“Molecules on a mission: from synthesis to cytotoxicity”

The main challenge of the project is to capture the relationship between the chemical structure and the biological activity of compounds with potential cytotoxic properties. The research will be carried out in the form of theoretical analyses, including a literature review, the use of databases and computational tools. The project aims to develop a compilation of molecules with therapeutic potential, analyse their key chemical and biological parameters and attempt to establish structure–activity relationships (SAR).

The expected outcome will be a report summarising the obtained results, including a set of selected compounds with their essential properties, as well as conclusions that may serve as a basis for further experimental research. The project will also contribute to the development and promotion of interdisciplinary studies at the interface of chemistry and biology. 

The Polish Chemical Society (PTChem), Lodz Branch, is a partner of the project. It supports the development of chemical sciences through the organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as the popularisation of chemical knowledge. The branch has experience collaborating with universities, research institutes, and the chemical industry. Its members actively participate in research projects and educational initiatives, supporting young scientists. Within the framework of the project, the branch provides coordination of inter-university collaboration, scientific advice and dissemination of research results, significantly contributing to the achievement of the project’s objectives.

The project aligns with the challenges associated with the transformation of Lodz as a post-industrial city, particularly in the areas of developing innovative research and supporting the city’s academic potential. It addresses the need to build a knowledge-based economy by promoting interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry and biology, which can form the foundation for future innovations in healthcare and biotechnology. The project also supports efforts to attract and retain academic talent by engaging young researchers in cutting-edge research projects with practical applications, thereby contributing positively to both the partner organization and the local community.

Project Team

• Dr Aneta Kosińska is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz. Her main research area focuses on the synthesis and characterisation of organic and organometallic compounds, including iron and ruthenium complexes with potential biological activity. She has led research projects funded by the National Science Centre (NCN) and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW), and also completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Rennes (France) in collaboration with TotalEnergies. A project devoted to the synthesis and analysis of new compounds with potential biological properties is one of her most relevant achievements in the context of the Science Hub UniLodz – UNIC edition.
• Aleksandra Bałdys is a third-year student in the Bachelor's program in Cosmetics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry with Business Elements at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, full-time studies.
• Prof. Tomislav Ivanković is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Croatia. His main research areas include environmental microbiology, bioremediation, wastewater treatment, biofilms and biotechnology. He has led and participated in numerous research projects focused on the antibacterial properties of materials and the mechanisms of biofilm formation. One of his most significant achievements related to the Science Hub is the publication “Antibacterial activity of silver-doped hydroxyapatite toward multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii,” which investigates the antibacterial properties of advanced biomedical materials.
• Paola Karabogdan is a Biology student at the University of Zagreb (Croatia). Her studies allow her to develop skills in microbiology, ecology and biotechnology.
• Dr. hab. Eng. Marek Brzeziński, CBMiM Professor, serves as the Chair of the Polish Chemical Society (PTChem), Łódź Branch, and as the Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs at the Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He has many years of professional experience in polymer chemistry and research project management. Within the framework of the project, his main responsibilities include scientific supervision of the research, coordination of inter-university collaboration and support in the preparation of reports and publications of the results.

Science Hub UniLodz (SH) is a cooperation platform of the University of Lodz that connects students, university experts and external entities, supporting them in the implementation of innovative scientific and implementation projects. Teams operating within SH jointly undertake to solve real scientific challenges reported by partner organisations.

The “We are UNIC!” project is funded by the European Union under the “Support for European University Alliances” programme, project NAWA FERS.01.05-IP.08-0219/23, amount: PLN 62,705,297.60.