Physical Chemistry (FYCHd)
Application of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in the Development of Electrochemical Sensors for Bioanalyte Determination
The dissertation focuses on developing non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors to detect bioanalytes, with their surface modified by various metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs represent promising hybrid materials with high porosity, a large active surface area, and favorable chemical properties, making them suitable for sensor applications. The work aims to characterize selected MOFs, optimize their deposition on the electrode surface, and study their impact on the sensor's properties. The research focuses on the influence of MOFs on the sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of the sensor in detecting selected bioanalytes. The study involves the use of electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry
RNDr. Ivana Šišoláková, PhD., univerzitná docentka
doc. RNDr. Miroslav Almáši, PhD.
Biochemistry (BICHd)
Biological function of new proflavine derivatives
prof. RNDr. Mária Kožurková, CSc.
Inorganic Chemistry (ACHdAj)
Coordination compounds with potential use in magnetic cooling
The thesis is a follow-up to previous research focused on the development of novel low-dimensional Cu(II)/Mn(II) heterobimetallic complexes based on macrocyclic ligands for potential use in the field of magnetic cooling [1,2]. The motivation is to design, prepare and test new ways of binding the aforementioned metals leading to alternating chains that in the basic state will show a ferrimagnetic ground state with a potential transition to a ferromagnetic arrangement due to an external stimulus. For these purposes, the work will also focus on the design and preparation of new macrocyclic ligands based on 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) and 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (cyclen). The study will be carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Physics of UPJŠ in Košice and other partners abroad.
1. Describe the current state of the coordination chemistry of Cu(II)/Mn(II) complexes and methods of preparation of cyclam ligand derivatives. 2. Targeted synthesis of cyclam ligand derivatives. 2. Targeted synthesis leading to low dimensional Cu(II)/Mn(II) compounds with cyclam ligand derivatives. 3. Chemical, spectroscopic and structural characterization of the prepared complexes. 4. Study of magnetic properties of selected complexes. 5. Publication of results in the form of conference proceedings and scientific journal publications.
1. Samoľová E., Kuchár J., Čižmár E., Dušek M.: New heterobimetallic Cu(II)/Mn(II) complexes with trans-1,8-cyclam derivatives: Synthesis, characterization, magnetic properties and crystal structures of (µ2-Chloro)-(dpc)-copper(II)-trichloro-manganese(II) and two polymorphs of (µ2-Chloro)-(dac)-copper(II)-trichloro-manganese(II). (2021) Journal of Molecular Structure, 1241, art. no. 130592. DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130592 2. Samoľová E., Kuchár J., Grzimek V., Kliuikov A., Čižmár E.: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the new Cu(II)/Mn(II) coordination polymer [{Cu(cyclam)MnCl3(H2O)2}Cl]n. (2019) Polyhedron, 170, pp. 51 - 59. DOI: 10.1016/j.poly.2019.05.024
doc. RNDr. Juraj Kuchár, PhD.
Biochemistry (BICHd)
Immobilization of enzymes on a synthetic polymer matrix
doc. RNDr. Rastislav Varhač, PhD.
Physical Chemistry (FYCHd)
Innovative Coating Strategies for Enhancing Biodegradable Metal Implant Performance in Biomedical Applications
The aim of the dissertation is to improve the properties of biodegradable metal implants through innovative coating methods. The aim of the work is to systematically examine advanced techniques, such as electrostatic spinning, for applying coatings to the surfaces of biodegradable metals. Research emphasizes the study of aspects of corrosion behavior and biocompatibility using detailed physicochemical and biological analysis of materials. The aim of the work is to improve the functionality of orthopedic implants by tuning the rate of corrosion and improving their biocompatibility with the physiological environment. Findings acquired during the PhD. the study should contribute to valuable knowledge and to a better understanding of coating methods and their influence on the properties of biodegradable metal implants in biomedical applications.
Scientific publications and internet.
prof. RNDr. Renáta Oriňaková, DrSc.
RNDr. Radka Gorejová, PhD.
Physical Chemistry (FYCHd)
High-entropy phosphides based catalysts for electrochemical water splitting
The aim of the dissertation is the preparation of high-entropy phosphides based bifunctional catalysts, their structural characterization and the study of their properties. We will focus on the study of electrocatalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. Another goal of the work is to find the optimal composition of high-entropy phosphides based catalysts for highly efficient electrochemical water splitting.
Scientific publications and internet.
prof. RNDr. Renáta Oriňaková, DrSc.
