|
Drugs and Biomaterials
---
Programme Details
| Study Language
|
Czech |
|
Standard study length
|
4 years |
| Form of study
|
combined
,
full-time
|
| Guarantor
|
prof. Ing. Radek Cibulka, Ph.D.
|
| Place of study
|
Praha |
| Capacity
|
30 students |
| Programme code (national)
|
P0531D130072 |
| Programme Code (internal)
|
D105
|
| Number of Ph.D. topics
|
37 |
| Expected number of positions with institutional scholarship for Theses at UCT Prague
|
6 |
Ph.D. topics for study year 2026/27
Actively targeted self-organized systems
Annotation
The present dissertation deals with the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro testing of self-ordered molecules forming nanoparticles (micelles/liposomes) with a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic parts of the molecule. The hydrophilic part of the molecule will be functionalized with functional groups affecting the surface charge of the nanoparticle and functional groups actively targeting e.g., tumors. The core of the nanoparticle will contain therapeutic drugs which will be delivered directly into the intracellular compartments. In this work, the low molecular weight agents prepared in this way with different functionalities on the hydrophilic part of the chains will be combined to achieve the best therapeutic effect. The scope of the thesis will be organic synthesis, and physicochemical characterization. The thesis involves the use of animal/human cell lines in performing basic in vitro techniques with which the student will be familiar.
Targeted radiotherapy for the treatment of hypoxic tumors
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
)
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Mgr. Miroslav Vetrík, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
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.
Formulation strategies for ceramide-based cancer therapy
|
Study place:
|
Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Technology
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Jarmila Zbytovská, Dr. rer. nat.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Ceramides are bioactive lipids with well-documented anticancer effects; however, their therapeutic application is limited by unfavorable physicochemical properties. The aim of this work is to propose suitable formulation strategies to improve the stability, bioavailability, and targeting of ceramides to tumor tissue. The prepared systems and their interactions with biological membranes will be characterized from a biophysical perspective. In addition, the study will include an evaluation of the in vitro biological activity of the developed systems and their potential for further pharmaceutical development.
Surface energy heterogeneity of particulate matter
|
Study place:
|
Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Technology
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Jan Patera, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Free surface energy is one of the important parameters in industrial applications and processes of powder and fibrous materials. Differences in surface energy affect interfacial interactions such as wetting, cohesion, or adhesion. As the wide range of uses of powders is controlled by surface reactions or interactions, the characterization of surface energies can be important information for improving surface properties (e.g. surface modification). General theories can only be applied to smooth, molecularly flat solid surfaces or particles. However, most interfaces for particulate matter do not have an ideally smooth surface or an ideally homogenized surface, so the work will focus on determining the heterogeneity of surface properties; heterogeneity of surface energy, and its relation to other properties of these substances.
Chiral nanomaterils for medical applications
|
Study place:
|
Department of Solid State Engineering, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Solid State Engineering
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Oleksiy Lyutakov, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Chiralita je základní vlastností přírody. V oblasti medicíny je klíčovým rysem chirality různá biochemická aktivita opačných organických enantiomerů. V poslední době chiralita se promital i do světa nanomateriálů– byly syntetizovány první nanomateriály, které v sobě zahrnují chiralitu v rámci jednotlivých jednotek/nanočástic (podobně jako organické enantiomery). Biologická a biochemická aktivita těchto materiálů se teprve začíná zkoumat. V tomto světle je klíčová otázka, zda se situace s různou aktivitou a vlastnostmi jednotlivých organických molekul bude se opakovat v případě jejich větších analogů – chirálních nanomateriálů. Cílem této práce je najít odpověď na tuto velmi zajímavou otázku. Během realizaci práce bude připravena řada chirálních nanomateriálů a bude studována jejich aktivita a potenciál pro interakci s buňkami a bakteriemi.
