|
Programme Details
| Study Language
|
Czech |
|
Standard study length
|
4 years |
| Form of study
|
combined
,
full-time
|
| Guarantor
|
prof. Ing. Květoslav Růžička, CSc.
|
| Place of study
|
Praha |
| Capacity
|
10 students |
| Programme code (national)
|
P0531D130021 |
| Programme Code (internal)
|
D402
|
| Number of Ph.D. topics
|
72 |
Ph.D. topics for study year 2025/26
Analysis of blood-based derivatives for the diagnosis of serious diseases of gastrointestinal tract
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Léčiva a biomateriály (FCHI) (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Vladimír Setnička, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Mezi závažná onemocnění trávicí soustavy patří například karcinomy jater, jícnu, žaludku, slinivky, střev a konečníku. Časná diagnostika mnohých z nich je však v současné době velmi omezená a konvenční klinické přístupy nedosahují požadované spolehlivosti. Tato práce se zaměřuje na hledání nových cest využívajících pokročilé spektroskopické metody (především vibrační a chiroptické spektroskopie) při analýze krevních derivátů (typicky krevní plazmy z tekuté biopsie) pacientů a kontrolních jedinců pro identifikaci nových diagnostických markerů těchto onemocnění. Spektroskopické, případně omické, přístupy jsou navíc velmi šetrné pro pacienta. Práce bude realizována ve spolupráci se špičkovými klinickými pracovišti pražských fakultních nemocnic.
Analysis of lipopeptides and other potential drugs using advanced separation and other techniques
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Dr. RNDr. David Sýkora
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Obezita nebo naopak anorexie představuje vážný zdravotní problém. Jednou ze skupin potenciálních léčiv jsou vybrané lipopeptidy, ale i další nízkomolekulární látky interagující se specifickými receptory. Vývoj uvedených potenciálních léčiv je spojen s využitím pokročilých separačních technik. V této práci bude aplikována kapalinová chromatografie v kombinaci s hmotnostní spektromerií (LC-MS) pro sledování osudu uvedených látek v živém organismu.
Tissue analysis using vibrational spectroscopy methods for the diagnosis of serious diseases
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Vladimír Setnička, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Metody vibrační spektroskopie (především Ramanova a infračervená) patří mezi účinné nástroje strukturní analýzy a stále častěji je studován jejich potenciál v oblasti klinické diagnostiky některých závažných onemocnění (nádorových či neurodegenerativních). Předmětem této disertační práce bude vývoj instrumentace a algoritmů umožňujících chemickou analýzu tkání s cílem nalézt spolehlivé spektrální markery pro diagnostiku některých závažných onemocnění, například karcinomu tlustého střeva či karcinomu plic. V součinnosti s klinickými pracovišti (např. Všeobecnou fakultní nemocnicí Praha) budou testovány unikátní Ramanovy mikrosondy, které by umožnily in vivo analýzu tkáňových vzorků bez nutnosti jejich odběru. Rovněž budou analyzovány tkáňové vzorky z biopsií.
Application of ion soft-landing for preparation of affinity substrates in bioanalytical chemistry
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Michael Volný, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Analyte enrichment, sometimes called preconcentration, appeared as a concept in modern analytical chemistry, when the demands for the determination of substances with extremely low concentrations began to rise. Enrichment is a process in which a target analyte is attached through a specific interaction to the surface of a solid support (typically in the form of a column/tip, beads or planar surface), while other compounds present in the sample do not have this ability and only bind nonspecifically with limited binding capacity. Subsequently, after washing the surface, the concentration of the analyte will relatively increase compared to other sample components that did not interact strongly enough with the surface, and were washed away during a cleaning step with a suitable solvent or buffer. The analyte that remained on the surface is then released (eluted) back into the solution or detected directly on the surface. Either way, the enrichment process improves parameters of the subsequent chemical analysis. This dissertation thesis project will investigate manipulation of ions in an atmospheric pressure environment and their utilization for unique surface modifications usable as enrichment and affinity chemistry substrates. The findings will be transformed into implements applicable in bioanalytical mass spectrometry. Surface modifications will be achieved by interaction with desolvated intact ions produced by electrospray ionization, an experiment often referred to as ion soft or ion reactive landing. The goal is development of surface modification methods that cannot be achieved by regular wet chemistry in solution. The armory of landed molecules will be very diverse, from antibodies, immunoglobulin binding proteins and other affinity proteins to aptamers and organic chemistry chelating agents. These molecules immobilized on surfaces by ion soft-landing will create affinity tools to address different bioanalytical chemistry tasks. It has been shown, that ion soft-landing produces superior surface modification because it allows modification of relatively inert surfaces, including for instance stainless steel, with no interlayer that is needed for traditional biomolecular immobilization by wet chemistry. As a result, affinity surfaces prepared by ion soft-landing suffer by less nonspecific binding of other molecules from the sample matrix. Part of the thesis will be focused on the development of the new apparatus for ion soft-landing at ambient or reduced pressure. Applications will be focused on the preparation of affinity arrays capable of binding a very wide range of analytes, from small molecules to peptide and protein and even oligo molecules. For instance, it is planned to focus on finding new pharmaceutical pollutants in waste waters or to investigate binding of therapeutical oligos on aptamer arrays prepared by ion landing. The final goal of the work is to develop laboratory automation of the analytical platform based on affinity chip arrays. The future graduate will learn different mass spectrometry-based analytical workflows, affinity methods and physical chemistry involved in the ion soft-landing process.
Atmospheric pressure ion sources for mass spectrometry: development, efficiency investigation and practical utilization
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Michael Volný, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The goal of the project is obtaining a better understanding of the atmospheric pressure ionization techniques and researching phenomena that can result in improvement of different ionization devices. Ionization is the crucial step in the molecular mass spectrometry that typically suffers huge inefficiency due to losses of the analyte molecules that escape detection in the form that cannot be utilized by the mass spectrometers (multiply charged microdroplets, clusters, neutrals). It is estimated that for the majority of ionization techniques less than 0.1% of analyte is converted into analytically useful ions that can be transported through the ion source and the first vacuum region further into the mass spectrometer and analyzed. In other words, 99.9% of the analyte molecules will not reach the low-pressure region of the mass spectrometer. This historically represents the major bottleneck in improving mass spectrometry analytical figures of merit. The known exceptions to this limitation are nanosprays, that utilize extremely low flow of the liquid phase, and some variations of ambient ionization that however tend to be too analyte-selective. This project will be oriented on better ways of manipulating ions at atmospheric pressure, which will be utilized for construction of ambient ionization source for screening applications and for development of microfluidics chips coupled with mass spectrometer that would benefit from decrease of solvent amount that needs to be evaporated in the ion source. In collaboration with a partner lab, part of the project will be focused on simulation of processes in high-flow heated electrospray. Obtained information will be used for better efficiency of ion management in traditional analytical heated electrospray ion sources used for instance in LC-MS/MS quantification assays. The goal of this dissertation thesis project is to develop novel ionization devices, and used them to address an actual analytical task, with the current mass spectrometry workflows. That is why the potential improvement will be demonstrated in the currently common analytical tasks (e.g. peptides, pesticides, nitroso contaminants). The future graduate will get familiar with modern mass spectrometry, atmospheric pressure ionization, LC-MS assays and physical chemistry involved with ion sources operation.
Bioaerosols and freezing clouds
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Vladimír Ždímal, Dr.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Bioaerosols are aerosol particles of biological origin, such as pollen grains, viruses, bacteria, etc. Although the number of these particles in the atmosphere is marginal, they can have a key impact not only on our health (allergies), but also on the formation of ice in clouds. The proposed work will investigate the number of concentrations of different types of bioaerosols in the atmosphere and their ability to form ice nuclei. This will be carried out using both a novel bioaerosol sensor and a novel portable ice expansion chamber, which is designed to study the number concentrations of ice nuclei in the atmosphere at different sub-zero temperatures. Required education and skills
• University degree (Ing. Mgr.) in environmental sciences, meteorology, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, chemical physics, etc.
• willingness to do experimental work and learn new things;
• ability to work as part of a team.
