Department of Polymers

Granting Departments:	Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS Department of Polymers
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	RNDr. Tomáš Etrych, Ph.D., DSc.

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The main aim of this work will be the development of new multi-component biocompatible and non-immunogenic polymer-based nanotherapeutics and nanodiagnostics adapted for multimodal advanced therapy of neoplastic diseases. The dissertation will be based on the preparation of hybrid polymeric nanomaterials combining synthetic and natural macromolecules. Those nanosystems will allow the controlled delivery of active therapeutic agents or tumor visualization for fluorescently navigated surgery. The work will focus on tailor-made solutions using covalent binding of active molecules with several functions: targeted transport of active molecules, their protection during transport against degradation and controlled release based on site-specific stimuli. The thesis will consist in the design, synthesis and study of physico-chemical and biological properties of polymeric materials. The applicant's knowledge and experience in organic or macromolecular chemistry is an advantage, along with the desire to learn new things in other fields, such as biochemistry. The work assumes close cooperation with cooperating biological teams in the Czech Republic and abroad, including an internship abroad at a selected workplace.

Granting Departments:	Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS Department of Polymers
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	RNDr. Tomáš Etrych, Ph.D., DSc.

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In the surgical removal of tumors, especially in the endoscopic removal of head and neck tumors, the surgeon's ability to recognize tumor boundaries plays a major role in removing the tumor tissue completely without the risk of removing healthy tissue. The dissertation will focus on the development of a new imaging method useful for endoscopic fluorescence-guided tumor surgery, using tailored-made polymer probes. The disertation will be based on polymeric probes directed to the tumor vasculature with activation of the imaging signal in the place of the tumor tissue. The new method should unambiguously highlight borders of solid tumors for surgeons, thus enabling the precise surgery. In order to increase the accumulation of carriers at the border of the tumor tissue, targeting groups will be used. Fluorescence probes in the near infrared area will be used to allow sufficient imaging signal even from the deep localized tissues. The dissertation will focus on the design of structures, synthesis and study of physicochemical and biological properties of polymer probes with activatable signal in the targeted part of the organism. The knowledge and experience of an applicant in organic and / or macromolecular chemistry is an advantage, along with the desire to learn new things in other disciplines such as biochemistry. The work involves close cooperation with the cooperating biological workplaces in the Czech Republic and abroad, including an internship abroad at a selected workplace.

Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Michal Pechar, CSc.

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We will synthesize and characterize high-molecular-weight polymer carriers of therapeutics and diagnostics with enhanced accumulation in tumor tissue due to the so called enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect or due to the active targeting using recombinant protein ligands. We will prepare copolymers based on N-(2- hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide including those containing in their structure bonds cleavable in human organism by various mechanisms. We will study various methods of covalent and non-covalent attachment of the targeting ligands to the polymer carriers; we will evaluate the structure-activity relationship of the synthesized polymer therapeutics and diagnostics. We will also investigate the effect of various cancerostatics on the antitumor activity of both targeted and non-targeted polymer conjugates.

Granting Departments:	Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	RNDr. Petr Chytil, Ph.D.

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Polymerní nosiče léčiv jsou netoxické, neimunogenní a biokompatibilní polymerní materiály, které umožňují cílenou dopravu a řízené uvolňování biologicky aktivních látek v postižené tkáni, a tím minimalizují vedlejší účinky nesených léčiv. Tématem doktorské práce bude příprava a studium vlastností nových na míru připravených hydrofilních, případně amfifilních polymerů, které budou využitelné jako nosiče protinádorových léčiv. Téma práce je vhodné primárně pro absolventy chemických, případně farmaceutických oborů. Student si osvojí různé syntetické postupy i metody charakterizace a může se podílet i na biologické charakterizaci jak na tuzemských, tak zahraničních pracovištích. Nabízíme zajímavou a pestrou práci v zavedeném týmu Biolékařských polymerů, poskytující kvalitní přístrojové a materiální zázemí.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Hana Macková, Ph.D.

