OUR TEAM

Research teams

What we have to offer

Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group

Joanna Cieśla (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0115-5595) – group leader

Anna Herman (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2722-6195)

Małgorzata Milner-Krawczyk (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2032-0995)

Monika Wielechowska (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7046-7421)

Patrycja Wińska (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2122-1123)

Eliza Korzeniowska

Omowumi Adewale (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0387-585X) (post-doc)

Łukasz Wysocki (PhD student)

 

Research interests 

  • Development of the technology of the production of L- and D-lactic acid using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and a medium prepared on the basis of coffee grounds remaining as waste after coffee brewing
  • Study of the anticancer properties of polysaccharides (PS) isolated from selected plant species and the study of the synergy of PS with classic anticancer drugs.
  • Effects on cancer cells of concomitant use of drugs directed against protein kinases and other molecular targets
  • Searching, analyzing and developing new methods of application of natural substances that inhibit the formation and development of cancer. Currently, work is focused on the study of the bacterial metabolite, violacein, with excellent antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer properties.
  • Antimicrobial properties of biologically active compounds of natural (plant, microbiological) and synthetic origin as potential substitutes for preservatives and antibiotics.
  • Influence of biologically active compounds of natural origin on wound healing processes.
  • Protein overproduction in different expression systems

Grants 

  • 05.2023 – now, NChem4 PW: „Study on potential of vegetables and fruits fermentation wastes as substitutes for synthetic preservatives for cosmetics industry” – PI Anna Herma
  • 12.2022 – 04.12.2024 POSTDOC II PW: „Assessment of potential anticancer activity of plant polysaccharides (PS) and looking for synergistic effects with classical anticancer drugs” – PI Joanna Cieśla
  • 06.05.2021-05.05.2021, NCHEM.2: “Investiagtion of the anti-metastatic potential of violacein in relation to melanoma cells” PI Małgorzata Milner-Krawczyk
  • 01.02.2021-31.05.2022, Instytut Badań Stosowanych WUT, within „Inkubator Innowacyjności 4.0”, „Biotechnological production of lactic acid enantiomers with the use of spent coffee grounds”, PI Joanna Cieśla,
  • 09.2020-31.08.2021, NCHEM: “The investigation of synergistic effect of simultaneous inhibition of thymidylate synthase and protein kinase CK2 in breast cancer cell lines” PI Patrycja Wińska
  • 01.2016-25.01.2020, National Science Centre nr 2015/17/B/ST5/00547: “The synthesis of new  antagonists of glutamate receptors and  the investigation of their effect on cancer cells in the presence of CK2 inhibitors. PI Maria Bretner
  • 07.2017 – 31.12.2017, Dean of Faculty of Chemistry, WUT, „Isolation of new bacterial strains from environmental sources and optimization of lactic acid bacteria culture with the use of cheap feedstock. PI Joanna Cieśla
  • 02.2015-01.02.2019, National Science Centre nr 2014/13/B/NZ7/02273: “The investigation of synergistic inhibition of cancer cells proliferation by CK2 inhibitors and the inhibitors of thymidylate synthesis pathway”. PI Maria Bretner
  • 2012-2015, National Science Centre nr 2011/03/B/NZ/00135 „The investigation of histidine phosphorylation in thymidylate synthase protein and searching for the responible histidine kinase. PI Joanna Cieśla

Publications 

Years 2021-2025

    • Krajewska J, Chyży P, Durka K, Wińska P, Krzyśko KA, Luliński S, Laudy AE. Aromatic Diboronic Acids as Effective KPC/AmpC Inhibitors. Molecules. 2023, 28(21):7362. doi: 10.3390/molecules28217362. PMID: 37959781; PMCID: PMC10648349.

    • Wińska P, Wielechowska M, Koronkiewicz M, Borowiecki P. Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Novel Dual Inhibitors of Human Protein Kinases CK2 and PIM-1. Pharmaceutics. 2023, 15(7):1991. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071991. PMID: 37514177; PMCID: PMC10385865.