Biodegradable polymer systems based on thermoplasticized starch
Annotation
Biodegradable polymer systems show numerous applications in both human and veterinary medicine. We have recently developed and patented multiphase polymer systems based on thermoplasticized starch (TPS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and antibiotics (ATB). Morphology and properties of these systems can be adjusted by their composition and processing conditions. The basic TPS/PCL systems can be employed in technical applications, while the TPS/PCL/ATB systems can be used for the treatment of strong local infections such as osteomyelitis. The project comprises preparation of the above systems (by melt mixing), optimization of their phase structure (targeted modification of processing conditions), characterization of their morphology (electron microscopy), properties (macro- and micromechanical properties), and participation in biodegradability testing (for technical applications) and microbial susceptibility testing (medical applications, collaboration with Motol Hospital in Prague).
Targeted radiotherapy for the treatment of hypoxic tumors
Annotation
Treatment of hypoxic tumors is complicated due to higher radio/chemo resistance resulting in the subsequently lower clinical outcome of the treatment. We propose to explore a new concept of self-assembled polymer radiosensitizers to overcome the problem low hypoxic tumor radiosensitivity. The proposed approach is based on restoration of radiosensitivity of hypoxic cancer tissue by actively hypoxia-targeted delivery of reactive oxygen species (ROS)- precursors as well as on selective decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in hypoxic tissue influencing the HIF-1 alpha
system. The proposed concept utilizes hydrophilic biocompatible polymer-based carriers with hypoxia-targeting nitroaromatics systems. The doctoral thesis will be based on synthesis, chemical and/or physicochemical characterization and study of self-assembly properties of such multi-stimuli-responsive nanoparticles with external environment; the exact topic will take into account the student´s interests. The studied nanoparticles and injectable depot systems will be designed for diagnostics and personalized immunoradiotherapy and immunochemotherapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Optimized nanoparticles will be then provided to collaborating biological workplaces for in vivo testing.
Warped and Chiral Nanocarbons
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Irena G. Stará, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
Annotation
The aim of the project is to develop the synthesis of new warped and chiral nanocarbons such as helical pi-conjugated macrocycles, circulenes and cycloarenes. The chiral substances will be prepared in optically pure form by resolution of racemates or by asymmetric synthesis. Their (chir)optical properties, self-assembly in 2D/3D space, aromatic character and their conformational or redox behaviour will be studied in order to identify their possible applications in chemistry or nanoscience.
Separation of enantiomers by chiral membranes and influence of experimental conditions on separation
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Vladislav Dřínek, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The aim of the doctoral thesis will be the separation of racemic mixtures by membrane separation processes. Racemic mixtures contain equal amounts of L and D enantiomers. Individual enantiomers have the same physicochemical properties in the achiral environment and therefore it is very difficult to separate them from each other. However, in the human body, L and D enantiomers have different effects and D enantiomers can be harmful to health. The doctoral thesis will be focused on the development of new chiral membranes and separation techniques for selective separation of enantiomers from racemic mixtures and the influence of enantiomer concentration, solvent type, pH, temperature and electric field on their separation with practical applications, especially in the pharmaceutical, food or agrochemical industries. The PhD student will be required to prepare a detailed search of foreign literature in the given issue (active knowledge of English is necessary), independent measurement and processing of results and, in cooperation with the supervisor, to write publications in foreign periodicals. Requirements for applicants:
• University degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, organic technology;
• willingness to experiment and learn new things; Ability to work in a team.
Diagnosis of mental illnesses through an analysis of human scent
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Štěpán Urban, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Detailní chemická analýza (GCxGC/MS) lidského pachu odebrána od pacientů mající Parkinsonovu nebo Alzheimerovu chorobu bude pomocí pokročilých statistických metod porovnána s obdobnými chromatogramy pachu dobrovolníků, kteří tyto choroby nemají. Z těchto korelací budou identifikovány příznaky těchto nemocí v lidském pachu, tak aby mohla být prováděna neinvazivní diagnostika těchto nemocí. Tato pionýrská práce bude prováděna ve spolupráci s Psychiatrickou klinikou 1LF UK (doc. Anders).
Diagnosis of breast cancer through an analysis of human scent
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Štěpán Urban, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Podrobná chemická analýza (GCxGC/MS) pachu pacientů mající rakovinu prsů bude prostřednictvím pokročilých statistických metod porovnána s obdobnými chromatogramy pachu zdravých dobrovolníků. Ze získaných korelací budou identifikovány příznaky těchto nemocí v pachu, tak aby mohla být prováděna neinvazivní diagnostika těchto nemocí. Tato pionýrská studie bude prováděna ve spolupráci s Protonovým centrem nemocnice na Bulovce (doc. Kubeš).
Diagnosis of colon cancer through an analysis of human scent
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Štěpán Urban, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Podrobná chemická analýza (GCxGC/MS) pachu pacientů mající rakovinu tlustého střeva bude komparována prostřednictvím pokročilých statistických metod bude porovnána s pachovými chromatogramy zdravých dobrovolníků. Ze získaných korelací budou identifikovány příznaky těchto nemocí v pachu, tak aby mohla být v budoucnu prováděna neinvazivní diagnostika těchto nemocí. Tato pionýrská studie bude prováděna ve spolupráci s gastroenterologickou ordinací (doc. MUDr. Petr Janíček) na poliklinice v Bechyňově ulici v Praze 6.
CO2-fixation reaction - a way towards sustainable polymers
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Hynek Beneš, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Combined / Not funded (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
) )
|
Annotation
The increasing production of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) by human activities reached in 2021 more than 36 Gt and thus CO2 is generally considered as the biggest waste contributed to climate change. Current research is trying to address this challenge by capturing CO2 and using it as sustainable feedstock for polymer synthesis. The aim of this work is to investigate the possibilities of converting CO2 into polymer materials. The first route will be the CO2- oxirane (epoxy) coupling reaction, which leads to production of various cyclic carbonates, which are monomers for innovative polymer materials, e.g. non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) and epoxides. The second approach will be the direct CO2 transformation into polycarbonates (PC). The third way will involve the ring-opening copolymerization of epoxide with CO2 leading to linear carbonate-ether copolymers. All the above-mentioned strategies will preferable utilize bio-based monomers to obtain fully renewable polymer materials. The important part of this PhD topic will be finding a suitable catalytic system for each synthetic path. Our preliminary experiments showed the successful CO2-epoxy cycloaddition in the presence imidazolium and metal-based ionic liquids (ILs). Due to ILs’ countless possible anion/cation combinations and their exceptional set of properties (low vapor pressure, negligible flammability, high thermal and chemical stability), they can seem to be suitable candidates to catalyze the cycloaddition reaction of epoxide and CO2 with tunable selectivity towards linear / cyclic carbonate and ether formation. As part of the doctoral project, a student's several-month internship at foreign collaborating workplace (INSA Lyon, France) is assumed. The candidates should have good communication skills in English (both in speaking and writing), should be able to work both in a team and independently. Active participation on foreign internships, trainings and scientific conferences is expected.
Photodynamics on longer timescales
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Molecular chemical physics and sensorics (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Bc. Petr Slavíček, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Glycerol-based dendrimers for active ingredient encapsulation: a physicochemical approach
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Magdalena Bendová, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Not funded |
Annotation
In this work water soluble glycerol-based poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers will be considered as compounds for encapsulation of active ingredients used in the cosmetic industry. Experimental physicochemical measurements such as the vapour-phase osmometry, inert gas stripping or isothermal titration calorimetry will be used to study solute-solvent interactions in aqueous solutions of dendrimers and selected cosmetic active ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol or hyaluronic acid. As a result, an efficient method of active ingredient encapsulation will be developed and a better understanding of the interactions between the functional groups of the proposed dendrimers with the solvent and the encapsulated components will be obtained. The present thesis is proposed in collaboration with Prof. Sandrine Bouquillon and can be carried out under joint supervision (co-tutelle or Erasmus+ framework) at the Department of Physical Chemistry of the UCT and the Institute of Molecular Chemistry of the University Reims Champagne-Ardenne in France.
Helically chiral ligands for asymmetric transition metal catalysis
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Ivo Starý, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
Annotation
The goal of the PhD project will be the development of new helically chiral metal complexes to be explored in enantioselective catalysis. The attention will be paid to the synthesis of cyclometallated helicenes and helical cyclopentadienyl complexes. They will be applied to selected enantioselective reactions catalysed by transition metals such as alkyne cycloisomerisation, olefin metathesis or hydrogenation.
