Topic Overview:
Research in the field of modern electroanalytical chemistry. There are no special prerequisites. Staff members of UNESCO Laboratory of electroanalytical chemistry have long time experience in this field so that no preliminary background in electroanalytical techniques is requested. The department has close cooperation with Heyrovsky institute of physical chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and electroanalytical chemistry has a long tradition in the Czech Republic since the discovery of polarography by Professor Heyrovsky. Moreover, we the department has long-time cooperation with several Brazilian research institutions (FIOCRUZ etc.) and with several Brazilian universities. The exact research project will be prepared in cooperation with prospective visitor as far as the technique, analyte, matrix etc. are concerned. The laboratory is well equipped with modern electroanalytical instrumentation, HPLC systems with electrochemical detection, FIA systems with electrochemical detection etc. The staff pays attention to the determination of environmental carcinogens, ecotoxic substance, pesticides, anticancer drugs and other biologically active organic substances using different electroanalytical techniques, non-traditional electrodes, new-type of electrochemical sensors etc.
Research in the field of modern electroanalytical chemistry. There are no special prerequisites. Staff members of UNESCO Laboratory of electroanalytical chemistry have long time experience in this field so that no preliminary background in electroanalytical techniques is requested. The department has close cooperation with Heyrovsky institute of physical chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and electroanalytical chemistry has a long tradition in the Czech Republic since the discovery of polarography by Professor Heyrovsky. Moreover, we the department has long-time cooperation with several Brazilian research institutions (FIOCRUZ etc.) and with several Brazilian universities. The exact research project will be prepared in cooperation with prospective visitor as far as the technique, analyte, matrix etc. are concerned. The laboratory is well equipped with modern electroanalytical instrumentation, HPLC systems with electrochemical detection, FIA systems with electrochemical detection etc. The staff pays attention to the determination of environmental carcinogens, ecotoxic substance, pesticides, anticancer drugs and other biologically active organic substances using different electroanalytical techniques, non-traditional electrodes, new-type of electrochemical sensors etc.
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Analytical Chemistry
Biological Active Organic Substances of Environmental Importance at the UNESCO Laboratory of Environmental Electrochemistry
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Analytical Chemistry
New Electrochemical Sensors Based on Boron-Doped Diamond
Topic Overview:
Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode presents a real hit among electrode materials for electroanalysis in the biomedical, biological and environmental field, because of low and stable background current, wide potential window in aqueous and non-aqueous media, corrosion and fouling resistance, good mechanical stability, and high thermal conductivity. The popularity of BDD electrodes for electrooxidation is given by the wide potential window in anodic region. Beside reactions involving direct electron transfer processes in the potential region of water stability, at the high positive applied potentials the BDD surface allows the production of hydroxyl radicals from the electrolysis of water. In this case the reaction mechanism relies on anodic oxygen transfer between adsorbed OH radicals coming from anodic discharge of the water molecule and adsorbed analyte. That enables electrooxidation of compounds otherwise considered to be electrochemically inactive for direct oxidation at common electrode materials. On the other side, the decreased sensitivity towards oxygen reduction and relatively wide potential window of these electrodes in cathodic region is advantageous when considering reduction of organic compounds. Their electrochemical behavior of organic compounds at BDD-based electrodes is strongly dependent on boron doping level, morpohology and surface termination with hydrogen-, oxygen-terminated, or polished surface as the most frequently used for common applications.
The proposed project aims at the development of new BDD-based sensors applicable in batch voltammetric and liquid flow techniques and in biosensing. Concentration of the dopant, morphology of the surface and its termination or modification will be investigated with respect to the analytical parameters (sensitivity, limit of detection, linear dynamic range etc.) of organic compounds of interest. The actual trends in BDD-based research will be represented by the following proposals:
a) Development and characterization of nanostructured BDD material and of a system for dual recording of neuroelectrical and electrochemical signals of neurotransmitters from in vitro micro electrode arrays based on this material. Attention will be paid to electrochemical response of catecholamines (e.g., dopamine) in media ensuring compatibility of the sensor with conditions enabling the grow of neurons at the BDD surface.
b) Investigation of proclivity of BDD surface towards chemisorption of organic compounds of smaller size and biomolecules and its utilization in development of BDD-based sensors for electroanalysis. Adsorption of aggregates of phenolic compounds with surfactants, complexation of triazole compounds with inorganic cations ar behavior of steroid compounds in dependence on surface termination and morphology will be studied.