Smart antimicrobial materials
|
Study place:
|
Department of Solid State Engineering, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Solid State Engineering
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Oleksiy Lyutakov, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
V současnosti kolem 80 % bakteriálních onemocnění pochází od biofilmů. Biofilm představuje bakteriální kolonii, která je ukotvená na povrchu a natočena specifickou “zdí”, díky čemuž je schopna se bránit běžné antimikrobiální léčbě. Další nebezpečné jevy probíhající v biofilmu souvisí s bakteriálním quorum-efektem a velkým rizikem vývoje rezistence vůči antibiotikům. Proto prevence tvorby a ničení biofilmů představuje jednu z klíčových otázek v oblasti materiálů pro medicínu. Tradiční způsoby jako je inkorporace antimikrobiálních látek nejenže často selhávají, ale mohou vést i k řadě nežádoucích efektů, jako je nárůst výše zmíněné resistivity vůči antibiotikům nebo dalším antimikrobiálním látkám. V této práci bude realizován nový způsob obrany medicinských povrchů proti biofilmům – použití povlaků na bázi smart materiálů. Díky svému složení tyto povrchy zaručí dvojitou obranu – prevence před bakteriální kolonizaci a současně jsou schopny uvolňovat antimikrobiální sloučeniny.
Smart materials for tissue engineering
|
Study place:
|
Department of Solid State Engineering, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Solid State Engineering
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Václav Švorčík, DrSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Adheze a růst lidských buněk na povrchu materiálů pro medicínské aplikace (kožní a kostní implantáty, implanty chlopní a náhrady cév) je složitý proces, který probíhá v několika postupných fázích. Z hlediska realizace jednotlivých stupňů musí mít materiál často různé a někdy i zcela odlišné vlastnosti (např. lokální mechanické nebo chemické „pnuti“ je vhodné pro adhezi buněk a absence takového pnutí je významná pro jejich proliferaci). Takové „opačné“ vlastnosti je obtížné dosáhnout v rámci jednotlivých materiálů. Lze je úspěšně implementovat v případě chytrých, přepínatelných materiálů. Hlavní myšlenkou tohoto projektu je vytvoření chytrých materiálů pro medicinské aplikace. Takové materiály mohou postupně měnit své vlastnosti v průběhu času, např. mají lokální stresová centra pro buněčnou adhezi a imobilizaci a poté mění svou strukturu, aby podporovaly buněčnou proliferaci. Realizace této práce umožní zavést nové principy a přístupy v oblasti materiálů pro medicinské použiti a regenerativní medicínu a také výrazně zlepšit úroveň zdravotnické péče.
Compounds modulating the activity of NMNAT2 as treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
|
Study place:
|
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Andrea Brancale, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Salary |
Annotation
NMNAT2, nikotinamiddinukleotid adenylyl transferáza 2 je neurospecifický enzym zajišťující syntézu nikotinamid dinukleotidu (NAD) de novo i jeho obnovu po degradaci v buněčných procesech. NAD je klíčovým kofaktorem, který je mimo jiné zásadní pro zdraví neuronů. Bylo prokázáno, že oslabená funkce nebo nízké hladiny NMNAT2 a potažmo NAD vedou k nevratné neurodegeneraci. Tento projekt se zaměřuje na syntézu látek aktivujících NMNAT2. Jejich struktura odvozena od přírodní látky EGCG, jejíž základní skelet bude synteticky modifikován pro získání látek s lepšími stabilitními a drug-like parametry.
Methacrylamide and acrylamide copolymers sensitive to external stimuli: advanced drug delivery systems and diagnostics
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Michal Pechar, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Polymeric micelles and nanoparticles are studied in the field of drug delivery and targeted drug release, especially in anticancer therapy. Thanks to their size (20-1000 nm), they accumulate in tumors due to the enhanced permeation and accumulation (EPR) effect. They protect incorporated drugs during transport and help to solubilize poorly soluble drugs. The potential thermoresponsive behaviour of the polymers used avoids the complicated techniques common to the preparation of micelles and other nanoparticle-based systems. The presence of suitable hydrolytically labile groups in the structure of the polymers can be exploited to ensure the gradual degradation of the nanoparticles and to ensure excretion of the polymer from the organism. With the intention of preparing nanoparticles with thermoresponsive and pH-sensitive properties, amphiphilic diblock copolymers consisting of a fully hydrophilic block, e.g., poly[N-(1,3-dihydroxypropyl)(meth)acrylamide] and an amphiphilic block, e.g., poly[N-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)(meth)acrylamide], will be prepared by controlled radical RAFT polymerization. The associative behaviour of the copolymers in aqueous solutions, the formation and disintegration of nanoparticles or micelles will be studied by various physicochemical methods, e.g. size-exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, NMR and transmission electron microscopy. The proposed systems offer the possibility to transport in particular anticancer drugs.
