Research in the Laboratory for biocolloids and surface chemistry is based on physico-chemical characterization of model bio(colloids) and interactions on various surfaces and interfaces. The main research goal is the design and preparation of novel, functional materials with improved physico-chemical properties, with the aimed use in biotechnology and biomedicine.

The main research directions in our laboratory are (i) physico-chemical characterization, and (ii) research of interaction mechanisms for the following systems:

a) organic/inorganic interfaces:

• the effect of different organic additives (surface active agents, amino acids,etc.) on the formation and transformation rates and mechanisms of calcium phosphates, as well as properties of solid phase, formed in solutions and on organic matrices, at conditions close to physiological
• the control of colloidal stability of TiO₂ nanostructures (different stage of hierarchy), with the help of organic additives such as structurally different surface active agents

b) surface active agents (surfactants):

• physico-chemical characterization and examination of structure-property relationship of new surface active agents, functionalized with biologically important groups, which includes experiments of adsorption at the air/solution surface, self-organization of surfactants in solution, as well as their thermal properties in solid state

c) model membranes:

• interaction and effect of natural and synthetic organic molecules (flavonoids, proteins,etc.) on structural, surface, thermotropic and nanomechanical properties of model membranes at physiological conditions

d) organic and inorganic nanocarriers for drugs and bioactive molecules

• design and characterization of organic (multilayers of polyelectrolites, liposomes) and inorganic (mesporous nanoparticles, nanotubes) nanomaterials of different morphologies for targeted drug delivery and delivery of other biologically active molecules