Notes:
The project will be solved in close cooperation with J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Physics (Dr. Andy Taylor) and Institute of Biophysics (Prof. Miroslav Fojta) and Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA (Prof. Greg. M. Swain). High publication activity of all of the participating laboratories, including joint articles, and extensive experience with international collaboration together with enthusiasm and high professionalism of the staff will ensure successful outcomes of the project.
Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode presents a real hit among electrode materials for electroanalysis in the biomedical, biological and environmental field, because of low and stable background current, wide potential window in aqueous and non-aqueous media, corrosion and fouling resistance, good mechanical stability, and high thermal conductivity. The popularity of BDD electrodes for electrooxidation is given by the wide potential window in anodic region. Beside reactions involving direct electron transfer processes in the potential region of water stability, at the high positive applied potentials the BDD surface allows the production of hydroxyl radicals from the electrolysis of water. In this case the reaction mechanism relies on anodic oxygen transfer between adsorbed OH radicals coming from anodic discharge of the water molecule and adsorbed analyte. That enables electrooxidation of compounds otherwise considered to be electrochemically inactive for direct oxidation at common electrode materials. On the other side, the decreased sensitivity towards oxygen reduction and relatively wide potential window of these electrodes in cathodic region is advantageous when considering reduction of organic compounds. Their electrochemical behavior of organic compounds at BDD-based electrodes is strongly dependent on boron doping level, morpohology and surface termination with hydrogen-, oxygen-terminated, or polished surface as the most frequently used for common applications.
The proposed project aims at the development of new BDD-based sensors applicable in batch voltammetric and liquid flow techniques and in biosensing. Concentration of the dopant, morphology of the surface and its termination or modification will be investigated with respect to the analytical parameters (sensitivity, limit of detection, linear dynamic range etc.) of organic compounds of interest. The actual trends in BDD-based research will be represented by the following proposals:
a) Development and characterization of nanostructured BDD material and of a system for dual recording of neuroelectrical and electrochemical signals of neurotransmitters from in vitro micro electrode arrays based on this material. Attention will be paid to electrochemical response of catecholamines (e.g., dopamine) in media ensuring compatibility of the sensor with conditions enabling the grow of neurons at the BDD surface.
b) Investigation of proclivity of BDD surface towards chemisorption of organic compounds of smaller size and biomolecules and its utilization in development of BDD-based sensors for electroanalysis. Adsorption of aggregates of phenolic compounds with surfactants, complexation of triazole compounds with inorganic cations ar behavior of steroid compounds in dependence on surface termination and morphology will be studied.
Notes:
The project will be solved in close cooperation with J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Physics (Dr. Andy Taylor) and Institute of Biophysics (Prof. Miroslav Fojta) and Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA (Prof. Greg. M. Swain). High publication activity of all of the participating laboratories, including joint articles, and extensive experience with international collaboration together with enthusiasm and high professionalism of the staff will ensure successful outcomes of the project.
Topic Overview:
Biochar application is likely to improve the overall sorption capacity of soils towards common anthropogenic organic compounds (e.g. PAHs, pesticides and herbicides), and therefore influence toxicity, transport and fate of such contaminants. High biochar sorption capacity could be also used for removing of pollutants from different type of waste water.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Report and presentation.
Notes:
The actual topic of the project can be specified according to current ongoing projects or according to the student's interest.
Biochar application is likely to improve the overall sorption capacity of soils towards common anthropogenic organic compounds (e.g. PAHs, pesticides and herbicides), and therefore influence toxicity, transport and fate of such contaminants. High biochar sorption capacity could be also used for removing of pollutants from different type of waste water.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Report and presentation.