    • Herman A, Herman AP. Herbal products and their active constituents for diabetic wound healing—preclinical and clinical studies: a systematic review. Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(1), 281. doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15010281

    • Herman A, Herman AP. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for diabetic wound healing – preclinical and clinical studies. Advances in Wound Care. 2023. doi.org/10.1089/wound.2023.0011.

    • Herman A, Herman AP. Biological activity of fermented plant extracts for potential dermal applications. Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2775. doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122775.

    • Wińska, P., Sobiepanek, A., Pawlak, K., Staniszewska, M., Cieśla, J. Phosphorylation of Thymidylate Synthase and Dihydrofolate Reductase in Cancer Cells and the Effect of CK2α Silencing. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023, 24(3): 3023.

    • Krajewska J, Nowicki K, Durka K, Marek-Urban PH, Wińska P, Stępniewski T, Woźniak K, Laudy AE, Luliński S. Oxazoline scaffold in synthesis of benzosiloxaboroles and related ring-expanded heterocycles: diverse reactivity, structural peculiarities and antimicrobial activity. RSC Adv. 2022, 12(36):23099-23117. doi: 10.1039/d2ra03910a. PMID: 36090419; PMCID: PMC9379557.
    • Kowalkowska A, Chojnacki K, Multan M, Maurin JK, Łukowska-Chojnacka E, Wińska P. N-Phenacyldibromobenzimidazoles-Synthesis Optimization and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic Activity. Molecules. 2022 Jul 7;27(14):4349. doi: 10.3390/molecules27144349. PMID: 35889223; PMCID: PMC9315981.
    • Wińska, P., Widło, Ł., Senkara-Barwijuk, E., Koronkiewicz, M., Cieśla, J.M., Krzyśko, A., Skierka, K., Cieśla, J. Inhibition of Protein Kinase CK2 Affects Thymidylate Synthesis Cycle Enzyme Level and Distribution in Human Cancer Cells. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences 2022, 9: 847829.
    • Wysocki, Ł. Adamczuk, P. Słomka, M., Cieśla, J. Waloryzacja odpadów branży HoReCa na przykładzie fusów kawowych w: Ochrona środowiska – nowe rozwiązania i perspektywy na przyszłość, red. Mariola Janiszewska, Wydawnictwo Tygiel, Lublin 2022, str. 145-170. ISBN 978-83-67104-47-0.
    • Mazur M, Ziemkiewicz K, Rawiak K, Kisiel K, Winska P, Deresz K, Jarzembska KN, Buchowicz W. N-Allyl-N-ferrocenylmethylamines and ansa-Ferrocenylmethylamines: Synthesis, Structure, and Biological Evaluation. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 2022, e202101098 DOI10.1002/ejic.202101098.
    • Pacholak P, Krajewska J, Wińska P, Dunikowska J, Gogowska U, Mierzejewska J, Durka K, Woźniak K, Laudy AE, Luliński S. Development of structurally extended benzosiloxaboroles – synthesis and in vitrobiological evaluation. RSC Adv. 2021,11(41):25104-25121. doi: 10.1039/d1ra04127d. PMID: 35478884; PMCID: PMC9037100.
    • Mieczkowski A, Speina E, Trzybiński D, Winiewska-Szajewska M, Wińska P, Borsuk EM, Podsiadła-Białoskórska M, Przygodzki T, Drabikowski K, Stanczyk L, Zhukov I, Watala C, Woźniak K. Diketopiperazine-Based, Flexible Tadalafil Analogues: Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Biological Activity Profile. Molecules. 2021, 26(4):794. doi: 10.3390/molecules26040794. PMID: 33546456; PMCID: PMC7913621.
    • Chojnacki K, Lindenblatt D, Wińska P, Wielechowska M, Toelzer C, Niefind K, Bretner M. Synthesis, biological properties and structural study of new halogenated azolo[4,5-b]pyridines as inhibitors of CK2 kinase. Bioorg Chem. 2021, 106:104502. doi: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104502. Epub 2020 Nov 24. PMID: 33317841.
    • Chojnacki, K., Wińska P., Karatsai, O., Koronkiewicz, M., Milner‐Krawczyk, M., Wielechowska, M., Rędowicz, M.J., Bretner, M., Borowiecki, P. Synthesis of Novel Acyl Derivatives of 3‐(4,5,6,7‐Tetrabromo‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl)propan‐1‐ols—Intracellular TBBi‐Based CK2 Inhibitors with Proapoptotic Properties. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 6261–6283.

