Chemistry

Research Topic Summary.

With advances in systems and synthetic biology, biosynthetic pathways responsible for the production of chemical compounds can be co-integrated with existing microbial functionality offering possibility of building complete biosynthetic pathways in microorganisms. However, to balance carbon flux, cellular energy and co-factor resources, additional strain alteration and screening, often relying on targeted protein engineering evolution or random-mutagenesis based strain evolution, are required. Metabolically versatile bacteria such as C. necator possess the attractive property of converting industrial waste into value-added compounds (Pohlmann et al, 2006). Carboxylic acids are amongst top value-added platform chemicals (Erickson et al 2012), which can be used as a renewable building block to produce a wide range of compounds. Production of carboxylic acid such as 3-hydropropionic acid from glycerol requires ALDH for 3-hydroxypropanal conversion to final product. The pathway efficiency is limited to the activity of this enzyme. To improve enzyme kinetics parameters and protein characteristics, the engineering of the ALDH is required. Therefore, in the first stage of the PhD project, an in vivo biosensor-based method will be developed for screening ALDH mutants using inducible gene expression system from Pseudomonas putida (Hanko et al 2017). ALDH protein engineering will be performed applying directed evolution involving iterative saturation mutagenesis and gene shuffling. In the second stage of the project, application of continuous strain evolution will provide a rapid and powerful methodology for generating genetic diversity allowing to screen for improved microbial biosynthesis (Chou & Keasling, 2013). Finally, implementation of evolved strains for bioproduction from gas will be sought.

Research Topic Summary.

Responsive natural or synthetic macromolecules are of great interest in various fields. Among these responsive macromolecules, amphiphiles containing natural blocks, such as polysaccharides, have attracted the most attention because they are non-toxic, non-immunogenic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and renewable. Polysaccharide based amphiphilic copolymers might represent a new class of biopolymeric materials with potential applications in different fields such as medicinal applications and pharmaceutics where the design of nano- or microdevices carrying a polysaccharide chains can be also of interest for therapy, vaccination and diagnostic purposes. The aim of this research work – to obtain various modified polysaccharide structures having both hydrophilic and lipophilic groups and to explore their properties in the light of different potential applications. During the course of the project chemical and physical modification of natural polysaccharides will be performed to obtain the derivatives of different structure, amphiphilicity, charge density (either neutral or charged), molecular weight etc. The aggregation behavior of obtained amphiphilic polysaccharides in water in response to environmental conditions will be also assessed. The developed materials will be also tested in some applications such as controlled delivery of target compounds via stimuli responses e.g. pH, temperature, enzyme-degradation etc.

Research Topic Summary.

Heterocyclic compounds are important biologically active substances. One of the challenges of modern medicine is the growing resistance of pathogens to existing widely used drugs. The search for new functional materials involves both the modification of the structure of known compounds by their functionalization and the development of new original molecules, as well as study of their structure and properties. During the study, five- and six-membered heterocycles could be synthesized through condensation reactions with carboxylic acid derivatives. This approach enables development of compounds with specific biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and other effects. Cyclization of N-substituted amino acids is an excellent method for incorporating a heterocyclic structure, adding bioactivity-enhancing fragments and allowing precise control over the properties of the final product. The planned research will contribute to the development of new compounds and could open pathways for creating pharmacologically significant substances. Such work is crucial for advancing innovation in the pharmaceutical field, as the search for new pharmaceutical substances is especially relevant today due to the diminishing efficacy of many conventional drugs.

Research Topic Summary.

This research focuses on the development and investigation of chemically functionalized polymeric fibrous scaffolds for an advanced tumor-on-a-chip microfluidic platform. The system enables realistic recreation of the tumor microenvironment and precise evaluation of drug responses under laboratory conditions. Through surface chemical modification and bioconjugation with bioactive molecules, the scaffolds will enhance cell adhesion, growth, and therapeutic response. The study aims to create a new generation of bioactive scaffolds that improve 3D tumor cell culture and provide more reliable drug testing outcomes.

Research Topic Summary.

