TSSP NatSci 2024 projects
The main component of the summer program is an active participation in the selected research projects offered by the staff members of the Nicolaus Copernicus University from Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, and Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, please see the topics and their descriptions below. Interested students are welcome to contact possible advisors for more details concerning the foreseen projects and discuss the dates that the project could be undertaken.
Innovative Membrane Materials: Overcoming Wetting Challenges in Harsh Environments for Membrane Distillation
Research objectives:
The overarching goal of the work is to generate membranes with unique 3D morphology that are resistant to harsh conditions MD (high salinity feed with low surface tension additive) to produce pure water. Moreover, the membrane characterization with various analytical methods is foreseen. Finally, the correlation between the membrane features and efficiency in the MD desalination is foreseen.
Research tasks:
- Polymeric membrane formation and modification (one type of chemical modification);
- Characterization of material and physicochemical (wettability, surface charge, morphology) features of the membranes;
- Membrane application in the membrane distillation process (transport and separation features studies). Transport features – feed: DI water, Separation features – feed: NaCl solution from 0.5M - 4M plus the addition of surfactant - sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) up to 0.3mM
| Supervisors: | prof. Joanna Kujawa (joanna.kujawa[at]umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Chemistry |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Green energy harvest: microalgae and plants as biofuel titans – exploring the potential through biochemical and biotechnological approaches
Research objectives:
- characterization and optimization of microalgae and plants lipid content and composition,
- exploring genetic modifications for enhanced oil yields.
The project seeks to contribute insights for advancing eco-friendly biofuel technologies.
Research tasks:
- analyzing lipid profiles using advanced techniques (gas chromatography),
- characterizing lipid metabolism in microalgal and plant cells at cellular level by using confocal microscopy,
- implementing genetic modifications to boost lipid synthesis pathways,
- assessing the environmental sustainability of the developed biofuel production processes
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Biopolymer films for potential medical and cosmetic applications
Research objectives:
- Fabrication of biopolymer-based films with good mechanical properties for cosmetic applications as a beauty mask.
- Fabrication of biopolymer-based films with good swelling properties for cosmetic medical applications as a wound dressing.
- Chemical and physical crosslinking to improve the physicochemical properties of biopolymer-based films.
Research tasks:
- Preparation of biopolymer solutions
- Biopolymer films fabrication
- Spectroscopic investigations
- Mechanical properties tests
- Swelling tests
- The crosslinking using chemical and physical crosslinking agents
| Supervisor: | prof. Alina Sionkowska (as[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Chemistry |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Characterization of various fillers for mixed matrix membranes
Research objectives:
The research goals are related with the evaluation of the various materials chich are used as fillers for the dense membranes (Mixed Matrix Membranes) which could be used in gas separation, pervaporation, or nanofiltration. The following materials will be evaluated in detail: carbon based nanomaterials (graphene, graphene oxide); chosen metal organic framework materials (pristine and modified); zeolites (with different Si/Al ratio).
The most promising materials will be further used for the preparation and characterization of dense membranes
Research tasks:
- physiochemical characterization of the chosen nanomaterials:
- size and size distribution of the nanoparticles (DLS);
- determination of zeta potential;
- BET isotherm;
- equilibrium sorption of water vapors (IGA Sorp equipment);
- preparation and characterization of mixed matrix membranes containing the characterized nanomaterials (SEM, AFM, Contact Angle, zeta potential)
- transport and separation properties of chosen membranes in separation of water-ethanol mixture (pervaporation) or gas separation (nitrogen, carbon dioxide).
| Supervisor: | prof. Wojciech Kujawski (kujawski[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Chemistry |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Microplastic contamination in soils of urban traffic areas
Research objectives:
This study aims to qualitatively analyse microplastics in soils of traffic areas of selected European cities
Research tasks:
The research is part of an international cooperation project. Analyses will be performed in previously sampled soil materials subjected to density separation of microplastics. The laboratory tests include MPs quantification, and identification using stereoscopic microscopy analysis and Fourier infrared spectrometry (FT-IR).
