In our research group, we have long been working on the immobilization of enzymes and cells using various nanoparticles – for example, nanofibers or magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Our experience shows that the resulting nanostructured biocatalysts are far more stable, easier to handle, and orders of magnitude more active than their native counterparts.
The aim of the present research is to develop devices and reactors designed for the targeted application of these advanced nanoparticle-immobilized biocatalysts, which can serve as models to demonstrate both the industrial relevance and the integration potential of nanotechnology.
The topic is highly interdisciplinary, involving several experimental and computational areas:
Materials Science → synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles
Mechanical Engineering → 3D modeling and prototype development
Computer Science → automation and microcontroller programming
Analytical Chemistry → sampling and analysis from reactors
Don’t worry – you don’t need to be an expert in all of these! If you are interested in the topic and have a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, you are already in the right place with us. =)
Supervisor: Gergő Dániel Tóth
Our research group has been investigating and developing electrospun formulations of therapeutic compounds for several years. This technology enables the embedding of active pharmaceutical ingredients into nanofibers, thereby enhancing their stability and therapeutic efficacy. In our experiments, we have achieved promising results in the fields of enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic disorders, as well as in dermatology and ophthalmology.
One of the major challenges of this technology is that the nanofiber mats produced by the electrospinning apparatus are difficult to directly convert into usable drug formulations. To address this, the aim of our current research is to develop processing methods and devices that allow nanofibers to be shaped automatically or semi-automatically into bodies with predefined geometries.
The topic is highly interdisciplinary, integrating several scientific fields:
Materials Science → production and physicochemical characterization of nanofibers
Mechanical Engineering → 3D modeling and prototype development
Computer Science → automation and microcontroller programming
Don’t worry – you don’t need to be an expert in all of these! If you are interested in the topic and have a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, you are already in the right place with us. =)
Supervisor: Gergő Dániel Tóth
Course Content:
The course contributes to laying the foundations of environmental engineering education with up-to-date scientific knowledge. It aims to train environmental engineers who, based on their professional expertise, are capable of recognizing environmental hazards in different fields, managing damage control activities, and reducing or eliminating existing environmental impacts and damages. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of organic and biochemistry, the main types of chemical reactions occurring in the chemical industry and in the human environment, as well as the chemistry and biochemistry of key compounds present in living organisms. With the knowledge gained, students will be prepared to participate in master’s level environmental engineering programs.
Course Coordinator: Dr. Diána Balogh
Lecturers from the group: Dr. Diána Balogh, Gergő Dániel Tóth
Laboratory Instructors from the group: Noémi Péli
Credits: 5
Course details: https://www.ch.bme.hu/oktatas/targyak/BMEVESKAKM2/
Course Content:
The aim of the lectures is to familiarize biochemical engineering students with the structures and syntheses of the most important organic compounds that participate in biochemical processes, build the structure of living organisms, and serve as nutrients and information storage molecules. Another goal is to highlight the structural details of these complex, often polymeric macromolecules where the actual chemical processes take place.
The practical part of the course – building on previously acquired knowledge in general and organic chemistry, as well as practical skills in general chemistry – is intended to introduce future biochemical engineers working in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, biological chemical, and environmental industries to the fundamentals of laboratory work related to theoretical concepts. The main objectives of the laboratory are: learning the basics of chemical and biotechnological synthetic work, safely mastering fundamental synthetic procedures, acquiring methods for purification and identification of materials, and developing basic skills in literature research related to synthetic work, with a particular focus on preparing students to solve practical chemical and biochemical problems they may encounter in research and development (R&D).
Mastering the material of the course is essential for further studies in biochemistry. It provides the molecular background necessary for understanding biological processes in detail, aids in grasping broader connections, and fosters the development of a mindset aligned with the requirements of modern biochemistry. The knowledge conveyed and processed in the course can also serve as a foundation for later MSc studies.
Course Coordinator: Dr. Diána Balogh
Lecturers from the group: Dr. Diána Balogh
Laboratory Instructors from the group: Gergő Dániel Tóth, Balázs Kenéz, Tamás Stummer, Noémi Téli
Credits: 7
Course details: https://www.ch.bme.hu/oktatas/targyak/BMEVESZA302
Course Content:
In modern materials science, the primary goal is no longer solely the development of materials with the best structural properties. Materials are deliberately designed to combine different physical properties within a single system. Active interaction with the environment is also a characteristic feature of many non-conventional materials. This course aims to introduce students to the latest advances in modern materials science, focusing primarily on colloid science, surface chemistry, and the physical chemistry of polymers.
Course Coordinator: Dr. András Szilágyi
Laboratory Instructors from the group: Gergő Dániel Tóth, Noémi Péli, Tamás Stummer
Credits: 3
Course details: https://www.ch.bme.hu/oktatas/targyak/BMEVEFAA707/
Course Content:
The purpose of the Physical Chemistry Laboratory course is to practice and deepen the theoretical knowledge acquired in the Physical Chemistry (1–2) and Nanotechnology Colloid Chemistry lectures. The course familiarizes students with the fundamental experimental methods, instruments, and procedures of physical chemistry and related measurement techniques, while also developing their practical skills. During the laboratory sessions, students will cover the basics of experimental design and, when evaluating measurement results, determine the errors associated with their measurements.
Course Coordinator: Dr. Benjámin Sándor Gyarmati
Laboratory Instructors from the group: Gergő Dániel Tóth
Credits: 3
Course details: https://www.ch.bme.hu/oktatas/targyak/BMEVEFAA506/
Course Content:
Materials science explores the relationships between the structure, properties, and manufacturing technologies of materials, both from the perspective of their application and with the aim of achieving optimal material properties. The properties and behavior of various objects are determined by their structure. The objective of the course is to introduce students to the most important structural and functional materials, their structures, the key factors determining their properties, as well as the characteristics of their deformation behavior. Through examples, the course illustrates the structure–property relationships of structural materials, polymers, metals, ceramics, and wood, while also briefly addressing the latest functional and smart materials. During the course, attention is drawn to the similarities and differences between different structural materials.
Course coordinator: Dr. Alfréd Kállay-Menyhárd
Laboratory supervisors from the group: Gergő Dániel Tóth, Noémi Péli
Credit value: 4
Course description: https://www.ch.bme.hu/oktatas/targyak/BMEVEFAM110/