Algae have emerged as promising marine resources in response to growing global food demands and the need for sustainable development. Initially explored as substrates for biofuel production, algae are now recognized for their rich content of bioactive and high-value compounds applicable in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Fermentation, a traditional preservation method, enhances food stability, sensory properties, and nutritional value by releasing metabolites from microorganisms. Recent studies show that fermenting algae with probiotic bacteria can significantly boost bioactivity, positioning algal fermentation as a foundation for a new generation of functional products. Despite this potential, the formulation and delivery of bioactive compounds remain critical challenges, particularly in maintaining functionality and bioavailability. Encapsulation offers a solution by improving stability, controlled release, and sensory attributes. However, research on encapsulating fermented algal extracts, especially in combination with probiotics, is still limited. This study aims to develop efficient fermentation and encapsulation processes to produce functional fermented algal extracts (FAE) for nutraceutical and food applications. Key objectives include: (1) optimizing lactic acid bacteria fermentation parameters to enhance bioactivity; (2) characterizing the chemical composition and functional properties of FAE using chromatographic and in vitro assays; (3) developing encapsulation methods using biopolymer matrices; and (4) evaluating the bioavailability of encapsulated and non-encapsulated FAE during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The project is expected to result in at least four peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, with strong potential for commercialization. Ultimately, this research will contribute to sustainable product development and foster collaborations across academic and industrial sectors.

Research Topic Summary.

The PhD project aims to address efficiency limitations in inverted perovskite solar cells due to the interface between fullerene C60 and perovskite, with a focus on sustainability. Inspired by recent breakthroughs with non-fullerene acceptors (NFA), the research involves synthesizing new electron-selective materials. Key objectives include optimizing synthesis conditions, analyzing optoelectronic properties, and testing applicability of materials in perovskite solar cells. It is expected, that this project will contribute to sustainable electricity production and expedite the commercialization of solar cells.

Research Topic Summary.

New OLED materials are essential for enhancing the efficiency and lifespan of organic light-emitting diodes. As OLED technology evolves, there is an increasing need for materials that offer superior performance and durability. This research focuses on designing thermally and morphologically stable molecules for OLED technology. Quantum chemistry calculations will identify the most promising candidates, which will be synthesized and tested for their thermal and photophysical properties. New derivatives will be applied in OLED emissive layers to create highly efficient materials for next-generation OLEDs.

Research Topic Summary.

With the development of technology and the rapid growth of humanity, the need for energy is constantly increasing. However, due to the high prices of fossil fuels of hydrocarbon origin and the high pollution consequences of their use, opportunities to replace fossil fuels are constantly being sought. Due to the ever-increasing prices of fossil fuels and, as a consequence of their use, high levels of pollution, the search for alternative methods of energy production is of increasing interest. The semiconductor layers of some binary compounds of d-metal chalcogenides are characterized by a wide band gap, which allows them to absorb most of the energy of the solar radiation spectrum. Therefore, they attract much attention from researchers and are especially attractive for the production of solar cells. Furthermore, due to their valuable physical and mechanical properties, metal chalcogenide layers are widely used in infrared radiation detectors, LED lamps, holographic data storage systems, new generation of energy storage devices and as catalysts for the production of green hydrogen. The goal of the proposed research is the formation of metal chalcogenide layers on the surface of selected carrier substrates that are promising in the field of equipment for solar energy conversion or catalysts for the production of green hydrogen.

Research Topic Summary.

Phytopreparations for prophylaxis and targeted treatment are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers. Modern analytical methods now allow scientists to determine the phytochemical composition of plant materials, validate the functional properties of bioactive compounds in vitro and in vivo, and develop efficient technologies for their isolation and use. Narrow-leaved fireweed, also known as rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium), is a medicinal plant from the evening primrose family (Onagraceae). It is valued in non-traditional medicine for its strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effects, and is used to support cardiovascular, nervous and immune system functions. The aim of this research is to isolate valuable constituents from C. angustifolium leaves using environmentally and human-friendly multistep biorefining (valorisation) technologies, to analyse the phytochemical composition and functional properties of the resulting extracts, and to apply them in the development of functional phytopreparations and related products. The results are expected to lead to at least three scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national and international conferences. Functional properties of the extracts in selected biological matrices will be assessed during Erasmus internships in collaboration with scientists from foreign higher education institutions. Extract-based functional product prototypes will also be showcased at TECHNORAMA, the international exhibition of young creators held annually at KTU.

Research Topic Summary.