Hybrid polymeric nanomaterials for multimodal therapy of advanced neoplastic diseases
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Léčiva a biomateriály (FCHT) (
in Czech language
),
Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Tomáš Etrych, Ph.D., DSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship ( in study programme -
Léčiva a biomateriály (FCHT) (
in Czech language
) )
|
Annotation
The main aim of this work will be the development of new multi-component biocompatible and non-immunogenic
polymer-based nanotherapeutics and nanodiagnostics adapted for multimodal advanced therapy of neoplastic diseases.
The dissertation will be based on the preparation of hybrid polymeric nanomaterials combining synthetic and natural macromolecules. Those nanosystems will allow the controlled delivery of active therapeutic agents or tumor visualization for fluorescently navigated surgery. The work will focus on tailor-made solutions using covalent binding of active molecules with several functions: targeted transport of active molecules, their protection during transport against degradation and controlled release based on site-specific stimuli. The thesis will consist in the design, synthesis and study of physico-chemical and biological properties of polymeric materials. The applicant's knowledge and experience in organic or macromolecular chemistry is an advantage, along with the desire to learn new things in other fields, such as biochemistry. The work assumes close cooperation with cooperating biological teams in the Czech Republic and abroad, including an internship abroad at a selected workplace.
Electron-induced chemistry in cold molecules
|
Study place:
|
J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Mgr. Juraj Fedor, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The PhD student will probe chemical changes in molecules and clusters proceeding at the temperature of 0.4 Kelvin. This temperature will be achieved by embedding the molecules into superfluid helium nanodroplets and subsequently shrinking the droplets down to small complexes. The trigger for chemical changes will be an interaction with electrons with controlled energy. The obtained results will have implications in quantum optics, namely in preparing the target ions for quantum logic spectroscopy experiments. The experiments will be done in a close collaboration with the quantum optics group from the Palacký University in Olomouc.
Aerosol interaction with air humidity
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Vladimír Ždímal, Dr.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Hygroscopicity of aerosol particles is their ability to bind water vapor. This changes their shape, size and phase behaviour. This property affects the ability of particles to become cloud condensation nuclei, their optical properties, global climate change and human health. The aim of the project is to study the interaction of aerosol particles with air humidity in the laboratory. Aerosol particles composed of substances commonly found in atmospheric aerosol will be generated and their hygroscopicity will be studied using a newly constructed humidification chamber. The size of the prepared dry particles will be measured with an APS aerodynamic particle spectrometer and these will then be fed into a humidification chamber simulating conditions in the human respiratory tract. The size of the humidified particles under conditions corresponding to the first branchings of bronchi will again be measured by the APS spectrometer. The experimental results will be compared with model predictions. Required education and skills
• Master degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, organic technology, chemical physics, meteorology, environmental sciences,
• willingness to do experimental work, learn new things and work in a team.
Interactions of cell-penetrating peptides with biological membranes
|
Study place:
|
Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Mario Vazdar, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Interaction of ions and peptides with biological membranes is one of the most important biological processes in living organisms. Biological membranes, which are surrounding cytoplasm and keeping cell organelles separated from the external influence, are typically composed of various phospholipid bilayers and are impermeable for peptides and ions which is crucial for normal functioning of cells. However, some species, such as arginine rich peptides are capable to translocate across the bilayer into the cell interior and are often used in a controlled drug delivery. However, the mechanism of translocation is very obscure and not fully understood at the molecular level. Adsorption of ions and peptides to phospholipid bilayers is the first and essential part of the translocation mechanism, but the relevant physical properties of these interactions, such as binding constants of ions and peptides at various phospholipid bilayers, are also difficult to determine experimentally. In order to study the physical properties of the peptide/bilayer interactions at the molecular level, theoretical molecular dynamics simulations are frequently used since they are free of experimental bias. In this doctoral thesis, student will study adsorption and translocation of selected ions (such as Na+, Ca2+, K+, NH4+, Gdm+, Cl-) and peptides (such as Arg, Lys, poly-Arg, poly-Lys) at different phospholipids monolayers and bilayers (PC, PS, PG, PE, PC, BMP) using theoretical modeling with the state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations. The goal of the thesis is to understand how ions and peptides interact with membranes and translocate across them. Specifically, the aim is to determine various physical parameters, such as ion/peptide binding constants, diffusion coefficients, Gibbs free energy barriers of translocation and other physico-chemical properties in turn clarifying the mechanistic details of membrane adsorption and translocation. Importantly, various parameters obtained from molecular dynamics simulations will be continuously compared to the available experimental data, with the aim of understanding membrane interactions and which is crucial for understanding and improving controlled drug delivery.
Covalent modification of solid surfaces by chemical selectors and study of their applicability for compounds separation and for construction of selective chemical sensors
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Ing. Bohumil Dolenský, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
The aim of this work is to prepare chemical selectors (e.g. derivatives of Tröger bases or calix[n]phyrins) and to study their functionality in solution. Then, to covalently bond the found functional selectors to different solid surfaces (e.g. silica gel, SiC, nanodiamonds, graphene, copolymers) and study the functionality and applicability of the prepared materials for the separation of substances and/or for the construction of chemical sensors.
Mapping galectin-ganglioside networks on complex model membrane systems
|
Study place:
|
J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. RNDr. Radek Šachl, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Galectins, a family of glycan-binding proteins, play pivotal roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including tumour progression and resistance to anticancer treatments. In this research program, we aim to elucidate the existence and fundamental characteristics of galectin lattices in model biological membranes, specifically focusing on the interactions between proto-type galectin-1 and chimera-type galectin-3 with ganglioside GM1. Bridging critical knowledge gaps, the project strives to establish a direct link between galectin oligomer structure and nanoscale architecture of galectin membrane lattices, unravelling the governing principles of galectin-membrane binding. Employing sophisticated model systems like microaspirated giant lipid vesicles and cutting-edge fluorescence techniques with nanometer resolution, the study seeks to provide conclusive evidence for the existence of galectin lattices in biological membranes.
Probing ultrafast chiral dynamics during chemical transformations
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Vít Svoboda, Dr. sc. ETH Zürich
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Chirality plays a crucial role in chemistry, physics, and biology. Reactions involving chiral molecules often involve changes in molecular chirality. One way to visualize photo-induced chiral dynamics during chemical transformations in real time is time-resolved photoelectron circular dichroism (TRPECD). This dissertation project aims to study the chiral dynamics underlying the chemical transformation of several chiral molecules (chiral allenes and helicenes) on femtosecond timescales. The project includes an experimental part, during which a unique experimental apparatus for measuring 3D PADs of photoelectrons—called a 3D velocity map imaging spectrometer—will be constructed, commissioned, and utilized to collect one-of-a-kind data sets. The theoretical part of the project involves the development of a computational protocol for interpreting the time-resolved photoelectron spectra of chiral molecules, based on ab initio approaches and electron-molecule scattering calculations.
As a result, this project will advance several research disciplines, including ultrafast laser physics, excited-state photochemistry, femtochirality, and the theoretical understanding of TRPECD spectra.
Microparticulate contrast agents transforming excitation signal for biomedical application
Annotation
The project is focused on synthesis and characterisation of polymer particles for biomedical application, which can generate a contrast signal via a transformation of excitation pulse. Particles will be synthesised by heterogeneous polymerisation techniques, especially by dispersion and emulsion polymerisation, and by coacervation. Effects of a morphology and matrix composition of hybrid particles on contrast signal parameters will be studied. Effects of a type, amount and a distribution of transforming dye in polymer particles on contrast properties will be studied as well. The main aim of the project is to find conditions of synergy between properties of polymer matrix and converting dye. Testing on animal models will be done in cooperation with 1. Faculty of medicine, Charles University in Prague. "
Microwave spectroscopy of isotopologues of molecules present in interstellar space
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Štěpán Urban, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
V práci budou vybrány molekuly, které byly pozorovány v mezihvězdném prostoru v relativně největších koncentracích. K těmto molekulám budou vypočteny pomocí kvantové chemie odhady rotačních konstant pro molekuly izotopologů těchto sloučenin obsahující izotopy 15N, 13C, 33S, D atp. Na základě těchto postupně zpřesňovaných odhadů budou identifikovány rotační přechody příslušných izotopologů v reálných laboratorních vzorcích vybraných mezihvězdných molekul, které byly při syntéze obohaceny o příslušné izotopy. Výsledkem práce budou pionýrská měření mikrovlnných spekter izotopologů molekul přítomných v mezihvězdném prostoru.
