| Topic title |
Possible scientific supervisors |
Source of funding |
| Aditive nano and microfibre technology for the enhancement of aerosol filtration process |
prof. dr. Dainius MARTUZEVIČIUS |
state-funded |
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Purification of antimicrobial polypeptides from wheat starch rest raw materials, determination of their properties and application for personalized nutrition food and edible films manufacturing
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v.m.d. dr. Lina Vaičiulytė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Purification of antimicrobial polypeptides from wheat starch rest raw materials, determination of their properties and application for personalized nutrition food and edible films manufacturing
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| Modification and application of secondary raw materials in innovative environmentally friendly technologies |
prof. dr. Kęstutis BALTAKYS |
state-funded |
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Modification of plant press cakes properties with aim to apply in food matrices
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vyr.m.d. dr. Gitana ALENČIKIENĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The large quantities of secondary raw materials generated in the production process (e.g. press cake from beverage production or oil pressing) are further processed by separating out the useful nutrients. This process generates new secondary rest materials just lower nutritional value.
The aim is to modify the properties of the press cake in the way to make it suitable for production of new food products by means of various biotechnological and physical methods.
Objectives:
-Evaluation of the effect of stabilisation techniques on the chemical composition, functional and technological properties, safety criteria and digestibility of press cake;
-Analysis of the effect of technological factors on the properties of press cake by identifying the mechanism of action;
-Analysis of the potential for the use of modified press cake.
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Control of plant bacterial endophytes and phyto-viruses by metal nanoparticles
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v.m.d. dr. Ingrida Mažeikienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Controlling and regulating the balance of endophytic bacteria and phytoviruses in the plant are important factors in ensuring successful plant growth, development, survival and processing. The effects of different metal nanoparticles (MNs) have been observed on bacteria and viruses. In the scientific work the possibilities of using MNs for the control of phytomicrobiome and phytoviruses will be investigated in order to propose a model based on the action of MNs for improving the quality of plant cultivation, processing and storage.
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Biopolymer derivatives for immobilization of active substances
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prof. dr. Ramunė RUTKAITĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The current interest in biopolymers is forcing to find the ways for generation of new materials from natural polysaccharides such as cellulose, chitosan, starch, etc, and to extent the area of their applications. The aim of this project is to design and investigate new immobilization paths by using ionogenic polysaccharides as carriers of active compounds and to assess their performance under simulated conditions. The polysaccharide matrices of different charge density and amphiphilicity will be obtained by the means of chemical and mechanical modification of natural polysaccharides. Afterwards, active ingredients immobilization in biopolymer matrices methods will be determined and their interactions, the kinetics, thermodynamics of the processes will be examined. Consequently, in the frame of this project new immobilization techniques will developed with potential use in medicine, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical industries, etc.
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Polysaccharide based biodegradable thermoplastic materials
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lekt. dr. Laura PEČIULYTĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The extensive use of synthetic plastics is a worldwide concern due to the huge amounts of waste that take many years to decompose. As alternatives to such synthetic plastics, polysaccharides derived from renewable sources are receiving increasing attention. However, as a rule, polysaccharides are not suitable for thermoplastics processing techniques.
The aim of the research is to create a biodegradable products from renewable sources that would have similar properties to commonly used plastics. It’s planned to investigate the possibility to reduce hydrogen bonding by modifying polysaccharides and maintaining their biodegradability at the same time as well as explore the possibilities to use materials and their composites for replacement of conventional plastics. Research would provide new knowledge on the possibilities to control inter- and intramolecular interactions of polysaccharides and their composites by chemical and physical modification methods in order to obtain products with optimal thermal and mechanical properties
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Characterization and metabolic engineering of chemolithoautotrophic bacteria for biosynthesis of itaconate and acrylate
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prof. dr. Naglis Malys |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The use of biotechnology for the sustainable production of chemicals and materials, the synthesis of which has traditionally depended heavily on the fossil fuel-based chemical industry, is becoming increasingly important. The development of microbial strains for this purpose can be improved through rational metabolic engineering involving synthetic and systems biology techniques. The project aim will be to characterize and engineer the metabolically versatile chemolithoautotrophic bacteria, capable of using carbon dioxide as sole carbon source for industrially relevant chemicals such as itaconate and acrylate bioproduction.