MSc. Miratul Alifah
Inorganic Chemistry (ACHd)
Coordination compounds with potential use in magnetic cooling
The thesis is a follow-up to several years of research focused on the development of novel low-dimensional compounds of Cu(II) with Mn(II) and macrocyclic ligands for potential use in the field of magnetic cooling [1,2]. The motivation is to design, prepare and test new ways of binding the aforementioned metals leading to alternating chains that in the basic state will show a ferrimagnetic state with a potential transition to a ferromagnetic arrangement due to an external stimulus. For these purposes, the work will also focus on the design and preparation of new macrocyclic ligands based on 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) and 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (cyclen). The study will be carried out in cooperation with the Institute of Physics of UPJŠ in Košice and other partners abroad.
1. Describe the current state of the coordination chemistry of Cu(II)/Mn(II) complexes and methods of preparation of cyclam ligand derivatives. 2. Targeted synthesis of cyclam ligand derivatives. 3. Targeted synthesis leading to low dimensional Cu(II)/Mn(II) compounds with cyclam ligand derivatives. 4. Chemical, spectroscopic and structural characterization of the prepared complexes. 5. Study of magnetic properties of selected complexes. 6. Publication of results in the form of conference proceedings and scientific journal publications.
1. Samoľová E., Kuchár J., Čižmár E., Dušek M.: New heterobimetallic Cu(II)/Mn(II) complexes with trans-1,8-cyclam derivatives: Synthesis, characterization, magnetic properties and crystal structures of (µ2-Chloro)-(dpc)-copper(II)-trichloro-manganese(II) and two polymorphs of (µ2-Chloro)-(dac)-copper(II)-trichloro-manganese(II). (2021) Journal of Molecular Structure, 1241, art. no. 130592. DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130592 2. Samoľová E., Kuchár J., Grzimek V., Kliuikov A., Čižmár E.: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the new Cu(II)/Mn(II) coordination polymer [{Cu(cyclam)MnCl3(H2O)2}Cl]n. (2019) Polyhedron, 170, pp. 51 - 59. DOI: 10.1016/j.poly.2019.05.024
doc. RNDr. Juraj Kuchár, PhD.
Inorganic Chemistry (ACHdAj); Inorganic Chemistry (ACHdAj)
Nanoporous Materials for Sustainable Technologies
The dissertation thesis and its topic are an integral part of several years of research carried out at the Faculty of Science UPJŠ in Košice, focused on the preparation of new types of functional materials that are/will be the answer to the challenges posed by human society. The power of nanoporous materials lies in their unique properties such as huge specific surface area, tunable pore size, high adsorption capacity and easy surface modification for specific purposes and applications. Thus, the content of the thesis will be the synthesis, characterization and study of the properties of new types of nanoporous materials as well as the subsequent modification of their properties so that they demonstrate potential and challenge for applications in the field of capture and storage of gases of technological importance (e.g. CO2, H2) but also, after appropriate modification, for their use as carriers in the process of drug delivery to specific sites in the body, i.e., controlled and targeted delivery. In addition to chemical synthesis, the realization of the topic requires knowledge of basic physicochemical techniques used in inorganic chemistry, solid state chemistry and materials research.
1.) To review literature data on the synthesis and properties of ordered nanoporous materials (silica, MOF, ZIF...), their modification possibilities and their potential applications in various fields, with emphasis on gas adsorption or as drug carriers. 2.) To prepare samples of ordered nanoporous materials and characterize them using relevant physicochemical methods. 3.) To modify the prepared samples by chemical methods and assess the effect of modification on gas sorption or drug release. 4.) To compare the potential of different types of prepared and studied materials (silica, MOF, ZIF...) for different applications.
1. V. Zeleňák, M. Skřinská, A. Zukal, J. Čejka, Carbon dioxide adsorption over amine modified silica: Effect of amine basicity and entropy factor on isosteric heats of adsorption, Chemical Engineering Journal 348 (2018)327-337. 2. V. Zeleňák, D. Halamová, M. Almáši, L. Žid, A. Zeleňáková, O. Kapusta, Ordered cubic nanoporous silica support MCM-48 for delivery of poorly soluble drug indomethacin, Applied Surface Science 443 (2018) 525-534. 3. M. Vallet-Regí, F. Schüth, D. Lozano, M. Colilla, M. Manzano, Engineering mesoporous silica nanoparticles for drug delivery: where are we after two decades?, Chem. Soc. Rev., 51 (2022) 5365-5451.
prof. RNDr. Vladimír Zeleňák, DrSc.