Modelling Extremely Concentrated Electrolytes
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Molecular chemical physics and sensorics (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Bc. Petr Slavíček, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Design, synthesis and study of the properties of nickel complexes for use in catalysis of cross-coupling reactions
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Daniel Bím, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The dissertation will focus on the development of new nickel complexes useful for photochemical and reductive catalysis of cross-coupling reactions. The main objectives of the project are the synthesis of tailored diimine and diphosphine ligands and a thorough study of their influence on the photophysical, photochemical and redox characteristics of nickel complexes. The work seeks to explain in detail how catalyst design and choice of reaction conditions affect the mechanisms of catalytic cross-coupling reactions, with the aim of improving yields and reaction selectivity. Emphasis is placed on adaptability and sustainability for wider application in various sectors of the chemical industry.
NMR-omics for analysis of aerosol particles
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Jan Sýkora, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The main aim of the work is the identification of sources of air pollution based on the analysis of organic substances in real atmospheric aerosol using NMR spectroscopy. Sub-aims are the acquisition of protocols for sample preparation and the sample measurement by NMR spectroscopy, evaluation of spectra using an internal database of standards and subsequent data analysis using advanced statistical methods.
Novel 2D/3D advanced separation membranes for targeted gas and liquid separations
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Karel Friess, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Membrane separation processes belong to modern, technologically important separation methods, which are less demanding (economically and ecologically) than classical separation methods. Polymer membranes are frequently used for gas and liquid separation applications. Their performance (permeability or separation effect) can be additionally adjusted by the targeted embedding of liquid or solid additives into the polymer matrix. The dissertation thesis will focus on the (i) preparation of 2D/3D membranes via the electrospinning method or casting under the magnetic field, (ii) material characterization, and (iii) testing of the composite membranes for the separation of gases based on polymers and functional nano-additives (graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, MXenes, 2D MOFs) with a purposefully prepared structure. In addition, the separation process modeling (iv) will be part of the work. The result of this work will be the preparation and testing of membrane material for effective gas separations.
Optical biosensors for molecular medicine
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the CAS
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Jiří Homola, CSc., DSc.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Biosensors have emerged as vital tools in biomedical research and medical diagnostics. In particular, biosensors enabling sensitive and multiplexed detection of diverse biomarkers have received a great deal of attention. Accurate detection and quantification of these biomarkers offer critical insights into disease mechanisms, supporting earlier diagnosis and the development of more effective therapies. Plasmonic affinity biosensors represent one of the most extensively studied classes of optical biosensors, offering label-free, real-time detection and quantification of biomolecules and their interactions. The dissertation will focus on plasmonic affinity-based optical biosensors and their applications in biomedicine. The research will involve the development of functional surface coatings for the selective capture of target analytes (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, exosomes, or cells), the design of assays enabling sensitive and multiplexed detection of these analytes at low concentrations, and the validation of the proposed biosensing strategies in selected clinically relevant applications.
Mass Transport Properties of Porous Materials for Enhanced Adsorption and Catalysis
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Ota Bludský, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
This thesis aims to enhance our understanding of how the dynamic behaviors of host-guest systems in porous solids affect mass transport properties, which are crucial for adsorption and catalysis. It focuses on three key issues: (i) the role of composition and guest molecules in the mass transport properties of flexible materials such as zeolites and ZIFs, (ii) gating effects in low-silica materials, and (iii) the influence of internal defects (e.g., silanols) on gas separation.
Perstraction: application targeted study on the governing mechanisms
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Ing. Ondřej Vopička, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The topic of the thesis is the experimental study of perstraction of perspective arduous mixtures of expectable industrial importance. Perstraction is a fairly forgotten method, which enables the separation of mixtures irrespective of the volatility of the components. The aim is to study the governing phenomena and to identify key trends in membrane composition for selected mixtures.
Advanced polymer drug carriers for cancer treatment
Annotation
Polymer drug carriers are non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and biocompatible polymer materials that target and control the release of biologically active compounds in the treated tissue, thus minimizing the side effects of carried drugs. The doctoral project theme will consist of synthesizing and studying the properties of tailor-made hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymers that are efficient as anti-cancer drug carriers. The theme is suitable for graduates of chemistry and, eventually, pharmacy. The student will learn new skills in the synthesis and characterization methods and can participate in biological characterization in internal or international cooperating laboratories. We offer exciting and varied work in a well-established team of Biomedical polymers, affording hi-tech equipment and material background.
Polymer colloids as specialized carriers for intranasal transport of biologically active substances
Annotation
The project is focused on the development, synthesis and characterization of novel polymer particles in colloidal form for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes via intranasal administration. The particles will be prepared by heterogeneous polymerisation techniques (dispersion or precipitation) and the main polymerisation reaction will be based on an aromatic substitution mechanism. Bioanalogic substances derived from aromatic structures of plant and animal origin will be used as monomers. The influence of reaction conditions on the morphology and composition of polymer particles and other physicochemical parameters determining the behaviour of polymer particles in biological environments will be studied. Subsequently, the particles will be derivatized for their detection using preclinical imaging methods so that their biodistribution and pharmacokinetics can be monitored after intranasal administration. Biological testing of the particles will be performed at the collaborating departments of the UEM CAS and the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University. The aim of this collaboration is to describe how the composition and morphology of the particles from the new polymer types affects the mechanism of each type of intranasal delivery further into the body. The researcher will be based in the laboratories of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry at the BIOCEV Biotechnology Centre.
Polymer carriers for veterinary vaccines
Annotation
Preparing effective and safe vaccines is still a significant challenge for human and veterinary medicine. Using biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-immunogenic polymeric materials as antigen carriers or adjuvants can lead to the development of highly potent polymer vaccines while minimizing side effects. The topic of the doctoral thesis will be the preparation and study of the properties of new tailor-made hydrophilic and amphiphilic polymers that can be used as antigen carriers or adjuvants. The theme is suitable for graduates of chemistry and, eventually, pharmacy. The student will learn new skills in the synthesis and characterization methods and can participate in biological characterization in internal or international cooperating laboratories. We offer exciting and varied work in a wellestablished team of Biomedical polymers, affording hi-tech equipment and material background.
Potentiometric sensor based on polymer layers for detection of inflammatory markers and toxic micropollutants
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Jiří Pánek, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Combined / Not funded (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
Annotation
The goal of the dissertation is the development of a new concept of a potentiometric sensor based on polymer detection layers, usable for the detection of markers of bacterial and sterile inflammation, the presence of endotoxins, or polyvalent toxic metal ions. The student will develop knowledge of polymer synthesis, master the technology of applying polymer sensing layers and their characterization by instrumental methods, such as potentiometry and cyclic voltammetry, spectrofluorometry (steady-state, time-resolved), confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and others. Part of the work will be testing the functionality of the prepared detection layers first on synthetic analytes. The obtained results will be used to optimize the polymer electrodes, which will subsequently be tested on real biological or environmental samples. The student will use the new knowledge to design a multisensor electrode concept. The topic of the thesis is highly interdisciplinary, includes a number of methodologies and can be further adjusted according to the individual interests of the student. The application potential of the achieved results will be verified within the framework of cooperation with the workplaces of university hospitals.
First-principles prediction of phase diagrams of organic materials and their mixtures: Development of methodology, computational workflows, and tools
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Martin Klajmon, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Phase behavior, such as solid-liquid (SLE) and vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE), plays a crucial role in the design and optimization of materials for diverse applications, including green solvents, pharmaceuticals, ionic liquids, and organic semiconductors. These materials often exhibit complex molecular and interactional properties, making the modeling and prediction of their phase behavior challenging. Accurate and efficient estimation of bulk thermodynamic properties for both pure substances and their mixtures requires advanced computational approaches.
