution. The goal of the proposed project is to evaluate the SERS response of composite polymer/Au nanoparticle systems as potential agents for this imaging technique. A key challenge in SERS imaging is interference from endogenous biomolecules in biological tissues, which can complicate signal interpretation. To address this, the project will focus on the "silent" region of the Raman spectra (1800‒2300 cm⁻¹), where minimal or no vibrational bands are present, thus optimizing detection contrast. Additionally, the wavelength dependence of the SERS response will be investigated to identify the most suitable nanoparticles, particularly those responsive to near-infrared excitation. This will enhance tissue penetration and improve imaging depth, making the method more effective for in vivo applications.
Dana Kubies / Monika Matiyani	Bioactive coatings based on “charge-shifting” synthetic polycations and heparin for tunable protein release Polyelectrolyte nanofilms prepared by layer-by-layer method (LbL films) are an intensively studied approach to create bioactive coatings on biomaterial surfaces that release biologically active proteins and thus influence cellular responses in tissue engineering applications. LbL films are formed via electrostatic interactions between polyanions and polycations. However, polycations are known to be toxic due to their high positive charge density. This project aims to fabricate and characterize LbL films using “charge-shifting” polycations based on  (dimethylaminoethyl acrylate) copolymers (PDMAEA), which lose their charge over time due to hydrolysis of polycation side chains, thus reducing polycation toxicity, and polyanionic heparin. Heparin serves as a cargo of bioactive proteins, i.e., growth factors that support vascularization. The applicant will be trained in the fabrication of LbL films using an automated LbL-coater. The main work will be to study the self-assembly of polyions into LbL films using advanced techniques such as surface plasmon resonance, quartz crystal microbalance and spectroscopic ellipsometry techniques. The AFM technique will be used to analyze the film morphology and ELISA to determine the protein release from the LbL films. Finally, the LbL films will be evaluated for their toxicity in in vitro studies.
Dana Kubies / Gabriela García	Polyelectrolyte particles for delivery of pro-angiogenic growth factors supporting vascularization of polymer scaffolds In tissue engineering applications, vascularization of tissue-engineered grafts or scaffolds is considered as a key step for their successful integration into the recipient's body. Here, the release of pro-angiogenic growth factors (GFs, e.g., VEGF or FGF-2) from nanoparticle carriers in the implantation site is highly required to promote the formation of new blood capillaries inside the grafts. The project aims to develop polyelectrolyte nanoparticles formed by “charge-shifting” (dimethylaminoethyl acrylate)-based (PDMAEA) polycations and polyanionic heparin, which will serve as a cargo for GFs. A decrease in the charge density on PDMAEA due to hydrolysis of side chains would lead to i) controlled decomposition of nanoparticles and thus controlled release of encapsulated proteins and ii) reduced polycation toxicity.  The applicant will be trained in RAFT polymerization of PDMEAE-based block copolymers and 1H-NMR spectroscopic analysis. He/she will mainly study the complexation of the copolymers and heparin into nanoparticles and the stability of nanoparticles using DLS and zeta potential analyses, and determine in vitro release of GFs using an ELISA method. Finally, the nanoparticles will be tested for their toxicity and bioactivity in in vitro experiments.
Dana Kubies	Antibacterial coatings based on polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer films A current challenge in the design of biomaterials for implant fabrication is the inhibition of bacterial infection at the time of implantation. Polyelectrolyte multilayer films prepared by the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique have been extensively studied for the development of antibacterial coatings, as they can be loaded with antibiotics, antibacterial peptides, and bactericidal nanoparticles. The LbL technique, based on the alternating assembly of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, can be applied to functionalize any charged surface requiring simple and inexpensive procedures. The project aims to develop and characterize LbL films composed of quartenized dextran, tannic acid and antimicrobial peptides The LbL films will be created using an automated LBL coater and characterized by surface plasmon resonance, spectroscopic ellipsometry and AFM. The antibacterial properties of the coatings against several bacterial strains will be evaluated using standard biological approaches.
Jan Svoboda / Radoslava Sivkova	Preparation and characterization of polymer brushes bearing fluorophores Polymer brushes are exceptional structures that have attracted interest in the development of sensing platforms. We focus on fluorescence techniques that offer inherent nanometer scale resolution to provide essential information on polymer brush structure, conformation, density and distance between neighbouring chains. During this project, non-fouling polymer brushes will be synthetized and enhanced with fluorophores in various configurations, bound to: support, end of polymer chain and along a copolymer chain. The applicant will be trained in surface modification, solution and surface initialized polymerization and post-synthetic modification of polymer chains. Great accent will be placed on detailed characterization and the applicant will gain experience in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as in fluorescence spectroscopy.
