Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory
Team leader: dr hab. Maciej Mazur, prof. ucz.
Team leader’s e-mail address: mmazur@chem.uw.edu.pl
Brief description of the research topic:
The main research focus of the BioNanoLab group is the preparation and experimental characterization of nano- and microstructured systems composed from organic and inorganic materials, with an emphasis on their potential applications in various fields, including medical therapy and diagnostics. This includes, e.g., their use as drug carriers or contrast agents in medical imaging techniques. A wide range of experimental methods is employed for physicochemical characterization, including microscopic techniques (SEM/TEM, STM/AFM, confocal microscopy), spectroscopic methods (Raman and FTIR, UV-VIS absorption and emission, XPS), thermal analyses (TGA and DSC), electrochemical techniques (CV), and others.
Biological studies, both in vitro and in vivo, are conducted in collaboration with researchers from leading scientific institutions, including Prof. Katarzyna Wiktorska (SGGW), Dr. Małgorzata Milczarek and MSc Anna Pogorzelska (National Medicines Institute), Prof. Katarzyna Kaczyńska (Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, PAS), and Prof. Gabriela Olędzka (Medical University of Warsaw). The group also maintains close collaboration within the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Warsaw, especially with Prof. Maciej Chotkowski (use of radioisotopes), Dr. Anna Zawadzka, and Dr. Zuzanna Molęda (synthesis of new biologically active compounds).
Another area of research developed by the group involves the study of inorganic biogenic materials, such as coral skeletons, gastroliths, and otoliths, using spectroscopic (Raman, FTIR), microscopic (SEM, AFM), and thermal (TGA, DSC) methods. This topic stems from a long-lasting collaboration with Prof. Jarosław Stolarski from the Institute of Paleobiology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS).
The BioNanoLab group is also involved in research on radiotracers for myocardial perfusion assessment and coronary artery disease diagnostics (PhD student: MSc Karina Gotowicz; supervisors: M. Mazur, S. Krajewski – Synektik S.A.).
The PhD student Ewa Borowska (supervisors: M. Mazur, K. Palińska – University of Gdańsk) focuses on research of extremophilic microalgae. Recently, she has been involved in the Space Volcanic Algae project, which aims to study volcanic extremophilic microalgae in terms of their survival and adaptation in space conditions (experiments conducted as part of the Polish Mission at the International Space Station).