Department of Chemical Engineering Seminar 2025-Dr. Maria Katsikogianni (School of Chemistry and Biosciences, University of Bradford, UK)

Abstract

This talk is about my work towards the development of multifunctional materials using plasma chemistry, self-assembled monolayers, bioflavonoids, ceramics, metal organic frameworks and surface patterning to minimise bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation and promote cell adhesion of antioxidant activities. The antibacterial testing along with the materials cytocompatibility testing will be presented. The outcome of those modifications will be discussed along with ideas for future work. 

Speakers Short CV

I completed my degree in Chemistry (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) and I gained my PhD in Biomedical Engineering (University of Patras, under the supervision of Prof Missirlis) where I investigated the effect of material chemistry, morphology and flow conditions on bacterial adhesion. I then worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the Surface Engineering Group, University College Dublin (with Prof Denis Dowling) and at WELMEC, the centre of excellence in Medical Engineering, at the University of Leeds (with Profs Wood and Genever). Afterwards I joined the University of Bradford as a Research and Knowledge Transfer Officer in the Centre of Advanced Material Engineering (with Prof Whiteside), and I started my independent academic career as a Lecturer in Biomaterials Chemistry in 2016. Since 2018, I am an Assistant Professor leading a group of 3 PhD students as their Principle supervisor and 1 as their associate supervisor. Between 2020 and 2025, 7 PhD students have successfully completed their PhD under my supervision. The research of my group is multidisciplinary towards the development and physicochemical-biological characterisation of composite materials using polymers, surface engineering, active ingredients and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental and health related applications. 

During these posts I have successfully co-written funding applications towards the development of a multidisciplinary network for biomaterials (INTERREG IIIA Greece-Italy) and the application of antimicrobial natural product coatings on consumer products and medical packaging, (Enterprise Ireland commercialisation fund). In the UK, I have secured funding from Medical Device Innovation, towards the manufacture of medical device surfaces that are resistant to microbial colonisation. As a co-Investigator I have also contributed to multiple successful applications such as about supramolecular chemistry to address antimicrobial resistance challenges (Innovate UK), a Horizon 2020 grant about high-impact injection moulding platform for mass-production of 3D micro-structured surfaces with antimicrobial, amongst other, functionalities and a British Council grant that funds 12 fellows to join us for a year and work in the areas of sustainability and waste water treatment. I have published 29 peer reviewed articles, 5 book chapters, a granted patent along with another two papers under review and a h-index of 18. In 2024 I received the Vice-Chancellor’s outstanding achiever award for my contribution to business and community engagement. I am a member of the British Standard Institution committee CH/216/-/3 Products and Biofilms and I have a strong network that provides access to a range of expertise and facilities that complement our interdisciplinary research.