This doctoral project aims to contribute to the development of a novel methodology that combines efficient Monte Carlo simulations with first-principles electronic structure methods to predict phase behavior (e.g., VLE and SLE) and related thermodynamic and structural properties (e.g., vapor pressure, liquid density) of pure substances and binary mixtures under various conditions. Model systems such as alcohols, aromatics, or heterocyclic compounds will be considered, along with complex application-relevant substances, including active pharmaceutical ingredients and organic semiconductors, in binary mixtures with various partners. At each stage of the development, results from the proposed methodology will be benchmarked against experimental data and compared with predictions from classical simulation methods and state-of-the-art thermodynamic models, such as COSMO-SAC and PC-SAFT-SEPP. One of the key objectives is also to deepen the understanding of how molecular structure and interactions influence macroscopic phase behavior.
A significant portion of the project will focus on developing an integrated computational workflow. This workflow will automate the process from minimal input requirements (e.g., SMILES codes) through conformer analysis, force field generation, input file preparation, simulation data processing, and ultimately the construction of phase diagrams. Designed with accessibility in mind, the workflow will cater to a broader scientific community and be made openly available on GitHub. The work is partially funded by the Czech Science Foundation.
Proton Coupled Energy Transfer
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Molecular chemical physics and sensorics (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Bc. Petr Slavíček, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Processes that involve the simultaneous transfer of electrons or energy along with atoms, typically hydrogen or protons, are widely recognized for their significant involvement in biophysical phenomena. This thesis will center on the emerging field of proton-coupled energy transfer (PCEnT) from a theoretical chemistry standpoint. The research will integrate quantum dynamics, molecular simulations, and modern quantum chemistry methodologies. Collaboration with experimentalists is envisioned.
Preparation of Biomass-Based Nanocomposites for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants: From Polymer Synthesis to Environmental Applications
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Mgr. Gloria Huerta Angeles, PhD
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
|
Combined / Not funded (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
Annotation
PhD Topic: "Preparation of Biomass-Based Nanocomposites for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants: From Polymer Synthesis to Environmental Applications" Emerging contaminants (ECs) are potential health hazards in the world nowadays. This research aims to develop novel nanocomposites derived from biomass-based monomers and biopolymers to remove ECs. The structure-property relationship of materials for the adsorption of emerging contaminants has not been clearly understood, seriously limiting their effectiveness. Therefore, a complete structural characterization of the prepared nanocomposites will be performed including porosity, stability, mechanical and thermal properties to explain the effectivity in terms of macromolecular structure and characterization of active sites. The nanocomposites will be evaluated for their efficiency in adsorbing or degrading ECs.The adsorption kinetics will be studied to identify the mechanism and speed of the adsorption process. Degradation products will be identified by combining several analytical techniques to investigate the mechanism of depolymerization. This project offers an alternative to conventional methods with lower environmental impacts.
Radioactive and fluorescent labeling of polymers and nanoparticles for medicine and preclinical testing.
Annotation
This doctoral thesis focuses on the development and optimization of labeling techniques for polymers and nanoparticles in the field of medicine. The labeling allows for tracking and provides valuable information for therapy and next biological testing. The main objective of this work is to develop methods for radioactive and fluorescent labeling of polymers and nanoparticles.
Sequence-defined polymers intended as protein mimetics for diagnostics purposes
Annotation
The growing societal pressure to limit the utilization of animal-derived products, particularly those employed in
diagnostic procedures, has created a novel avenue for the exploration of synthetic macromolecules. The replacement
of proteins' intricate structure with synthetic material represents a significant challenge, yet it is one that can be
overcome through the application of cutting-edge polymer synthesis techniques, including Photo-RAFT or CuRDRP.
The objective of this dissertation is to synthesize sequentially defined polymers based on methacrylamides or methacrylates with varying polymer chain architectures. The principal focus of this thesis will be on the organic synthesis of new monomers and the development and optimization of their polymerizations. Furthermore, the candidate will gain expertise in instrumental techniques for polymer characterization, including SEC, A4F, LC-MS, and NMR. The evaluation of the prepared materials in biochemical applications will be conducted in collaboration with domestic and foreign research institutes. During the course of the study, the opportunity to undertake a collaborative internship abroad will be made available. The candidate will be expected to possess a certain level of knowledge and experience in organic and/or macromolecular chemistry, as well as a willingness to learn new things in other fields, such as biochemistry or biology. The role will entail engaging and diverse work within a young, dynamic team in a well-equipped academic department.
Simulation and Experimental Studies of Transport of Cell-penetrating Peptides across Biological Membranes
|
Study place:
|
Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Mario Vazdar, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The controlled transport of cargo into cells is vital for life-sustaining. Alongside the active ATP-driven process of endocytosis, which plays a pivotal role in the transport of cargo across membranes, there is another promising method known as direct passive energy-independent translocation, which is particularly relevant for controlled drug delivery. Short, positively charged cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are commonly utilized vectors for this purpose. This multidisciplinary project seeks to explore the mechanism of passive translocation of CPPs at the molecular level through advanced molecular simulations and complementary single-molecule fluorescence experiments. The major focus of this project will be on understanding crucial steps in this process, including adsorption, aggregation, and translocation across advanced model membrane systems. The insights gained from this investigation will lay the groundwork for designing smarter drug delivery systems by identifying crucial molecular interactions during the transport of matter across biological membranes.
Determination of vapour pressures of environmentally important high-boiling compounds
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Květoslav Růžička, CSc.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Not funded |
Annotation
The vapor pressure is one of the most frequently measured thermodynamic properties for pure organic compounds. Measurements are relatively easy for low boiling compound (e.g. components of gasoline) and precise data can be found in handbooks and databases. On the other hand, measurements of high boiling compounds such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons or phthalates represents challenging task and existing data are scarce and associated with high uncertainty, which prevents reliable modelling of fate of these chemicals in the environment. Non-commercial apparatuses assembled in our laboratory enable measurement in subpascal pressure region; methodology of thermodynamically controlled extrapolation developed by us enables reliable vapor pressure determination in sub-millipascal pressure region. The work will focus on determination of vapor pressures for a group of polyaromatic hydrocarbons listed in the USA EPA Priority List of Pollutants, as a part of our cooperation with several European laboratories.
Structure and stability of the evolutionary predecessors of the ribosome
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. RNDr. Michal Kolář, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The ribosome is a key component of all living cells. This biomolecular complex, consisting of ribosomal RNA and several dozen ribosomal proteins, is responsible for protein synthesis and the regulation of other metabolic processes. Primitive ribosomes emerged approximately 4 billion years ago, even before the origin of life on Earth. These so-called protoribosomes were smaller and simpler than modern ribosomes. This dissertation will focus on studying the mechanisms of ribosome abiogenesis, i.e., the formation of particles capable of catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds. Using the tools of theoretical biophysics and computer simulations, the interactions between peptides and short segments of ribosomal RNA will be examined, along with their dependence on environmental conditions.
Structural studies and identification of pharmaceutically important and psychoactive substances using vibrational and chiroptical spectroscopy
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Léčiva a biomateriály (FCHI) (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Vladimír Setnička, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Práce je zaměřena na vývoj metod strukturní analýzy farmaceuticky významných a psychoaktivních molekul a nových nástrojů pro odhalování drog a padělků léčiv s využitím metod vibrační (infračervené a Ramanovy) a chiroptické (cirkulární dichroismus, Ramanova optická aktivita) spektroskopie. Student bude analyzovat nejen čisté látky (mnohdy chirální povahy), ale též reálné vzorky ze záchytů, především z oblasti anabolických steroidů, disociativních anestetik a syntetických drog. Budou též sledovány specifické projevy přítomnosti chirálních nečistot a matric. Analýza struktury a interpretace spekter bude podpořena metodami molekulárního modelování. Práce bude realizována ve spolupráci s Kriminalistickým ústavem Policie České republiky a za podpory grantových projektů Ministerstva vnitra ČR.
Stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymer systems for biomedical applications
Annotation
Self-assembly of (macro)molecules is of crucial importance in the architecture of living organisms. Supramolecular systems have their key properties critically dependent on self-assembly and find use in the area of biomedical applications especially if they are able to reversibly react to external stimuli (changes in pH, light, redox potential, ultrasound, temperature, concentration of certain substances). The doctoral thesis will be based on chemical and/or physicochemical preparation and study of self-assembly of such multi-stimuli-responsive nanoparticles with external environment (pH, redox potential and temperature responsiveness); the exact topic will take into account the student´s interests. The studied nanoparticles and injectable depot systems will be designed for diagnostics and personalized immunoradiotherapy and immunochemotherapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Optimized nanoparticles will be then provided to collaborating biological workplaces for in vivo testing.