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Various modern imaging techniques are recently widely used to monitor structural, functional and molecular changesin biological tissues. Each of these methods has its own advantages and limitations, such as low spatial or depthresolution and sensitivity, which make it difficult to obtain accurate information from the desired location. Multimodalimaging can compensate for these weaknesses and play an important role in optimizing medical research and clinicalpractice. This project will focus on the development and controlled synthesis of functional lanthanide nanoparticlescoated with biocompatible polymers in order to design novel multimodal cellular markers. Combining different lanthanides in a nanocrystal structure of particles will result in a trimodal probe for optical (down- and upconverting), ultra-high field MRI and enhanced X-ray CT imaging. Reactive functional polymers will be used to control the chemical and colloidal stability of particles and immobilize bioactive low-molecular weight compounds. In collaboration with biological institutes, the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of lanthanide nanomarkers as multimodal contrast agents will be evaluated in terms of their ability to stain cells, generate contrast, and eventually determine biodistribution of particles.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	RNDr. Miroslav Šlouf, Ph.D.

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Biodegradable polymer systems show numerous applications in both human and veterinary medicine. We have recently developed and patented multiphase polymer systems based on thermoplasticized starch (TPS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and antibiotics (ATB). Morphology and properties of these systems can be adjusted by their composition and processing conditions. The basic TPS/PCL systems can be employed in technical applications, while the TPS/PCL/ATB systems can be used for the treatment of strong local infections such as osteomyelitis. The project comprises preparation of the above systems (by melt mixing), optimization of their phase structure (targeted modification of processing conditions), characterization of their morphology (electron microscopy), properties (macro- and micromechanical properties), and participation in biodegradability testing (for technical applications) and microbial susceptibility testing (medical applications, collaboration with Motol Hospital in Prague).

Granting Departments:	Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Hynek Beneš, Ph.D.

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Zvyšující se produkce skleníkového plynu oxidu uhličitého (CO2) lidskou činností dosáhla v roce 2021 více než 36 Gt a CO2 je tak obecně považován za největší příčinu globální změny klimatu. Současný výzkum se snaží tento problém řešit fixací CO2 a jeho využitím jako suroviny pro syntézu polymerů. Cílem této práce je prozkoumat možnosti přeměny CO2 na polymerní materiály. První možností je reakce CO2 a oxiranového (epoxidového) kruhu, která vede k produkci cyklických karbonátů, které slouží jako monomery pro nové typy polymerních materiálu jako jsou neisokyanátové polyuretany (NIPUs) a epoxidy. Druhým přístupem je přímá přeměna CO2 na polykarbonáty (PC). Třetí způsob zahrnuje kopolymeraci za otevření kruhu epoxidu a CO2 vedoucí k lineárním kopolymerům karbonátu a etheru. Všechny výše uvedené strategie budou přednostně využívat bio-monomery tak, aby výsledné polymerní materiály byly koncipovány jako 100% obnovitelné. Důležitou součástí tohoto doktorského tématu bude nalezení vhodného katalytického systému pro každou syntetickou cestu. Naše předběžné experimenty ukázaly katalytickou účinnost imidazoliových a kovových iontových kapalin (ILs) pro cykloadiční reakci CO2 a epoxidu. Vzhledem k nesčetnému množství kombinacím aniontů a kationtů ILs a jejich výhodným vlastnostem (nízký tlak par, nízká hořlavost, vysoká tepelná a chemická stabilita) se ILs jeví jako univerzální katalyzátory pro cykloadici epoxidu a CO2. umožňující řídit reakci směrem k lineární / cyklické tvorbě karbonátů a etherů. V rámci doktorského projektu se předpokládá několikaměsíční stáž studenta na zahraničním spolupracujícím pracovišti (INSA Lyon, Francie). Uchazeči by měli mít dobré komunikační dovednosti v angličtině (mluvené i psané), měli by být schopni pracovat vtýmu i samostatně. Předpokládá se aktivní účast na zahraničních stážích, školeních a vědeckých konferencích.