Finally, the compilation of the results and their comparative analysis concerning literature will be done - a joint publication is planned.
| Supervisors: | prof. Piotr Hulisz (ailnicka[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| | prof. Przemysław Charzyński (pecha[at]umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Earth and Environmental Sciences |
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Oleogels as a modern form of cosmetics
Research objectives:
The aim of this work will be to develop an oleogel for use on the skin. The main task will be to select an appropriate lipophilic gelator to obtain an oleogel based on the vegetable oil with the appropriate consistency and spreadability, gentle for the skin, and providing a good moisturizing effect.
Research tasks:
- Selection of a lipophilic gelling agent and its concentration for the selected vegetable oil.
- Development of a method for obtaining oleogel - temperature and mixing parameters selection.
- Testing the viscoelastic properties of the obtained oleogel - viscosity, spreadability.
- Testing the sensory properties of the obtained oleogel.
- Testing the effect of oleogel on the skin - the degree of skin hydration and TEWL after using the oleogel.
- Analysis of the results and formulation of conclusions
| Supervisor: | dr Joanna Skopińska-Wiśniewska (joanna[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Chemistry |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Preparation of konjac glucomannan-based hydrogel composite with phytic acid addition
Research objectives:
The main objectives of the project include:
- formation of new polymeric films based on konjac glucomannan with the addition of phytic acid;
- the study of physicochemical properties of the obtained materials;
- the investigation of the antioxidant activity of the obtained materials;
- the determination of the shelf life of the obtained films.
Research tasks:
Task 1: Discussing the scope of the project, focusing on the obtainment of thin films based on konjac glucomannan and phytic acid. Study the cross-linking process using FTIR spectra.
Task 2: Determining the mechanical properties, surface free energy, and color of the films.
Task 3: Conducting a study on the antioxidant properties of the obtained materials using the DPPH method.
Task 4: Analysing and discussing the obtained results, formulating conclusions, and outlining future perspectives.
| Supervisor: | dr Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska (beata.kaczmarek[at]umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Chemistry |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Modern Carbon Capture and Use (CCU) solutions for fuel synthesis
Research objectives:
- Development of wastes utilization technology.
- Understanding the mechanisms of the methanation process with the use of Ni, Mn and Co catalysts.
- Understanding the parameters affecting COx methanation.
Research tasks:
- synthesis and physicochemical properties determination of dual-function-catalytic systems; the systems based on metal (Ni, Co) active phase composite with solid matrix will be determine.
- catalytic activity studies, the effect of temperature,
- identification of the surface intermediate products (in-situ FTIR)
| Supervisor: | prof. Marek Wiśniewski (marekw[at]umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Chemistry |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Efficient hybrid catalyst from waste coffee grounds for green hydrogen production
Research objectives:
The main objective of the project is to obtain effective catalysts for water splitting. The catalysts most promising from the point of view of water splitting will be described in detail based on analyses. The results of physiochemical analyses will be integrated with the samples’ electrochemical properties their effectiveness in the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction.
Research tasks:
- Preparation of carbon materials from waste coffee grounds.
- Characterization of obtained materials by SEM, SEM-EDX, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), sorption of nitrogen, and Raman spectroscopy analysis.
- Electrochemical characterization: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
| Supervisor: | prof. Anna Ilnicka (ailnicka[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Chemistry |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Insect nervous system responses to TRP ligands: exploring electrophysiological patterns
Research objectives:
- electrophysiological characterization of TRP-ligand induced responses in dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons
- analysis of the changes in spontaneous activity of DUM neurons and calcium currents after treatment with TRP ligands
- determining the effect of TRP gene silencing method on nervous activity in the American cockroach
Research tasks:
- isolation of dorsal unpaired median neurons from American cockroach
- recording and analysis of spontaneous action potentials in DUM neurons
- recording and analysis of calcium currents in DUM neurons
- assessment of the effect of TRP receptor ligands on activity of DUM neurons
- use of RNA interference method to silence selected TRP gene
- analysis of DUM neurons response in insects with silenced TRP receptor
| Supervisor: | prof. Justyna Maliszewska (ojustyna[at]umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Biological Sciences |
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Influence of low doses of antimicrobials on chicken CYP enzymatic activity
Research objectives:
The aim of the project is to describe the influence of low doses of antimicrobials on chicken CYP enzymatic activity using ex-vivo approach. This will allow to identify the potential for pharmacokinetic interactions.
