| Ph.D. Students
Krakowiak Wiktoria M.Sc.
ORCID
Supervisor: Halina Lisowska Ph.D., Assoc. Prof.
Auxiliary Supervisor: Karolina Wójcik PhD (National Center for Nuclear Research, Świerk)
Research topic: CMy PhD thesis focuses on sensitizing resistant cancer cells (breast cancer cells mainly) to neutron radiation in case of BNCT method. Boron-Neutron Capture Therapy is a method which can be used as alternative way of cancer treatment to standard radiotherapy. However, it is not commonly used due to some obstacles as that BNCT cannot be used to treat every type of cancer because of toxic influence of boron compound on healthy cells around cancer cells area. To sensitize resistant cancer cells to neutron radiation, in research are going to be used gold nanoparticles in appropriate amount and with adequate size to type of cancer. It is essential to add boron compound (BSH or BPA) to cell culture because due to boron element whole reaction, which is going between boron and neutrons, is able to take place in cancer cells after irradiating these cells by neutrons. The main aim of whole research is to find alternative and more effective way of cancer therapy. What is more, this research enables to maximize the effect of cancer therapy by BNCT and use this method to treatment of other types of cancer than glioblastoma multiforme.
Methods: Clonogenic test, gamma-H2AX and 53BP1 foci analysis, apoptosis, cell cycle test, cytotoxic test (MTT test), ICP-MS (biodisitribution of gold nanoparticles and boron compound in cells)
Skrzyniarz Kinga M.Sc.
ORCID
Supervisor: Karol Ciepluch Ph.D., Assoc. Prof.
Research topic: My doctoral thesis focuses on the biophysical study of the mechanism of bacterial outer membrane permeabilization (OM) by cationic dendritic nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, PAMAM polyamidoamine dendrimers and carbosilicon dendrimers. The mechanism of membrane permeabilization will be investigated using liposomes as a model of the bacterial outer membrane (OM). In addition, this mechanism will also be tested on antibiotic-resistant strains of Pseudomonas bacteria. Investigating the above-mentioned effect will answer the question whether the permeabilization of the outer bacterial membrane by cationic nanoparticles will allow for the transport of peptidoglycan (PG) degrading antibacterial proteins. The results of these studies will contribute to the development of new alternatives to fight antibiotic resistance in drug-resistant bacteria.
Methods: fluorescence, FRET, UV-VIS absorbance, fluorescence microscopy, TEM
Stawiarz Magdalena M.Sc.
ORCID
Supervisor: Artur Kowalik Ph.D., Assoc. Prof.
Research topic: The subject of my research concerns the application of the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technique in research on the Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in the course of acute myeloid leukemia. MRD is characterized by the presence of a small number of neoplastic cells (during remission or treatment) leading to frequent relapses. This condition is difficult to diagnose using standard methods, while the use of NGS allows for the detection of changes with high sensitivity. The aim of my research is to fully understand the meaning of genetic diversity (mutations and variability of the expression level) associated with the discussed disease entity. This may contribute to the development of modern and personalized therapeutic methods as well facilitate diagnosis and monitoring of MRD.
Methods: NGS, PCR, RT-qPCR
Lasak Magdalena M.Sc.
ORCID
Supervisor: Karol Ciepluch Ph.D., Assoc. Prof.
Research topic: The aim of the study is to investigate a process called NanoEL. This is the effect of damaging the endothelial vessels under the influence of metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles can damage the endothelium by increasing the gaps between endothelial cells, the so-called Endothelial leakiness. This effect may be critical in the delivery of anti-cancer drugs. However, on the other hand, it can create gaps through which cancer cells can penetrate, which can result in metastasis. Therefore, the aim of the dissertation is to investigate the influence of gold, silver and iron nanoparticles on the induction of the NanoEL effect. Additionally, the influence of surface modification of the applied nanoparticles on the level of NanoEL induction will be investigated.
Methods: In vitro study, spectrofluorimetry, fluorescence microscopy, in vivo study
Lach Karolina M.Sc.
ORCID
Supervisor: Ciepluch Karol Ph.D., Assoc. Prof.
Auxiliary Supervisor: Łysek-Gładysińska Małgorzata Ph.D.
Research topic: The aim of this dissertation is to characterize metallodendrimers and their enhancing antibacterial properties of phage endolysin against Gram-negative bacteria. This characterization aims to study the effect of metallodendrimers as well as their complex with endolysin and select the most stable complex showing the best effect in terms of the intensity of permeabilization of the outer bacterial membrane on the liposome model, degradation processes of peptidoglycan and inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation. In the next part of the study, the cytotoxic properties of selected metallodendrimers and complex with endolysin will be investigated on in vitro culture of eukaryotic cells.
Methods: in vitro studies, spectrofluorimetry, fluorescence microscopy, TEM, SEM, flow cytometry |