Modular synthesis of dendritic carriers of drugs for applications in regenerative medicine
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Tomáš Strašák, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The project is focused on the application of modular synthesis principles to a preparation of novel dendritic materials with properties tailored for medicinal applications, especially in the field of regenerative medicine. The first stage comprises the synthesis of a library of carbosilane building blocks (dendrons) using silicon atom as a branching point and bearing suitable peripheral functional groups (saccharide ligands, cationic groups, PEGyl chains etc.). These components will then be used for the construction of multifunctional macromolecular compounds with precisely defined dendritic structure. The application of prepared materials to the encapsulation of small molecule drugs, complexation of therapeutically active proteins and growth factors, and physically-chemical characterization of these systems will be an inherent part of the work, with emphasis on suitable pharmacokinetic and cytotoxic behavior. The work is a part of the research project supported from OP JAK fund; within this project the student will closely collaborate with external partners on the application of the prepared materials.
Required education and skills
•Master degree in organic chemistry, organic technology;
•enthusiasm for experimental work and learning of new things;
•team work ability.
Molecularly imprinted polymers as a stationary phase for separation of biologically active substances of natural origin
|
Study place:
|
Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Technology
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Lada Dolejšová Sekerová, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Essential oils and extracts from plants known for their medicinal effect contain a wide range of different substances, but not all of them have biological activity. Several procedures can be used to isolate individual biologically active compounds from plant extracts and essential oils. One of them is solid phase extraction, in which a very effective and selective separation can be achieved by choosing an optimal combination of stationary and mobile phase. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) could be a suitable alternative to conventionally used stationary phases. The advantage of MIPs is their stability, both physical and chemical. The MIP preparation process, in which cavities complementary to the desired separated molecule are formed in the polymer, is responsible for their high selectivity. It is also always necessary to optimize the preparation of the polymer itself (method, used monomers and cross-linkers, ratio of reactants, temperature, time), the process of extracting the template molecule from the polymer and, last but not least, the procedure of the solid phase extraction (conditioning of the solid phase, elution medium). Terpenic molecules will be selected for the dissertation, suitable MIPs will be prepared and the possibility of separation the selected molecules from plants will be tested.
Reactive oxygen species and pH-responsive nanocarriers: Innovative smart nanomedicines
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Supervisor: |
Mgr. Alessandro Jäger, PhD.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Nanomedicines gain advantage in biomedical applications if they are tailored to be degradable in response to certain external stimuli. Such stimulus may be enzymatic removal of protecting groups, a pH change, light or more recently, the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer environment. In this project, imbalances of the cellular microenvironment (pH changes, ROS production) will be explored for the synthesis of stimuli-responsive polymers and block copolymers. Inspired by the ease and effectiveness of the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers in solution, several polymer nanomedicines (PNM) i.e., polymer micelles, polymer nanoparticles and polymersomes will be developed. They will show tunable stimuli-induced degradation in the presence of physiologically relevant changes in pH, temperature or ROS concentrations. The nanospecies will be prepared by microfluidic nanoprecipitation. This technique allows the production of uniform particles with controllable size, shape and surface chemistry in a reproducible and scalable manner. The PMN self-assemblies produced will be characterized using standard scattering techniques (DSL/SLS/ELS, SAXS and SANS) and imaged by microscopy (SEM, TEM and Cryo-TEM). The effectiveness of the PMN will be evaluated in in vitro and in in vivo models.