Years 2015-2020

  • Wińska P, Karatsai O, Staniszewska M, Koronkiewicz M, Chojnacki K, Rędowicz MJ. (2020) Synergistic Interactions of 5-Fluorouracil with Inhibitors of Protein Kinase CK2 Correlate with p38 MAPK Activation and FAK Inhibition in the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line.J Mol Sci., 21:6234. doi: 10.3390/ijms21176234.
  • Mieczkowski A, Frączyk T, Psurski M, Wińska P, Siedlecki P, Dziełak M, Trzybiński D, Wilczek M, Bagiński M, Bieszczad B, Woźniak K. (2020) Design and in Vitro Characterization of Tricyclic Benzodiazepine Derivatives as Potent and Selective Antileukemic Agents. Chem Biodivers. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202000733. Online ahead of print.
  • Chojnacki K, Wińska P, Wielechowska M, Łukowska-Chojnacka E, Tölzer C, Niefind K, Bretner M. (2018) Biological properties and structural study of new aminoalkyl derivatives of benzimidazole and benzotriazole, dual inhibitors of CK2 and PIM1 kinases. Bioorg Chem.80:266-275. doi: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.06.022.
  • Kobiela T, Milner-Krawczyk M, Pasikowska-Piwko M, Bobecka-Wesołowska K, Eris I, Święszkowski W, Dulinska-Molak I. (2018) The Effect of Anti-aging Peptides on Mechanical and Biological Properties of HaCaT Keratinocytes. Int J Pept Res Ther. 24(4):577-587. doi: 10.1007/s10989-017-9648-7.
  • Wińska P, Skierka K, Łukowska-Chojnacka E, Koronkiewicz M, Cieśla J and Bretner M. (2018) Effect of Simultaneous Inhibition of Protein Kinase CK2 and Thymidylate Synthase in Leukemia and Breast Cancer Cells. Anticancer Research 38:4617-4627.
  • Antosiewicz A, Jarmuła A, Przybylska D, Mosieniak G, Szczepanowska J, Kowalkowska A, Rode W, Cieśla J. (2017) Human Dihydrofolate Reductase and Thymidylate Synthase form a complex in vitro and co-localize in normal and cancer cells. Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics. 35(7):1474-1490.
  • Chojnacki K, Wińska P, Skierka K, Wielechowska M, Bretner M. (2017)
    Synthesis, in vitro antiproliferative activity and kinase profile of new benzimidazole and benzotriazole derivatives. Bioorg Chem. 72:1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.02.017.
  • Antosiewicz A, Senkara E, Cieśla J. (2015) Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation and microscale thermophoresis as tools for investigation of protein complex formation between thymidylate synthesis cycle enzymes. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 64: 36-42.

Cooperation

  • EcoBean, spin-off Faculty of Chemistry WUT
  • Laboratory of Semipermeable Membranes and Bioreactors, IBiB PAN
  • Division of Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University
  • Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS
  • Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, PAS
  • Research Network Łukasiewicz – Institute of  Microelectronics and Fotonics (Łukasiewicz-IMiF)
  • Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine
  • National Medicines Institute
  • Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition Polish Academy of Sciences

Links

http://ecobean.pl/start-pl/

http://www.nencki.gov.pl/pracownia-molekularnych-podstaw-starzenia

http://www.biogeo.uw.edu.pl/

http://imif.lukasiewicz.gov.pl

Molecular Biotechnology Group

Marcin Olszewski (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5116-2793) – group leader

Katarzyna Szymańska (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7982-770X)

Klaudia Marlicka (PhD student)

