Research in the Nanoengineering of Functional Polymeric Materials Group focuses on the development of advanced polymeric and hybrid materials with potential applications in, e.g., medicine, nanoelectronics, and solar light conversion.
Our main research directions include polymer nanocapsules and polymer brushes.
Polymer capsules are designed as versatile micro- and nanoscale carriers with tunable size, permeability, and functionality, making them highly attractive for applications such as controlled drug delivery, encapsulation of active agents, and responsive systems.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114021
Polymer brushes - densely grafted polymer chains tethered to solid surfaces - are investigated as functional interfaces with precisely controlled chemical composition, architecture, and responsiveness. These systems enable the modulation of surface properties such as wettability, adhesion, charge, and bioactivity, which is crucial for applications in sensing, surface functionalization, biointerfaces, charge and energy transport systems.
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY01490A
Our research infrastructure and methodology are organized into four main laboratories:
- Nanomaterials Laboratory - focused on the synthesis and functionalization of polymeric and hybrid nanostructures;
- Spectroscopy Laboratory - providing advanced tools for structural, optical, and chemical characterization;
- Atomic Force Microscopy Laboratory - dedicated to nanoscale imaging and mechanical, electrical, and functional property measurements; and
- Organic Laboratory - supporting the synthesis and modification of monomers, polymers, and functional organic building blocks.
In addition, our research encompasses a broad range of nanoparticles and functional nanomaterials, including gold nanorods, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), carbon dots, and quantum dots. We also work extensively on polymer dispersions and the development of polymer-based sensors, integrating functional polymers into nanomaterials to achieve tailored optical, magnetic, electrical, and responsive properties.
We actively encourage students to carry out their Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD theses within our group. Students joining our team gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art experimental techniques and work on interdisciplinary research projects aligned with the above research areas, providing a strong foundation for both academic and industrial career paths.