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Synthesis and properties of calcium silicate binders hardening in the CO2 environment
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prof. dr. Raimundas ŠIAUČIŪNAS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The scientific community is struggling to find the solution for greenhouse gas mitigation and reduction of the negative effect of the cement production. Even though, in the past decades many solutions to alleviate the adverse effect of cement production to the environment were proposed, recent studies have shown that strategies like clinker substitutions, alternative fuels and/or improved energy efficiency alone will not be sufficient enough to meet the target CO2 reductions. Thus, finding alternative cementitious materials with lower CO2 footprint than ordinary cement is one the major challenges for the building material industry and the scientific community. One of the most promising approaches is the production of low-lime calcium silicate cement (CSC).
Rankinite and kilchoanite – Ca3Si2O7 – low lime calcium silicates that can be used as an alternative binder. Since the CaO/SiO2 ratio of them is almost twice as lower than ordinary cement, thus it requires lower amounts of calcareous raw materials. The fuel and energy requirements for this type of binder are also reduced since the synthesis temperature of rankinite is 200 °C lower than that of cement clinker, and kilchoanite – under hydrothermal conditions. Moreover, rankinite and kilchoanite can be produced from the same raw materials as cement clinker. Since calcium silicates can be synthesized from broad range of raw materials, it is economically conducive to use local materials. Both limestone and SiO2-containing raw materials are sufficient in Lithuania, but the suitability of the latter for synthesis has not been studied.
Rankinite and kilchoanite are hydraulically inactive and harden only in a CO2 environment. Since carbonization is determined by diffusion processes, the hardening process depends on many parameters: CO2 pressure, curing time, moisture content, peculiarities of concrete preparation, etc. It is important to examine and reconcile all of them.
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Theory and technology for solvent separation of multilayer composites
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prof. dr. Gintaras DENAFAS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The process of solvent separation of multi-layered composite waste such as printed circuit boards, flexible packaging and used solar modules into individual recyclable components (polymers and metals) has been well studied in the laboratory. In this work, research will be carried out by moving to a higher level of technical readiness, creating a technological concept based on previous research and replicating the technological process in a functioning reactor model.
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Development and characterisation of different microencapsulation systems applied in the nutrient-dense food ink formulations
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lekt. dr. Viktorija EISINAITĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Innovative 3D food printing technology is attracting increasing interest due to the possibility of creating complex food matrices and personalized food products. The quality of printed objects and the nutritional value of the resulting products depend on the composition and properties of the food ink used. Enriching food ink with bioactive components, their stability can be preserved by using various microencapsulation systems, which also facilitate the distribution of microcomponents in the food ink composition. It is important that these systems are compatible with the composition of the edible ink, have the required rheological properties and a high encapsulation efficiency of the encapsulated components. In this way, the aim of the research is to create different microencapsulation systems for the production of edible ink with high nutritional value and to characterize them.
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Fermented microalgal extracts for nutraceutical and oral health care applications
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doc. dr. Michail Syrpas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Over the last years' the production and utilization of algae has received increased attention due to the challenges in global food demand, social and environmental sustainability. Algae are also considered sources of various bioactive or high-added value molecules that can be used for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. In the last decade, some studies have shown that algal fermentation can lead to products/extracts with enhanced bioactivity. Recent reviews highlight that algal fermentation can be the seed for a new fermentation industry of food and other related products due to algae's extraordinary biodiversity and potential. In addition, current industrial and consumer demands necessitate increasingly complex properties of developed products, which often are impossible without encapsulation. Even though many reports underline various encapsulation strategies to enhance stability and sensorial properties and create products with controlled release, studies focusing on the encapsulation of algal extracts, or especially their combinations with probiotic bacteria, are scarce.
This study aims to develop efficient fermentation and encapsulation processes to produce functional fermented microalgal extracts, tailored for nutraceutical and oral health care applications.
Results from this research are expected to lead to at least 3 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals, which will also be presented at national and international conferences. Besides the scientific value, successful implementation of this project's activities may lead to practical applications with commercialization potential. Overall, this research is expected to attract interest from various stakeholders and empower future collaborations with academic and industrial partners.