Synthesis and Application of Silica-Coated Quantum Dots in Bioengineering
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Jiří Michálek, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
Annotation
Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles with outstanding optoelectronic properties. More specifically, QDs are highly bright and exhibit wide absorption spectra, narrow light bands, and excellent photovoltaic stability, which make them useful in bioscience and medicine, particularly for sensing, optical imaging, cell separation, and diagnosis. In general, QDs are stabilized using a hydrophobic ligand during synthesis, and thus their hydrophobic surfaces must undergo hydrophilic modification if the QDs are to be used in bioapplications. Silica-coating is one of the most effective methods for overcoming the disadvantages of QDs, owing to silica’s physicochemical stability, nontoxicity, and excellent bioavailability. Micro and nano-particles of SiO2 will be covered by polydopamine, or by mixture of citric acid and urea, or by melamine. The covered layer will be carbonized in the presence of conducting metal ionically connected to the covered layer. The entire SiO2 can be dissolved. Rest hollow charged particles will be examined by electrochemical, fluorescent methods and other techniques needed for characterization of quantum dots.
Synthesis and application of polymeric scavengers interacting with cationic amphiphilic peptides by charge
compensation.
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Léčiva a biomateriály (FCHT) (
in Czech language
),
Léčiva a biomateriály (FCHT) (
in Czech language
),
Drugs and Biomaterials (FCT) (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Jiří Michálek, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Combined / Not funded ( in study programme -
Léčiva a biomateriály (FCHT) (
in Czech language
) )
|
Annotation
Biocompatible polymer ions have been intensively studied as promising materials in the therapeutical and diagnostical fields of nanomedicine. Recently, it was demonstrated that polyanions with a high charge density are able to suppress the biological effects of the cationic amphiphilic peptide (CAMP) melittin from bee venom by binding it to the polyplex complex. In the future bio-inspirited nanostructures loaded by toxic drug inside release the drug in the needed place. Drug will be honey bee poison melittin. Needed place will be cancer. The cathelicidin is an element of innate immunity, that plays an important role in the development of the pathogenic process in psoriasis. Both cathelicidin and defensins are CAMPs are expected to behave similar to mellitin from the point of view of interaction with polyanions such as polyacrylic acid. Thus, scavenging these peptides by locally administered polyanions should break the cytokine storm cycle, leading to the induction of psoriasis, and thus suppress it. The series of nanogels acids will be prepared using microemulsion polymerization technique. In vitro testing (hemolysis on mouse erythrocytes) of obtained materials will be performed. Chemical, physical and biomedical investigation will be performed.
Synthesis and Chiroptical Properties of Helicene-Derived Luminophores
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Ivo Starý, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
) )
|
Annotation
The aim of the project is to prepare new helical TADF and excimer luminophores derived from helicenes and to study their chiroptical properties in solution and thin films (in particular circularly polarized luminescence) in order to identify suitable materials for future CP-OLED
design.
Synthesis of functionalized polymers and polymer membranes for electrochemical devices
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Miroslav Otmar, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
|
Combined / Not funded (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
) )
|
Annotation
Ion-exchange polymer membranes are widely used in laboratory and industrial applications. Major applications include electrochemical desalination of seawater and brackish water, wastewater treatment, separation of mixtures in the production of industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals, separation of electrolytes from non-electrolytes in electrochemical devices such as electrolyzers, fuel cells and batteries. Recently, their use in hydrogen management and storage of excess electricity from renewable sources has become increasingly important. The use of so-called green hydrogen produced in electrolyzers is one of the ways in the transition to carbon-free energy. The topic includes the synthesis of polymers and polymer membranes bearing functional groups for a specific purpose. For example, sulfo and phosphono groups for cation-exchange or quaternary ammonium groups for anione-exchange materials. In addition, these polymers are useful for electrode design, as catalyst supports and for other applications. Preparative organic chemistry and polymerization reaction methods are commonly applied. Our department is flexible enough to give the potential candidate enough room to apply his or her ingenuity.
Synthesis of polymer materials and polymer membranes for separation processes
|
Study place:
|
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Miroslav Otmar, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
| |
|
Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
|
|
Full-time / Scholarship (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in English language
),
Chemistry (
in Czech language
) )
|
|
Combined / Not funded (
in study programmes -
Chemistry (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
) )
|
Annotation
Polymer membranes are widely used in separation processes due to their versatility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. These membranes are designed to selectively allow certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others, making them ideal for applications like water filtration, gas separation, and dialysis. Polymer membranes can be tailored for specific separation tasks by adjusting factors such as pore size, chemical composition, and surface properties. Their applications range from purifying drinking water through reverse osmosis to separating gases in industrial processes. With ongoing advancements, polymer membranes continue to play a crucial role in improving the sustainability and performance of various separation technologies. The subject matter encompasses the synthesis of novel polymers and the functionalization of commercially available materials, with a particular focus on their use in the separation of chemical mixtures, including gases and enantiomeric mixtures. Methodologically, the work will encompass polymerization reactions, the introduction of functional groups into polymers, and the utilization of reactions employed in preparative organic synthesis. Our department is sufficiently flexible to allow the prospective candidate the opportunity to exercise their inventiveness.
Theoretical analysis of forbidden transition intensities in order to study chemical-physical properties of remote environment
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Tereza Uhlíková, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Přechody mezi energetickými hladinami v atomu či molekule probíhají podle určitých pravidel. Při první aproximaci je možné použít výběrových pravidel, např. že spin výchozí i konečné energetické hladiny musím být stejný. Pokud jsou výběrová pravidla porušena, přechod můžeme nazvat zakázaným. Vesmír jako chemická laboratoř poskytuje nepřeberné množství chemických reakcí a fyzikálních prostředí, které v pozemských podmínkách není snadné připravit. Například díky velmi vysokému vakuu, tedy malé pravděpodobnosti srážek mezi molekulami, dvakrát ionizovaný kyslík září v zelené barvě. Tento přechod byl dříve považován za identifikaci nového prvku zvaného Nebulium. Na základě pozorovatelných „zakázaných“přechodů lze usuzovat na chemicko-fyzikální vlastnosti prostředí, kde daný přechod vzniká – tedy ve vzdáleném vesmíru, ale i v zemské atmosféře nebo atmosférách jiných planet. Cílem práce je pomocí ab inito kvantově chemických metod studovat vliv fotochemických reakcí, elektrického a magnetického pole na profil a intenzitu málo pravděpodobných přechodů v malých molekulách. Na základě změn dále usuzovat na chemicko-fyzikální vlastnosti vzdáleného prostředí (remote sensoring).
Theoretical modelling of advanced X-ray spectroscopies
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. RNDr. Eva Muchová, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
X-rays spectroscopies are a powerful and unprecedented tool for exploring a wide variety of phenomena. Thanks to the sensitivity combined with site-selectivity, X-ray spectroscopies provide ideal option how to study the chemical environment in molecules and in complex environments, how to directly study related phenomena such as conjugation or aromaticity or how to initiate various ultrafast processes. Recent experiments in the gas phase, performed in resonance (resonant Auger spectroscopy) have open a new pathway for complex description of molecular electronic structure and and ultrafast dynamics in highly excited states which is otherwise difficult to disentagle by other methods. Experiments in the liquid phase provide unique opportunity to access various bonding patterns or identify decay relaxation processes in condensed systems. Both experiments need theoretical support for detailed understanding of character of decay processes and associated dynamics. The theoretical work will require usage of non-standard quantum chemistry methods and development of new approaches and protocols for the studied systems.
Theoretical study of influence of additional substances in drugs on polymorf structures of active pharmaceutical ingredience
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Tereza Uhlíková, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Je známo, že různé polymorfy jedné léčivé složky mohou mít různé léčivé účinky. Druh polymorfu, který vykrystalizuje do stabilní třídimensionální struktury, určují zejména slabé mezimolekulové interakce. Krystalizace je velice citlivý proces a reaguje i na velmi malé množství příměsí. Cílem práce je na základě molekulového modelování a kvantově-chemických výpočtů se pokusit odhalit vliv pomocných látek v léčivech na polymorfní strukturu lěčivé látky prostřednictvím modelování vibračního spektra v terahertzové frekvenční oblasti (Thz). V této frekvenční oblasti se právě objevují pásy mezimolekulových vibrací a různé polymorfy zde poskytují různá spektra.