Granting Departments:	Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	RNDr. Tomáš Etrych, Ph.D., DSc.

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Hlavním cílem práce bude vyvinout nové biokompatibilní a neimunogenní nanoterapeutika a nanodiagnostika na bázi polymerů přizpůsobené pro multimodální terapii pokročilých neoplastických onemocnění. Disertace bude založena na přípravě nových hybridních polymerních nanomateriálů kombinujících syntetické a přírodní makromolekuly. Tyto nanomateriály umožní řízenou dopravu aktivních léčebných látek, nebo vizualizaci nádorů pro fluorescenčně navigovanou chirurgi. Práce se zaměří na přípravu polymerních systémů navržených na míru pro kovalentní navázání aktivních molekul s několika funkcemi: cílený transport aktivních molekul, jejich ochrana během transportu proti degradaci a řízené uvolňování na základě místně specifických podnětů. Předmětem disertační práce bude návrh struktur, syntéza a studium fyzikálně-chemických a biologických vlastností polymerních materiálů. Znalost a zkušenosti uchazeče v organické a/nebo makromolekulární chemii jsou výhodou, a to společně s chutí učit se novým věcem v dalších oborech, např. biochemii. V rámci práce se předpokládá úzká spolupráce se spolupracujícími biologickými pracovišti v Čechách i v zahraničí, včetně zahraniční stáže na vybraném pracovišti.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Šárka Bajzíková

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The project is focused on synthesis and characterisation of polymer particles for biomedical application, which can generate a contrast signal via a transformation of excitation pulse. Particles will be synthesised by heterogeneous polymerisation techniques, especially by dispersion and emulsion polymerisation, and by coacervation. Effects of a morphology and matrix composition of hybrid particles on contrast signal parameters will be studied. Effects of a type, amount and a distribution of transforming dye in polymer particles on contrast properties will be studied as well. The main aim of the project is to find conditions of synergy between properties of polymer matrix and converting dye. Testing on animal models will be done in cooperation with 1. Faculty of medicine, Charles University in Prague. "

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in Czech language )
Supervisor:	RNDr. Petr Chytil, Ph.D.

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Preparing effective and safe vaccines is still a significant challenge for human and veterinary medicine. Using biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-immunogenic polymeric materials as antigen carriers or adjuvants can lead to the development of highly potent polymer vaccines while minimizing side effects. The topic of the doctoral thesis will be the preparation and study of the properties of new tailor-made hydrophilic and amphiphilic polymers that can be used as antigen carriers or adjuvants. The theme is suitable for graduates of chemistry and, eventually, pharmacy. The student will learn new skills in the synthesis and characterization methods and can participate in biological characterization in internal or international cooperating laboratories. We offer exciting and varied work in a wellestablished team of Biomedical polymers, affording hi-tech equipment and material background.

Granting Departments:	Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Michal Babič, Ph.D.

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Projekt je zaměřen na vývoj, syntézu a charakterizaci nových polymerních částic v koloidní formě pro terapeutické a diagnostické účely prostřednictvím podání do nosu. Částice budou připravovány technikami heterogenních polymerací (disperzní, popřípadě srážecí) a hlavní polymerační reakce bude založena na mechanismu aromatické substituce. Jako monomery budou využity bioanalogické látky odvozené od aromatických struktur rostlinného i živočišného původu. Bude studován vliv reakčních podmínek na morfologii a složení polymerních částic a další fyzikálně chemické parametry určující chování polymerních částic v biologických prostředích. Následně budou částice derivatizovány za účelem jejich detekce pomocí zobrazovacích preklinických metod tak, aby bylo možné sledovat jejich biodistribuci distribuci a farmakokinetiky po intranasálním podání. Biologické testování částic bude prováděno na spolupracujících pracovištích UEM AV ČR a 1. LF UK. Cílem této spolupráce je popsat, jak složení a morfologie částic z nových typů polymerů ovlivňuje mechanismus jednotlivých typů intranasálního přenosu dále do organismu. Řešitelským pracovištěm budou laboratoře ÚMCH v biotechnologickém centru BIOCEV.