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Preparation, phytochemical analysis and functional characterization of fermented plant extracts and their application for development of functional products
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doc. dr. Vaida Kitrytė-Syrpa |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Fermented plant extract (FPE) are plant functional foods, mainly produced in China, Japan and other Asian countries. With plenty of nutrients and bioactive substances, FPE provides a variety of health benefits (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, detoxification, anti-bacterial, hemostasis, etc.) with a wide range of applications in food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Various medicinal and aromatic plants, rich in valuable non-polar and polar bioactive compounds, can serve as promising materials to produce FPE with the desired phytochemical composition and functional properties. This research is aimed towards the preparation and characterization of fermented extracts from the selected aromatic and/or medicinal plants grown in Lithuania, and their targeted application for development of functional products. Results obtained in this research will lead to at least 3 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals, will be presented in the national and international conferences. FPE and FPE-based functional product prototypes will be presented in the international exhibition of young creators TECHNORAMA, annually organized by KTU.
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Phytopathogenic Xanthomonas spp. bacteria: distribution, biological peculiarities and search for preventative measures against them
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v.m.d. dr. Irena MAČIONIENĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Scientific knowledge of the spread of phytopathogenic bacteria in various regions of Europe and the development of new preventive biological measures are essential for the safe and sustainable consumption of plant-based food raw materials. Preparation of plant-based raw materials is often associated with economic problems. One of these problems is the plant phytopathogenic Xanthomonas spp. bacteria that devastate plants and plant-based raw materials. Therefore is necessary to evaluate the prevalence of Xanthomonas spp. bacteria, to determine their characteristics, to search for natural biological preventive measures for protection vegetable raw materials and foods.
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Development of encapsulated prebiotic/probiotic food-grade systems with a positive impact on gut microbiota
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prof. dr. Aušra ŠIPAILIENĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The benefits of probiotics for the human body are well known and undisputed. However, their encapsulation is still a very important topic, as it is necessary not only to combine encapsulating substances suitable for the food, but also to select the right encapsulation parameters. It is equally important that probiotics become established in the large intestine and are able to modify the species composition of the gut microbiota. Therefore, it is also important to investigate the release and viability of encapsulated probiotics during digestion.
The aim of this study is to select suitable encapsulation systems for the delivery of prebiotics and live probiotics to the large intestine and to investigate changes in the composition of the microbiota in Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME).
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| Innovative fertilizing products in the agroecosystem sustainability chain |
doc. dr. Rasa ŠLINKŠIENĖ |
state-funded |
| Calcium aluminates substituted with Cu2+, Co2+ and Cr3+ ions synthesis, modification, and application |
doc. dr. Anatolijus EISINAS |
state-funded |
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Synthesis and electrocatalytic activity of nanostructured oxide films for water electrolysis and CO2 reduction
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doc. dr. Agnė ŠULČIŪTĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in tackling climate change and solving renewable energy storage problems. Water electrolysis driven by renewable electricity is considered to be the most perspective option for the development of so-called hydrogen-based economy. On the other hand, CO2 electrochemical reduction has emerged as a promising method for the conversion of CO2 and water converted into value-added chemical compounds, such as carbon monoxide, formic acid, ethylene or ethanol. However, there is a need for developing better electrodes and new catalysts in order to decrease the cost of green hydrogen production or CO2 conversion into valuable chemicals. The aim of the dissertation is relevant to the development of electrochemical technologies for water electrolysis and CO2 reduction. Particular attention will be paid to the search of efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts based on nanostructured metal oxides suitable for the implementation of these processes. In order to achieve the aim, the following tasks are formulated:
1. To synthesize nanostructured mixed oxide films on stainless steel;
2. To evaluate the influence of synthesis conditions on structure, composition and morphology of the prepared films;
3. To study the electrocatalytic activity of the prepared electrodes in water splitting and CO2 electroreduction.
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Development of new thermoplastic biocomposites
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doc. dr. Joana BENDORAITIENĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The PhD research programme is related with the development of novel biocomposites from renewable raw materials and study of their properties using advanced investigation methods. Modified polysaccharides will be chosen as the matrix. After the evaluation of the research results, the compositions with the best formability and functional properties will be determined and selected as an alternative to synthetic plastics.