Radoslava Sivkova / Jan Svoboda	Preparation and characterization of charge-bearing polymer brushes Materials modified with polymer brushes nowadays find their application in different areas of technology and biotechnology- as non-fouling materials, responsive materials, cell-adhesive materials, etc. The suitability of the polymer brush films for a particular application depends on many factors, such as grafting density, polymer chain length and conformation, but mainly on the chemical structure of the polymer itself. Factors such as increasing the polarity or introducing the charge to the polymer side chains strongly affect the interaction between the polymer film and the environment, opening possibilities for designing devices for a wide range of applications. The main goal of this project is the development and subsequent detailed characterization of new polymer brushes containing positively charged side groups. The research will focus on finding suitable synthetic paths for forming the charged polymer films either by direct polymerization from a flat surface (“grafting-from” method) or by attaching pre-synthesized polymer chains to the surface (grafting-to” method) and detailed characterization of prepared films by various analytical techniques. The successful candidate will acquire experience in controlled radical polymerizations (solution and surface-initiated RAFT and ATRP) and will also be trained in different analytical techniques such as size-exclusion chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, infrared reflection-adsorption spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Andres de los Santos Pereira/ Ognen Pop-Georgievski	Understanding the molar mass distributions in surface-initiated polymerizations Polymer brushes composed of densely grafted hydrophilic polymer chains represent the most effective antifouling coatings known to date. Because of this, they are of great interest for biomedical applications such as implants, antibacterial surfaces, drug delivery, biosensing, etc. Their remarkable properties depend not only on the nature of the monomer unit, but also on the physical conformation of the chains, which is determined by the molar mass distribution. The aim of the present project is to analyze the molar mass distributions of polymer brushes of comparable composition prepared by various different techniques. The applicant will learn how to synthesize polymer brushes by the “grafting-to” and “grafting-from” methods, employing (surface-initiated) reversible deactivation radical polymerizations (mainly ATRP and RAFT). The polymer brushes will be characterized in terms of their thickness, chemical composition, wettability, resistance to protein adsorption, and molar mass distribution, which will be measured on the polymer detached from the surface.
Andres de los Santos Pereira	Slippery covalently attached liquid surfaces with added functionality Slippery covalently-attached liquid surfaces (SCALS) are few-nanometer-thin coatings consisting of highly flexible surface-anchored polymer chains. Their liquid-like nature provides them with antiadhesive properties and very low contact angle hysteresis. This project is aimed at the synthesis of SCALS through novel chemical approaches, incorporating functional groups in different architectures. The applicant will learn and employ various current methods for preparation of SCALS and explore novel chemical avenues aiming at coatings of improved performance and including functional groups. The applicant will also receive training in techniques of the surface physicochemical characterization, including water contact angle goniometry, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and atomic force microscopy.
Tomáš Riedel	Fibrin-based bioactive coatings for enhanced endothelialization of blood-contacting implants Biomaterials that remain in prolonged contact with blood, such as vascular prostheses and stents, frequently trigger inflammatory responses leading to activation of the coagulation cascade, thrombus formation, and eventual graft failure. To address this challenge, a coating strategy has been devised that both suppresses coagulation and the immune response while promoting the spontaneous formation of an endothelial cell layer. This approach involves depositing a fibrin network on the prosthetic surface and subsequently modifying it with bioactive molecules, including heparin, growth factors, and peptides engineered to enhance endothelial cell adhesion. Heparin is intended to inhibit the coagulation cascade immediately upon implantation, whereas the growth factors and peptides facilitate endothelialization of the prosthetic surface. The research is conducted in collaboration with biologists and physicians at the Biotechnology and Biomedical Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of both the biological and clinical aspects of the novel coating. This interdisciplinary effort aims to improve the long-term functionality of vascular grafts and reduce the incidence of graft-related complications.