Notes:
The actual topic of the project can be specified according to current ongoing projects or according to the student's interest.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection
The Use of Biochar as a Sorption Material to Remove Contaminants From Water
Topic Overview:
Microplastics (MPs) with their widespread distribution are gradually becoming a global threat to the environment. Due to the small dimensions, MPs can be consumed by aquatic or terrestrial organisms, they may affect their reproductive behaviour, growth rate and possibly even viability of organisms. In our laboratory, to monitor the effect of microplastic particles on organisms we use both acute and chronic ecotoxicity tests on the crustacean D. magna, the aquatic plant L. minor, and for soil ecotoxicity tests we use earthworms (E. fetida).
Task:
Preparation of ecotoxicity tests, culturing of laboratory breedings of organisms, data analysis.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic statistical background, Microsoft Office, Excel, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Will be defined later.
Microplastics (MPs) with their widespread distribution are gradually becoming a global threat to the environment. Due to the small dimensions, MPs can be consumed by aquatic or terrestrial organisms, they may affect their reproductive behaviour, growth rate and possibly even viability of organisms. In our laboratory, to monitor the effect of microplastic particles on organisms we use both acute and chronic ecotoxicity tests on the crustacean D. magna, the aquatic plant L. minor, and for soil ecotoxicity tests we use earthworms (E. fetida).
Task:
Preparation of ecotoxicity tests, culturing of laboratory breedings of organisms, data analysis.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic statistical background, Microsoft Office, Excel, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Will be defined later.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection
Impact of Microplastic Particles on Aquatic and Soil Organisms
Topic Overview:
Hydrogels constitute a versatile platform for a variety of biomedical applications – for example, in the drug delivery, as extracellular matrix models, or in tissue engineering. When developing new hydrogels, design rules are still lacking and the development relies largely on trial and error approach. This topic should make a step in progress in this direction.
Task:
Participation in research on structure-property relationships of hydrogels, study of their release or transport properties, finding cues to a generalization and formulation the design criteria.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of macromolecular and physical chemistry.
Outcomes:
Final report on obtained results.
References:
C.A.Dreiss. Hydrogel design strategies for drug delivery. Current Opin.Colloid Interface Sci. 48, 1-17 (2020)
Recommended for:
Students of chemistry, experience with hydrogels or rheology advantageous.
Hydrogels constitute a versatile platform for a variety of biomedical applications – for example, in the drug delivery, as extracellular matrix models, or in tissue engineering. When developing new hydrogels, design rules are still lacking and the development relies largely on trial and error approach. This topic should make a step in progress in this direction.
Task:
Participation in research on structure-property relationships of hydrogels, study of their release or transport properties, finding cues to a generalization and formulation the design criteria.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of macromolecular and physical chemistry.
Outcomes:
Final report on obtained results.
References:
C.A.Dreiss. Hydrogel design strategies for drug delivery. Current Opin.Colloid Interface Sci. 48, 1-17 (2020)
Recommended for:
Students of chemistry, experience with hydrogels or rheology advantageous.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials Research Centre – Laboratory of Biocolloids
Hydrogels for Medical Applications – Rational Design Strategies
Topic Overview:
The development of various drug delivery systems is an area of active research. This research is focused mainly on chemical, biochemical, or physiological aspects. The movement of a delivery system in human body, to the point of the drug action is much less investigated. The drug transport to the targeted site where the drug’s chemical action should take place is essential for its proper function.
Task:
COMSOL-based theme. Brief literature search on surviving modelling problems in drug delivery, selection of system to be modelled. Creation of a suitable (hydrogel) structure in COMSOL environment, modeling the release, study the effect of relevant paraneters on the release. Writing final report. Depending on applicant’s level and software knowledge the complexitz of the task will be precised after arrival.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of equations in mathematical physics, capability of using computer software to solve these equations and basic capability of programming.
Outcomes:
Final report on obtained results.
References:
J.Mayr, C.Saldias, D.D.Díaz. Release of small bioactive molecules from physical gels. Chem.Soc.Rev. 47(4), 1484-1515 (2018)
Recommended for:
Students willing to work on computer. Suitable also for student of (applied) mathematics or mathematical modeling. Experience with COMSOL advantageous but not necessary.
The development of various drug delivery systems is an area of active research. This research is focused mainly on chemical, biochemical, or physiological aspects. The movement of a delivery system in human body, to the point of the drug action is much less investigated. The drug transport to the targeted site where the drug’s chemical action should take place is essential for its proper function.
