This project will be focused on the study on reactivity of biopolymers (sodium alginate, sodium hyaluronate, chitosan, humic acids, etc.) by diffusion techniques realized in diffusion cells and cuvettes. The ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy will be used as an analytical method.
Studied biopolymers and biocolloids will be characterized by basic physico-chemical methods (e.g. FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, Zeta Sizer – stability and size distribution, etc.).
The reactivity of biopolymers will be studied by interactions with suitable diffusion probes such as basic organic dyes or heavy metal ions in the supporting hydrogel matrix (agarose). Hydrogels samples will be characterized by oscillatory measurements (rheology), mercury intrusion porosimetry (pore size) or by simple drying tests.
Content of this project is so far very general. Student may be involved also in the other research activities.