Monika Trudicova

@vut.cz

Faculty of Chemistry
Brno University of Technology



           

https://researchid.co/trudicova.m
3

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Comprehensive characterization of natural polysaccharide-based hydrogels with gradient structure in concentration and stiffness
    Natalia Zinkovska, Monika Trudičová, Kateřina Marková, Miloslav Pekař, and Jiří Smilek
    Elsevier BV

  • Lecithin as an Effective Modifier of the Transport Properties of Variously Crosslinked Hydrogels
    Richard Heger, Natalia Zinkovska, Monika Trudicova, Martin Kadlec, Miloslav Pekar, and Jiri Smilek
    MDPI AG
    Transport properties are one of the most crucial assets of hydrogel samples, influencing their main application potential, i.e., as drug carriers. Depending on the type of drug or the application itself, it is very important to be able to control these transport properties in an appropriate manner. This study seeks to modify these properties by adding amphiphiles, specifically lecithin. Through its self-assembly, lecithin modifies the inner structure of the hydrogel, which affects its properties, especially the transport ones. In the proposed paper, these properties are studied mainly using various probes (organic dyes) to effectively simulate drugs in simple release diffusion experiments controlled by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Scanning electron microscopy was used to help characterize the diffusion systems. The effects of lecithin and its concentrations, as well as the effects of variously charged model drugs, were discussed. Lecithin decreases the values of the diffusion coefficient independently of the dye used and the type of crosslinking. The ability to influence transport properties is better observed in xerogel samples. The results, complementing previously published conclusions, showed that lecithin can alter a hydrogel’s structure and therefore its transport properties.

  • EVAULATION OF THE APPLICABILITY OF VARIOUS POROSIMETRY METHODS IN INVESTIGATION OF THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF HYDROGELS
    Monika TRUDIČOVÁ, Jan ZAHRÁDKA, Jiří SMILEK, Kamila HRUBANOVÁ, Kateřina MRÁZOVÁ, Petr SEDLÁČEK, and Miloslav PEKAŘ
    TANGER Ltd.

  • The Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature and the Source Biomass on the Properties of Biochar Produced for the Agronomical Applications as the Soil Conditioner
    Michal Kalina, Sarka Sovova, Jiri Svec, Monika Trudicova, Jan Hajzler, Leona Kubikova, and Vojtech Enev
    MDPI AG
    Biochar is a versatile carbon-rich organic material originating from pyrolyzed biomass residues that possess the potential to stabilize organic carbon in the soil, improve soil fertility and water retention, and enhance plant growth. For the utilization of biochar as a soil conditioner, the mutual interconnection of the physicochemical properties of biochar with the production conditions used during the pyrolysis (temperature, heating rate, residence time) and the role of the origin of used biomass seem to be crucial. The aim of the research was focused on a comparison of the properties of biochar samples (originated from oat brans, mixed woodcut, corn residues and commercial compost) produced at different temperatures (400–700 °C) and different residence times (10 and 60 min). The results indicated similar structural features of produced biochar samples; nevertheless, the original biomass showed differences in physicochemical properties. The morphological and structural analysis showed well-developed aromatic porous structures for biochar samples originated from oat brans, mixed woodcut and corn residues. The higher pyrolysis temperature resulted in lower yields; however, it provided products with higher content of organic carbon and a more developed surface area. The lignocellulose biomass with higher contents of lignin is an attractive feedstock material for the production of biochar with potential agricultural applications.