Task:
COMSOL-based theme. Brief literature search on surviving modelling problems in drug delivery, selection of system to be modelled. Creation of a suitable (hydrogel) structure in COMSOL environment, modeling the release, study the effect of relevant paraneters on the release. Writing final report. Depending on applicant’s level and software knowledge the complexitz of the task will be precised after arrival.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of equations in mathematical physics, capability of using computer software to solve these equations and basic capability of programming.
Outcomes:
Final report on obtained results.
References:
J.Mayr, C.Saldias, D.D.Díaz. Release of small bioactive molecules from physical gels. Chem.Soc.Rev. 47(4), 1484-1515 (2018)
Recommended for:
Students willing to work on computer. Suitable also for student of (applied) mathematics or mathematical modeling. Experience with COMSOL advantageous but not necessary.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials Research Centre – Laboratory of Biocolloids
Modelling of Transport Phenomena in Controlled Release
Recommended for:
Students of Material Engineering, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
Students of Material Engineering, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials Science
Fundamental Structure-Property-Function Relationships in Polymers, Polymer Nanocomposites, Gradient Polymer Foams and Composites
Recommended for:
Students of Material Engineering, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
Students of Material Engineering, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials Science
Design and Preparation of New Materials for various 3D Printing Processes
Recommended for:
Students of Material Engineering, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
Students of Material Engineering, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials Science
Bio-Based Soil Additives for Improved Soil Water Cycle and Controlled Release of Nutrients and Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture
Topic Overview:
Hydrogel is a classic representative of ‘soft-and-wet’ materials that have been widely used in our daily life (e.g. foods, agriculture, cosmetics, medicine and so on). Recently, these hydrogels have advanced incredibly into the field of medical sciences, mainly tissue engineering, bioelectronics, medical devices, bioactuators, biosensors and controlled drug release.
Task:
Review hydrogels for medical applications; preparation of hydrogels; testing of prepared hydrogels; analyse results and write final report.
Requirements:
Basic course of organic, inorganic or macromolecular chemistry.
Outcomes:
Lit. review, presentation, report.
References:
Kalia, Susheel, ed. Polymeric hydrogels as smart biomaterials. Berlin, Germany:: Springer, 2016.; Chen, Gong, et al. "Applications of Hydrogels with Special Physical Properties in Biomedicine." Polymers 11.9 (2019): 1420.; Caló, Enrica, and Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy. "Biomedical applications of hydrogels: A review of patents and commercial products." European Polymer Journal 65 (2015): 252-267.; Lu, Han, Ning Zhang, and Mingming Ma. "Electroconductive hydrogels for biomedical applications." Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology 11.6 (2019): e1568.
Recommended for:
Students of chemistry with focus on polymer materials.
Hydrogel is a classic representative of ‘soft-and-wet’ materials that have been widely used in our daily life (e.g. foods, agriculture, cosmetics, medicine and so on). Recently, these hydrogels have advanced incredibly into the field of medical sciences, mainly tissue engineering, bioelectronics, medical devices, bioactuators, biosensors and controlled drug release.
Task:
Review hydrogels for medical applications; preparation of hydrogels; testing of prepared hydrogels; analyse results and write final report.
Requirements:
Basic course of organic, inorganic or macromolecular chemistry.
Outcomes:
Lit. review, presentation, report.
References:
Kalia, Susheel, ed. Polymeric hydrogels as smart biomaterials. Berlin, Germany:: Springer, 2016.; Chen, Gong, et al. "Applications of Hydrogels with Special Physical Properties in Biomedicine." Polymers 11.9 (2019): 1420.; Caló, Enrica, and Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy. "Biomedical applications of hydrogels: A review of patents and commercial products." European Polymer Journal 65 (2015): 252-267.; Lu, Han, Ning Zhang, and Mingming Ma. "Electroconductive hydrogels for biomedical applications." Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology 11.6 (2019): e1568.
Recommended for:
Students of chemistry with focus on polymer materials.