Inorganic Chemistry (ACHd); Inorganic Chemistry (ACHd)
Nanoporous Materials for Sustainable Technologies
The dissertation thesis and its topic are an integral part of several years of research carried out at the Faculty of Science UPJŠ in Košice, focused on the preparation of new types of functional materials that are/will be the answer to the challenges posed by human society. The power of nanoporous materials lies in their unique properties such as huge specific surface area, tunable pore size, high adsorption capacity and easy surface modification for specific purposes and applications. Thus, the content of the thesis will be the synthesis, characterization and study of the properties of new types of nanoporous materials as well as the subsequent modification of their properties so that they demonstrate potential and challenge for applications in the field of capture and storage of gases of technological importance (e.g. CO2, H2) but also, after appropriate modification, for their use as carriers in the process of drug delivery to specific sites in the body, i.e., controlled and targeted delivery. In addition to chemical synthesis, the realization of the topic requires knowledge of basic physicochemical techniques used in inorganic chemistry, solid state chemistry and materials research.
1.) To review literature data on the synthesis and properties of ordered nanoporous materials (silica, MOF, ZIF...), their modification possibilities and their potential applications in various fields, with emphasis on gas adsorption or as drug carriers. 2.) To prepare samples of ordered nanoporous materials and characterize them using relevant physicochemical methods. 3.) To modify the prepared samples by chemical methods and assess the effect of modification on gas sorption or drug release. 4.) To compare the potential of different types of prepared and studied materials (silica, MOF, ZIF...) for different applications.
1. V. Zeleňák, M. Skřinská, A. Zukal, J. Čejka, Carbon dioxide adsorption over amine modified silica: Effect of amine basicity and entropy factor on isosteric heats of adsorption, Chemical Engineering Journal 348 (2018)327-337. 2. V. Zeleňák, D. Halamová, M. Almáši, L. Žid, A. Zeleňáková, O. Kapusta, Ordered cubic nanoporous silica support MCM-48 for delivery of poorly soluble drug indomethacin, Applied Surface Science 443 (2018) 525-534. 3. M. Vallet-Regí, F. Schüth, D. Lozano, M. Colilla, M. Manzano, Engineering mesoporous silica nanoparticles for drug delivery: where are we after two decades?, Chem. Soc. Rev., 51 (2022) 5365-5451.
prof. RNDr. Vladimír Zeleňák, DrSc.
Biochemistry (BICHd)
Study of interaction of newly synthesized low-molecular ligands with deoxyribonucleic acid and albumin (HSA resp. BSA)
Spectrophotometric methods will be used to determine the binding of calf thymus DNA and albumin with newly synthesized low-molecular ligands. The Stern-Volmer and binding constants will be calculated. CD spectra will be measured to specify the binding mode (intercalation/or groove binding) of the investigated compounds. Nuclease activity test with plasmid DNA and topoisomerase I/II inhibition test will be performed using electrophoretic methods.
UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrophotometric methods will be used to determine the binding of calf thymus DNA and albumin with newly synthesized low-molecular ligands
current scientific articles
RNDr. Danica Sabolová, PhD., univerzitná docentka
Biochemistry (BICHd)
The study of interaction of new anthraquinone derivatives with selected proteins
prof. RNDr. Mária Kožurková, CSc.
Physical Chemistry (FYCHd)
Study of the influence of polysulfides and additives on the lifetime and stability of Li-S batteries
The aim of this work is the preparation and characterization of sulfur-based cathode materials and the study of the influence of polysulfide migration on the degradation processes inf Li-S batteries. Another goal will be to propose a strategy for the treatment of cathode materials and separators in order to reduce the mobility of the resulting lower polysulfides. Reducing the mobility of lower polysulfides can significantly improve the stability, cyclability, and overall lifetime of Li-S batteries.
doc. RNDr. Andrea Straková Fedorková, PhD.
Biochemistry (BICHd)
Occurrence of non-canonical structural motifs in mammalian genomes
The occurrence and localization of non-canonical structural motifs in genomes, e.g. DNA hairpins, triplexes and G-quadruplexes, is not random. These motifs, and not the mutations in genes themselves, that are considered the key control points of many biological processes and are also responsible for the very expression of regulatory proteins in cells. The result is, for example, uncontrolled proliferation, induction of neoplasm formation, increased malfunctions in DNA repair and recombination mechanisms, uncontrolled differentiation, but also senecsence of cells. The main goal will be to find the conditions for the formation of non-canonical structures, their stabilization using specific ligands and possible impacts on cell viability.
The main objective is to define the conditions for the formation of non-canonical structures at specific chromosomal loci, their characterization and stabilization by specific ligands as well as possible effects on cell viability.
doc. RNDr. Viktor Víglaský, PhD.
