Awards for Outstanding Master's Theses at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering
During the Master's graduation ceremony held at the Bethlehem Chapel on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Dean Prof. Michal Přibyl, based on decree FCHI/3/2025, presented the Awards for Outstanding Master's Theses at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering for the first time. The awards were granted to five graduates of follow-up master's study programs offered by the faculty. Congratulations!
Professor Čůta and Professor Kámen Award
Category: Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
Recipient: Ing. Karolína Hintnausová
Thesis Title: Development and validation of an HPLC method for characterization of curcumin release from a solid lipid formulation
Thesis Title (CZ): Vývoj a validace HPLC metody pro charakterizaci uvolňování kurkuminu z pevné lipidické formulace
The extract from the rhizome of Curcuma longa is intensively studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its application in the pharmaceutical industry is complicated by its low bioavailability, which significantly limits its effective incorporation into conventional dosage forms. The aim of this thesis was first to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for reliable determination of the three main components of the curcumin extract – bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin. The optimized chromatographic conditions were then validated for linear range, detection and quantification limits, accuracy, and precision. In the second part of the thesis, the developed HPLC method was applied to the design and preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation based on self-emulsifying systems. This formulation was processed into oil-based beads with the potential to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. The HPLC method was used to characterize these curcumin-containing oil beads in terms of active ingredient content, homogeneity, and release profile.
Professor Josef Novák Award
Category: Physical Chemistry
Recipient: Ing. Veronika Šritterová
Thesis Title: Molecular simulation of internal dynamics of porous metal-organic and ionic liquids
Thesis Title (CZ): Molekulární simulace vnitřní dynamiky porézních metalo-organických a iontových kapalin
Porous liquids composed of dispersions of porous nanocrystals in sterically hindered solvents offer significant potential for separation, capture, and catalytic conversion of gases or small molecules. A key factor in the design and long-term stability of these materials is the compatibility between the solid and liquid phases. The small size of the dispersed particles increases the relevance of surface effects. The structure and dynamics of the liquid near the surface of porosity generators differ substantially from the bulk liquid, influencing macroscopic material properties such as density, viscosity, or the tendency of nanoparticles to aggregate or sediment. Molecular simulations of liquids confined between porous layers allow for detailed study of molecular interactions with solid surfaces at full atomic resolution. Such knowledge is crucial for interpreting observed behaviors in existing porous liquid systems and for designing new functional systems. Since proximity to a solid surface typically leads to reduced molecular mobility, the size and chemistry of the dispersed nanoparticles can significantly affect the phase behavior of porous liquids, particularly the glass transition temperature between amorphous solid and fully liquid phases. Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of glass transitions thus complement the macroscopic understanding of internal dynamics. Simulations were carried out using both polarizable and non-polarizable force fields. The liquid phase included selected ionic liquids of various ion sizes, while the porosity generator was the metal-organic framework ZIF-8.
Professor Miloš Marek Award
Category: Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering
Recipient: Ing. Karin Lovrantová
Thesis Title: Electrodialysis as a process for water solution valorization
Thesis Title (CZ): Elektrodialýza jako proces k valorizaci vodných roztoků
This thesis deals with the optimization of electrodialysis for treating industrial wastewater, where gypsum formation presents a limiting factor for water recycling and salt concentration. Due to its low solubility and tendency to precipitate in electrodialysis systems, gypsum causes undesirable deposits not only on the concentrate side but, as shown in pilot testing, also on one of the electrodes, negatively impacting overall efficiency and leading to process shutdown. A solution was proposed based on laboratory tests using an electrodialysis unit to identify issues and optimize conditions. The detection of gypsum scaling on electrodes led to the testing of alternative electrode solutions—including the use of the diluate itself—which suppresses scaling without significantly affecting separation performance or process economics. This approach reduces chemical consumption, wastewater volume, and disposal costs. Based on the findings, a large-scale process scheme was proposed, incorporating electrodialysis, water recycling, and concentrate crystallization, with reuse of the crystallized product. This integrated approach reduces waste, enhances raw material utilization, and supports environmentally sustainable treatment of this type of industrial water.
Associate Professor Karel Kadlec Award
Category: Sensor Technology and Measurement
Recipient: Ing. Hana Josífková
Thesis Title: Numerical simulation of rocket engine burning dynamics and its optimization
Thesis Title (CZ): Numerické simulace dynamiky spalování raketového motoru a jeho optimalizace
This thesis focuses on the development of a program for optimizing the design and performance of solid rocket motors using numerical simulations and optimization algorithms. The program combines these methods to rapidly evaluate various design and dynamic parameters, thus enabling iterative improvement of the motor and shortening the overall development cycle. Based on the program’s results, a rocket motor was designed and constructed and subsequently tested experimentally to verify the simulation accuracy. The goal was to create a tool that generates high-quality rocket motor designs without compromising performance, reliability, or safety. Through a combination of theoretical research, simulation, design, and testing, the work contributes to more efficient development of solid rocket motors.
Professor Oskar Schmidt Award
Category: Mathematics, Computer Science, and Cybernetics
Recipient: Ing. Eliška Paulíková
Thesis Title: Automation of Laboratory Work: Modernization and Extension of Pipetting Robot Functions for Handling Small Objects
Thesis Title (CZ): Automatizace laboratorní práce: Modernizace a rozšíření funkcí pipetovacího robota pro manipulaci s drobnými objekty
This diploma thesis focuses on the enhancement of the EvoBot pipetting robot, originally designed for basic pipetting tasks and requiring significant human assistance. The aim was to modify the robot to perform not only pipetting but also the autonomous handling of small objects without human intervention. For this purpose, one of the original pipetting modules was completely redesigned using 3D printing to create a module capable of manipulating small items. To increase autonomy, control software was developed in Python, allowing object position detection using QR codes placed directly on the objects. To facilitate operation, a graphical user interface (GUI) was developed so that users without programming knowledge could control the device. Experiments showed that the robot now functions almost fully autonomously, from object recognition to transfer.
Photo: Artem Akinfeev