Design and synthesis of novel antiviral protacs
|
Study place:
|
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Andrea Brancale, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) jsou malé molekuly navržené tak, aby namísto inhibice eliminovaly konkrétní proteiny aktivací buněčné degradační mašinérie. Tato strategie umožňuje selektivní odstranění proteinů relevantních v dané chorobě a otevírá nové možnosti vývoje léčiv napříč různými oblastmi medicinální chemie. Ačkoli se PROTAC technologie využívá hlavně k vývoji protinádorových léčiv, má ve vývoji antivirotik obrovský potenciál. V tomto projektu se zaměříme na vývoj a přípravu nových antivirotik využívajících PROTAC technologii degradující zásadní virové proteiny s cílem generovat účinná širokospektrá antivirotika.
New approach to treatment of diffuse intristic pontine glioma
|
Study place:
|
Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Petra Cuřínová, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Salary |
Annotation
Difusní intrinsický pontinní gliom je typ pediatrického nádoru, který je v současné době smrtelný. Gliom se objevuje u dětí kolem šestého roku věku a prognóza je maximálně půl roku života od diagnózy. Současná léčba zahrnuje pouze úlevu od symptomů pomocí ozařování. Díky rozvoji bezpečné biopsie pontinních nádorových buněk se podařilo najít možné terapeutické cíle. Tento projekt je zaměřený na hledání malých molekul inhibujících enzymy klíčové pro růst nádoru, jako jsou například methyltransferázy. S identifikací dalších terapeutických cílů bude projekt rozšířen o možné modifikátory aktivity nádorových proteinů.
Advanced enzymatically degradable polymer materials for 4D bioprinting
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Supervisor: |
Mgr. Vladimír Proks, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Current biology has opened a new avenue in biotechnological R&D aimed at ex vivo building 3D structures that closely resemble tissues/organs of living organisms. Despite the self-organizing capacity of cells, extracellular 3D support is still envisioned to promote the establishment of proper tissue morphologies. 3D bioprinting is an attractive option of how cells can be positioned into the right locations and supported in their development. The advanced concept is so-called 4D bioprinting, defined by materials capable of post-printing responsiveness to stimuli. The key limitation to this approach lays in the suboptimal chemistry of biomaterials, not providing enough flexibility in mechanical properties, internal geometry, ligand capture, and release, etc. The dissertation will focus on the design, synthesis, and study of physicochemical properties of polypeptide precursors based on synthetic poly(amino acids). Furthermore, a 3D printing protocol will be developed to establish a hydrogel network, which could ensure mechanical protection of cells from shear forces and promote cell retention and engraftment. Hydrogels will be modified with biomimetic structures, e.g., cell-adhesion peptides that would promote specific interactions with cells and growth factors. The applicant's knowledge and experience in macromolecular and organic chemistry is an advantage, along with the desire to learn new things in the fields of biochemistry and biology. The student will learn various synthesis techniques and characterization methods using modern instruments.
Polymer colloids as specialized carriers for intranasal transport of biologically active substances
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Michal Babič, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
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.
Polymer composites with EGaIn and study of their cytocompatibility
|
Study place:
|
Department of Solid State Engineering, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Solid State Engineering
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Petr Slepička, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
This work will focus on the preparation of polymer composites with eutectic gallium and indium (EGaIn) and the study of their stability and properties. These materials are generally considered non-toxic, and belong to a new generation of smart biomaterials potentially interesting for applications in the field of drug delivery or bioelectronics. The main goal of the work will be the preparation of homogeneous polymer composites or homogeneous coverage of the polymer surface with EGaIn particles. Polymers with EGaIn particles either in the form of a simple foil or with an induced linear or hexagonal shape will be tested with regard to their cytocompatibility. The antibacterial properties of the composites against selected strains of bacteria will also be determined.