University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, New Technologies Research Center
Bioactive Hydrogels
Topic Overview:
High performance liquid chromatography is an efficient and frequently used separation method. Tis combination with electrochemical detection brings many advantages concerning the selectivity and sensitivity of the measurement. In the group of electrochemical detection methods, coulometric detection is based on the complete conversion of the analyte, which adds another advantages for the dual electrode detection.
Currently, we have developed coulometric detectors made of various materials, including carbon fiber, boron-doped diamond and carbon nanotubes. Basic testing with model analytes was performed, but for the deeper view into the detector behaviour, it is necessary to use the developed constructions in other applications, for detection of other types of analytes and in more complex matrices.
Task:
Optimization of the method for the determination of selected organic compound, using HPLC with coulometric detection, including the possible application for the analysis of the biological samples; the selection of the particular detection system will be based on the advances of the research in the meantime.
High performance liquid chromatography is an efficient and frequently used separation method. Tis combination with electrochemical detection brings many advantages concerning the selectivity and sensitivity of the measurement. In the group of electrochemical detection methods, coulometric detection is based on the complete conversion of the analyte, which adds another advantages for the dual electrode detection.
Currently, we have developed coulometric detectors made of various materials, including carbon fiber, boron-doped diamond and carbon nanotubes. Basic testing with model analytes was performed, but for the deeper view into the detector behaviour, it is necessary to use the developed constructions in other applications, for detection of other types of analytes and in more complex matrices.
Task:
Optimization of the method for the determination of selected organic compound, using HPLC with coulometric detection, including the possible application for the analysis of the biological samples; the selection of the particular detection system will be based on the advances of the research in the meantime.
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Analytical Chemistry
Development of a Determination Method Using HPLC with Coulometric Detection
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Organic and Nuclear Chemistry
Asymmetric Synthesis Research
Topic Overview:
The research program in our laboratory is focused on the development of new synthetic methods for the preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds from simple and readily available starting materials using catalysis by small organic molecules. Our aim is not only to develop new methods but also application of our developed protocols for the preparation of biologically active substances.
Requirements:
Interest in organic chemistry and organic synthesis.
Outcomes:
Improvement of lab skills and writing skills. Co-authoring of scientific article also possible based on personal attitude.
References:
Organic Chemistry by John E. McMurry, 8th Edition, or other book about this topic.
The research program in our laboratory is focused on the development of new synthetic methods for the preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds from simple and readily available starting materials using catalysis by small organic molecules. Our aim is not only to develop new methods but also application of our developed protocols for the preparation of biologically active substances.
Requirements:
Interest in organic chemistry and organic synthesis.
Outcomes:
Improvement of lab skills and writing skills. Co-authoring of scientific article also possible based on personal attitude.
References:
Organic Chemistry by John E. McMurry, 8th Edition, or other book about this topic.
Topic Overview:
Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced by the thermochemical pyrolysis of biomass materials. It is being considered as a potentially means of storing carbon for long periods to mitigate greenhouse gases. Biochar characteristics (e.g. chemical composition, surface chemistry, particle and pore size distribution), as well as physical and chemical stabilisation mechanisms of biochar in soils, determine the effects of biochar on soil functions. Contaminants (e.g. PAHs, heavy metals, dioxins) that may be present in biochar may have detrimental effects on soil properties and functions. The occurrence of such compounds in biochar is likely to derive from either contaminated feedstocks or the use of processing conditions that may favour their production.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Report and presentation.
Notes:
The actual topic of the project can be specified according to current ongoing projects or according to the student's interest.
Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced by the thermochemical pyrolysis of biomass materials. It is being considered as a potentially means of storing carbon for long periods to mitigate greenhouse gases. Biochar characteristics (e.g. chemical composition, surface chemistry, particle and pore size distribution), as well as physical and chemical stabilisation mechanisms of biochar in soils, determine the effects of biochar on soil functions. Contaminants (e.g. PAHs, heavy metals, dioxins) that may be present in biochar may have detrimental effects on soil properties and functions. The occurrence of such compounds in biochar is likely to derive from either contaminated feedstocks or the use of processing conditions that may favour their production.
Requirements:
Basic laboratory experience, basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, very good communications skills (i.e. good English).
Outcomes:
Report and presentation.
