MUNI Award for the Centre of Polymer Systems
18. December 2025The Faculty of Science at Masaryk University has presented an award to a collaborating institution. The recipient is the Centre of Polymer Systems at Tomas Bata University in Zlín, specifically the Biomaterials research group.
“We received this recognition for our excellent collaboration in the fields of science, research, education, and the popularisation of natural sciences. We are very grateful for it and pleased to be able to work with such a fantastic institution as the Faculty of Science at MUNI,” said Professor Petr Humpolíček, head of the Biomaterials group, regarding the award.
The research group’s focus is on developing smart composite biomaterials that respond to external stimuli, such as electric fields, and ensuring their comprehensive characterisation both biologically and materially. The composites are primarily based on biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and other materials such as metals and ceramics. To achieve advanced modification of the composites, the scientists mainly utilise bioactive colloidal systems, chemical decoration of biopolymers with bioactive substances, and additive technologies. The materials are then characterised from a material science perspective and tested for their biocompatibility with both eukaryotic and prokaryotic model cell lines. The range of biological properties tested is extensive – covering basic parameters such as cytotoxicity, phototoxicity, interactions at biological interfaces, as well as cell infiltration of scaffolds in bioreactors. The researchers measure various cellular parameters using colorimetric, metabolic, immunochemical, and molecular biological methods. In addition to biomaterials, the research group is also involved in the development and testing of cosmetic products.