The Physical Chemistry Laboratory of Nanostructured Multifunctional Systems contains the following sections: self-assemblies, thin films, nanostructures and biomaterials. The main research activity in this laboratory consists of the synthesis of nanoparticles and the functionalisation of various surfaces as well as the fabrication of thin films, coating layers and nanostructured multifunctional materials. Besides common self-assembling techniques, we also use the Langmuir-Blodgett technique (LBT) that offers the possibility to build up monolayers and planar thin films from various biocompounds (e.g. lipids, fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, polymers, DNA and drugs) at controlled lateral surface pressures. Also, we have equipments, such as Scanning Probe Microscopy, i.e. AFM and STM, coupled with advanced spectroscopic methods (FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy),and differential scanning  calorimetry (DSC), for micro and nanostructure investigations.

Recently, our research and innovation activity is developed in collaboration with partners from universities and research institutions. From consortia, our laboratory benefits of many other state of the art techniques and equipments, such as FTIR, FT-Raman, ATR, X-ray diffraction, scattering techniques, DSC calorimetry and thermodynamic approach, and other surface imaging techniques (TEM and SEM).

We developed original methods of synthesis for controlled size and shape of noble metal nanoparticles and fabrication for multifunctional coatings, thin films and nanostructured materials with potential industrial, biological and medical applications as well as for analytical and chemical biosensors and optical nanodevices. 

We have state of the art equipments for high precision interfacial lateral pressure and surface potential measurements, e. g. Langmuir-Blodgett technique (LBT), and for the bioengineering interfacial fabrication of thin films and nanostructured materials, e.g. Langmuir-Blodgett technique, as well as for nanostructure investigations, e.g. scanning probe microscope, AFM and STM, and possess expertise in this field. These measurements and equipments are used to fabricate planar nanometer sized supramolecular structures at different interfaces.

We developed interfacial nanofabrication methods including improved Langmuir-Blodgett technique, besides spin coating and auto-aggregation and deposition through adsorption on interfaces. The nanostructures are thoroughly investigated by advanced spectroscopy (UV-Vis, ¹H NMR, FTIR, FT-Raman, ATR), X-ray diffractions, DSC calorimetry, and different surface methods (TEM, SEM, AFM and STM). Our group and collaborators have also expertise to investigate the secondary structure of proteins by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, ¹H NMR and X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques and for simulation and modeling of N-terminal amino of proteins.

Jointly with our partners, we have developed different strategies for molecular encapsulation of different drugs in cyclodextrins (non-toxic carrier biocompounds) to improve the drug aqueous solubility, stability and bioavailability. The inclusion complexes or supramolecular associations of different drugs and various biocompounds in cyclodextrins is obtained by improved preparation methods: kneading, coprecipitation or freeze-drying. Their self-assemblies with glycolipid and lectins are investigated by using spectroscopic (¹H NMR, FTIR), X-ray diffraction, DSC methods and AFM or STM  to evidence their formation. These supramolecular associations are potential careers of drugs to their site of action. We focus on innovative solutions using cyclodextrins, neoglicolipids and  lectins to target drugs to cancer cells for cancer therapeutics.

We are able to determine the structure of the multifunctional supramolecular systems from a combination of high-resolution synchrotron powder-diffraction data and molecular mechanics calculations. Using a thermodynamic approach, the stability of these complexes is determined. Molecular modeling (MM+ molecular mechanics) is employed to observe the spatial architectures of the mentioned inclusion complexes. We also use the GAUSSIAN 98 at the PM3 level.