Notes:
The actual topic of the project can be specified according to current ongoing projects or according to the student's interest.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection
Monitoring of Pollutants Absorbed and Emitted from Environment-Friendly Materials (Biochar and Bio-Plastics)
Topic Overview:
Soils represent the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet. Soils influenced human civilizations in the past not only directly due to the agricultural production, but indirectly through a multitude of ecosystems functions. Among the most pronounced examples belong the storage and filtration of water linked to soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, provision of habitats for various biota, which activity influences the storage and recycling of nutrients and biomass production, soil structure, genetic diversity and many others. Soil functions have become a topic of discussions on the concepts of “soil quality” and “soil health,” which definition and evaluation makes sense only in relation to specific soil functions. The support of ecosystem functions is considered as a key strategy for a sustainable society development and mitigation of the changes caused by anthropogenic activities. The optimal ecosystem functions are mainly provided by soils that have developed naturally, i.e. without disruption of soil forming processes, which are not deteriorated, contaminated or changed by anthropogenic activities. Conversely, degraded/contaminated or otherwise affected soils can lose partially their capacity to provide ecosystem functions sufficiently. However, to define the healthy soil is a challenging task. In our group, we are using the thermoanalytical methods (Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry) to analyse soil properties and processes. Recently, we have introduced a concept of the soil universal model (SUM), which is based on the relationships observed between selected characteristics found in various types of natural soils. These characteristics are shared by all soils despite the diversity of biotic and abiotic processes and soil forming conditions and are more pronounced in non-altered (natural) soils. Currently, using thermoanalytical techniques, we are improving this model and developing new applications. We are focusing mainly on analyses of soil organic carbon and nitrogen contents, stabilizing mechanisms of soil organic matter and water properties/dynamics in natural soils. As a secodn group of methods are spectrocopies (FTIR, NIR) which are currently used for fast soil analyis and which can replace the thermal methods.
Task:
Samples preparation and measurement, data analysis, statistical elaboration.
Requirements:
Very good communications skills (i.e. good English), enthusiasms, working experience in chemical or biological lab, basic statistical background (knowledge of advanced statistical methods would be perfect), Microsoft Office, Excel.
Outcomes:
Will be defined later.
Soils represent the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet. Soils influenced human civilizations in the past not only directly due to the agricultural production, but indirectly through a multitude of ecosystems functions. Among the most pronounced examples belong the storage and filtration of water linked to soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, provision of habitats for various biota, which activity influences the storage and recycling of nutrients and biomass production, soil structure, genetic diversity and many others. Soil functions have become a topic of discussions on the concepts of “soil quality” and “soil health,” which definition and evaluation makes sense only in relation to specific soil functions. The support of ecosystem functions is considered as a key strategy for a sustainable society development and mitigation of the changes caused by anthropogenic activities. The optimal ecosystem functions are mainly provided by soils that have developed naturally, i.e. without disruption of soil forming processes, which are not deteriorated, contaminated or changed by anthropogenic activities. Conversely, degraded/contaminated or otherwise affected soils can lose partially their capacity to provide ecosystem functions sufficiently. However, to define the healthy soil is a challenging task. In our group, we are using the thermoanalytical methods (Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry) to analyse soil properties and processes. Recently, we have introduced a concept of the soil universal model (SUM), which is based on the relationships observed between selected characteristics found in various types of natural soils. These characteristics are shared by all soils despite the diversity of biotic and abiotic processes and soil forming conditions and are more pronounced in non-altered (natural) soils. Currently, using thermoanalytical techniques, we are improving this model and developing new applications. We are focusing mainly on analyses of soil organic carbon and nitrogen contents, stabilizing mechanisms of soil organic matter and water properties/dynamics in natural soils. As a secodn group of methods are spectrocopies (FTIR, NIR) which are currently used for fast soil analyis and which can replace the thermal methods.
Task:
Samples preparation and measurement, data analysis, statistical elaboration.
Requirements:
Very good communications skills (i.e. good English), enthusiasms, working experience in chemical or biological lab, basic statistical background (knowledge of advanced statistical methods would be perfect), Microsoft Office, Excel.
Outcomes:
Will be defined later.
Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection
Thermoanalytical Methods for Determonation of Soil Properties and Processes
Task:
Pulsed laser deposition in vaccum and liquids of selected bioactive nanoparticles (silicon, CaSi2, CaTiSiO5, CaTiO3, CaCu3Ti4O12) on smooth and porous surfaces; Characterization of deposited nanoparticles by SEM, EDX, Raman spectroscopy; Selection of the most suitable deposits for testing of the bone tissue growing; Analyse results and write final report.
Requirements:
Fundamental knowledge in the field of chemistry and material science, basic skills necessary in the chemical lab.
Recommended for:
Students of material science, chemistry or physics.
Pulsed laser deposition in vaccum and liquids of selected bioactive nanoparticles (silicon, CaSi2, CaTiSiO5, CaTiO3, CaCu3Ti4O12) on smooth and porous surfaces; Characterization of deposited nanoparticles by SEM, EDX, Raman spectroscopy; Selection of the most suitable deposits for testing of the bone tissue growing; Analyse results and write final report.
Requirements:
Fundamental knowledge in the field of chemistry and material science, basic skills necessary in the chemical lab.
Recommended for:
Students of material science, chemistry or physics.
University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, New Technologies Research Center
Laser Deposition of Bioactive Nanoparticles
Topic Overview:
The reseach is focused on the study of the fate of organic compounds infiltrating into the ecosystem and on the possibility of their removal by plant biotechnology (phytoremediation). Current experiments are based primarily on environmental contamination with organic compounds from the group of drugs such as analgesics, psychotropic substances, antidiabetics, X-ray contrast agents, etc. The results of the experiments also allow the assessment of the drug contamination of food chains in nature and the possibility of affecting living organisms with residual concentrations of widely used drugs.
Task:
Sterile cultivation of plants, phytoextraction experiments, analysis of cultivation medium, HPLC, plant homogenates, evaluation of results.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge in chemistry, analytical methods, ecotoxicology, pharmacology.
Outcomes:
Report, presentation, part of scientific article.
The reseach is focused on the study of the fate of organic compounds infiltrating into the ecosystem and on the possibility of their removal by plant biotechnology (phytoremediation). Current experiments are based primarily on environmental contamination with organic compounds from the group of drugs such as analgesics, psychotropic substances, antidiabetics, X-ray contrast agents, etc. The results of the experiments also allow the assessment of the drug contamination of food chains in nature and the possibility of affecting living organisms with residual concentrations of widely used drugs.
Task:
Sterile cultivation of plants, phytoextraction experiments, analysis of cultivation medium, HPLC, plant homogenates, evaluation of results.
Requirements:
Basic knowledge in chemistry, analytical methods, ecotoxicology, pharmacology.
Outcomes:
Report, presentation, part of scientific article.
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Organic and Nuclear Chemistry
Environmental and Nuclear Chemistry Research
Topic Overview:
Our group is currently engaged in study and application various methodologies of organic synthesis. These encompass mainly transition metal catalysed reactions such as C-C and C-H bond activations, catalytic [2+2+2]cyclotrimerizations, metathetical reactions, and, in general, enantioselective synthesis. The current projects focus on syntheses of specifically decorated polyaromatic hydrocarbons, chiral helical and otherwise twisted compounds, enantioselective synthesis of natural compounds and other biological active substances.
Task:
To learn and master new organic chemistry techniques by participating on solving of a specific problem within the framework of a selected project.
Requirements:
A general knowledge of chemistry and basic laboratory skills.
Outcomes:
A project report and a presentation.
Our group is currently engaged in study and application various methodologies of organic synthesis. These encompass mainly transition metal catalysed reactions such as C-C and C-H bond activations, catalytic [2+2+2]cyclotrimerizations, metathetical reactions, and, in general, enantioselective synthesis. The current projects focus on syntheses of specifically decorated polyaromatic hydrocarbons, chiral helical and otherwise twisted compounds, enantioselective synthesis of natural compounds and other biological active substances.
Task:
To learn and master new organic chemistry techniques by participating on solving of a specific problem within the framework of a selected project.
Requirements:
A general knowledge of chemistry and basic laboratory skills.
Outcomes:
A project report and a presentation.
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Organic and Nuclear Chemistry
Research of Catalysis in Organic Synthesis
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