Granting Departments:	Department of Informatics and Chemistry Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Zdeněk Starý, Ph.D.

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Nowadays new applications and processing technologies place new and bigger demands on polymeric materials. Materials for 3D printing or electrically conductive polymer composites can serve as typical examples. In most cases these systems have a heterogeneous phase structure, which influences the end-use properties of the final material to a large extent. The emergence of nanocomposite technology has provided a revolutionary new solution to wide range of technological aspects, not only provided novel functionalities, but also solved fundamental problems of polymer composites such as flammability and poor mechanical properties. The aim of the work is to develop novel highperformance polymer composites/ nanocomposites and discover the relationships between structure and properties of materials relevant for practical applications. Work activities include a synthesis of novel multifunctional nanomaterials, preparation of polymeric materials and chemical and structural investigations by means of different advanced characterization techniques. Furthermore, mechanical and flow behaviour of prepared materials will be studied in detail including flow instabilities analysis.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Jiří Pánek, Ph.D.

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The goal of the dissertation is the development of a new concept of a potentiometric sensor based on polymer detection layers, usable for the detection of markers of bacterial and sterile inflammation, the presence of endotoxins, or polyvalent toxic metal ions. The student will develop knowledge of polymer synthesis, master the technology of applying polymer sensing layers and their characterization by instrumental methods, such as potentiometry and cyclic voltammetry, spectrofluorometry (steady-state, time-resolved), confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and others. Part of the work will be testing the functionality of the prepared detection layers first on synthetic analytes. The obtained results will be used to optimize the polymer electrodes, which will subsequently be tested on real biological or environmental samples. The student will use the new knowledge to design a multisensor electrode concept. The topic of the thesis is highly interdisciplinary, includes a number of methodologies and can be further adjusted according to the individual interests of the student. The application potential of the achieved results will be verified within the framework of cooperation with the workplaces of university hospitals.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Mgr. Gloria Huerta Angeles, PhD

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PhD Topic: "Preparation of Biomass-Based Nanocomposites for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants: From Polymer Synthesis to Environmental Applications" Emerging contaminants (ECs) are potential health hazards in the world nowadays. This research aims to develop novel nanocomposites derived from biomass-based monomers and biopolymers to remove ECs. The structure-property relationship of materials for the adsorption of emerging contaminants has not been clearly understood, seriously limiting their effectiveness. Therefore, a complete structural characterization of the prepared nanocomposites will be performed including porosity, stability, mechanical and thermal properties to explain the effectivity in terms of macromolecular structure and characterization of active sites. The nanocomposites will be evaluated for their efficiency in adsorbing or degrading ECs.The adsorption kinetics will be studied to identify the mechanism and speed of the adsorption process. Degradation products will be identified by combining several analytical techniques to investigate the mechanism of depolymerization. This project offers an alternative to conventional methods with lower environmental impacts.

Granting Departments:	Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	RNDr. Jan Kučka, Ph.D.

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Tato doktorská práce se zaměřuje na vývoj a optimalizaci značení polymerů a nanočástic pro medicínu a biologické testování. Značení umožňuje sledování v organismu a poskytuje informace pro terapii a další biologické testování. Cílem této práce je vyvinout metody pro radioaktivní a fluorescenční značení polymerů a nanočástic.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Hynek Beneš, Ph.D.

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The plastic waste treatment and a sustainable use of synthetic polymers is one of the major environmental challenges of the 21st century. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams are highly rigid foams primarily used for thermal insulation in construction, refrigeration, and other industries. They are produced by reacting polyols (which are typically derived from petroleum-based products) with isocyanates, resulting in a foam that has excellent insulating properties and resistance to fire and heat. PIR foams are chemically similar to polyurethane foams, but they have higher degree of isocyanurate content, which enhances their thermal stability and fire resistance. Recycling PIR foams is therefore challenging because their covalent structure is highly crosslinked and contains hydrolytically highly resistant structures that do not easily undergo chemical depolymerization. The aim of the PhD topic is to study the degradation behavior of PIR foams with the aim of finding a suitable method for their chemical recycling (solvolysis). The PhD candidates should have good communication skills in English (both in speaking and writing), should be able to work both in a team and independently. Active participation on foreign internships, trainings and scientific conferences is expected.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Hynek Beneš, Ph.D.

