Search Results (35)
Investigating the early molecular events following exposure of lung cells to nanoparticles using advanced optical microscopies
The potential toxicity of nanoparticles in our environment and consumer products is currently determined by costly and timely animal-based testing, which limits the rate of nanoparticle testing, causing a desperate need for alternative testing strategies. A promising alternative – mechanism-based prediction – employs a set of high-throughput cell-based tests that …
The role of cystatin C in inflammatory response
Innate immune system acts as the first line of defence to protect the host against pathogens. The regulation of immune system and inflammatory response is crucial since dysregulated or sustained inflammation leads to pathological conditions, septic shock and tissue damage. Macrophages are innate immune cells that sense pathogens with pattern …
Protection of biomedical alloys by thin films of alumina and hafnia prepared by atomic layer deposition
One of the most commonly used metal materials for the manufacture of biomedical implants are stainless steel and titanium-based alloys. Due to the specific conditions and complex environment in the human body, different strategies have been employed to protect them and improve their functionality in vivo. In this thesis, a …
Time-efficient method for monitoring electrochemical energy conversion systems
According to the EU’s Green Deal plan, one of the main objectives for the EU is to become a net-zero greenhouse emission society by 2050. Achieving this goal requires advancements across many areas ranging from energy production, conversion, distribution and energy storage where the key role is taken by the …
Optical emission spectroscopy as a tool for monitoring cold atmospheric pressure plasma processes
Non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas are used in many areas, such as food and agriculture, plasma medicine, plasma surface modification, material synthesis and deposition. Because of their versatility, many plasma setups have been developed. Of greater interest are those that operate at atmospheric pressure, like atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs). Regarding …
Development of methods for electrostatic immobilization and coupling different microbial cells
Naturally formed microbial communities are present in the form of cellular aggregates that create a set of diverse biochemical pathways through cross-feeding between the members of the microbial community. One of the most important factors so that some biochemical reactions can occur is the appropriate spatial placement of a particular …
In silico approaches to understand and predict the ligand-binding interactions of the human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) membrane transporter
The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is responsible for the elimination of a wide variety of substances from the cell, thus it is thought to play an important role in detoxification functions. The P-gp also affects the ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity in pharmacokinetics) properties of drugs. It is involved in …
Development of novel 3D in vitro cell models for genotoxicity assessment
The determination of genotoxicity is an important element in the safety assessment of various substances, with the purpose of preventing a number of chemicals from affecting human health. Genotoxicity testing is required for all classes of chemicals, drugs and biological agents, which can lead to a wide range of diseases, …
Knowledge discovery in a service-oriented data mining environment
The thesis addresses the development of novel knowledge discovery scenarios in a modern data mining platform by utilising principles of service-oriented architecture with web services, interactive scientific workflows, knowledge discovery ontologies and automated construction of data mining workflows. We present the developed Orange4WS platform which upgrades Orange, a mature open-source …
Role and significance of cysteine cathepsins in TRAIL induced apoptosis
Apoptosis is an innate mechanism by which a multicellular organisms eliminates unwanted, damaged and potentially harmful cells. During apoptosis inflammation of the surrounding tissues is prevented. Defects in an apoptotic signaling can lead to numerous pathological conditions. Apoptosis is mediated through two main pathways, the extrinsic or the death receptor …