Topic details

Topic	Advanced Functional Polyelectrolyte Films for Antibacterial Applications
Supervisor	Dana Kubies, PhD
Consultant	MSc Monika Matiyani, PhD
Department	Chemistry and Physics of Surfaces and Biointerfaces
Description	Antibacterial surfaces are increasingly important for reducing microbial contamination and infection risks in healthcare, food processing, and related industries. With the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance and persistent surface contamination, there is a strong demand for durable, biocompatible, and environmentally safe antibacterial coatings. Current technologies include passive surfaces that prevent adhesion and active surfaces that kill microbes on contact, though achieving long-lasting, biocompatible, and environmentally safe performance remains a challenge. This PhD project focuses on the development of advanced polycation-based polyelectrolyte antibacterial surfaces using the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique, which enables precise control over film thickness, composition, and functionality. The project will investigate various types of positive charges in polycation layers and their influence on film structure, stability, and antibacterial performance. In addition, the integration of biologically active agents such as enzymes and antimicrobial peptides into LbL films will be explore to create the coatings with long-term, synergistic anti-adhesive and active antibacterial functionality.
Universities	Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague Faculty of Science, Charles University Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague