Dr. E. Žagar was a mentor to Tina Šmigovec Ljubič at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana. Tina Šmigovec Ljubič defended her Ph.D. thesis on /15/10/2012. Research focused on the characterization of three linear poly (styrene-b-t-butyl methacrylate) copolymers, PS-b-PtBMA, composed of polystyrene (PS) block of comparable lengths and shorter poly (t-butyl methacrylate) (PtBMA) blocks of different lengths. We tried to separate their mixture in weight ratio 1/1/1 into individual components by various chromatographic techniques. Second part of research was a comprehensive characterization of poly(styrene-b-isoprene) (PS (PI)x) star copolymers which were synthesized by anionic polymerization of polystyrene (PS) and polyisoprene (PI) block and selectively chlorosilane chemistry. PS(PI)x copolymers (x = 2, 3, 5 and 7) differed in the length of the PI block, which shortened by increasing the number of PI arms. We used various separation (SEC, RP-LAC, 2D-LC) and characterization techniques (UV-MALS-RI) multidetection SEC system, NMR and MALDI-TOF MS). Most effective separation and characterization of individual components was achieved by RP-LAC, which separates molecules according to their chemical composition, and the subsequent analysis of collected fractions, which eluted from the RP-C18 column, with SEC/UV-MALS-RI technique. All PS(PI)x copolymers include homo-PS and homo-PI and high MW (PS)y(PI)z (y) 1) species in smaller quantities. Their content was higher in the PS(PI)5 and PS(PI)7 than in the PS(PI)2 and PS(PI)3 copolymers. Principal component of PS(PI)2 copolymer was component with the predicted structure. PS(PI)x (x = 3, 5 and 7) copolymers contain stars with fewer PI arms than predicted by the theoretical number. These results are in line with the average chemical composition of the copolymers, determined by proton NMR spectroscopy and the identification of individual components by MALDI-TOF MS.
D.09 Tutoring for postgraduate students
COBISS.SI-ID: 263881216The invention relates to novel polymers, which exhibit improved association with protein drugs and enable the formation of nanoparticles with high protein loading.
F.08 Development and manufacture of a prototype
COBISS.SI-ID: 5465882The strategic project with partners 16 from 7 countries (5,3 MEuro budget, duration 29 month) focuses on derelict fishing gear (nets), marine litter and microplastics in the Adriatic Sea. The project will establish harmonized capacity in all participating countries and will provide the first set of coordinated monitoring results on marine litter in the Adriatic. A strategy proposal for management with marine litter in the Adriatic region will be the final outcome of the project.
D.01 Chairing over/coordinating (international and national) projects
COBISS.SI-ID: 6344545Puch award in 2012 for innovations, research results and their application for the replacement of crude oil products with renewable resources, an award winner: Assist. Prof. Dr. M. Kunaver.
E.01 National awards
Invited lecture at the 10th International Symposium on Polymer Therapeutics, From laboratory to clinical practice, 19th-21th May 2014, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 5523994