In the academic year 2024/2025, several topics for the Secondary School Professional Activity (SOČ) competition were addressed at CEMEA.
Targeted Photothermal Therapy of Aggressive Tumors
Consultant: Mgr. Eliška Švastová, PhD.
Student: Samuel Dulík (SPMNDaG) – School for Exceptionally Gifted Children and Gymnasium, Bratislava, Teplická 7
Abstract: Targeted therapy of aggressive tumors represents one of the key prerequisites for effective treatment. By employing antibodies that recognize the tumor protein CAIX—a marker of tumor hypoxia—highly specific targeting of aggressive tumor cells is achieved. The conjugation of therapeutic nanoparticles to the antibody enables their direct transport to the tumor site. Subsequent activation of these nanoparticles induces a photothermal reaction, resulting in the ablation of tumor cells via hyperthermia while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
Effect of Gold Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Liver Cancer
Consultant: Mgr. Michal Šelc, PhD.
Student: Ondrej Petrík (SPMNDaG)
Abstract: Gold nanoparticles ranging from 5 to 30 nm in size exhibit significant biomedical potential for the treatment of various diseases. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of gold nanoparticles coated with bioactive compounds derived from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on cell cultures under in vitro laboratory conditions. The cytotoxic effects of these nanoparticles will be assessed on both tumor and non-tumor liver cell lines. Cells will be exposed to varying concentrations of the nanoparticles, and their cytotoxic effects will be evaluated and compared between non-tumor and tumor cell lines. In addition to gold nanoparticles conjugated with the therapeutic agent (milk thistle-derived compounds), the effects of uncoated gold nanoparticles and the isolated bioactive compounds alone will also be investigated to determine which formulation most effectively inhibits or eliminates tumor cells. During the project, the student will acquire skills in working with cell cultures, including seeding onto multi-well plates and treatment with nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity will be determined using the MTT assay, with data analysis performed in MS Excel. The student will generate graphs with error bars and assess the statistical significance of the results.
Solid Electrolytes Based on Li₃InCl₆
Consultant: Mgr. Erik Šimon, PhD.
Student: Natália Cádrová (SPMNDaG)
Abstract: Monitoring of phase transformations during the preparation of a solid electrolyte from its precursors using grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GI-WAXS) in a glovebox. Measurement of the temperature- and pressure-dependent ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte.
Morphological Characterization of Components in Thin-Film Solid-State Batteries
Consultant: Ing. Anna Kálosi, PhD.
Student: Lucia Kupcová (SPMNDaG)
Abstract: Characterization of thin films comprising the battery structure using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Modification of Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications
Consultant: Mgr. Adriana Annušová
Student: Nicole Dobová (SPMNDaG)
Abstract: Investigation of changes in the physicochemical properties of non-stoichiometric MoOₓ nanomaterials following functionalization with various linkers and bioentities.