Recently, a lot of attention has been paid to heterocyclic compounds with antimicrobial, fungicidal, analgesic, sedative, anticancer, etc. properties. The most stable and common ones are five- and six-membered heterocycles with oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur atoms in nature. Carboxylic acid hydrazides and hydrazones are widely used in synthetic and analytical chemistry, known as plasticizers, polymer stabilizers or polymerization initiators. Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, growth regulators, medicinal substances with antituberculosis, antitumor, antibacterial, antispasmodic effects were also found among them. In addition, they are used in the synthesis of five-, six-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds with one, two or three nitrogen atoms in the ring. One of the methods for obtaining these compounds is various cyclocondensation reactions of carboxylic acids and their hydrazides. N-aryl substituted amino acids, their cyclization products in which salts, amides, hydrazides, esters, thioesters and nitriles stimulate the growth of outdoor plants, some substituted pyrrolidinones are used as medicinal products and are used in the treatment of cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, mental disorders. The essence of the planned work is to synthesize potentially biologically active variously substituted pyrrole, thiazole, pyrazole, oxadiazole, thiadiazole, triazole and azine heterocyclic systems, to determine their structure and to study their chemical and biological properties. The practical significance of the work will be described by the investigation of the antibacterial properties of some synthesized compounds and the evaluation of the dependence of their activity on the chemical structure. Based on the obtained data, it will be possible to develop a methodology for targeted synthesis of antimicrobial agents and intermediates for organic synthesis.

Research Topic Summary.

Recent advances in organic optoelectronics, particularly in efficient organic light-emitting devices (OLED), have called for new electro-active organic materials as well as for new device technologies. Small OLED-based displays already generate hundreds of millions of dollars. Larger OLED displays will penetrate the television market in the not-too-distant future. Nowadays white displays play important role in lightening. Further advances of these devices substantially rely on development and studying of high-performance organic charge-transport and host materials, theoretical understanding of charge and energy transport in the organic systems and their well-balanced application in phosphorescent and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) devices. The aim of this project is to synthesize several groups of polymeric, dendrimeric or branched wide band gap derivatives, which would serve as thermally stable host materials or TADF emitters for organic light emitting diodes. In order to optimize efficiencies of the devices, several groups of new hole transporting materials, which are used as additional charge injecting/ transporting layers, will be also synthesized in the frame of this project.

Research Topic Summary.

In order to improve and develop new OLED technologies, various classes of electroactive materials and devices made from them are being studied in many laboratories around the world. During this research, the student will synthesize and characterize carbazole, indole or fluorene-based hosts with high triplet state energy and related triplet dopants, which are intended for thermally activated delayed fluorescence devices and also for electrophosphorescent OLEDs. It is planned that both acceptor and donor fragments will be used in the structure of the materials. We plan to create phosphorescent OLED devices of a new structure after using the synthesized materials, which will have an optimal complex of electronic and film-forming properties, for the formation of multilayer devices.

Research Topic Summary.

The main field of proposed PhD research is the synthesis and characterization of functional materials intended for use in solar cells. This position requires multi-step synthesis skills related to charge generation and/or transport materials, novel hybrid perovskite compositions, etc. Candidates are expected to be able to carry out research independently, to be motivated, focused on high results, and hardworking. We offer excellent working conditions and an environment conducive to academic research.

Research Topic Summary.

Recent advances in organic optoelectronics, particularly in efficient organic light-emitting devices (OLED), have called for new electro-active organic materials as well as for new device technologies. Small OLED-based displays already generate hundreds of millions of dollars. Larger OLED displays will penetrate the television market in the not-too-distant future. Nowadays white displays play important role in lightening. Further advances of these devices substantially rely on development and studying of high-performance organic charge-transporting emitting materials, theoretical understanding of charge and energy transport in the organic systems and their well-balanced application in OLED devices.

Research Topic Summary.

Oxygen-sensitive materials that can exist in the triplet state when excited are valuable in numerous applications, including medicine, biotechnology, environmental analysis, and thefood industry. The aim of this project is to synthesize new oxygen-sensitive derivatives and to investigate the photophysical properties of the resulting compounds. Successfulimplementation of the project will lead to the development of new and efficient multifunctional materials, the application of which may lead to the production of efficient oxygensensors. The results will be presented at international conferences and published in journals indexed in the Web of Science database.

Research Topic Summary.

Red and near-infrared (NIR) organic emitters offer significant potential in optoelectronic applications like organic light emitting diode displays, biomedical sensors, and optical data transmission systems. These emitters are especially valuable due to their ability to efficiently generate light in the red and NIR regions, which are crucial for devices requiring low energy consumption and extended operational lifetimes. During the research, new compounds with an extended conjugated pi-electron system, as well as donor and acceptor groups will be synthesized and studied. Stable red and NIR organic radicals will also be developed for next-generation technologies.