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Project

Polymer Institute

International Projects

PolyBioMat - Polylactide-based multifunctional materials.

Funkčné materiály na báze polylaktidov.

Duration: 1. 6. 2023 - 31. 5. 2026
Evidence number:M-ERA.NET 3/2022/235/PolyBioMat
Program: ERANET
Project leader: Mgr. Špitálsky Zdenko PhD.

THETARACT - THETA curves on polymeRs with ACtive Topology.

THETA krivky na polyméRoch s AKtívnou Topológiou.

Duration: 1. 1. 2026 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:SK-PL-25-0039
Program: Mobility
Project leader: Ing. Račko Dušan PhD.
Annotation:The project THETARACT (THEta cuRves on polymers with ACtive Topology) is a bilateral research initiative between the Polymer Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw. Its main objective is to investigate the equilibrium statistical properties of theta-curve polymer conformations—a novel and largely unexplored class of topologically entangled structures in polymer science. The collaboration integrates the Slovak team’s expertise in coarse-grained molecular simulations and polymer modeling with the Polish partner’s advanced methods in topological characterization of molecular graphs. Using Monte Carlo conformational sampling techniques and topological analysis software such as Topoly, the project will explore how internal edge chiralities and steric interactions influence the populations and stability of theta-curve conformations. The project is thematically aligned with the aims of the bilateral call by fostering scientific excellence through international cooperation, supporting researcher mobility (with two planned short-term research stays per year), and involving young researchers. The expected outputs include joint publications, participation in international conferences, and dissemination to the broader public through science outreach events. The collaboration lays the foundation for future joint applications in European and national research funding schemes.

EnFiCab - Environmentally Responsible and Low Fire-hazard Polymer Composites for the Cable Insulations.

Ekologické polymérne kompozity s nízkym nebezpečenstvom požiaru pre izolácie káblov.

Duration: 1. 4. 2025 - 31. 3. 2028
Evidence number:M-ERA.NET 3/2024/1177.C
Program: ERANET
Project leader: Ing. Vykydalová Anna PhD.
Annotation:To develop a PE-based polymer composite containing a multi-component halogen-free flame-retardant system of natural origin consisting of metal hydroxides and clays to enhance Low Fire Hazard Cables (LFHC) core insulation with application to the fire safety elements in places with a high concentration of people.

Characterization and 3D printing of OEGMA-PMMA-based Star copolymers.

Charakterizácia a 3D tlač hviezdicových kopolymérov na báze OEGMA-PMMA..

Duration: 24. 10. 2025 - 21. 2. 2026
Evidence number:Erasmus - Tomas Bata University in Zlín
Program: Erasmus+
Project leader: MSc. Babaei Nafiseh
Annotation:The traineeship focuses on the processing of star shaped thermoplastic elastomers based on of oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) and methyl methacrylate(MMA). The 3D constructs, scaffolds, willbe prepared by additive manufacturing techniques including fused deposition modelling. The scaffolds will be characterized for their shape fidelity using optical microscopy. The structural and mechanical properties will be examined under both dry and swollen conditions. To complete the material characterization, additional tests- Including melt rheology, contact angle measurements, and tensile and thermal analyses - will also be carried out

GRAPH-OCD - Injectable hybrid hydrogel of graphene and alginate for improving cell integration in osteochondral repair.

Injectable hybrid hydrogel of graphene and alginate for improving cell integration in osteochondral repair.

Duration: 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:FLAG-ERA_JTC2023_GRFL-BR
Program: ERANET
Project leader: Heydari Abolfazl PhD.
Annotation:This project focuses on advancing osteochondral tissue engineering by developing injectable shear-thinning sodium alginate (SA)-graphene oxide (GO) hydrogels for minimally invasive applications. These hydrogels are designed to conform to irregular defects and address key challenges in osteochondral repair, such as the integration of repaired and native tissues with differing mechanical properties, composition, and cellularity. By combining SA with GO and its bioinspired derivatives, the hydrogel’s mechanical properties are enhanced to closely mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), promoting effective cell integration. Additionally, bioorthogonal chemistry is utilized to introduce non-covalent and covalent crosslinks, ensuring the biocompatibility of the injectable scaffold. Despite the significant potential of GO-based hydrogels, they remain unexplored in osteochondral repair. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap in cartilage and subchondral bone repair, representing a transformative step forward in the field.

Multifunctional fibre-reinforced plastic composites with MXene layers.