Polymer carriers of cationic detergents for safe antibacterial therapy
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
)
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Jiří Pánek, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Bacterial infections, particularly those of the biofilm type, represent an increasing challenge for modern medicine, primarily due to rising antibiotic resistance. Cationic amphiphiles are highly effective local bactericides; however, for practical use on wounds, mucosal surfaces, or technical materials, it is often more advantageous to apply them not as concentrated solutions but in the form of controlled-release systems. Such formulations enable the long-term maintenance of lower, yet still bactericidal, concentrations of these agents, which are no longer harmful to human tissues. The aim of this doctoral dissertation is to prepare amphiphilic polyanions with varying structures and charge densities designed for the encapsulation and controlled release of micelles of cationic bactericides. The work will focus on elucidating the relationships between the structure of the polyanion and the bactericide, the efficiency of supramolecular encapsulation based on Coulombic interactions, the structure of the resulting polyplexes, and the release kinetics of the active component as influenced by temperature, ionic strength, and pH, as well as the associated bactericidal effects. A broad range of physicochemical methods will be employed to characterize these systems, including scattering techniques, fluorescence spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and biological assays of antibacterial activity.
Polymeric Theranostic Systems for Imaging Insulin-Producing Cells and the Treatment of Diabetes
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Richard Laga, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Type 2 diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and the gradual failure of pancreatic ?-cells, leading to chronic hyperglycemia and the subsequent development of severe vascular, metabolic, and hormonal complications. Modern therapies employing GLP-1 agonists (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide, or dulaglutide), which activate GLP-1 receptors on the surface of ?-cells, significantly improve glycemic control. However, their efficacy is limited by a short circulation half-life, rapid proteolytic degradation, and suboptimal receptor interaction, necessitating frequent dosing. The aim of this project is to develop innovative conjugates of GLP-1 peptide agonists with biocompatible polymeric carriers that provide prolonged therapeutic action, enhanced stability, and more efficient interaction with GLP-1 receptors on target cells. The project also includes the integration of imaging-enabled structural motifs to allow monitoring of conjugate biodistribution and quantification of labeled ?-cells using magnetic resonance or fluorescence-based techniques. Key emphasis will be placed on the rational design, synthesis, and detailed physicochemical characterization of water-soluble polymers based on phospho- and fluorinated polymer platforms, as well as their selective conjugation to GLP-1 agonists. The resulting conjugates will be evaluated in collaboration with domestic research partners (IKEM, FGÚ AV ČR) through both in vitro and in vivo studies, with the aim of monitoring pancreatic ?-cell populations and assessing the conjugates’ ability to effectively stimulate insulin production.
Modeling of drug release from the solid dispersions by diffusion erosion models
|
Study place:
|
Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Technology
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Petr Zámostný, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
This work is aimed at the study of the drug release from the solid dosage forms comprsing solid dispersions. Such formulations exhibit a well-defined structure, and the drug dissolution can be studied not only by classical dissolution techniques, but also by the apparent intrinsic dissolution. Several fronts develop in dosage forms of this type, where thos fronts corresponds to the liquid penetration, drug leaching and erosion of the residual matrix. Such processes can be described by diffusion-erosion models, which allow determining their rate controlling steps and characteristic rates to be used for the design of controlled release drugs.
Understanding Biomolecular Binding Through Tailored Chemical Modifications and NMR Thermodynamics
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. RNDr. Martin Dračínský, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
This PhD project will explore how chemical modifications influence intermolecular interactions between biomolecules, with a particular focus on hydrogen bonding. The work will integrate organic synthesis of tailored biomolecular building blocks—such as modified nucleosides—with advanced NMR spectroscopy to characterize their interaction profiles. Central objectives include the quantitative determination of binding free energies and the elucidation of how specific structural changes modulate binding strength and selectivity. A key methodological component will involve probing tautomeric equilibria and examining how shifts in these equilibria, induced by intermolecular hydrogen bonding, can be used to extract thermodynamic parameters of binding. Together, these studies aim to deepen our understanding of structure–interaction relationships in biomolecular systems and to provide a framework for the rational design of functionally enhanced biomolecules.
The synthetic part of the project will be done under supervision of prof. Andrea Brancale at UCT.
