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Dr. Miroslav Šlouf
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SEM Microscopy of Polymer Systems in the Solid State
The training will briefly review basics of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microanalysis (EDX). In the second part, the elements of processing of SEM micrographs (adjusting contrast, inserting scale, measuring object sizes) and EDX spectra (qualitative and quantitative analysis) will be shown. In the last and the main part of the training, the participants will see how to work with the simplest SEM microscope of the Institute in two simplest modes: secondary electron imaging (SE imaging) and backscattered electron imaging (BSE imaging). For more interested participants, it will be possible to pass more intensive training after which they will be able to visualize their samples themselves (with the support and guidance of the staff of the Department of Polymer Morphology).
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Dr. Jiří Brus
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Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Polymers
Demonstration of experiments in the laboratory of NMR solid state spectroscopy.
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Dr. Ivana Šeděnková
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Modern Methods in Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy
The workshop on vibrational spectroscopy is focused on the practical aspects of the particular techniques. The suitable methods of FTIR and/or Raman spectroscopy will be discussed for various types of samples (powders, films, bulk samples, melts, solutions, etc.) together with the sample preparation and limitation of the methods. Illustration of the spectra interpretation and data evaluation will be presented and the possible outputs of the vibrational spectroscopy measurements will be reflected. After the workshop, participants should be able to comprehend the range of potential techniques of vibrational spectroscopy and understand the requirements on the sample preparation.
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Dr. Sviatoslav Hladysh
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Biomaterial Surface Properties: Wettability, Contact angle, Surface Energy
The workshop is focused on thermodynamic characterization of polymer surfaces, mainly for the applications in the area of tissue engineering, using contact angle measurement. Besides theoretical background of surface energy, the Young equation, wettability and relevant phenomenon will be discussed. Furthermore, the Sessile drop method for contact angle measurement will be demonstrated on the surfaces coated by biocompatible polymers. The results will be compared with respect to the character of the analyzed surface.
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Dr. Krysztof Tadyszak
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Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
The workshop consists of practical demonstration of the selected ESR samples in the laboratory.
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Dr. Eduard Brynda
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Interfaces Between Biological and Synthetic Entities
The integration of biological and non-biological systems is one of the most urgent tasks for the contemporary research. The lecture is focused on processes taking place at surface of an artificial object that contacts a biological medium. The contact starts always with adsorption of biological macromolecules, mainly proteins, from aqueous phase contained in the medium onto the surface. Subsequent biological processes are affected by the adsorbed protein assembly. Hence the introductory part of the lecture deals with non-covalent bonds, such as hydrobhobic and coulombic interactions and hydrogen bonds, which maintain 3-dimensional structure of protein molecules and mediate their interactions with other biological entities or adsorption onto synthetic objects. The adsorption from blood plasma and interactions of synthetic surfaces with blood, cells and tissues are further described. The second part of the lecture deals with surface modifications which can provide requested biological activities to synthetic surfaces operating in biological media. A potential strategy consists in coating the surface by anti-fouling polymer brushes to which suitable bioactive elements are covalently attached. Currently only brushes of poly(carboxybetaine acrylate) or poly((hydroxypropyl methacrylamide-co-carboxybetaine methacrylamide) can provide bioactive surfaces totally resistant to blood plasma, serum, and other body fluids. Biosensor capable of in real time analysis of clinical plasma and serum samples have been developed using these brushes. Similar strategy is applied to prepare scaffolds for tissue engineering. Bioactive elements interacting with targeted cells are attached to an artificial scaffold the shape, structure, and mechanical properties of which fit the replaced damaged tissue or organ. Heparin and specific growth factors have been attached to cardiovascular implants coated with artificial fibrin meshes so that their hemocompatibity and growth of vascular endothelium on their surfaces could be enhanced.
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