Katarzyna Serafin (PhD student)

 

Research interests 

  • Development and characterization of fusion DNA polymerases for fast and effective amplification of genetic material without the need of its isolation
  • Production and selection of modified GFP proteins for optical detection of heavy metal ions
  • Proteins interacting with nucleic acids – searching for new tools for molecular biotechnology applications

Grants 

  • 01.2021-31.12.2023, The National Cente for Research and Development, within TECHMATSTRATEG III, „Biopolymer materials with chemically and genetically programmed heavy metal selectivity for new generation ultra-sensitive biosensors”, PI Marcin Olszewski
  • 01.2021-31.12.2021, IDUB against COVID-19: „SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics based on electrochemical genosensors”, Faculty of Chemistry WUT, PI of task nr. 2 Marcin Olszewski

Publications 

Years 2021-2025

  • Pituła E., Janik M., Sezemsky P., Szymańska K.P., Olszewski M., Stranak V., Koba M., Śmietana M. (2023) Smartphone-based dynamic measurements of electro-optically modulated lossy-mode resonance and its biosensing applications, Measurement: Journal of the International Measurement Confederation, 206, 112349
  • Jarczewska, M., Szymczyk A., Zajda J., Olszewski M., Ziółkowski R., Malinowska E. (2022) Recent Achievements in Electrochemical and Optical Nucleic Acids Based Detection of Metal Ions. Molecules, 27, 7481
  • Krzywińska E., Szymańska K.P., Dobrowolska G. ( 2022) Inhibition of SnRK2 Kinases by Type 2C Protein Phosphatases, Methods in Molecular Biology, Springer Nature, 2462, pp.17-30
  • Maszkowska J., Szymańska K.P., Kasztelan A., Krzywińska E., Sztatelman O., Dobrowolska G. (2021) The multifaceted regulation of SnRK2 kinases, Cells, 10(9), 2180

Years 2015-2020

  • Zalewska-Piątek B., Piątek R., Olszewski M., Lipniacki T., Błoński S., Wieczór , Bruździak P., Skwarska A., Nowicki B., Nowicki S. (2020) A shear stress micromodel of urinary tract infection by the Escherichia coli producing Dr adhesin Plose Pathogens 16.1 (2020): e1008247.
  • Maciejewska N., Walkusz R., Olszewski M., Szymańska A. (2019) New nuclease from extremely psychrophilic microorganism Psychromonas ingrahamii 37: identification and characterization. Mol Biotechnol., 61:122–133.
  • Śpibida M, Krawczyk B, Zalewska-Piątek B, Piątek R, Wysocka M, Olszewski M. (2018) Fusion of DNA-binding domain of Pyrococcus furiosus ligase with TaqStoffel DNA polymerase as a useful tool in PCR with difficult targets. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 102:713-721.
  • Olszewski M.,Śpibida M., Bilek M., Krawczyk B. (2017) Fusion of Taq DNA polymerase with single-stranded DNA binding-like protein of Nanoarchaeum equitans expression and characterization PLoS One, 12(9): e0184162.
  • Śpibida M., Krawczyk B., Olszewski M., Kur J. (2017) Modified DNA polymerases for PCR troubleshooting. J Appl Genet., 58(1): 133–142.
  • Olszewski M., Balsewicz J., Nowak M., Maciejewska N., Cyranka-Czaja A., Zalewska-Piątek B., Piątek R., Kur J. (2015) Characterization of a single-stranded DNA-binding-like Protein from Nanoarchaeum equitans – a nucleic acid binding protein with broad substrate specificity. PLoS One, 10(5): e0126563.

Patent applications and patents

WO2021049960A1, A new, non-specific thermolabile nuclease active at low temperature, in wide pH range and high concentration in salts, Olszewski M., Walkusz R., Lademan W., Balsewicz J., Popinigis A., Ziętkowski D., Kur K., Brodzik R., 18.03.2021

Cooperation

Links

 

Medicinal Chemistry Research Group

Members

Edyta Łukowska-Chojnacka, PhD, DSc, Eng. (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9512-7404) – head  

Anna Kowalkowska, PhD, Eng. (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8835-6495

Barbara Owczarek, MSc (PhD student)

Michał Słotwiński, MSc Eng (PhD doktorant)

 

Research Interests

  • Research on the use of biotransformations in the synthesis of biologically active compounds.
  • Design and synthesis of protein kinase inhibitors (CK2 and PIM-1).
  • Study of the effect of CK2 inhibitors on cancer cell survival.
  • Studies of enzyme-inhibitor interactions.
  • Synthesis of azole derivatives exhibiting antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
  • Synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles exhibiting antimicrobial activity.
  • Study of competitive sigmatropic rearrangement of ylides generated from quaternary ammonium salts in base-solvent systems.

Grants

  • 2022-now NCHEM.3 „Synteza i badanie właściwości biologicznych nowych pochodnych benzimidazolu – inhibitorów kinaz białkowych CK2 i PIM-1.” RD Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) – principal investigator: Edyta Łukowska-Chojnacka
  • 2021 – now NCHEM.2 „Optymalizacja otrzymywania biologicznie aktywnych N-fenacylodibromobenzimidazoli jako substratów do dalszych syntez substancji o potencjalnym działaniu przeciwgrzybiczym” RD Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) – principal investigator: Anna Kowalkowska

Publications

2021-2025

  • Kowalkowska A., Chojnacki K., Multan M., Maurin J.K., Łukowska-Chojnacka E., Wińska P. N-Phenacyldibromobenzimidazoles -synthesis optimization and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity, Molecules, 2022, 27, 4349. DOI:10.3390/molecules27144349.
  • Staniszewska M., Zdrojewski T., Gizińska M., Rogalska M., Kuryk Ł., Kowalkowska A., Łukowska-Chojnacka E. Tetrazole derivatives bearing benzodiazepine moiety—synthesis and action mode against virulence of Candida albicans, Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2022, 230, 114060. DOI:10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114060.
  • Staniszewska M., Kuryk Ł., Gryciuk A., Kawalec J., Rogalska M., Baran J., Łukowska-Chojnacka E., Kowalkowska A. In vitro anti-Candida activity and action mode of benzoxazole derivatives, Molecules, 2021, 26, 5008. DOI:10.3390/molecules26165008.
  • Chojnacki, P. Wińska, O. Karatsai, M. Koronkiewicz, M. Milner‐Krawczyk, M. Wielechowska, M. J. Rędowicz, M. Bretner, P. Borowiecki, Synthesis of Novel Acyl Derivatives of 3‐(4,5,6,7‐Tetrabromo‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl)propan‐1‐ols—Intracellular TBBi‐Based CK2 Inhibitors with Proapoptotic Properties. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 6261–6283.
  • Chojnacki, D. Lindenblatt, P. Wińska, C. Toelzer, K. Niefind, M. Bretner, Synthesis, biological properties and structural study of new halogenated azolo[4,5-b]pyridines as inhibitors of CK2 kinase. Bioorg. Chem. 2021, 106, 104502.