Multifunkčné vláknami vystužené polymérne kompozity s vrstvami MXénov.

Duration: 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028
Evidence number:HORIZON-MSCA-2023-SE-01 - 101182521
Program: Horizont 2020
Project leader: Ing. Mičušík Matej PhD.

Design and Development of 3D-Printed Electrospun Fiber-based Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering.

Návrh a vývoj 3D tlačených lešení na báze elektrozvláknených vlákien pre tkanivové inžinierstvo.

Duration: 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:ES-SK (Mobility)
Program: Mobility
Project leader: MSc. Elbayomi Smaher Mosad Saad PhD.

BioImplant - Novel biodegradable biopolymer-Bioglass-composite implant technology .

Nová biodegradovateľná biopolymér-biosklo-kompozitná technológia implantátov.

Duration: 1. 6. 2024 - 31. 7. 2027
Evidence number:M-ERA.NET 3/2023/912.C/BioImplant
Program: ERANET
Project leader: Ing. Mičušík Matej PhD.

NOVA - Next Generation BiOactiVe NAnocoatings

Nová generácia bioaktívných nanopovrchov

Duration: 1. 9. 2022 - 31. 8. 2026
Evidence number:HORIZON -CL4-2021-RESILIENCE-01-101058554
Program: Horizont Európa
Project leader: Mgr. Špitálsky Zdenko PhD.
Annotation:The NOVA project aims to develop a streamlined, holistic process to implement innovative antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) coatings in everyday settings. The COVID-19 global pandemic clearly highlighted an underlying risk in our current urban lifestyle: The transmission of infectious diseases can rapidly reach the exponential phase, causing catastrophic and long -term impacts on the healthcare system, in turn affecting a significant portion of daily and economic activities. Any material/device/product that needs to be handled by individuals and that will stay in use after this manipulation has the potential to act as a fomite. This can be via direct contact or by the settling of the aerosols. Thus, manufacturers need to consider having safety measures to prevent disease transmission by their products. Together with the increased citizen awareness about the subject of healthier living and working environments, there is currently an unmet need for technologies that would render the surfaces of these materials/devices/products antimicrobial in a sustainable and safe manner. The most common fomites are clothing, textile products, frequently touched surfaces (e.g., tables, doorknobs etc.) and electronic devices. The most cited article on this subject showed that 59% of handheld devices were contaminated with at least one bacterial species with S. aureus being the most common.

HISTRATE - Advanced Composites under HIgh STRAin raTEs loading: a route to certification-by-analysis

Pokročilé kompozity zaťažené vysokým napätím: cesta k certifikácii po analýze

Duration: 25. 10. 2022 - 24. 10. 2026
Evidence number:CA 21155
Program: COST
Project leader: Ing. Mičušík Matej PhD.
Annotation:Climate change challenges have driven an ever-increasing use of composite materials, including hybrid and metamaterials, in structures prone to extreme dynamic events. HISTRATE aims to lay the scientific and technological foundations for the creation and implementation of a robust framework for the certification-by-analysis of advanced composite structures subject to high strain rate loading, e.g., impact and blast. A paradigm shift in simulation comprehensiveness, high strain rate testing protocols and smart sensing tools is needed to replace the complex, laborious building block approach for validation and product certification with approaches based on simulations which require less tests. In this way, composition and performance adjustments should be allowed without recertification.    Realisation of this aim heavily relies on knowledge available within the HISTRATE network, which now gathers 80 European and non-European, academic and industrial experts active in the wide field of composites. HISTRATE will strongly encourage interaction between the partners by stimulating the exchange and cross-fertilisation of knowledge both across industrial sectors and expertise fields, including material and component testing, measurement and monitoring techniques, modelling methodologies, standardisation and certification. By combining the available knowledge on high strain rate response at different length scales, i.e., from the material constituents to the structure, HISTRATE will radically transform the way we discover, develop, and design ultra-high-performance, durable, safe, sustainable, and novel advanced composites for use in real high strain rate loading applications. The participation of leading actors in the field provides the basis and impetus for the adaptation of this new approach in industry. 
Project web page:https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA21155/

EU Circular Economy Network for All: Consumer Protection through reducing, reusing, repairing (ECO4ALL)

Sieť obehového hospodárstva EÚ pre všetkých: Ochrana spotrebiteľa prostredníctvom zníženia, opätovného použitia, opravy.