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Studies of organic hole-transporting materials for optoelectronic devices
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v.m.d. dr. Jūratė SIMOKAITIENĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The objective of this project is design, synthesis and investigation of effective charge-transporting materials with low ionisation potentials. The compounds will be designed using planar electronically active moieties such as carbazole, fluorene, xanthone, thiazolothiazole etc. which will ensure high hole-drift mobilities. Photophysical, thermal, electrochemical, charge-transporting properties of the synthesized compounds will be studied. The obtained hole-transporting compounds will be tested in perovskite solar cells.
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Polymers from renewable raw materials for light-based manufacturing technologies
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prof. dr. Jolita OSTRAUSKAITĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
With the development of high technologies, the need for smart materials is growing rapidly, and considering the problems of climate change and the state of the environment, it is especially relevant to use sustainable processes and renewable raw materials in manufacturing technologies. The aim of this work is to design, synthesize, and investigate new shape memory polymers from plant-derived materials for modern light-based manufacturing technologies. Such polymers can be widely applied in smart biomedical devices, flexible electronics or robotics, aerospace devices, etc.
During the work, the dependence of the polymerization process, the structure of the obtained polymers, their mechanical, thermal, shape memory, etc. properties on the structure of different plant-derived materials will be investigated. The research will be carried out in collaboration with scientists from Lithuanian and foreign scientific institutions, the most experienced in this field, as well as manufacturing companies using light-based technologies. The results obtained will be reported at international scientific conferences, published in Q1-Q2 scientific journals of the CA WoS database, and disseminated to the general public.
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| Development of ratiometric and organoleptic nano thermosensors based on pure organic triplet emitters |
vyr.m.d. dr. Dmytro VOLYNIUK |
state-funded |
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Synthesis of layered silicate compounds (CaO/SiO2=0.6-1.0) for anion adsorption
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doc. dr. Tadas Dambrauskas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The dissertation focuses on the synthesis of target compounds and the development of environmentally friendly technologies. The dissertation aims to synthesize silicate sorbents with layered structures by applying hydrothermal and/or high-temperature synthesis and to determine their adsorption capacity for different anions.
The dissertation aims to develop a hydrothermal and/or high-temperature synthesis method for the production of silicate sorbents with a layered structure, to determine their adsorption capacity to CO2 gases and/or phosphate and sulfate anions, and to propose rational applications.
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Studies on the bio-valuable components of insect larvae and their application in food systems
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m.d. dr. Alvija ŠALAŠEVIČIENĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Insects provide an alternative source of biologically valuable nutrients. One third of the world's population is a consumer of these products. The black soldier (Hermetia illucens) larvae is one of the most promising insect species for mass production and its cultivation has already started in Lithuania. However, the consumption of this alternative food raw material and products is still sluggish at national and European level. One way to do this is to present scientifically based arguments that insect raw materials and products are complete nutritional products, both in terms of composition and absorption. The use of fat and protein fractions of Hermetia illucens larvae in model food systems in our region has been little studied, with potential problems of consumer acceptability. The research activities will aim to develop nutritional profiles of larval raw materials and products, modeling of extraction of biologically valuable fractions and assessment of their functional technological and sensory properties, as well as the possibility to enrich model food systems with the valuable components.
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Processing of agro-food by-products and waste into higher added value functional materials by using innovative biorefining methods
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prof. dr. Petras Rimantas VENSKUTONIS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Large amounts of by-products and waste are produced during storage and processing of fruits, vegetables and other agro-food raw materials. Processing residues of food materials in many cases contain high amounts of valuable substances such as polyphenolics, vitamins, and saccharides; however, currently they are used rather inefficiently and, in many cases, wasted, mainly due to a lack of scientific and technological valorization of their processing methods. For instance, many berry species are known for their excellent flavour and abundance of healthy compounds possessing antioxidant and other beneficial properties. However, due to a rapid decay after harvesting, the majority of berry crops are processed into juices and other products. Pressing of juice results in large quantities of by-products, called pomace, press-cake or marc. The main task in this project will be valorization of the selected food grade agromaterials (most likely fruit and/or vegetable processing by-products and/or waste) for the production of valuable natural substances
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