2016-2020

  • Wińska, O. Karatsai, M. Staniszewska, M. Koronkiewicz, K. Chojnacki, M. J. Rędowicz, Synergistic interactions of 5-fluorouracil with inhibitors of protein kinase CK2 correlate with p38 mapk activation and fak inhibition in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21, 6234.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, A. Kowalkowska, M. Gizińska, M. Koronkiewicz, M. Staniszewska, Synthesis of tetrazole derivatives bearing pyrrolidine scaffold and evaluation of their antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2019, 164, 106.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, A. Pobudkowska, M. Bretner, Study of the physicochemical properties of protein kinase CK2 inhibitors – TBBt, TBBi and 2-Me-TBBi. Fluid Phase Eq. 2019, 479, 52.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, A. Kowalkowska, A. Napiórkowska, Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of novel antitubercular benzoxazole derivatives. Chirality 2018, 30, 457.
  • Kowalkowska, A. Jończyk, J. K. Maurin, Domino reaction of pyrrolidinium ylides: Michael addition/[1,2]-Stevens rearrangement. J. Org. Chem. 2018, 83, 4105.
  • Staniszewska, M. Gizińska, E. Mikulak, K. Adamus, M. Koronkiewicz, E. Łukowska-Chojnacka, New 1,5 and 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles – dependent activity towards surface barrier of Candida albicans. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2018, 145, 124.
  • Chojnacki, P. Wińska, M. Wielechowska, E. Łukowska-Chojnacka, C. Tölzer, K. Niefind, M. Bretner, Biological properties and structural study of new aminoalkyl derivatives of benzimidazole and benzotriazole, dual inhibitors of CK2 and PIM1 kinases. Bioorg. Chem. 2018, 80, 266.
  • Pichlo, C. Toelzer, K. Chojnacki, S. Öcal, M. Uthoff, S. Ruegenberg, T. Hermanns, M. Schacherl, M.S. Denzel, K. Hofmann, K. Niefind, U. Baumann, Improved protein-crystal identification by using 2,2,2-trichloroethanol as a fluorescence enhancer. Acta Cryst. 2018, F 74, 307.
  • Wińska, K. Skierka, E. Łukowska-Chojnacka, M. Koronkiewicz, J. Cieśla, M. Bretner, Effect of simultaneous inhibition of protein kinase CK2 and thymidylate synthase in leukemia and breast cancer cells. Anticancer Res. 2018, 38, 4617.
  • Antosiewicz, A. Jarmuła, D. Przybylska, G. Mosieniak, J. Szczepanowska, A. Kowalkowska, W. Rode, J. Cieśla, Human dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase form a complex in vitro and co-localize in normal and cancer cells. J. Biomol. Struct. Dyn. 2017, 35, 1474.
  • Chojnacki, P. Wińska, K. Skierka, M. Wielechowska, M. Bretner, Synthesis, in vitro antiproliferative activity and kinase profile of new benzimidazole and benzotriazole derivatives. Bioorg. Chem. 2017, 72, 1.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, M. Staniszewska, M. Bondaryk, J.K Maurin, M. Bretner, Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of novel antifungal N-substituted benzimidazole derivatives. Chirality 2016, 28, 347.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, P. Wińska, M. Wielechowska, M. Bretner, Synthesis of polybrominated benzimidazole and benzotriazole derivatives containing a tetrazole ring and their cytotoxic activity. Monatsh. Chem. 2016, 147, 1789.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, P. Wińska, M. Wielechowska, M. Poprzeczko, M. Bretner, Synthesis of novel polybrominated benzimidazole derivatives – potential CK2 inhibitors with anticancer and proapoptotic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2016, 24, 735.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, J. Mierzejewska, M. Milner-Krawczyk, M. Bondaryk, M. Staniszewska, Synthesis of novel tetrazole derivatives and evaluation of their antifungal activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2016, 24, 6058.

 

2010-2015 

  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, M. Bretner, Synthesis of 4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzimidazole derivatives. J. Heterocycl. Chem. 2015, 52, 841.
  • Bondaryk, E. Łukowska-Chojnacka, M. Staniszewska, Tetrazole activity against Candida albicans. The role of KEX2 mutations in the sensitivity to (±)-1-[5-(2-chlorophenyl)-2H-tetrazol-2-yl]propan-2-yl acetate. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2015, 25, 2657.
  • Kowalkowska, A. Jończyk, [1,2] Stevens sigmatropic rearrangement of pyrrolidinium ylides-simple synthesis of 3-aryl-2-cyano-1-methylpiperidines. Tetrahedron 2015, 71, 9630.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, J. Mierzejewska, Enzymatic hydrolysis of esters containing a tetrazole ring. Chirality 2014, 26, 811-816.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, U. Bernaś, J. Plenkiewicz, Lipase-catalyzed enantioseparation of alcohols containing a tetrazole ring. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 2012, 23, 136.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka, J. Plenkiewicz, Simple synthesis of β-acetoxy thiocyanates from oxiranes. Synth. Commun. 2011, 41, 1999.
  • Makowska, E. Łukowska-Chojnacka, P. Wińska, A. Kuś, A. Bilińska-Chomik, M. Bretner, Design and synthesis of CK2 inhibitors. Mol. Cell. Biochem. 2011, 356, 91.
  • Kowalkowska, A. Jończyk, Sigmatropic rearrangement of ammonium ylides-key step in the synthesis of methyl 2-formylphenyl acetate. Synth. Commun. 2011, 41, 3308.
  • Kowalkowska, A. Jończyk, Effect of phase-transfer catalyst on stereochemistry of tert-butyl-3-aryl(alkyl)-substituted glycidates. Org. Process Res. Dev. 2010, 14, 728.

