|
Biotechnology of Pharmaceuticals
Doctoral Programme,
Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
The aim of the Ph.D. programme in Biotechnology of Pharmaceuticals is to prepare highly qualified graduates with profound theoretical and practical knowledge for independent creative work, especially in scientific institutions and universities with a scientific focus and for leading positions in research and development groups of industrial companies with a business focus on biotechnological processes, production of pharmaceuticals and medicine products, and ensuring their safety and quality. The course of study provides sufficient scope for the study of advanced forms of biological, analytical, statistical, engineering, and technological disciplines and their application in experimental work, which is a core part of the study programme. The study programme also aims to prepare the graduate for international collaboration, which is provided through study abroad and presentations at international conferences. The concept of the study programme requires mastery of independent scientific work, development of creative skills and own inventiveness, and a high level of critical thinking. The teamwork skills necessary in contemporary scientific research are developed as well as the necessary "soft skills". CareersGraduates of the study programme will be broadly educated professionals in biological, bioengineering, analytical, and technological disciplines, which will enable them to find employment, including leadership positions, both in academia and in the application sphere, in research and development groups of research institutes, universities, and industrial organizations dedicated to biotechnological processes (development, management, control) leading to the production of drugs and pharmaceuticals. The educational profile of the graduate will also enable employment in bioanalytical laboratories, control organizations, relevant areas of government administration, etc. Graduates will be equipped with all the knowledge and skills necessary to operate in an international environment. Graduates will gain extensive experience in the preparation and management of scientific research projects, in the critical analysis and interpretation of results, and will be able to present their results and knowledge in the form of lectures and scientific publications. Ph.D. topics for study year 2024/25Activation of biosynthetic pathways in actinomycetes for new bioactive metabolite discoveries
AnnotationActinomycetes, known for their production of bioactive metabolites such as antibiotics, anticancer agents, and immunosuppressants, were thought to be an exhausted resource due to the frequent rediscovery of known compounds. That this is not the case has been revealed through advanced sequencing techniques that have identified the potential of actinomycetes for new compounds at the genome level. The challenge is that many compound-producing biosynthetic pathways in actinomycetes are inactive under standard lab conditions. In this project, we will focus on our unique collection of actinomycetes from different parts of the world. Through genome sequencing of these strains, we have identified gene clusters encoding biosynthesis of metabolites with unusual structural motifs. Our goal is to employ modern methods to activate these pathways and characterize the produced compounds structurally and functionally. Optionally, we will focus on how the compounds are formed by studying key enzymes involved their biosynthesis. To accomplish this, we will employ a multidisciplinary approach that includes culturing bacteria, DNA editing, heterologous expression, bioinformatics, LC-MS with state-of-the-art instrumentation, and bioactivity testing against a panel of clinically relevant pathogens.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Biotechnology, FFBT, VŠCHT Praha
Biological activity of nanoparticles prepared by "green technologies"
AnnotationThe proven antimicrobial effects of metal nanoparticles as a result of their unique properties have ensured a rapid increase in commercial applications. Natural forms of nanoparticles are produced by many different biotic and abiotic mechanisms. Biotechnological approaches using microbial cells/lysates or plant tissues and extracts, among others, are currently of interest, especially given the fact that this approach allows modifications in the size and shape of the nanoparticles produced and provides opportunities for targeted surface modification (functionalization). An integral part of the work will be the characterization of the chemical and biochemical properties with emphasis on the biological activity of the prepared nanoparticles.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Biotechnology, FFBT, VŠCHT Praha
Nanocomposites with high activity against pathogenic microorganisms
AnnotationNanoparticles and other nanostructures often have high biological activity. In this case, the biological activity is the result of a set of characteristic properties of these structures, such as their shape and size and their chemical composition. Initially, the predominant study of the biological activities of nanoparticles of metals and their oxides is shifting towards composite nanoparticles consisting of, for example, various polymers and metals. The spatial arrangement of these composites is often crucial. The topic of this dissertation is to find suitable procedures, with emphasis on "green synthesis", for the preparation of nanocomposites based on natural polymers such as chitosan and lignin in combination with various metals. The aim will be to obtain nanostructures with high antimicrobial activity, which are particularly useful in medicine and related fields.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Biotechnology, FFBT, VŠCHT Praha
|
Updated: 25.3.2022 16:21, Author: Jan Kříž