Duration: 1. 11. 2023 - 30. 11. 2027
Evidence number:COST CA22124
Program: COST
Project leader: Mgr. Podhradská Silvia PhD.

Study of thermal expansion anisotropy of microstructural free volumes in polymer networks of acrylates.

Štúdium anizotropie tepelnej rozťažnosti mikroštruktúrnych voľných objemov v polymérnych sieťach akrylátov.

Duration: 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:Open Mobility project
Program: Open Mobility
Project leader: Ing. Švajdlenková Helena PhD.

MULTICOMP - Utilizations of multicomponent reactions and reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations: Promising tools for the preparations of advanced polymer materials.

Využitie multikomponentných reakcií a radikálovej polymerizácie s vratnou deaktiváciou ako nástroj pre prípravu pokročilých polymérnych materiálov.

Duration: 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:SAS-NSTC-JRP-2023-02
Program: JRP
Project leader: Mgr. Kollár Jozef PhD.

Development of new cosmetic ingredients with anti-aging properties.

Vývoj nových kozmetických zložiek s vlastnosťami proti starnutiu.

Duration: 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:PAS-SAS-2024-08
Program: Medziakademická dohoda (MAD)
Project leader: Ing. Eckstein Anita PhD.

National Projects

Design of Novel Composite Polyelectrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications.

Návrh nových kompozitných polyelektrolytových membrán pre aplikácie palivových článkov.

Duration: 1. 11. 2024 - 31. 8. 2026
Evidence number:09103-03-V04-00237
Program: Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader: MSc. Ghonim Randa PhD.
Annotation:Renewable and sustainable energies are deemed to play a key role in resolving the crisis of traditional fossil energies and environmental pollution in our societies. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as promising future power sources due to their high efficiency, high energy densities, modular construction, low operating temperatures, and quick start-up capabilities. However, there are many factors preventing PEMFCs from commercialization. Issues of durability and performance aside, operating temperature, reducing the manufacturing costs must involve reduced materials costs, especially as regards the Nafion membrane and the platinum catalyst content, and simplification of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fabrication process by reducing the number of processing steps. Thus, the scientific community has focused its efforts on the development of high-performing polymeric membranes as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cell applications. In particular, high conductivity at different humidity and temperature levels and enhanced chemical and mechanical stability under operative conditions are considered the main goals to be reached. The design of mixed-matrix membranes based on conductive polymers and inorganic fillers is an approach commonly used for achieving materials with improved conductive and mechanical properties owing to their high porosity and surface area. In this project, new conducting polymeric membranes based on functionalized polyvinyl alcohol and modified cellulose acetate derivatives will be used owing to their excellent properties, such as low cost, availability, biodegradability, ecofriendliness, and outstanding mechanical characteristics. In addition, functionalized graphene oxide derivatives (like graphene quantum dots and sulfonated graphene) and Metal organic framework (such as ZIF-8 and UIO-66) materials will be incorporated into the fabricated membranes to improve their conductivity and fuel cell performance. The developed composite membranes will be thoroughly characterized using several characterization tools, including FTIR, SEM, XPS, TGA, DSC, XRD, and TEM. Furthermore, mechanical properties, thermal oxidative stability, dimensional stability, chemical stability, contact angle, solvent uptake (water and methanol), permeability, selectivity, and conductivity will also be investigated. On the other hand, factors affecting the synthesis and formulation processes will be optimized. Finally, electrochemical measurements (i.e. polarization curves) and fuel cell performance will be measured and compared with standard Nafion membranes. Thus, the proposed project will be expected to provide new, straightforward, high-performance, and low-cost polyelectrolyte membranes with significant potential for fuel cell applications.

NATURPACK - Use of natural vegetable oils and extracts for food packaging.

Využitie prírodných rastlinných olejov a extraktov pre potravinové obaly.

Duration: 1. 7. 2024 - 30. 6. 2028
Evidence number:APVV-23-0401
Program: APVV
Project leader: Ing. Eckstein Anita PhD.

3D printing of filaments with "non-common" fillers for special applications

3D tlač filamentov s „nevšednými“ plnivami pre špeciálne aplikácie

Duration: 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:VEGA 2/0056/24
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Kováčová Mária PhD.

Biobased Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives by Photomediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization.

Akrylátové lepidlá citlivé na tlak na biologickej báze pomocou foto-sprostredkovanej radikálovej polymerizácie s prenosom atómov.

Duration: 1. 10. 2024 - 31. 8. 2026
Evidence number:09I03-03-V04-00241
Program: Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader: MSc. Zain Gamal PhD.
Annotation:The general objective of the project is to exploit the available renewable and biobased monomers for acrylic PSAs production. Biopolymers will be used as well for production of PSAs. Photochemically induced atom transfer radical polymerization as a straightforward and eco-friendly method will be used for providing well-defined and high-performance PSAs. The obtained PSAs will be tested for serving as biobased tapes.

Non-antibiotic approach for the treatment of tick-borne infections.

Eliminácia kliešťami prenášaných infekcií bez použitia antibiotík.

Duration: 1. 7. 2024 - 30. 6. 2028
Evidence number:APVV-23-0325
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Špitálsky Zdenko PhD.

NANOGLIO - Nanoengineered Trojan hybrid for site-responsive phototherapy of recurrent glioblastomas.

Fototerapia rekurentných glioblastómov s nádorovo špecifickým trójskym hybridom optimalizovaným na nano-úrovni.

Duration: 1. 9. 2024 - 30. 6. 2028
Evidence number:APVV-23-0535
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Kroneková Zuzana PhD.

Gradient copolymers containing functional groups for biomedical applications.

Gradientové kopolyméry s funkčnými skupinami pre využitie v biomedicínskych aplikáciách.

Duration: 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:VEGA 2/0170/24
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Kronek Juraj PhD.

In situ reduction of graphene oxide assisted by polymer chains: computational and experimental study.

In situ redukcia grafén oxidu asistovaná polymérnymi reťazcami: výpočtová a experimentálna štúdia.

Duration: 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:VEGA2/0098/23
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Benková Zuzana PhD.

SUPRACART - Injectable shear-thinning polymeric hydrogels by supramolecular and dynamic covalent networks for cartilage tissue regeneration.

Injektovateľné pseudoplastické polymérne hydrogély založené na supramolekulárnych a dynamických kovalentných sieťach pre regeneráciu chrupavkového tkaniva.

Duration: 1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027
Evidence number:APVV-22-0568
Program: APVV
Project leader: Heydari Abolfazl PhD.
Annotation:The goal of this project is to develop tissue-engineered articular cartilage using an injectable shear-thinning hydrogel administered in a minimally invasive way into living bodies, with the ability to match irregular defects and fulfill most of the requirements for cartilage regeneration. This hydrogel will be formed based on bioorthogonal chemistry through the combination of both dynamic supramolecular and covalent crosslinks. The intention is to improve the mechanical properties to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of articular cartilage without compromising the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. Simultaneously, the hydrogel composition will be modulated to meet the fundamental requirements of the scaffold in treating cartilage, including (i) bioadhesion, (ii) promotion of chondrogenesis, and (iii) biodegradation without toxic by-products. The performance of the proposed platform will be tested in a rabbit model for cartilage regeneration. Dosiahnuté výsledky: Throughout this year, our main focus was on different aspects of polymer library preparation. We synthesized the essential polymer library crucial for the development of injectable hydrogels. As an initial experiment, we devised and created crosslinked injectable hydrogels utilizing both non-covalent and covalent bonds. We assessed the impact of covalent bonds, particularly hydrazone bonds, on the properties of the injected hydrogel, including its chemical and mechanical stability.

CompoStaPlast - Compostable starch-based plastic materials.

Kompostovateľné plastové materiály na báze škrobu.

Duration: 1. 9. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:APVV-23-0224
Program: APVV
Project leader: Ing. Mičušík Matej PhD.

ENSAMAT - Enhanced safety materials for Li-ion batteries.

Materiály so zvýšenou bezpečnosťou pre lítium-iónové batérie.

Duration: 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 8. 2028
Evidence number:09I04-03-V02-00028
Program: Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader: Mgr. Mosnáček Jaroslav DrSc.

DUALCAPS+ - Alginate-based microcapsules with enhanced stability and biocompatibility for encapsulation of pancreatic islets in diabetes treatment.

Mikrokapsuly na báze alginátu so zvýšenou stabilitou a biokompatibilitou pre enkapsuláciu pankreatických ostrovčekov v liečbe cukrovky.

Duration: 1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027
Evidence number:APVV-22-0565
Program: APVV
Project leader: Ing. Lacík Igor DrSc.

MOSBAPA - Modification of surfaces as barrier to protein adsorption.

Modifikácia povrchov ako bariéra pre adsorpciu proteínov.