 

Patent applications and patents

 

Cooperation with other institutions 

  • CEZAMAT – Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies (PhD, DSc Monika Staniszewska)
  • Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (PhD Agnieszka Głogowska)
  • National Medicines Institute (PhD, DSc Mirosława Koronkiewicz)

Microbiology and Bioengineering Group

Group members

Jolanta Mierzejewska (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9298-8794) – group lider

Karolina Drężek (Chreptowicz) (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9722-8268)

Joanna Żylińska-Urban (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1565-0615)

Patrycja Daria Kowalska (PhD student) (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0635-7214)

Adam Tymoszewski (PhD student)

 

Research interests

  • Development of bioprocesses utilising yeast
  • Isolation, biochemical, and genetic characterisation of naturally occurring lactic bacteria and yeast in the environment
  • Investigation into the potential use of probiotic yeast as carriers of biologically active substances
  • Formulation of synbiotic and probiotic preparations employed in animal husbandry
  • Exploration for novel compounds exhibiting antimicrobial activity

Grants  

  • 2024-2027, NCN Opus 25 nr 2023/49/B/NZ9/03663 „Extracellular vesicles of probiotic yeast as carriers of biologically active molecules transferred to human intestinal cells”, PI Jolanta Mierzejewska

  • 2024-2025, PW IDUB YOUNG II, „Hybridization as a tool in improving targeted biocompounds production – studies on synthetic Saccharomyces-based yeast hybrids”, PI Karolina Drężek

  • 2022 – 2023, PW NCHEM-3, “Development of a coupled whey permeate management in the microbiological biosynthesis of cosmetic raw materials and bioethanol”, PI Karolina Drężek

  • 2021 – 12.2022, PW IDUB POB BIOTECHMED-2_Advanced, „Extracellular vesicles of probiotic yeast as vehicles for the delivery of biologically active molecules”, PI Jolanta Mierzejewska
  • 2020 – 08.2021, PW NCHEM-1, „Study of the possibilities of using dairy industry waste for the biotechnological production of 2-phenylethanol”, PI Jolanta Mierzejewska
  • 2020 – 03.2021, NCN Miniatura 3 nr 2019/03/X/NZ9/01009 „Identification of potential inter- or intra-specific yeast hybrids isolated from the natural environment”, PI Karolina Chreptowicz
  • 2018 – STSM Short Term Scientific Mission „Biotechnological potential of newly isolated yeasts for carotenoids production “COST Action CA15136, Prof. Milan Čertík group at Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia, PI Karolina Chreptowicz
  • 2017 – 01.2020, NCN Sonata 11 nr 2016/21/D/NZ9/01605 „Searching for new yeast strains capable of producing of natural flavor volatiles, pigments and polymers”, PI Jolanta Mierzejewska
  • 2018 – 10.2018, MNiSW „Inkubator Innowacyjności+” IBS PW, „Rose Aroma”, PI Jolanta Mierzejewska,
  • 2013 – 06.2015, FNP POMOST 6/2012 „Interplay between glucose metabolism and RNA Polimerase III activity”, PI Jolanta Mierzejewska

 

 