  • Biochar Texture—A Parameter Influencing Physicochemical Properties, Morphology, and Agronomical Potential
    Michal Kalina, Sarka Sovova, Jan Hajzler, Leona Kubikova, Monika Trudicova, Jiri Smilek, and Vojtech Enev
    MDPI AG
    Biochar represents a stable form of carbon-rich organic material produced by the pyrolysis of various biomass residues. It has the potential to stabilize organic carbon in the soil and improve soil fertility, water retention, and enhance plant growth. Despite its potential, there is limited information on the mutual relation of biochar texture with its physicochemical characteristics, morphology, and the content of organic matter. For these reasons, we studied three biochar samples with potential use in agriculture as soil supplements (NovoCarbo, Sonnenerde, Biouhel.cz). Our experimental approach performed on the individual sieved fraction of studied biochars (<0.5; 0.5–2.0; 2.0–4.0 and >4.0 mm) confirmed the importance of a selection of optimal source biomass material as the content of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, together with the conditions of pyrolysis (temperature of pyrolysis), play a crucial role in the managing of the properties of produced biochar. Agronomically more stable biochars containing a higher content of organic matter and organic carbon, with alkaline pH response and well-developed aromatic porous structure, could be produced from lignin-based biomass residues at higher pyrolysis temperatures, which is an important finding taking into account the possible utilization of biochar in soils as a soil conditioner.

  • Effects of Differing Monomer Compositions on Properties of P(3HB-co-4HB) Synthesized by Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 for Various Applications
    Aneta Pospisilova, Juraj Vodicka, Monika Trudicova, Zuzana Juglova, Jiri Smilek, Premysl Mencik, Jiri Masilko, Eva Slaninova, Veronika Melcova, Michal Kalina,et al.
    MDPI AG
    Films prepared from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymers produced by Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 using an automatic film applicator were homogeneous and had a defined thickness, which allowed a detailed study of physicochemical properties. Their properties were compared with those of a poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) homopolymer film prepared by the same procedure, which proved to be significantly more crystalline by DSC and XRD. Structural differences between samples had a major impact on their properties. With increasing 4-hydroxybutyrate content, the ductility and release rate of the model hydrophilic active ingredient increased significantly. Other observed properties, such as the release of the hydrophobic active substance, the contact angle with water and ethylene glycol, or the surface morphology and roughness, were also affected by the composition. The identified properties predetermine these copolymers for wide use in areas such as biomedicine or smart biodegradable packaging for food or cosmetics. The big advantage is the possibility of fine-tuning properties simply by changing the fermentation conditions.

  • Degradation of P(3HB-co-4HB) Films in Simulated Body Fluids
    Juraj Vodicka, Monika Wikarska, Monika Trudicova, Zuzana Juglova, Aneta Pospisilova, Michal Kalina, Eva Slaninova, Stanislav Obruca, and Petr Sedlacek
    MDPI AG
    A novel model of biodegradable PHA copolymer films preparation was applied to evaluate the biodegradability of various PHA copolymers and to discuss its biomedical applicability. In this study, we illustrate the potential biomaterial degradation rate affectability by manipulation of monomer composition via controlling the biosynthetic strategies. Within the experimental investigation, we have prepared two different copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 4-hydroxybutyrate—P(3HB-co-36 mol.% 4HB) and P(3HB-co-66 mol.% 4HB), by cultivating the thermophilic bacterial strain Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 and further investigated its degradability in simulated body fluids (SBFs). Both copolymers revealed faster weight reduction in synthetic gastric juice (SGJ) and artificial colonic fluid (ACF) than simple homopolymer P3HB. In addition, degradation mechanisms differed across tested polymers, according to SEM micrographs. While incubated in SGJ, samples were fragmented due to fast hydrolysis sourcing from substantially low pH, which suggest abiotic degradation as the major degradation mechanism. On the contrary, ACF incubation indicated obvious enzymatic hydrolysis. Further, no cytotoxicity of the waste fluids was observed on CaCO-2 cell line. Based on these results in combination with high production flexibility, we suggest P(3HB-co-4HB) copolymers produced by Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 as being very auspicious polymers for intestinal in vivo treatments.

  • Novel Hydrogel Material with Tailored Internal Architecture Modified by “Bio” Amphiphilic Components—Design and Analysis by a Physico-Chemical Approach
    Richard Heger, Martin Kadlec, Monika Trudicova, Natalia Zinkovska, Jan Hajzler, Miloslav Pekar, and Jiri Smilek
    MDPI AG
    Nowadays, hydrogels are found in many applications ranging from the industrial to the biological (e.g., tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, cosmetics, water treatment, and many more). According to the specific needs of individual applications, it is necessary to be able to modify the properties of hydrogel materials, particularly the transport and mechanical properties related to their structure, which are crucial for the potential use of the hydrogels in modern material engineering. Therefore, the possibility of preparing hydrogel materials with tunable properties is a very real topic and is still being researched. A simple way to modify these properties is to alter the internal structure by adding another component. The addition of natural substances is convenient due to their biocompatibility and the possibility of biodegradation. Therefore, this work focused on hydrogels modified by a substance that is naturally found in the tissues of our body, namely lecithin. Hydrogels were prepared by different types of crosslinking (physical, ionic, and chemical). Their mechanical properties were monitored and these investigations were supplemented by drying and rehydration measurements, and supported by the morphological characterization of xerogels. With the addition of natural lecithin, it is possible to modify crucial properties of hydrogels such as porosity and mechanical properties, which will play a role in the final applications.

  • The effect of biochar application on soil properties and growth of the model plant Zea mays
    Sarka Sovova, Voitech Enev, Jiri Smilek, Leona Kubikova, Monika Trudicova, Jan Hajzler, and Michal Kalina
    Ecocycles
    The classic way of land cultivation means the use of inorganic fertilizers that are salts that dissolve rapidly in a short time and improve soil fertility. This process negatively affects soil salinity and the life of microorganisms. The use of biochar as a soil conditioner is a promising solution. The aim of the work is to enrich the properties of less fertile soils and to enhance the growth of the model plant Zea mays (corn) by biochar application. We used four different soil types commonly spread in the Czech Republic – regosol, chernozem, cambisol and fluvisol representing a broad range of organic matter content. Also, we applied two different EBC (The European Biochar Certificate) certified biochars for use in agriculture. Corn seeds were germinated and cultivated for 3 months in repeated plant life cycles. Soils and biochar samples were characterized before and after cultivation by TGA, EA, BET, SEM, extraction of organic matter. The effect of biochar application was observed continuously through the measurement of plant height, the number of leaves and cobs. After the finalization of cultivation experiments, the dry mass of individual plants was measured, and root image analysis of every plant was performed. Fluvisol and cambisol have much higher organic matter content than regosol and chernozem. The application of biochar had the most significant impact on regosol regardless of the application dose; these results are in good agreement with the root image analysis. Furthermore, plants in soils treated with biochar had more corn cobs. The analysis on biochar samples showed the continual leaching of both organic and inorganic molecules from biochar to surrounding soil, which is crucial for its possible use as a soil conditioner and confirms the long-timescale positive effect on soil properties.

  • TAILORING THE INTERNAL MICROSTRUCTURE OF THE HYDROGELS BASED ON POLY-HEMA TARGETED FOR DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
    Monika TRUDICOVA, Hana PAPEZIKOVA, Petr SEDLACEK, and Miloslav PEKAR
    TANGER Ltd.

  • Controlling the internal microstructure and properties of physically cross-linked PVA hydrogels by the rate of freezing
    Monika TRUDICOVA, Jan ZAHRADKA, Petr SEDLACEK, and Miloslav PEKAR
    TANGER Ltd.
    PVA hydrogels can be formed via physical crosslinking (e.g. by cyclic freezing/thawing of aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solutions) or with a chemical cross-linker. Physical crosslinking is more useful for biomedical applications since it contains no harmful cross-linker residues. This work, therefore, focused on studying properties of physically crosslinked hydrogels with different concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (2.5 to 15 wt%) prepared via cyclic freezing/thawing under different cryogenic conditions: in the liquid nitrogen (–196 °C), in two different laboratory freezers (–80 °C and –18 °C) and the ice bath. Furthermore, the effects of the addition of several cryoprotectants were evaluated. The optical and mechanical properties of the prepared samples were studied, and the microstructure of the hydrogels was observed by scanning electron microscopy after freeze-drying.