Ognen Pop-Georgievski	Surface modification of vascular grafts for the effective 19F magnetic resonance imaging Polymers are widely employed for the design of various implant materials. To reduce the incidence of complications, which in the case of vascular grafts include incorrect placement and restenosis, materials are needed which allow for image-guided implantation, as well as for accurate and efficient postoperative implant imaging. The project will focus on the development of surface modification approaches for the synthesis of thin surface confluent layers which will provide PET grafts with antifouling properties and at the same time will introduce 19F MRI activity. The project will focus on developing synthetic pathways for the control layer buildup utilizing pre-synthesized polymer chains to the surface and detailed characterization of surface confluent multilayer films by various analytical techniques. The successful candidate will acquire experience in surface modification and will also be trained in different analytical techniques such as spectroscopic ellipsometry, contact angle goniometry, FTIR, atomic-force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Ognen Pop-Georgievski / Andres de los Santos Pereira	Introducing non-fouling properties to MXenes MXenes are a new class of graphene like two-dimensional transition metal carbon (nitrogen) compounds with unique combination of properties like electric and metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, large surface area, size tunability, atomically thin layered structure, tunable surface termination chemistry, etc. Due to the versatile properties; MXenes are considered as the building block of the future materials and devices. Even though Ti3C2Tx MXene has been reported as a highly efficient transducing material for the electrochemical detection of various biomarkers, yet presented detection platforms suffered from non-specific interactions with biological media. In this project, we will target the various groups present on the MXenes surface to introduce short non-fouling layers which can be selectively modified for the binding of various biorecognition elements. The developed MXenes based-platform will be used for the electrochemical detection of various analytes. The successful candidate will acquire experience in surface modification and will also be trained in different analytical techniques such as spectroscopic ellipsometry, quartz crystal microbalance, FTIR, atomic-force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Islam M. Minisy	Conducting polymer composites for wastewater treatment The synthesis of conducting polymer composites, specifically polypyrrole, polyaniline, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), will be performed with the incorporation of organic (e.g., nanofibrillated cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, etc.) and inorganic (e.g., noble metals, magnetic nanoparticles, etc.) additives. The primary objective is to enhance their physicochemical properties, including conductivity, specific surface area, and mechanical strength. These composites will be synthesized in both powder and aerogel forms. Subsequently, the conducting polymer composites will be evaluated for their efficacy in treating wastewater containing both organic and inorganic contaminants through adsorption and catalytic degradation.
Elena Tomšík	Development of “smart windows” from semiconducting polymers: synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)/erbium composites and their electrochemical characterization Investigation of energy conversion and/or accumulation systems has remained a promising strategy for many decades. Synthesis of durable, reproducible and sensitive semiconducting film is still a challenge. In the current project the acid-assisted polymerization method will be used in order to obtain PEDOT films and its composites with Erbium ions. The different electrochemical methods (such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge – discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, etc.) will be applied to characterize deposited films. Moreover, electrochemical performance under light illumination will be studied.
Patrycja Bober / Ana-Irina Cocârţă	Conducting scaffolds Conducting scaffolds have found applications in medicine, such as drug delivery systems, implants and biosensors, but their mechanical and biological properties still have to be improved. The aim of the proposed project is focused on the synthesis of new conducting scaffolds with bio-origin based on cellulose and conducting polymers (polypyrrole and PEDOT). Scaffolds will be prepared under various polymerization conditions (various temperatures, solvents, the presence of surfactants or additives, etc.). The project will be oriented to tune the properties, such as the control of morphology, thermal and environmental stability, mechanical properties and conductivity, of resulting materials for the potential applications.
Miroslav Otmar	Synthesis of functionalized polymers and polymer membranes for electrochemical devices and separation processes The subject matter encompasses the synthesis of polymers and polymer membranes with functional groups for a specific purpose. For example, sulfonate and phosphonic groups are used in cation exchange membranes, while quaternary ammonium groups are employed in anion exchange membranes. Additionally, membranes with chiral selectors are utilized for chiral recognition purposes. Furthermore, these polymers are advantageous for electrode design, as catalyst support and in other applications. Preparative organic chemistry and polymerization reaction methods are commonly employed. Our department is sufficiently flexible to allow the potential candidates enough room to apply their inventiveness.
Zbyněk Pientka	Sensors for healthcare Using the properties of ion-exchange membranes, sensors will be developed for the detection of liquid leaks (blood, urine) on the bed or in diapers. Membranes selectively transport components that affect the appropriate surface electronic devices. The research includes: the preparation of novel composite polymeric materials, fabrication of flat sheet membranes, physico-chemical characterization, and morphology observation by SEM or AFM.