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The aim of this PhD topic is to prepare and characterize polymer materials based on renewable raw materials (carboxylic acids, vanillin derivatives, furan compounds, etc.). The prepared materials will be dynamically crosslinked through reversible covalent bonds and non-covalent interactions (hydrogen bonding, metal-ligand coordination bonds, complex formation or electrostatic/ionic interactions), which will give the material self-healing and recyclable properties. As part of the doctoral project, a student internship of several months at a foreign collaborating institution (Cracow University of Technology, Poland) is planned. Applicants should have good communication skills in English (spoken and written), and should be able to work in a team and independently. Active participation in foreign internships, trainings and scientific conferences is expected.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Libor Kostka, Ph.D.

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The growing societal pressure to limit the utilization of animal-derived products, particularly those employed in diagnostic procedures, has created a novel avenue for the exploration of synthetic macromolecules. The replacement of proteins' intricate structure with synthetic material represents a significant challenge, yet it is one that can be overcome through the application of cutting-edge polymer synthesis techniques, including Photo-RAFT or CuRDRP. The objective of this dissertation is to synthesize sequentially defined polymers based on methacrylamides or methacrylates with varying polymer chain architectures. The principal focus of this thesis will be on the organic synthesis of new monomers and the development and optimization of their polymerizations. Furthermore, the candidate will gain expertise in instrumental techniques for polymer characterization, including SEC, A4F, LC-MS, and NMR. The evaluation of the prepared materials in biochemical applications will be conducted in collaboration with domestic and foreign research institutes. During the course of the study, the opportunity to undertake a collaborative internship abroad will be made available. The candidate will be expected to possess a certain level of knowledge and experience in organic and/or macromolecular chemistry, as well as a willingness to learn new things in other fields, such as biochemistry or biology. The role will entail engaging and diverse work within a young, dynamic team in a well-equipped academic department.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	doc. Mgr. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D., DSc.

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Self-assembly of (macro)molecules is of crucial importance in the architecture of living organisms. Supramolecular systems have their key properties critically dependent on self-assembly and find use in the area of biomedical applications especially if they are able to reversibly react to external stimuli (changes in pH, light, redox potential, ultrasound, temperature, concentration of certain substances). The doctoral thesis will be based on chemical and/or physicochemical preparation and study of self-assembly of such multi-stimuli-responsive nanoparticles with external environment (pH, redox potential and temperature responsiveness); the exact topic will take into account the student´s interests. The studied nanoparticles and injectable depot systems will be designed for diagnostics and personalized immunoradiotherapy and immunochemotherapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Optimized nanoparticles will be then provided to collaborating biological workplaces for in vivo testing.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Mgr. Zulfiya Černochová, PhD

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Biocompatible polymer ions have been intensively studied as promising materials in the therapeutical and diagnostical fields of nanomedicine. Recently, it was demonstrated that polyanions with a high charge density are able to suppress the biological effects of the cationic amphiphilic peptide (CAMP) melittin from bee venom by binding it to the polyplex complex. In the future bio-inspirited nanostructures loaded by toxic drug inside release the drug in the needed place. Drug will be honey bee poison melittin. Needed place will be cancer. The cathelicidin is an element of innate immunity, that plays an important role in the development of the pathogenic process in psoriasis. Both cathelicidin and defensins are CAMPs are expected to behave similar to mellitin from the point of view of interaction with polyanions such as polyacrylic acid. Thus, scavenging these peptides by locally administered polyanions should break the cytokine storm cycle, leading to the induction of psoriasis, and thus suppress it. The series of nanogels acids will be prepared using microemulsion polymerization technique. In vitro testing (hemolysis on mouse erythrocytes) of obtained materials will be performed. Chemical, physical and biomedical investigation will be performed.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Mgr. Zulfiya Černochová, PhD

