Hydrogels
We focus on the study of hydrogel systems with particular emphasis on their tunability in terms of structural, mechanical and transport properties. We work with a wide range of polymeric materials, including both biopolymers and synthetic polymers.
Our goal is to develop and optimise methods for the preparation of these systems to enable their targeted use in various areas of basic and applied research – from medical applications and advanced functional materials (e.g. in photoelectronics) to selected agricultural applications.
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Research team
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Research focus
- Study of hydrogel systems with a focus on the tunability of their structural, mechanical and transport properties.
- Development and optimisation of hydrogel preparation methods for targeted applications in medicine, materials science, photoelectronics and agriculture.
- Advanced characterisation of materials using spectrometric, mechanical, microscopic and transport techniques.
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Selected publications
- TRUDIČOVÁ, M.; SMILEK, J.; KALINA, M.; SMILKOVÁ, M.; ADÁMKOVÁ, K.; HRUBANOVÁ, K.; KRZYŽÁNEK, V.; SEDLÁČEK, P. Multiscale experimental evaluation of agarose-based semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels as materials with tunable rheological and transport performance. Polymers, 2020, 12(11), 1–25. ISSN 2073-4360.
- HEGER, R.; KADLEC, M.; TRUDIČOVÁ, M.; ZINKOVSKA, N.; HAJZLER, J.; PEKAŘ, M.; SMILEK, J. Novel Hydrogel Material with Tailored Internal Architecture Modified by “Bio” Amphiphilic Components—Design and Analysis by a Physico-Chemical Approach. Gels, 2022, 8(2), 1–23. ISSN 2310-2861.
- ZINKOVSKA, N.; PEKAŘ, M.; SMILEK, J. Gradient hydrogels – overview of techniques demonstrating the existence of a gradient. Polymers, 2022, 14(5), 1–15. ISSN 2073-4360.
- HAVLÍKOVÁ, M.; JUGL, A.; KADLEC, M.; SMILEK, J.; CHANG, C.; PEKAŘ, M.; MRAVEC, F. Catanionic vesicles and their complexes with hyaluronan – A way how to tailor physicochemical properties via ionic strength. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2023, 371, 121089, 1–12. ISSN 0167-7322.
- HEGER, R.; ZINKOVSKA, N.; TRUDIČOVÁ, M.; KADLEC, M.; PEKAŘ, M.; SMILEK, J. Lecithin as an Effective Modifier of the Transport Properties of Variously Crosslinked Hydrogels. Gels, 2023, 9(5). ISSN 2310-2861.
- KRATOCHVÍLOVÁ, R.; KRÁČALÍK, M.; SMILKOVÁ, M.; SEDLÁČEK, P.; PEKAŘ, M.; BRADT, E.; SMILEK, J.; ZÁVODSKÁ, P.; KLUČÁKOVÁ, M. Functional Hydrogels for Agricultural Application. Gels, 2023, 9(7), 1–17. ISSN 2310-2861.
- KADLEC, M.; PEKAŘ, M.; SMILEK, J. Mechanical Properties of Agarose Hydrogels Tuned by Amphiphilic Structures. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2024, 700(1). ISSN 0927-7757.
- Other articles
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Selected projects
- GA23-06757S – Self-entrapment of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria by gelation of their exopolysaccharides – towards the next-generation bioinoculants
- GA24-10469S – Novel conductive hydrogels for emerging biomedical applications
- GA25-15806S – Biocompatible and flexible scaffolds with bio-origin
- GA20-26896S – Towards the organic admixtures tailoring for alkali-activated slag-based systems
- Deepening of knowledge about hydrogels with controlled internal structure – Czech-Austrian bilateral cooperation
- GA22-04828S – Advanced lithium silicate sealers: on the way to sustainable building materials
- EG17_176/0015690 – KORES – research and development of new eco-friendly materials and products for office use
- Other projects
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Offered services and analyses
- Diffusion through membranes (including skin models) or hydrogel matrices.
- Development of hydrogel systems with controlled release of active substances for agriculture, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Stability of cosmetic, pharmaceutical and other dispersions.
- Flow (rheological) properties of solutions, dispersions and gels.