Surface Enhanced Raman spectroscopy and Neural Networks - detection of relevant molecules at closed to real situation
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Study place:
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Department of Solid State Engineering, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Solid State Engineering
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| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Václav Švorčík, DrSc.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Povrchově zesílená Ramanova spektroskopie (SERS – Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy) je metoda s absolutním detekčním limitem, schopná identifikovat přítomnost i pouze jediné organické molekuly. Pro reálné vzorky použití SERS je však značně omezeno přítomnosti většího množství nevýznamných/vedlejších molekul. Každá molekula, přítomna v reálním vzorku, produkuje svůj vlastní signál z výsledného SERS spektra nelze ziskat žádné specifické informace týkající se pravé cílové molekuly. Jako řešení potenciální řešeni, určeno pro transfer SERS z laboratorních do reálných podmínek, jsme navrhli použití neuronových sítí (ANN – artificial neural network) schopných (po trénování) správně interpretovat spektrální informace a určit jak přítomnost, tak i koncentraci cílové molekuly. Tento přístup lze aplikovat (a již se aplikuje) k identifikaci léčiv a jejich metabolitů, markerů onemocnění, analýze DNA, detekci přítomnosti virů nebo nebezpečných bakterií a taky přítomnosti nebezpečných nebo zakázaných látek. Tato práce je zaměřena na další rozvoj a zdokonalení metod SERS a ANN. Po dohodě s vedoucím bude možné se zaměřit na přípravu a modifikaci substrátů SERS, p5ipravu spektrální databáze a trénování neuronových sítí nebo praktičtější oblast detekce relevantních biomolekul.
Preparation of stimuli-responsive polymer nanomedicines using microfluidic nanoprecipitation – the in vitro and in vivo performance under simulated physiological conditions
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Study place:
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Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Supervisor: |
Mgr. Eliézer Jäger, Ph.D.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Nanomedicines gain much more relevance in biomedical applications if they are tailored to be degradable in response to certain external stimuli. Such stimulus may be enzymatic removal of protecting groups, a pH change, light or the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer. Herein, imbalances on the cells micro-environment (pH changes, ROS production) will be explored for the synthesis of stimuli-responsive polymers and block copolymers. Inspired by the ease and effectiveness of the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers in solution, several polymer nanomedicines, i.e., micelles, nanoparticles and vesicles will be designed to display tunable stimuli degradation in the presence of physiologically relevant changes in pH, temperature or ROS concentrations and will be prepared by microfluidic nanoprecipitation. This technique allows us the production of uniform particles with controllable size, shape and surface chemistry in a reproducible manner. The produced polymer self-assemblies will be characterized using standard scattering techniques (DSL/SLS/ELS, SAXS and SANS) and by microscopy. The effectiveness of the polymer nanosystems will be evaluated in in vitro and in in vivo models simulating the physiological balanced and imbalanced of the microenvironment.
Synthesis of compounds modulating the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton
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Study place:
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Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Chemistry
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Also available in study programmes:
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Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
)
Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
Chemistry (
in English language
)
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| Supervisor: |
Mgr. et Mgr. Pavla Perlíková, Ph.D.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton play a key role in cell motility, and influencing this process is crucial for the development of compounds with migrastatic activity. The aim of this work is to design and prepare compounds that will affect actin polymerization based on direct interaction with actin and/or regulatory proteins involved in actin polymerization. Rational design of compounds will be used, as well as a classical approach to studying the SAR.
Radioactive and fluorescent labeling of polymers and nanoparticles for medicine and preclinical testing.
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Study place:
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Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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Also available in study programmes:
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Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
)
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
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| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Jan Kučka, Ph.D.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
This doctoral thesis focuses on the development and optimization of labeling techniques for polymers and nanoparticles in the field of medicine. The labeling allows for tracking and provides valuable information for therapy and next biological testing. The main objective of this work is to develop methods for radioactive and fluorescent labeling of polymers and nanoparticles.
Self-cleaning anti-biofilm polymer surfaces
Annotation
The formation of bacterial biofilms is a one of the major issues in the current biomedical research. In the body, such biofilms are created on the surface of the medical devices, e.g., joint prostheses or heart valves, where they cause inflammation and chronic infections. The aim of this Ph.D. project is to develop a novel class of smart self-cleaning antibiofilm polymer surfaces, based on poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline)s, that are both anti-fouling and able to catalytically prevent the biofilm formation in the very long-term period. The project work includes polymer synthesis, the surfaces preparation and the study of their physicochemical properties. Moreover, the selected surfaces will be subjected to comprehensive in vitro and in vivo testing in the collaboration with biologists.
