Our Projects
OPUS 30 (National Science Centre)
Title: Formulation, deposition, and detachment in one pot – an electrochemical approach to make hydrogels for microbiological applications (eGell4µBio)
Consortium Leader: Prof. Łukasz Półtorak (University of Lodz (PL))
Consortium Partner: Prof. Jacek Ryl, Dr. Tomasz Swebocki
Summary: The eGell4µBio project aims to develop new electrochemical strategies for the controlled deposition, shaping, structuring and detachment of hydrogel-based materials across scales ranging from micrometres to centimetres. By combining molecular and polymeric gelators, deep eutectic solvents, functional additives and advanced electrode architectures, the project explores hydrogels designed either to inhibit microbial growth through intrinsic or incorporated antimicrobial activity, or to support cell proliferation by acting as reservoirs for nutrients and other bioactive compounds. Particular emphasis is placed on electrochemically triggered hydrogel formation and release, low-cost and 3D-printed electrode platforms, controlled transport of antibiotics and nutrients, and understanding the relationships between processing conditions, hydrogel chemistry, structure and biological activity. Ultimately, eGell4µBio seeks to establish an electrochemically controlled platform for manufacturing precisely structured, bioactive hydrogels with programmable antimicrobial and cell-supporting functions.
Collaboration: CEA (FR)
OPUS-LAP 26 (National Science Centre)
Title: Additive manufacturing of a multiplexed impedimetric biosensing system: laser-boosted nanolithography for targeted bacteria detection
Project PI: Prof. Jacek Ryl
Summary:
Collaboration: University of Lodz (PL), CEA (FR)
SONATA 20 (National Science Centre)
Title:
Project PI: Dr. Marta Prześniak-Welenc
Summary:
Collaboration:
MINIATURA 9 (National Science Centre)
Title: Thermoresponsive natural hydrogels in water/deep eutectic solvent systems as carriers for controlled-release of the antibiotics
Project PI: Dr. Tomasz Swebocki
Summary: The aim of this project is to develop controlled antibiotic delivery systems using biohydrogels, employing deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Combining DESs with naturally occurring hydrogels aims to improve control over drug release, increase the effectiveness of treating bacterial infections, and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance while simultaneously ensuring sustainable development goals are met. This project aligns with one branch of the broader “One Health” policy, which focuses on combating the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance through the development of modern biomedical materials for treating wounds and infections.
Collaboration: University of Lodz (PL), CEA (FR)
DISPONIUM (Gdańsk University of Technology (IDUB))
Title: Investigation of Albumin Effects on the SERS Response of Doxorubicin at Gold-Modified Hierarchically Porous Carbon Electrodes
Project Beneficiary: Angelika Łepek
Summary: Doxorubicin (DOX) detection in biological samples is challenging due to its interactions with plasma proteins, particularly albumin. The project aims to investigate how albumin affects the SERS detection of DOX using gold-modified hierarchically porous carbon electrodes. It will also evaluate whether electrochemical polarization can reduce albumin-related signal suppression and enhance DOX detection.
Title: Semitransparent Titania-based Electrode Modified by Metal Sulfides for Effective Light Management
Project Beneficiary: Stefania Wolff
Summary: The research focuses on the design and characterization of nanostructured semiconductor materials, primarily based on TiO2 nanotubes modified with WS2, Pd, and SnO2. The aim of this research is to develop semitransparent electrodes with controlled optical properties and improved light-management efficiency through the use of appropriately selected surface modifications.
Title: Bioplasticised Conductive Composites for 3D-Printed Electrochemical Sensors
Project Beneficiary: Gilvana P. Siqueira
Summary: Development of new conductive filament composites based on environmentally friendly materials, particularly conductive fillers derived from organic waste, bio-based plasticizers from vegetable oils, and innovative surface modification techniques such as plasma activation. These materials will be used in the fabrication of 3D-printed electrodes for electroanalytical applications focused on monitoring environmental contaminants.