Theoretical study of chemical shifts in NMR spectra dependence on temperature and solvent
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Tereza Uhlíková, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Nukleární magnetická resonance (NMR) je stále se dynamicky vyvíjející obor spektroskopie, se kterým se můžeme setkat nejen v lékařství. Posun poloh signálů v NMR spektrech může být způsoben mnoha faktory. Kromě obecně známého stínění, tak například princip chemického posunu v závislosti na teplotě je zcela neobjasněný, přesto, že je měřitelný. Cílem práce je na základě molekulového modelování a kvantově-chemických výpočtů se pokusit odhalit fyzikálně-chemickou podstatu pozorovaných změn, a využít jich pro interpretaci změn v kovalentní i nekovalentní chemické struktuře studovaných molekul a jejich komplexů s molekulami rozpouštědla.
Theoretical design of nickel complexes for catalysis of cross-coupling reactions and study of their electronic structure
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Ing. Daniel Bím, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
The dissertation focuses on the theoretical study of nickel complexes useful in the catalysis of cross-coupling reactions. The aim of the project is to analyse the mechanisms of photochemical activation of these complexes by means of advanced quantum chemical calculations. The work focuses on key aspects such as characterization of the relaxation pathways of excited states, calculation of the dissociation energies of the bonds between the nickel center and the ligands, and investigation of the influence of the ligand field on the reactivity and stability of the reaction intermediates. Attention will be devoted to the comparison of different computational methods in order to accurately describe the electronic structure of nickel complexes. The results will contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of Nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and optimize the design of more efficient and selective catalysts.
Thermodynamic study of low environmental impact biofuels
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Květoslav Růžička, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
There is no doubt that dependence on fossil fuels must be reduced. Electromobility is touted as one of the ways to achieve such a reduction, but it is not capable of replacing combustion engines in the near future, for example in freight transport, let alone in countries with sparse populations and long transport distances. The focus of this thesis is on biofuels and synthetic fuels for diesel engines. It will focus on the replacement of the currently frequently used methyl esters of higher fatty acids (which are not very stable and may impose an increased burden on the engine) with more stable ethyl and butyl esters. In particular, however, it will be a study of the properties of new oxygenated fuels, leading to significant reductions in soot formation and NOx emissions. These fuels (polyethers) can already be prepared from biogas, bioethanol and biobutanol, but in the future also from synthesis gas obtained from captured airborne CO2 and hydrogen from water electrolysis (see eFuels pilot plant in Chile opened by Porsche in 2022). The lack of thermodynamic data is one of the obstacles to the wider use of these fuels.
Ultrafast reactions studied with X-ray spectroscopies
|
Study place:
|
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
|
|
Also available in study programmes:
|
Molecular chemical physics and sensorics (
in Czech language
),
Chemistry (
in English language
)
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Bc. Petr Slavíček, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Determining the age of various parts of the universe through the microwave spectroscopy
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Štěpán Urban, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Stáří různých částí vesmíru v časové škále od Velkého třesku (Big Bang) bude založeno na porovnávání relativních koncentrací izotopologů mezihvězdných molekul v různých částech vesmíru. Mezihvězdná mikrovlnná spektra budou přebírána z databázi mikrovlnných super teleskopů (např. ALMA). Práce bude probíhat ve spolupráci s Astronomickým ústavem AV ČR (prof. Palouš a další), kteří budou konzultovat kosmologické otázky projektu.
Apparatus and method development for oxidative labeling of biomolecules by singlet oxygen
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
Michael Volný, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Protein footprinting is a powerful tool for structural characterization of proteins and their complexes that examines conformational changes and ligand binding by determining the solvent accessibility of the backbone or side chain structures of proteins. By comparing the footprint of a protein in two different structural states, changes in the protein surface topography can be detected and interpreted in the context of other structural information. This dissertation thesis will be investigating new method that allows probing protein structure by exposing protein molecule to a singlet oxygen, a known reactive oxygen species. It is planned that singlet oxygen will be generated in-situ under controlled conditions using photodynamic effect. The protein modification by singlet oxygen will be used for protein structural elucidation. Experiments will be done using newly constructed apparatus, where singlet oxygen will be produced by eradiating and exciting a dissolved photosensitizer compound by a diode laser of a suitable wavelength. After a short interaction with the analyzed protein, the excess of singlet oxygen will be quenched by reactive agent such as methionine or sodium azide. The level of oxidation of different reactive sites on the protein will be investigated by bottom and top-down proteomics approaches. Based on the known literature reports, it is expected that aromatic amino acids as well as methionine and cysteine should undergo oxidation. From the difference in oxidation positions and intensity, the structural information will be determined, in a similar way as done when using established techniques such as hydrogen-deuterium exchange or protein covalent labeling. The method will be also used in a LC-MS/MS (SRM/MRM/PRM) assay with isotopically labeled internal standards to achieve absolute quantification of the oxidation level. The system will be tested using a battery of model proteins obtained from Biocev research center. An important part of the project is to develop automated workflow that will allow fast screening of different protein states. This will constitute an instrumentation part of the project, where automatic apparatus for the workflow will be built. The future graduate will get familiar with the modern mass spectrometry based proteomics (bottom-up and top-down), peptide quantification and protein structural elucidation.
Development and assembling of a high- resolution circular dichroisms spectrometer in the microwave region
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. RNDr. Štěpán Urban, CSc.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Techniky spektroskopie cirkulárního dichroismu (CD) jsou známé v IČ a UF/VIS oblasti, kde umožňují získávat zásadní poznatky na hranici chemie, biologie a molekulové kvantové mechaniky, všude tam, kde různé enantiomorfní formy molekul hrají zásadní roli. Mikrovlnná spektroskopie je z tohoto pohledu dosud celosvětově téměř netknutá, ačkoliv může přinést zcela průlomové poznatky v astrofyzice a v diagnostice různých forem života ve vesmíru a jeho Cílem dizertační práce je připravit technický návrh a zahájení stavby unikátního mikrovlnného CD spektrometru na VŠCHT. Práce bude konzultována s experty z elektro-fakult VUT Brno a ČVUT Praha. Přístroj tohoto typu dosud nebyl na světě postaven.
Development of bioinspired renewable, transparent and antibacterial electronic skin for sensitive tactile sensing
|
Study place:
|
Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Fatima Hassouna, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
Tactile sensing electronic skins (e-skins), designed to replicate the properties and functions of human skin, have emerged as a key technology for next-generation portable electronics. These e-skins, which offer enhanced flexibility and sensitivity, provide greater comfort for wearers while ensuring the accurate capture of sensing data. Additionally, the expanding use of wearable e-skins in applications such as touch-screen devices and electronic paper necessitates excellent optical transparency. However, beyond factors like comfort and transparency, the safety and health implications of electronic skins remain critical, yet often overlooked. Prolonged use of e-skins on the human body can lead to bacterial growth, causing skin inflammation and other health-related issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of flexible electronic skins with antibacterial properties to prevent bacterial growth and subsequent infections.Material renewability is another factor that has been scarcely investigated in the development of e-skins. Cellulose, an abundant biopolymer and virtually unlimited natural resource, has the potential to meet the growing demand for renewable materials. Cellulose can exist in various forms, such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF), which typically have diameters ranging from 50 to 60 nm. These fibers can be used to create nanostructured paper sheets, thin films, multifunctional nanocomposites, or transparent films. These materials offer several advantages, including low gas-barrier properties. The use of natural, biodegradable nano-biopolymers can also reduce toxicity and expand their range of applications.However, cellulose in its natural form lacks intrinsic antibacterial activity. Nonetheless, its abundance of functional groups allows for chemical modification, which can impart significant antimicrobial properties. These modifications can result in antibacterial materials with long-lasting, non-leaching antimicrobial effects, meaning bacteria must be in direct contact with the surface for the antimicrobial action to take place.Based on these considerations, the objective of this project is to design renewable, transparent, and antibacterial e-skins made from CNF that exhibit excellent flexibility and high sensitivity for tactile sensing applications.