Monitoring and prediction of tablet disintegration behavior using texture analysis
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Study place:
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Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Technology
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| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Petr Zámostný, Ph.D.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The disintegration kinetics of tablets is a determining step for their overall dissolution behavior, as it determines the size and specific surface area of the fragments produced during their disintegration. This kinetics depends on the rate of penetration of the disintegration medium into the tablet microstructure, both into the pores and swelling components of the tablet, and the ability of the internal dissolution and swelling processes to disrupt the tablet cohesion. The aim of this work is to study the kinetics of water absorption into the tablet as a function of its composition and microstructure by means of textural analysis and microscopic measurements, to study the resistance of the tablet to erosive effects as a function of the amount of absorbed liquid as well as the size of the fragments formed as a result of these processes. The knowledge obtained should then be used to develop a fully or partially predictive model capable of predicting disintegration behavior based on the microstructure of the tablet and the physical properties of its components.
Study of the skin barrier formation and the possibility of its restoration at the molecular level
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Study place:
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Department of Organic Technology, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Technology
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| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Jarmila Zbytovská, Dr. rer. nat.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The molecular mechanisms of the formation of the intercellular lipid matrix, which is crucial for high quality skin barrier function, are still not well understood. This work will aim at unraveling these processes using biophysical techniques on model membranes (SAXS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, AFM, etc.), and membrane permeability will also be studied in this context. Based on these findings, the conditions for the design of topical lipid formulations capable of restoring the disrupted (diseased) skin lipid barrier will be defined.
Stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymer systems for biomedical applications
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Study place:
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Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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Also available in study programmes:
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Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
)
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
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| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D., DSc.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
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.
Synthetic polymers as an alternative to proteins for biochemical applications
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Study place:
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Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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Also available in study programmes:
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Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
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| Supervisor: |
Ing. Libor Kostka, Ph.D.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Society is increasingly seeking ways to reduce the use of animal-derived products, including proteins used in medical diagnostics. This creates many opportunities for modern synthetic macromolecules, which can replace or supplement biological proteins in various applications. As part of your dissertation, you will contribute to the development of these "artificial proteins" based on synthetic hydrophilic polymers. We are looking for motivated students interested in combining modern polymer chemistry with biochemistry to develop sustainable alternatives to natural proteins. Using advanced controlled polymerization techniques like Photo-RAFT and CuRDRP, you will design and synthesize sequence-defined polymers based on methacrylamides and (meth)acrylates. Your work will involve synthesizing polymers with controlled chain architectures and optimizing polymerization processes. You will perform detailed characterization of the materials using state-of-the-art analytical techniques (SEC, FFFF, LC MS, NMR, etc.). Additionally, you will engage in organic synthesis of new monomers and their functional derivatives. The materials you create will be tested in real biochemical applications in collaboration with both domestic and international partners, including industry. We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate passionate about macromolecular and/or organic chemistry, eager to learn across disciplines, especially biochemistry and biology. We offer exciting and diverse work within a young, dynamic team at a cutting-edge academic facility, with opportunities for internships abroad at partner institutions.
Synthesis and Application of Silica-Coated Quantum Dots in Bioengineering
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Study place:
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Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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Also available in study programmes:
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Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in English language
)
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
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| Supervisor: |
Mgr. Zulfiya Černochová, PhD
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
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.
Synthesis and application of polymeric scavengers interacting with cationic amphiphilic peptides by charge compensation.
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Study place:
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Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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Also available in study programmes:
|
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in English language
)
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
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| Supervisor: |
Mgr. Zulfiya Černochová, PhD
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
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.
