This thesis is a biosystematic study focusing on the taxonomy and variability of selected taxa of the genus Sorbus, one of the most diverse and taxonomically complicated plant groups in Europe. Classical and modern biosystematic methods - comparative study, chromosome counting, analysis of nuclear microsatellite markers, flow cytometry, and traditional multivariate and outline morphometric analyses were used to assess the morphological, karyological and genetic variability of the genus. The final synthesis of these approaches led to the description of several new taxa (species, hybrids and a subgenus) and the correction of several taxonomic misinterpretations. To reveal ongoing evolutionary processes responsible for the generation of the observed variability, the reproductive modes of 42 Sorbus taxa were examined using flow-cytometric seed and pollen screens. Apart from revealing major trends, the study estimates the frequency of rare events and provides several novel conclusions that are relevant both specifically to Sorbus/Rosaceae and to apomixis in general.

Lyme borreliosis is a multisystemic disease affecting skin, joints, heart and central nervous system. The disease is caused by spirochetes of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. These bacteria are spread by ticks of Ixodes genus. In 2016 there were almost 4,000 newly infected individuals reported in the Czech Republic. Contemporary serological diagnostics of Lyme borreliosis is not sensitive nor specific enough and does not even correlate with the pathology of the disease in the early or late phases. For the correct diagnosis of the disease it is necessary to detect the pathogen and its genotype. For this reason we had aimed at two goals. Through the digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) method we detected Borrelia-specific DNA and its genotype. The detection limit of borrelial DNA was set on gDNA samples isolated from the tick. Detection threshold for the initial amount of 1 ng of tick gDNA is at the range of 10-17 g of specific borrelial DNA. Borrelia spp. coinfection was detected in 5 out of 12 tested samples. The most frequent type was B. garinii which was detected in 5 samples. On the basis of published sequences for virulent factors we have designed specific primers in conserved regions of the genes flanking their variable segments to be PCR amplified. Gene variability will be monitored through...

The presented doctoral thesis is focused on preparation, characterization and application of organic micro- and nanoparticles as transport systems for active components and some their complex natural sources. Active component were packed into liposomes and polysaccharide particles. As active components were used caffeine, some drugs – clotrimazole and ibuprofen, further antioxidants and vitamins. Antimicrobial herbs and spices extract, antimicrobial peptides lysozyme, nisin and other antimicrobial ingredients were encapsulated too. Encapsulation of selected hydrolytic enzymes was tested, too. Particles were also used for encapsulation of probiotic strains Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus acidophilus and prebiotic components. These prebiotics were co-encapsulated into capsules with probiotic cells. Natural extracts were encapsulated e.g. extracts of guarana, ginseng, goji, green barley, propolis, black, green and white tea, coffee, fruit and vegetable extracts. The efficiency of encapsulation was determined by HPLC/PDA and by spectrophotometry. Long-term stability of particles and amount of released component in model/real foods, in model cosmetic conditions and in a model physiological environment were monitored too. Size of prepared liposomes and polysaccharide particles was determined by dynamic light scattering and by light microscopy and electron microscopy, respectively. Stability of the particles was measured using a zeta potential. Also, analytical centrifugation was used to measurement of sedimentation velocity and stability of the prepared particles. The antimicrobial activity were tested using two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus), two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens) bacteria and one fungal strains (Candida glabrata). For determining the antimicrobial properties of active component and prepared particles two the most widely used methods were used - agar diffusion method and broth dilution method. The viability of probiotic strains were performed using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Encapsulation of active component was successful in all types of particles. Liposome showed a very good long-term stability mainly in water conditions with neutral pH and polysaccharide particles were stable in acidic conditions. Prepared particles showed a very good stability in model stomach environment, while in model intestines environments particles were disintegrated and active component were released. Prepared particles with encapsulated caffeine as well as other tested antioxidants and vitamins could be used to modern types of energy drinks, food supplements and also for some cosmetics applications. Encapsulated antimicrobial components could be used for food application as well as for cosmetics and pharmaceutical application like antimicrobial wound formulation. Encapsulated enzymes can be used for controlled release of proteases in wound healing, as delivery systems in digestive tract and as a part of pharmaceutical preparative and food supplements for enzyme therapy. The study revealed that encapsulation of probiotics and also co-encapsulation of probiotics with prebiotics exhibited longer stability of particles and survival bacterial cells. So, prepared particles are suitable for use to food product with beneficial effects on the human body.

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