Head: Prof. Nevenka Monolova, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Tel: +359 (0)2 979 2239
e-mail: manolova(at)old.polymer.bas.bg
Research Focus:
Fundamental research and applied studies on biocompatible and (bio)degradable polymers, functional polymers with biological activity and materials thereof are being performed. Polymers from renewable sources, such as chitosan, are being exploited in original way in order to create novel materials, e.g. stimuli-responsive hydrogels. New polymer materials with tailored properties intended for use in the biomedical field (wound dressings, tissue engineering scaffolds), agriculture (biocontrol), food industry (packaging) and environmental protection (remediation of water) are being obtained. Special efforts are focused on nanosized and nanostructured materials and particularly of nanofibrous materials by electrospinning.
Projects:
Preparation of innovative antimicrobial and antitumor electrospun materials from mucoadhesive and biocompatible polymers and chelating agents from the 8-quinolinol group
New Electrospun Polymeric Materials Containing Natural Biologically Active Compounds: Preparation and Properties
Study on the possibilities for improving the mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-based electrospun materials
Photocatalytic nanostructured polymer materials – preparation and potential application
Encapsulation of quantum dots in electrospun fibers – preparation and potential application
Appliances development and technologies for electrospinning of biopolymers for preparation of nanofiber materials (Nanobiomat)
Novel functional nanostructured materials for electrochemical detection of pesticides in foods
Study of the interaction chitosan (solutions, microgels or nanostructured spheres) – beneficial/pathogenic microorganisms – agricultural crops
Novel hybrid nanostructured materials for local cancer treatment
Self-assembly of conducting nanofibers into yarns during electrospinning of polyelectrolyte solutions
New antibacterial and hemostatic nanofibrous wound dressings
Novel nanostructured materials with antioxidant activity for wound healing
Nanostructured hybrid materials based on biocompatible polymers
Preparation and characterization of nanofibers and nanoparticles from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers for biomedical application
Novel complex polymer systems based on ionic synthetic and natural polymers
Members:
Prof. Rashkov, Iliya, Ph.D., D.Sc., Corr. Member of BAS
Prof. Ignatova, Milena, Ph.D.
Prof. Stoilova, Olya, Ph.D.
Assoc. Prof. Paneva, Dilyana, Ph.D.
Assoc. Prof. Spasova, Mariya, PhD.
Res. Assoc. Toncheva, Antoniya, Ph.D.
Res. Assoc. Stoyanova, Nikoleta, Ph.D.
M.Sc. Nachev, Nasko, PhD. Student
Selin Kyuchyuk, Chemist