Synthesis and characterization of highly sensitive, bimodal dissolved oxygen sensors for EPR/FLIM oximetry
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Study place:
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Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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Also available in study programmes:
|
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
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| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D., DSc.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The project aims to the preparation and characterization of water-soluble trivalent carbon-centered radicals equipped with additional fluorescence groups for direct, noninvasive and repeatable dissolved molecular quantification, enabling also measurement in cells and vessels. The quantification of oxygen levels in-vitro and in-vivo is important not only for the understanding of physiological processes, but also in the assessment and therapy of pathological conditions such as cancer, peripheral vascular disease, inflammatory and wounds. It is extremally challenging to obtain exact oxygenation values in cells or in tissues at microscopic scale. In this project we are combining two of the best suited techniques for this purpose by creating a single bimodal molecular detector. The first oxygen detection method is based on EPR line broadening caused by paramagnetic O2 molecules tumbling in proximity of the radical and the second method is based on fluorescence quenching or fluorescence lifetime shortening due to interactions with oxygen. The two types of equipment will be used for the detection - electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer and confocal microscopy equipped with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). The molecules will also be tested on 3D cell cultures (spheroids).
Synthesis of deazaoxaflavins for photodynamic antimicrobial therapy
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Study place:
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Department of Organic Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Organic Chemistry
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|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
)
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| Supervisor: |
Ing. Petr Kovaříček, Ph.D.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Development of antibiotic resistance is a growing socioeconomic problem. One strategy to mitigate it is to spatiotemporarily limit the activity of the antiobiotic agent so that the pathogen perceives less evollutionary pressure to develop resistance. In this project, the student will synthesize derivatives of deazaoxaflavins which show strong antimicrobial activity under light irradiation. The student will, in collaboration with other groups, determine the pathogen eradication efficiency and focus on topic human applications and biofilm destruction in biotechnology.
Theranostic polymer probes for fluorescence-guided surgery and subsequent photodynamic therapy of tumor bed
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Study place:
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Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Tomáš Etrych, Ph.D., DSc.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Accurate tumor resection without unnecessary removal of healthy tissue is crucial for successful oncological surgery. In oncological endoscopic surgery, defining tumor borders remains a challenge. Visual distinction between malignant and healthy tissue is often difficult, making adequate tumor margins essential for a good prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of the theses will be to design and synthesize biodegradable, activatable and biocompatible polymer-based theranostic nanoprobes suitable for targeting the system to the tumorous tissue first to visualize the tumor tissue for surgeon by control activation of the cargo fluorescence emission and second enable the postsurgical PDT of the tumor bed to eradicate the rest of the tumor cells left behind the surgery. As part of the work, close cooperation with the Universital hospital Motol and University of Grenoble is expected.
The use of MLIP/AI force fields for verification of experimental structure determination
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Study place:
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Department of Solid State Chemistry, FCT, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Solid State Chemistry
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| Supervisor: |
doc. Dr. Ing. Michal Hušák
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The target of the work is to develop a methodology for experimental crystal structure verification base don comparison with MLIP force field based optimal geometry. The method will be used for both new structures verification as well as on verification of structure databases content. The main targets are pharmaceutically interested organic compounds.
Research on targeted radiomodulators and the cellular response to radiation
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Study place:
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Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
)
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| Supervisor: |
Mgr. Miroslav Vetrík, Ph.D.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The aim of this Ph.D. project is to develop a new generation of radiosensitizers and radioprotectants (targeted polymer conjugates as well as small molecules) with applications in modern oncology and in extreme conditions, such as interplanetary expeditions. The student will address a complex, interdisciplinary topic at the interface of organic/polymer chemistry and tumor biology. The project is best suited for candidates interested in organic/polymer synthesis who are not afraid to cross into biology, who have strong analytical thinking skills, and who are eager to learn modern tissue-culture techniques. Synthesis and design: Preparation of new bioactive compounds and polymer carriers, optimization of structure–activity relationships (SAR), and advanced characterization (NMR, LC–MS/HPLC). Radiobiology and 3D models: Testing of compounds in relevant models, with an emphasis on 3D tumor spheroids that mimic the real tumor microenvironment, including hypoxia and nutrient gradients. Mechanistic studies: Quantitative assessment of viability, visualization of compound penetration and cell death using confocal microscopy, and analysis of key pathways (DNA repair, senescence, mitochondrial stress).
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