Research tasks:
- Optimization of the protocol for isolation of liver and intestine S9 fraction
- Verification of activity of different CYP isoforms using specific substrates/ product combinations determined using LC-MS/MS method
- Comparison of CYP activities in commercially available human and chicken S9 fractions, as well as S9 fractions isolated from chickens exposed to antimicrobials
| Supervisor: | prof. Małgorzata Olejnik (molejnik[at]umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Veterinary Sciences |
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Emulgels as promising carrier systems for cosmetic applications
Research objectives:
The project's main goal is to obtain an emulgel containing selected plant active substances for cosmetic applications. The aim is to prepare a very effective cosmetic, which, thanks to the innovative form of the product as well as the ingredients used, will increase the penetration of active ingredients through the skin.
Research tasks:
- Optimization of the emulgel composition (selecting appropriate emulsifiers, polymers, preservatives).
- Selecting active plant ingredients for the cosmetic preparation.
- Preparation of the emulgel containing the selected active ingredient.
- Assessment of physicochemical properties of the emulgel (such as pH, viscosity, and stability).
- Assessment of the cosmetic effectiveness of the emulgel using equipment to measure skin parameters such as hydration, lubrication, color, and elasticity.
| Supervisor: | prof. Justyna Kozłowska (justynak[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Chemistry |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Temporal and spatial land-use/cover changes of Tuchola Forest Biosphere Reserve
Research objectives:
The main research objective of the project is to determine the direction of changes in the landscape structure of the Tuchola Forest Biosphere Reserve by comparing the land cover / use over time. A feature of the landscape analyzed in the project is its mosaicism, which means diversity or heterogeneity.
Research tasks:
The project will be implemented with the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and typical tools used in landscape ecology.
The main research tasks are the analysis of the five-period Corine Land Cover spatial database (1990, 2000, 2006, 2012 and 2018) and the Landsat and Sentinel satellite data. Based on the collected data, selected landscape indices will be calculated.
| Supervisor: | prof. Mieczysław Kunz (met[at]umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Earth Sciences |
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Hemostatic agent based on chemically modified diatom biosilica for wound healing
Research objectives:
Development of new natural biocompatibility composite with multiple hemostatic properties derived from diatom biosilica and alkylated chitosan.
Research tasks:
- Synthesis of hemostatic composite based diatom biosilica (obtained from diatom culture) functionalized with alkylated chitosan under environmentally friendly process
- Investigation of the physicochemical properties of the obtained composites using various instrumental methods
- In Vitro hemolysis tests. In Vitro blood clotting evaluation. Cytotoxicity evaluation.
| Supervisor: | prof. Miroslav Spryskyy (mspryn[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Chemistry |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Assessment of quantitative and qualitative resources of small water reservoirs on the example of the city of Toruń in the light of climate change
Research objectives:
- determination of the capacity of water reservoirs and their changes as a result of changing meteorological conditions
- determination of physicochemical parameters of water in water reservoirs
Research tasks:
- conducting soundings of water reservoirs and drawing up bathymetric plans
- field measurements: water temperature, pH and conductivity in water reservoirs
- water sampling from water reservoirs for the needs of physicochemical analyzes
- conducting physicochemical analyzes of water in the laboratory
- compilation of results
| Supervisor: | prof. Katarzyna Kubiak-Wójcicka (kubiak[at]umk.pl) |
| | Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management |
| Internship period: | 01.07 - 28.07.2024 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Earth Sciences |
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