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Biocompatible polymer ions have been intensively studied as promising materials in the therapeutical and diagnostical fields of nanomedicine. Recently, it was demonstrated that polyanions with a high charge density are able to suppress the biological effects of the cationic amphiphilic peptide (CAMP) melittin from bee venom by binding it to the polyplex complex. In the future bio-inspirited nanostructures loaded by toxic drug inside release the drug in the needed place. Drug will be honey bee poison melittin. Needed place will be cancer. The cathelicidin is an element of innate immunity, that plays an important role in the development of the pathogenic process in psoriasis. Both cathelicidin and defensins are CAMPs are expected to behave similar to mellitin from the point of view of interaction with polyanions such as polyacrylic acid. Thus, scavenging these peptides by locally administered polyanions should break the cytokine storm cycle, leading to the induction of psoriasis, and thus suppress it. The series of nanogels acids will be prepared using microemulsion polymerization technique. In vitro testing (hemolysis on mouse erythrocytes) of obtained materials will be performed. Chemical, physical and biomedical investigation will be performed.

Granting Departments:	Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Ing. Jiří Michálek, CSc.

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Kvantové tečky (QD) jsou polovodičové nanočástice s vynikajícími optoelektronickými vlastnostmi. Přesněji řečeno, QD vykazují široká absorpční spektra, úzké světelné pásy a vynikající fotovoltaickou stabilitu, díky čemuž jsou užitečné v biovědě a medicíně, zejména pro snímání, optické zobrazování, separaci buněk a diagnostiku. Obecně se QD během syntézy stabilizují pomocí hydrofobního ligandu, a proto jejich hydrofobní povrchy musí projít hydrofilní modifikací, pokud mají být QD použity v bioaplikacích. Oxid křemičitý je jednou z nejúčinnějších metod pro překonání nevýhod QDs díky fyzikálně-chemické stabilitě, netoxicitě a vynikající biologické dostupnosti oxidu křemičitého. Mikro a nanočástice SiO2 budou pokryty polydopaminem nebo směsí kyseliny citronové a močoviny nebo melaminem. Pokrytá vrstva bude karbonizována v přítomnosti vodivého kovu iontově spojeného s pokrytou vrstvou. Celý SiO2 může být rozpuštěn. Zbytkové duté nabité částice budou zkoumány elektrochemickými, fluorescenčními metodami a dalšími technikami potřebnými pro charakterizaci kvantových teček.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Mgr. Zulfiya Černochová, PhD

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Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles with outstanding optoelectronic properties. More specifically, QDs are highly bright and exhibit wide absorption spectra, narrow light bands, and excellent photovoltaic stability, which make them useful in bioscience and medicine, particularly for sensing, optical imaging, cell separation, and diagnosis. In general, QDs are stabilized using a hydrophobic ligand during synthesis, and thus their hydrophobic surfaces must undergo hydrophilic modification if the QDs are to be used in bioapplications. Silica-coating is one of the most effective methods for overcoming the disadvantages of QDs, owing to silica’s physicochemical stability, nontoxicity, and excellent bioavailability. Micro and nano-particles of SiO2 will be covered by polydopamine, or by mixture of citric acid and urea, or by melamine. The covered layer will be carbonized in the presence of conducting metal ionically connected to the covered layer. The entire SiO2 can be dissolved. Rest hollow charged particles will be examined by electrochemical, fluorescent methods and other techniques needed for characterization of quantum dots.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	Mgr. Zulfiya Černochová, PhD