Duration: 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026
Evidence number:APVV-21-0346
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Benková Zuzana PhD.

MULCOMAT - Multifunctional composite materials for detection, adsorption and decontamination of hazardous organic molecules.

Multifunkčné kompozitné materiály pre detekciu, adsorpciu a dekontamináciu nebezpečných organických molekúl.

Duration: 1. 7. 2024 - 30. 6. 2028
Evidence number:APVV-23-0635
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Kronek Juraj PhD.

Advanced bio-based composite materials with dynamic covalent network.

Pokročilé bio-kompozitné materiály s dynamickou kovalentnou väzbou.

Duration: 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028
Evidence number:VEGA 2/0042/25
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Mosnáčková Katarína PhD.

FUNBIOM - Advanced functional polymers from biorenewable monomers.

Pokročilé funkčné polyméry z bioobnoviteľných monomérov.

Duration: 1. 7. 2024 - 30. 6. 2028
Evidence number:APVV 23-0534
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Mosnáček Jaroslav DrSc.

SuPerCell - Towards Superior Perovskite-based Solar Cells via Optimized Passivation and Structure.

Pokročilé perovskitové solárne články s optimalizovanou pasiváciou a štruktúrou.

Duration: 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026
Evidence number:APVV-21-0297
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Kollár Jozef PhD.

Polymer materials with adaptable crosslinking.

Polymérne materiály s adaptovateľným presietením.

Duration: 1. 1. 2025 - 31. 12. 2028
Evidence number:VEGA 2/0153/25
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Danko Martin PhD.

PACT&NANOTEC - Polymers with Active Chiral Topology and NANOTEChnology.

Polyméry s Aktívnou Chirálnou Topológiou a NANOTEChnológia.

Duration: 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:VEGA 2/0038/24
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Račko Dušan PhD.

AntiOxEnz - Rational design, mutagenesis, optimization and efficient delivery of diverse enzymatic antioxidants.

Racionálny dizajn, mutagenéza, optimalizácia a efektívny prísun enzýmových antioxidantov.

Duration: 1. 9. 2025 - 30. 6. 2029
Evidence number:APVV-24-0455
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Kronek Juraj PhD.

Scholarships for excellent PhD students (R1) – Polymer Institute SAS

Štipendiá pre excelentných PhD. študentov a študentky (R1) – Ústav polymérov SAV, v.v.i.

Duration: 1. 9. 2023 - 31. 8. 2026
Evidence number:09I03-03-V02-00001
Program: Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader: MSc. Moghaddam Omid

PEROVCHIR - Effect of the application of organic molecules on the properties of perovskite thin-film structures.

Vplyv aplikácie organických molekúl na vlastnosti perovskitovských tenkovrstvých štruktúr.

Duration: 1. 7. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:APVV-23-0238
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Kronek Juraj PhD.

The influence of varying humidity conditions on the structure and mechanical properties of thermoplastic starch-based materials.

Vplyv meniacich sa vlhkostných podmienok na štruktúru a mechanické vlastnosti termoplastických materiálov na báze škrobu.

Duration: 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:VEGA 2/0109/23
Program: VEGA
Project leader: MSc. Peidayesh Hamed PhD.

Development and Evaluation of Materials and Technologies for Creating Biomimetic Models Designed for Neonatal Minimally Invasive Surgery Training .

Vývoj a analýza materiálov a technológií pre tvorbu biomimetických modelov navrhnutých pre tréning neonatálnej minimálne invazívnej chirurgie.

Duration: 1. 9. 2025 - 31. 8. 2028
Evidence number:APVV-24-0237
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Špitálsky Zdenko PhD.

DeRNAdel - Development of the polymeric carriers for mRNA delivery to different cells and through blood-tissue barriers.

Vývoj polymérnych nosičov pre transport mRNA do rôznych typov buniek a z krvi cez tkanivové bariéry.

Duration: 1. 9. 2025 - 30. 6. 2029
Evidence number:APVV-24-0616
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Kroneková Zuzana PhD.

Changes of microstructure and physical properties of crosslinked polymers in bulk and under confined conditions of macro- and mesopores.

Zmeny mikroštruktúry a fyzikálnych vlastností zosieťovaných polymérov v objeme a uväznených podmienkach makro- a mezo-pórov.

Duration: 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026
Evidence number:APVV-21-0335
Program: APVV
Project leader: Ing. Švajdlenková Helena PhD.

Projects total: 40