Title: Multifunctional Hydrogel-Bioactive Glass Composites for Soft Tissue Regeneration
Project Beneficiary: Zuzanna Milewczyk
Summary: The project focuses on developing multifunctional hydrogel composites based on chitosan and oxidized dextran, incorporating bioactive glasses with tailored compositions and ion-release profiles. The hydrogel provides a soft and hydrated matrix with properties suitable for soft tissue applications, while the bioactive glass gradually releases therapeutic ions that may support regenerative processes and contribute to the functional properties of the composite. By combining these complementary features, the project aims to develop materials with tailored physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties for soft tissue regeneration.
Title: Resolving Dynamic Impedimetric Signatures of Interfacial Evolution in Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Sensors
Project Beneficiary: Zofia Jeleniewska
Summary: Electrochemical biosensors can detect molecular interactions by translating changes at an electrode surface into measurable electrical signals. This project explores the use of Dynamic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (DEIS) to monitor changes occurring at the electrode and receptor layer interface in electrochemical aptamer sensors. By tracking the impedance response in real time under controlled perturbations, the study aims to better understand how changes in receptor layer structure, stability, and functionality translate into the electrochemical signal, providing a basis for more detailed characterization of dynamic biointerfaces.
RADIUM (Gdańsk Univeristy of Technology (IDUB))
Title: Metastable Eutectogels as Intelligent Platforms for Controlled Release of Active Substances
Project PI: Dr. Tomasz Swebocki
Project Beneficiary: Ms. Karolina Rojek
Summary: The project aims to develop innovative eutectogel-based drug delivery systems for the controlled release of active pharmaceutical substances. The work will focus on the formulation and characterization of eutectogels, followed by validation of drug transport and release properties. Their biological performance will also be evaluated through antimicrobial activity studies, assessing their potential as multifunctional platforms for controlled drug delivery and infection management.
NOBELIUM (Gdańsk Univeristy of Technology (IDUB))
Title: Hairy Solutions for “Micro” Problems – Polymer-Modified High-Exposure Antimicrobial Surfaces as a Neoteric Approach in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance
Project beneficiary: Dr. Tomasz Swebocki
Summary: The project aims to develop High-Exposure Antimicrobial Surfaces (HEASs) that prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation through tailored surface chemistry and nanostructure. By combining conductive, high-surface-area materials such as glassy carbon and laser-induced graphene with selective antibacterial agents, the surfaces will actively resist fouling and enable real-time electrochemical monitoring of microbial activity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy will be used to track bacterial attachment and biofilm development, while microbiological tests will validate antimicrobial efficiency. The resulting materials are expected to show long-term stability, self-cleaning behavior, and selective bacterial inhibition, offering a sustainable route to reduce infections and combat antimicrobial resistance in biomedical and environmental settings.
Collaboration: University of Gdańsk (PL), Univeristy of Lodz (PL)
MINIATURA 7 (National Science Centre)
Title: Bioactivity design of the next generation of 3D printed glasses and glass composites
Project PI: Prof. Natalia Wójcik
Summary: The aim of the project was to design new compositions of bioactive glasses and glass-ceramic composites manufactured using 3D printing technology. Glass materials based on borates and phosphates had strong potential to compete with commonly used silicate-based biomaterials. Potassium, magnesium, zirconium, zinc, silver, and niobium were additionally introduced into materials containing significant amounts of calcium and sodium in order to tailor their in vitro dissolution process and improve their thermal stability and mechanical properties. Furthermore, a controlled nano- and micro-crystallization process of the parent glass was carried out to significantly influence the dissolution rate. The objective of this project was to select the most promising compositions and to use 3D printing technology to prepare scaffolds suitable for further biological testing.
ARGENTUM (Gdańsk Univeristy of Technology (IDUB))
Title: Niobium and nitrogen containing bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics for bone-implant applications
Project PI: Prof. Natalia Wójcik
Summary: The aim of this project was to develop novel and innovative compositions of bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics containing niobium and nitrogen, which would be competitive with commonly used biomaterials. The novel materials comprised phosphorus and calcium, which are the main building elements of bones. Additionally, sodium, an important element for the water-mineral balance in the human body, and magnesium, which also naturally occurs in the human body, were added to the glass network. Non-toxic niobium and nitrogen were incorporated to improve the stability and chemical durability of the materials. The objective of this work was also to characterize the fundamental as well as the critical biological properties of these materials. Moreover, the feasibility of these materials for potential bone replacement applications was validated.