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Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles with outstanding optoelectronic properties. More specifically, QDs are highly bright and exhibit wide absorption spectra, narrow light bands, and excellent photovoltaic stability, which make them useful in bioscience and medicine, particularly for sensing, optical imaging, cell separation, and diagnosis. In general, QDs are stabilized using a hydrophobic ligand during synthesis, and thus their hydrophobic surfaces must undergo hydrophilic modification if the QDs are to be used in bioapplications. Silica-coating is one of the most effective methods for overcoming the disadvantages of QDs, owing to silica’s physicochemical stability, nontoxicity, and excellent bioavailability. Micro and nano-particles of SiO2 will be covered by polydopamine, or by mixture of citric acid and urea, or by melamine. The covered layer will be carbonized in the presence of conducting metal ionically connected to the covered layer. The entire SiO2 can be dissolved. Rest hollow charged particles will be examined by electrochemical, fluorescent methods and other techniques needed for characterization of quantum dots.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	RNDr. Miroslav Otmar, CSc.

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Ion-exchange polymer membranes are widely used in laboratory and industrial applications. Major applications include electrochemical desalination of seawater and brackish water, wastewater treatment, separation of mixtures in the production of industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals, separation of electrolytes from non-electrolytes in electrochemical devices such as electrolyzers, fuel cells and batteries. Recently, their use in hydrogen management and storage of excess electricity from renewable sources has become increasingly important. The use of so-called green hydrogen produced in electrolyzers is one of the ways in the transition to carbon-free energy. The topic includes the synthesis of polymers and polymer membranes bearing functional groups for a specific purpose. For example, sulfo and phosphono groups for cation-exchange or quaternary ammonium groups for anione-exchange materials. In addition, these polymers are useful for electrode design, as catalyst supports and for other applications. Preparative organic chemistry and polymerization reaction methods are commonly applied. Our department is flexible enough to give the potential candidate enough room to apply his or her ingenuity.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Chemistry ( in English language )
Supervisor:	RNDr. Miroslav Otmar, CSc.

Annotation

Polymer membranes are widely used in separation processes due to their versatility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. These membranes are designed to selectively allow certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others, making them ideal for applications like water filtration, gas separation, and dialysis. Polymer membranes can be tailored for specific separation tasks by adjusting factors such as pore size, chemical composition, and surface properties. Their applications range from purifying drinking water through reverse osmosis to separating gases in industrial processes. With ongoing advancements, polymer membranes continue to play a crucial role in improving the sustainability and performance of various separation technologies. The subject matter encompasses the synthesis of novel polymers and the functionalization of commercially available materials, with a particular focus on their use in the separation of chemical mixtures, including gases and enantiomeric mixtures. Methodologically, the work will encompass polymerization reactions, the introduction of functional groups into polymers, and the utilization of reactions employed in preparative organic synthesis. Our department is sufficiently flexible to allow the prospective candidate the opportunity to exercise their inventiveness.

Granting Departments:	Department of Polymers Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
Study Programme/Specialization:	Drugs and Biomaterials ( in English language )
Supervisor:	doc. Mgr. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D., DSc.

Annotation

Treatment of hypoxic tumors is complicated due to higher radio/chemo resistance resulting in the subsequently lower clinical outcome of the treatment. We propose to explore a new concept of self-assembled polymer radiosensitizers to overcome the problem low hypoxic tumor radiosensitivity. The proposed approach is based on restoration of radiosensitivity of hypoxic cancer tissue by actively hypoxia-targeted delivery of reactive oxygen species (ROS)- precursors as well as on selective decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in hypoxic tissue influencing the HIF-1 alpha system. The proposed concept utilizes hydrophilic biocompatible polymer-based carriers with hypoxia-targeting nitroaromatics systems. The doctoral thesis will be based on synthesis, chemical and/or physicochemical characterization and study of self-assembly properties of such multi-stimuli-responsive nanoparticles with external environment; the exact topic will take into account the student´s interests. The studied nanoparticles and injectable depot systems will be designed for diagnostics and personalized immunoradiotherapy and immunochemotherapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Optimized nanoparticles will be then provided to collaborating biological workplaces for in vivo testing.