  • The relation of biochar texture to its physicochemical and morphological characteristics
    Michal KALINA, Šárka SOVOVÁ, Monika TRUDIČOVÁ, Jan HAJZLER, Jiří SMILEK, Vojtěch ENEV, and Ludmila MRAVCOVÁ
    TANGER Ltd.
    Biochar represents ubiquitous material produced by pyrolysis of various organic materials. Mainly the biochar originating from waste organic biomass residues represents highly attractive material with the possible utilization as a soil conditioner in agriculture. For these purposes, the knowledge of biochar chemical composition, its potential stability in soils, the knowledge of the elements and molecules, which can be released from biochar to surroundings and the relation of these properties to the actual texture of used material, seems to be highly important to predict the potential effect on soil and environment. This area represents the topic of present work, where we focused mainly on the effect of biochar texture to internal microstructure obtained by SEM and BET analysis and the content of organic matter. The results have shown, that the more developed internal structure of biochar with the larger specific surface area can be correlated with the higher content of aromatic regions formed by the organic structures with the high contents of the organic carbon. The high content of organic matter and organic carbon is assumed to be beneficial for agricultural application of biochar.

  • Multiscale experimental evaluation of agarose-based semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels as materials with tunable rheological and transport performance
    Monika Trudicova, Jiri Smilek, Michal Kalina, Marcela Smilkova, Katerina Adamkova, Kamila Hrubanova, Vladislav Krzyzanek, and Petr Sedlacek
    MDPI AG
    This study introduces an original concept in the development of hydrogel materials for controlled release of charged organic compounds based on semi-interpenetrating polymer networks composed by an inert gel-forming polymer component and interpenetrating linear polyelectrolyte with specific binding affinity towards the carried active compound. As it is experimentally illustrated on the prototype hydrogels prepared from agarose interpenetrated by poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and alginate (ALG), respectively, the main benefit brought by this concept is represented by the ability to tune the mechanical and transport performance of the material independently via manipulating the relative content of the two structural components. A unique analytical methodology is proposed to provide complex insight into composition–structure–performance relationships in the hydrogel material combining methods of analysis on the macroscopic scale, but also in the specific microcosms of the gel network. Rheological analysis has confirmed that the complex modulus of the gels can be adjusted in a wide range by the gelling component (agarose) with negligible effect of the interpenetrating component (PSS or ALG). On the other hand, the content of PSS as low as 0.01 wt.% of the gel resulted in a more than 10-fold decrease of diffusivity of model-charged organic solute (Rhodamine 6G).

  • Introducing the newly isolated bacterium Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 as an auspicious thermophilic producer of various polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) copolymers-2. Material study on the produced copolymers
    Petr Sedlacek, Iva Pernicova, Ivana Novackova, Xenie Kourilova, Michal Kalina, Adriana Kovalcik, Martin Koller, Jana Nebesarova, Vladislav Krzyzanek, Kamila Hrubanova,et al.
    MDPI AG
    Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 is a promising, moderately thermophilic, novel Gram-positive bacterium capable of the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with tunable monomer composition. In particular, the strain is able to synthesize copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), 4-hydroxybutyrate (4HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) with remarkably high 4HB and 3HV fractions. In this study we performed an in-depth material analysis of PHA polymers produced by Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 in order to describe how the monomer composition affects fundamental structural and physicochemical parameters of the materials in the form of solvent-casted films. Results of infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and thermal analysis clearly show that controlling the monomer composition enables optimization of PHA crystallinity both qualitatively (the type of the crystalline lattice) and quantitatively (the overall degree of crystallinity). Furthermore, resistance of the films against thermal and/or enzymatic degradation can also be manipulated by the monomer composition. Results of this study hence confirm Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 as an auspicious candidate for thermophilic production of PHA polymers with material properties that can be tuned together with their chemical composition by the corresponding adjustment of the cultivation process.

  • An appropriate method for assessing hydrogel pore sizes by cryo-sem