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Dr.

JuliaRadwan-Praglowska

Biomaterials Engineer · Nanotechnologist · Tissue Engineering Researcher

Cracow University of Technology · Department of Biotechnology and Physical Chemistry

Bridging chemical engineering
with clinical medicine

Dr Julia Radwan-Praglowska is a researcher at Cracow University of Technology specialising in microwave synthesis of advanced chitosan biomaterials. As principal investigator of the BioHemPro project (LIDER X, NCBiR), she develops innovative next-generation hemostatic systems — biodegradable matrices effective even under hypothermic conditions.

Her interdisciplinary work spans polymer chemistry, nanotechnology and tissue engineering. Her PhD, defended with distinction (2022), set new standards in microwave-assisted biopolymer synthesis. She is a recipient of the Minister of Science Award (2024) and a medallist at the Concours Lepine in Paris.

2017
Start of research on chitosan aerogels
2019
"Innovation is a Woman" award, "Student-Inventor" laureate
2021
AIFF Medal, Concours Lepine, Paris
2022
PhD with distinction
2023
Arca Medal, 20th Innovation Exhibition
2024
Minister of Science Award; PI BioHemPro
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Impact Factor
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Patents and applications
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LIDER X Grant
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Countries of collaboration

From synthesis to clinical applications

Next-generation hemostatic systems

BioHemPro — biodegradable chitosan matrices effective under hypothermia, with antibacterial properties (ZnO, Ag). Applicable in parenchymal surgery.

LIDER X · NCBiR

Microwave synthesis of biopolymers

Chitosan aerogels, hydrogels and nanofibres produced via microwave methods — faster, cleaner, more sustainable. Synthesis time reduced from hours to minutes.

Green Chemistry

Tissue scaffolds and implants

Scaffolds for bone regeneration (chitosan/PLA/HA), biodegradable urogynecological implants (POP), nanofibrous membranes. In vivo studies on an ovine model.

In vivo · hMSCs

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs)

Fluorescent nanomaterials for bioimaging and ketone body biodetection. Low cytotoxicity, surface modification. Bottom-up microwave synthesis.

Diagnostics · POC

From concept to implementation

BioHemPro — LIDER X

1 409 375 PLN

Personalised bifunctional hybrid matrices with induced bioactive properties as innovative hemostatic systems. Funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR).

  • Effectiveness under hypothermic conditions
  • Biodegradability — no mechanical removal required
  • Antibacterial activity (ZnO, Ag)
  • Application in parenchymal surgery
Ongoing

NCN PRELUDIUM

Research on carbon quantum dots (CQDs) — synthesis, surface modification and applications in biodetection. Funded by the National Science Centre (NCN).

Innovation Incubator 4.0

Commercialisation of biomaterial technologies, CE certification, technology transfer through the Technology Transfer Centre of Cracow University of Technology.

Frequently asked questions

Why do chitosan-based hemostatic agents work under hypothermia?

Chitosan has a natural affinity for erythrocyte cell membranes and activates hemostasis independently of body temperature. Its mechanism relies on direct electrostatic interaction with blood cells rather than on classical coagulation cascades.

How do CQDs differ from traditional quantum dots?

Carbon quantum dots stand out for their low cytotoxicity compared to heavy-metal-based quantum dots (CdSe, CdS). They are produced from organic precursors via microwave synthesis — a fast and environmentally friendly process.

What is microwave synthesis of biomaterials?

A method of modifying biopolymers using microwave radiation for volumetric heating of the reaction mixture. It reduces synthesis time from hours to minutes, providing precise control of porous architecture and degree of cross-linking.

Patents and applications

Industrial partners are welcome to enquire about licensing. Technology transfer is handled by the Technology Transfer Centre of Cracow University of Technology.

Application No. Invention Application
P.433971 Method of producing a bioactive chitosan-based hemostatic agent Hemostatic production
P.433973 Method of producing surface-modified carbon quantum dots POC diagnostic tests
BDSW/781 Hybrid carrier for anticancer drugs Targeted oncology
P.446803 Nanofibrous material reinforced with periclase Bone regeneration
Pending Method of producing porous collagen bodies 3D implants

Awards and medals

2024
Minister of Science and Higher Education Award
Ministry of Science
2023
Arca Medal
20th International Innovation Exhibition
2021
AIFF Medal — Concours Lepine, Paris
Association of French Inventors (A.I.F.F.)
2020
Polish Smart Growth Award — "Scientist of the Future"
Smart Growth Forum
2019
"Innovation is a Woman"
Women in Science Foundation
2019
Laureate of the 9th "Student-Inventor" competition
Kielce University of Technology / MNiSW

Industry offer

Research services

  • Custom microwave synthesis of biopolymers
  • Materials characterisation (SEM, FTIR, DSC, rheology)
  • In vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity testing
  • Medical biomaterials consultancy (TRL 3–7)

Licences and patents

  • Licences for technologies P.433971, P.433973, BDSW/781
  • Contact via the Technology Transfer Centre of CUT
  • Technology implementation support
  • Medical device certification (CE)

Joint R&D projects

  • NCBiR, NCN, Horizon Europe grants
  • Industrial cooperation agreements with CUT
  • Research consortia with the medical industry
  • Technology transfer from TRL 3 to TRL 7

Education and mentoring

  • Physical Chemistry
  • Bioprocesses in Environmental Protection
  • Functional Biomaterials

As supervisor of the Functional Biomaterials Student Research Club, I inspire students to participate in research projects and invention competitions. Our members regularly win awards at national and international invention exhibitions.

Students interested in biomaterials, nanotechnology and tissue engineering are welcome to get in touch and join the team.

Please get in touch for an up-to-date list of Bachelor's and Master's thesis topics in biomaterials, hemostatic systems, carbon quantum dots and tissue engineering.

Ask about topics

Selected research papers

Novel hemostatic agents based on acylated chitosan matrices

Molecules · Hemostatic systems

Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

IF ~6 · Tissue engineering

In vivo evaluation of chitosan implants in pelvic organ prolapse model

Molecules · Urogynecology

Let's talk about collaboration

Contact details

Department of Biotechnology and Physical Chemistry (C-5)
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology
Cracow University of Technology
Use the contact form to send a message.