In 2016 we were granted a patent for a cost-effective and potentially industrially scalable, in situ functionalization procedure for preparation of soluble graphene nanoribbon (GNRs) from commercially available carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The patent was licensed by AZ Electronic Materials which was recently acquired by Merck. The product is commercially available under the name HD-GNRs.
F.32 International patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 1636143During her Ph.D. study under the supervision of prof. dr. Iztok Turel, Sara Seršen was dealing with the synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of ruthenium compounds that are potential anticancer agents or catalysts in certain organic reactions. Main methods used for characterization during her research work were various spectroscopies (NMR, IR, UV-VIS, ESI-MS), CHN elemental analysis and single crystal structure analysis. The aim of here work was to establish how the ligand substitution in ruthenium complexes affects their physico-chemical properties. She was also interested to find which ligands give the best results in catalysis as well as the highest cytotoxic activity against the cancer cells. β-diketonates (acetylacetonates) were mainly used as ligands. These ligand bind bidentately to metal ions through both oxygen donor atoms. Newly isolated compounds were tested as catalysts for otho-arylation via C-H activation and the obtained results were promising. It was also established that almost all compounds selectively affect cancer cells but are on the other hand not toxic to normal cells.
D.09 Tutoring for postgraduate students
COBISS.SI-ID: 284699136The invited lecture presented the idea, which is the base of an international project, financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation and aims to prepare new materials, which would contain light metal hydride anions in the metal-organic framework. In this way the compromise between the capacity and ease of use (reversible binding and release of hydrogen at mild conditions) is searched.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 1537368515During the invited lecture research results on antidiabetic agents were presented. According to WHO an estimated 380 million in 2013 representing ~8% of adult population and is expected to increase to 590 million by 2035. These data demonstrate the importance of an active search for alternatives, especially for cases of type 2, which represents the majority of diabetic patients (~90%). Presented was our ongoing research on VO2+, VO2+ in Zn2+ coordination compounds prepared by the derivatives of picolinic acid. The alternative for insulin is required to enable the oral application and the zinc and vanadium-containing compounds fulfill these criteria since they have proven insulin-like anti-diabetic effects both in vivo and in vitro. Substituents, such as ciano, fluoro, hydroxy, as well as amides and amines, were incorporated and their influence on the structural characteristics were determined using single crystal x-ray diffraction. For selected compounds structures in solution and interactions with serum proteins were studied by EPR spectroscopy and in vitro inhibition of free fatty acids release from adipocites was determined.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 1536983491Author was a guest of the TV show "Good morning" which is broadcast at the national television RTV SLO 1st program. He explained how the batteries operate and suggested the viewers how to properly and safely handle them.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 1537301187