Biochemistry (BICHd)
The use of protein evolution methods in modifying the properties of proteins and enzymes
Directed protein evolution methods offer an efficient way to change the properties of proteins on a local as well as global level. The ambition of this project is to change the local properties of enzymes such as specificity, affinity and catalytic properties and to change global properties such as protein solubility. The object of this project will be selected enzymes from the family of haloalkane dehalogenases (HLDs) and the -opioid receptor, an integral protein from the family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). HLDs are microbial enzymes that catalyze the splitting of the carbon-halogen bond and participate in the conversion of toxic halogenated hydrocarbons into less toxic compounds – alcohols. These enzymes therefore have great potential in bioremediation of toxic environmental pollutants, decontamination of chemical warfare agents, biomonitoring of pollutants in the environment and, thanks to their specific reaction, also in protein labeling during cell imaging. GPCRs are cell surface receptors that mediate responses to many endogenous signaling molecules as well as exogenous signals. GPCRs belong to the center of interest of the pharmaceutical industry, since more than 50% of drugs used today act on GPCRs. Improving the specified specific properties of these proteins would significantly help the understanding of the functionality of these proteins and their practical use. This project assumes the mastery of several biophysical, biochemical and molecular biological methods.
prof. RNDr. Erik Sedlák, DrSc.
Mgr. Mária Tomková, PhD.
Biochemistry (BICHd)
Targeted contrast nanoconjugates based on DNA aptamers
Nanoparticles are often used in bioimaging and transport of drugs, e.g. in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Their properties are continuously improved thanks to the modification of their surfaces with DNA aptamers, engineered ligands that specifically recognize target molecular structures. DNA aptamers conjugated to nanoparticles are responsible for their accumulation near the site of their subsequent biological action. The aim of the PhD student's research work will be to develop targeted nanoparticle bioconjugates with aptamers and to establish a universal procedure for the efficient production of receptor bio-nano-conjugates that will be suitable for use in the diagnosis of a wide range of molecular targets.
The aim of the research work will be to develop targeted nanoparticle bioconjugates with aptamers and to establish a universal procedure for the efficient production of receptor bio-nano-conjugates that will be suitable for use in the diagnosis of a wide range of molecular targets.
doc. RNDr. Viktor Víglaský, PhD.
Physical Chemistry (FYCHd)
Development of Metallic Implants for Regenerative Medicine
The aim of the dissertation is the development and study of metal scaffolds for use in medicine in the temporary replacement of hard tissues. Emphasis will be placed on the selection of a suitable method for the production of metal supports and the study of the physico-chemical, biological and mechanical properties of the prepared metal materials. Another goal of the work is to study the possibilities of modifying the surface of prepared metal biomaterials with bioactive components (ceramic, polymer, etc.) with a therapeutic effect and to study the mechanism and kinetics of their release.
Scientific publications and internet.
prof. RNDr. Renáta Oriňaková, DrSc.
RNDr. Radka Gorejová, PhD.
Inorganic Chemistry (ACHd); Inorganic Chemistry (ACHd)
Development of drugs based on coordination compounds against resistant pathogens
prof. RNDr. Zuzana Vargová, Ph.D.
Biochemistry (BICHd)
Establishment of advanced techniques for insect cell-based production of proteins
The production of eukaryotic proteins in bacterial expression systems is challenging due to several factors—low solubility and yield of proteins, the absence of post-translational modifications, and limitations in the production of membrane proteins. Insect cell expression systems serve as an excellent alternative, offering reliable protein production with simple glycosylation, post-translational modifications, and good scalability. This work focuses on establishing a methodology for protein production in insect cells—preparing and optimizing the expression system for the production of selected model proteins. The properties of the protein preparations will be characterized in subsequent steps using biophysical methods.
• Preparation of recombinant baculovirus vectors for the expression of selected proteins • Transfection of Sf9 insect cells, small-scale protein expression, and quantification of expression using Western blot • Optimization of expression and "upscaling" of protein production • Chromatographic purification of proteins and optimization of the purification process • Characterization of the biophysical properties of the prepared proteins using circular dichroism and calorimetry
prof. RNDr. Erik Sedlák, DrSc.
Mgr. Ľuboš Ambro, PhD.
Physical Chemistry (FYCHd)
Fabrication and evaluation of redox-flow batteries with different types of water-based electrolytes
The aim of this work is fabrication and characterization of different types of redox flow batteries using novel inorganic and organic water-based electrolytes with improved properties. The next step will be the electrochemical characterization of individual battery components and their compatibility, and then testing of the overall efficiency, performance and cycling of new types of redox flow batteries.
doc. RNDr. Andrea Straková Fedorková, PhD.