Title: Nano-structured multicomponent plasma polymers for controlled immobilization of biomolecules Author: Iurii Melnichuk Department / Institute: Department of Macromolecular Physics/Charles University Supervisor of the doctoral thesis: Doc. Ing. Andrey Shukurov, Ph.D. Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to highlight the feasibility of tailored nano- structures in functionalizing surfaces for biointerfacial interactions. Development of new techniques for the production of nanoscaled biomaterials can be of use in a variety of medical and biological applications, e.g. biosensors, microarrays, drug sensors, implants, blood-contacting devices. This thesis first examines the early stages of nano-structured thin film growth fabricated by vapor phase deposition of poly(ethylene). We discuss island growth within a framework of rate equation theory, dynamic scaling theory and capture zone distribution. In a second stage, we test dielectric barrier discharge to activate PE nano-pattern for covalent immobilization of proteins. Finally, we assess cell behavior on surfaces in dependence on morphology and the presence of cell adhesive protein tropoelastin. We employ plasma polymerization to produce ultrathin hydrocarbon layer capable of protein anchoring. The thesis findings for the first time manifest the critical...

Magneticky řízené samo-uspořádávání v polymerních nanokompozitech je studováno v této dizertační práci. Strukturování polymerních nanokompozitů pomocí relativně slabých magnetických polí (B=0-50 mT) bylo prokázáno jako praktická metoda pro kontrolu jejích nano a mikrostruktury. Vliv intenzity magnetického pole, množství nanočástic, viskozity a času uspořádávání na výslednou strukturu byl studován v různých systémech jako fotopolymer, polyuretan nebo koloidně dispergované nanočástice v acetonu s malým množstvím rozpuštěného polymeru. Samo-uspořádané struktury – bez aplikace vnějšího magnetického pole vykazují vícekrokovou agregaci nanočástic do uskupení s komplexním tvarem. Magnetické interakce byly označené jako odpovědné za agregaci nanočástic v samo-uspořádaných systémech pomocí výpočtů energii mezi-částicových interakcí. S rostoucím magnetickým polem, magnetické nanočástice jsou rychle uspořádané do jednorozměrných částicových řetězů s vysokým aspektním poměrem a homogenní orientaci v polymerní matrici. S prodluženým časem uspořádaní, tyto struktury postupně rostou z malých submikrometrových struktur do velkých mikroskopických super struktur. Táto metoda vykazuje velký potenciál pro kontrolovanou přípravu široké škály struktur v polymerních nanokompozitech vhodných pro technologické aplikace a také pro fundamentální studie. Magneticky uspořádané polymerní nanokompozity vykazují značnou směrovou anisotropii tuhosti kompozitu nad jeho skelným přechodem přičemž, pod skelným přechodem systému není pozorován žádný efekt. Podélně orientované struktury vykazují větší příspěvek k tuhosti kompozitů. Efektivnost vyztužení vykazuje teplotně závislý průběh a maximum je pozorováno přibližně 60 °C nad skelným přechodem. Struktura magneticky uspořádaného polymerního nanokompozitu byla popsána vícero-úrovňovým hierarchickým modelem materiálu. Mikromechanika byla využitá k popisu směrově závislého vyztužení polymerních nanokompozitů a k popisu teplotně závislé tuhosti hybridních struktur složených z nanočástic a polymeru. Schopnost nést napětí, deformovat se a nenulová tuhost hybridních struktur je odpovědná za vyztužení polymerních nanokompozitů. Přítomnost polymerních přemostění mezi nanočásticemi, které přenášejí napěti skrze magnetické struktury je označená jako nezbytná pro mechanickou odezvu polymerních nanokompozitů a pro tuhost hybridních struktur.

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.

Title: Falls in the eldery Objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis is to analyze and classify knowlage about falls in the eldery during usual daily activities with focus on prevencion and detection of falls by useing wearable and non wearable systems for detecting falls in the eldery. Methods: This diploma thesis is wrote with the metod of literary research through professional literature, books and articles in both Czech and English was used in the work. To meet the objectives that have been provided were selected examples that helped analyze and clarify the issue of falls in eldery. Results: The sources of professional literature have shown that the falls in the eldery are very serious issue of society. At the same time, it is important to be aware of their possible health and economic impacts, as well as how to prevent them. The correct use of fixation shoes has been shown to reduce the risk of fall. Many fall detection devices are able to call for timely help. Last but not least, knowlage of this issue could help to improve and innovate the fall detecion and prevention systems. Keywords: falls in eldery, senior immobilization, biomechanics of falls, detection and prevention of senior falls, osteoporosis, senior bone aging, senior cartilage aging, biomechanics of senior walking, walking...