Development of a colorimetric sensor for gamma radiation
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. RNDr. Ing. Pavel Řezanka, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Tato dizertační práce se zabývá vývojem inovativního kolorimetrického senzoru určeného pro detekci gama záření. Cílem práce je navrhnout a optimalizovat senzor, který umožní spolehlivé měření intenzity gama záření prostřednictvím změny barvy. Práce zahrnuje vývoj materiálů citlivých na gama záření, jejich charakterizaci, a také testování a kalibraci finálního senzoru v reálných podmínkách. Výsledky této práce mohou přispět k pokroku v oblasti radiační bezpečnosti, monitorování životního prostředí a lékařské diagnostiky.
Development of a methodology for monitoring radionuclides in the environment and modelling their migration
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
doc. RNDr. Ing. Pavel Řezanka, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Tato dizertační práce se zaměřuje na vývoj pokročilé metodologie pro sledování radionuklidů v životním prostředí a modelování jejich migrace. Cílem práce je vytvořit komplexní přístup, který zahrnuje identifikaci a kvantifikaci radionuklidů v různých složkách životního prostředí, jako jsou voda, půda a vzduch, a následné modelování jejich šíření. Práce zahrnuje optimalizaci analytických metod pro detekci radionuklidů a aplikaci numerických modelů pro predikci jejich pohybu v životním prostředí. Výsledky této práce mohou přispět k lepšímu porozumění environmentálním rizikům spojených s radionuklidy a k vývoji efektivních strategií pro jejich monitorování.
Development of vibrational and chiroptical spectroscopy methods for forensic applications
|
Study place:
|
Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
|
| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
|
| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Vladimír Setnička, Ph.D.
|
| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Zatímco metody vibrační spektroskopie (především infračervená absorpce a Ramanova spektroskopie) jsou ve forenzní praxi dlouho etablovány, v případě chiroptické spektroskopie (cirkulární dichroismus a Ramanova optická aktivita) tomu tak není, přitom může přinést velmi cenné poznatky v případě studia a identifikace chirálních látek. Předmětem práce proto bude vývoj metod zaměřených především na chiroptickou spektroskopii pro analýzu forenzně významných látek a přípravků ze záchytů, zejména psychoaktivních látek a drog (například kathinonů, kanabinoidů), růstových hormonů (především peptidů), derivátů testosteronu a padělků léčivých přípravků (například Avanafilu), které se na černém trhu stále objevují v nových chemických modifikacích. Předmětem práce bude nejen vlastní experimentální spektroskopická analýza, ale též interpretace spekter a studium struktury těchto látek, včetně určení absolutní konfigurace, pomocí metod výpočetní chemie. Práce bude realizována za podpory grantových projektů bezpečnostního výzkumu Ministerstva vnitra ČR.
Preparation of nanostructured catalytic materials for CO2 reduction
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Study place:
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Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
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Also available in study programmes:
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Chemistry (
in English language
)
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| Supervisor: |
RNDr. Vladislav Dřínek, CSc.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
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Other expected Forms of Study / Methods of Funding:
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Full-time / Scholarship + salary ( in study programme -
Chemistry (
in English language
) )
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Annotation
The economic and political pressure to replace fossil energy with solar and wind energy sources is increasing. Moreover, the surplus of instantaneous energy from these sources in the electricity grid makes it difficult to operate and sometimes directly threatens the electricity supply. Within our group, we have developed catalysts that are able to use instantaneous electric energy in electrochemical cells and CO2 produced during combustion as a carbon source. As a result, we will obtain simple C1-C6 hydrocarbons. The preparation of such an efficient catalyst depends on the choice of material and its morphology. The aim is therefore to prepare a catalyst with an elemental composition and a nanostructured profile to ensure that the final major product is a selected hydrocarbon such as methanol, ethanol, adipic acid, etc. Required education and skills
• Master degree in physics or chemistry;
• interest in experimental work;
• ability to master various analytical techniques (XPS, SEM/EDX, TGA, XRD, FTIR).
Development of new stationary phases for liquid chromatography
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Study place:
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Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
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| Supervisor: |
prof. Dr. RNDr. David Sýkora
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Stacionární fáze hrají v kapalinové chromatografii zásadní roli. Přestože jich je mnoho komerčně dostupných, stále trvá zájem o sorbenty s novými vlastnostmi. Práce bude zaměřena na vývoj sorbentů na bázi silikagelu modifikovaném vhodnými nabitými ligandy, kdy jejich imobilizace bude využívat elektrostatickou interakci.
Development of renewable conductive hydrogels for flexible energy storage systems
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Study place:
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Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics
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Also available in study programmes:
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Molecular chemical physics and sensorics (
in Czech language
)
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| Supervisor: |
doc. Mgr. Fatima Hassouna, Ph.D.
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| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
To power wearable electronic devices, diverse flexible energy storage systems have been developed to operate under consecutive bending, stretching, and even twisting conditions. While supercapacitors and batteries are deemed as the most promising energy/power sources for wearable electronics, ensuring their electrochemical sustainability and mechanical robustness is crucial. Electrically conductive renewable hydrogels, amalgamating the electrical properties of conductive materials with the unique features of renewable hydrogels, provide an ideal framework for designing and constructing flexible supercapacitors and batteries. This project will focus on the development of novel functional hydrogels from renewable sources with controllable size, composition, morphology, and interface properties. A fundamental understanding of the relationships between chemical composition, structure, interface properties, stress, electrical conductivity, and electrochemical properties of conductive hydrogels will be undertaken. The effective application of these conductive hydrogels in flexible energy storage systems will be assessed.
Development of ultra-fast sample analysis methods using LA-ICP-MS
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Study place:
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Department of Analytical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Analytical Chemistry
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| Supervisor: |
doc. Ing. Antonín Kaňa, Ph.D.
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Jednou z největších nevýhod analýzy vzorků technikou laserové ablace ve spojení s hmotnostní spektrometrií s indukčně vázaným plazmatem (LA-ICP-MS) je časová, a tím i finanční náročnost. V rámci dizertační práce bude vyvinuta metodika pro ultrarychlou analýzu vzorků s využitím pokročilých statistických modelů. Vyvíjená metodika bude zahrnovat celý proces analýzy, včetně kalibrace. Tato metodika bude součástí komplexní charakterizace biologických vzorků, která bude zahrnovat také rutinní stanovení celkového obsahu prvků a speciační analýzu.
Investigation of relaxation properties of amorphous solid drug forms using dielectric spectroscopy and calorimetry
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Study place:
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Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
Department of Physical Chemistry
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| Supervisor: |
prof. Ing. Michal Fulem, Ph.D.
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| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship + salary |
Annotation
This dissertation will investigate the structural relaxation properties and molecular mobility of amorphous drugs and their formulations, aiming to better understand the factors influencing their physical stability.
Investigation of electrolyte to metal phase transition in liquids
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Study place:
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J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS
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| Guaranteeing Departments: |
J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS
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Also available in study programmes:
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Chemistry (
in English language
)
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| Supervisor: |
Dr. Christian Schewe
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| Expected Form of Study: |
Full-time |
| Expected Method of Funding: |
Scholarship |
Annotation
Metal-insulator transitions (MIT) describe a phase-transition originating from quantum properties in a condensed matter system. Upon MIT, transport properties such as the electrical conductivity or the optical reflectivity change by orders of magnitude between values typical for metals or insulators. MIT in solid-state materials is well understood and enables for example to artificially tailor the conductivity of semiconductor materials by doping with impurity atoms which is industrially exploited in the production of micro-chips and micro-electronics – the building blocks of any digital technology. The offered PhD position is part of a project funded by the Czech Science Foundation with the major aim to understand how MIT in liquids takes place. We are looking for a candidate to conduct experiments using liquid-jet photo-electron spectroscopy to investigate electrolyte-to-liquid-metal transitions in solutions of liquid amonia or amine solutions as well as water. Our results will be combined with quantum chemical calculations of our collaboration partners to gain a detailed microscopic understanding of the MIT process. The broader scope of the project is bringing together the very powerful methods of solid-state physics (offering atomistic descriptions of insulators, semi-conductors and metals) and the concepts of electro-chemistry (describing conductivity of solutions).
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