Publications

Years 2021-2025

  • Bandzerewicz A, Wierzchowski K, Mierzejewska J, Denis P, Gołofit T, Szymczyk-Ziółkowska P, Pilarek M, Gadomska-Gajadhur A. (2024) Biological Activity of Poly(1,3-propanediol citrate) Films and Nonwovens: Mechanical, Thermal, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxicity Studies. Macromol Rapid Commun. 45, 2300452. https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202300452

  • Kazuń B, Kazuń K, Żylińska-Urban, J. (2023) Wylęgarnictwo i środowisko. Zakęś Zdzisław, Demska-Zakęś Krystyna (red.), Olsztyn, Instytut Rybactwa Śródlądowego im. Stanisława Sakowicza, s.233-243, ISBN 978-83-66805-13-2

  • Małczewska K, Kopczyńska J,  Kostiuhenko O, Żylińska-Urban J, Kowalczyk M. (2023) Tradycyjne i nowe kierunki wykorzystania probiotyków. Przemysł Spożywczy, 77, 28-33. https://doi.org/10.15199/65.2023.5.6

  • Wojciechowski K, Borucka K, Mierzejewska J. (2023) Are all yeast biosurfactants really capable of lowering surface tension below 30 mN/m? Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 230:113503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113503

  • Mierzejewska J, Kowalska P, Marlicka K, Dworakowska S, Sitkiewicz E, Trzaskowski M, Głuchowska A, Mosieniak G, Milner-Krawczyk M. (2023) Exploring Extracellular Vesicles of Probiotic Yeast as Carriers of Biologically Active Molecules Transferred to Human Intestinal Cells. Int J Mol Sci 24(14):11340. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411340

  • Drężek K, Sobczyk M, Kállai Z, Detman A, Bardadyn P, Mierzejewska J. (2023) Valorisation of Whey Permeate in Sequential Bioprocesses towards Value-Added Products–Optimisation of Biphasic and Classical Batch Cultures of Kluyveromyces marxianus. 24(8): 7560. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087560

  • Pachla J, Kopiasz RJ, Marek G, Tomaszewski W, Głogowska A, Drężek K, Kowalczyk S, Podgórski R, Butruk-Raszeja B, Ciach T, Mierzejewska J, Plichta A, Augustynowicz-Kopeć E, Jańczewski D. (2023) Polytrimethylenimines, Highly Potent antibacterial Agents with Activity and Toxicity Modulated by the Polymer Molecular Weight. Biomacromolecules. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00139

  • Kopiasz RJ, Kulbacka N, Drężek K, Podgórski R, Łojszczyk I, Mierzejewska J, Ciach T, Augustynowicz-Kopeć E, Głogowska A, Iwańska A, Tomaszewski W, Jańczewski D. (2022) Influence of PEG Subunit on the Biological Activity of Ionenes: Synthesis of Novel Polycations, Antimicrobial and Toxicity Studies. Macromolecular Bioscience, 22,7: 2200094. https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202200094

  • Kopiasz RJ, Zabost A, Myszka M, Kuźmińska A, Drężek K, Mierzejewska J, Tomaszewski W, Iwańska A, Augustynowicz-Kopeć E, Ciach T, Jańczewski D. (2022) Main-Chain Flexibility and Hydrophobicity of Ionenes Strongly Impact Their Antimicrobial Activity: an Extended Study on Drug Resistance Strains and Mycobacterium. RSC Advances, 12: 26220-26232. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA04121A

  • Pacholak P, Krajewska J,Wińska P, Dunikowska J, Gogowska U, Mierzejewska J, Durka K, Woźniak K, Laudy AE, Luliński S (2021) Development of Structurally Extended Benzosiloxaboroles – Synthesis and in vitro Biological Evaluation. RSC Advances 11(41): 25104-25121. https://doi.org/10.1039%2Fd1ra04127d

  • Gadomska-Gajadhur A, Ruśkowski P, Kruk A, Mierzejewska J. (2021) Kinetics of Neomycin Release from Polylactide Spheres and Its Antimicrobial Activity. Polimery w medycynie 51(1): 17-24. https://doi.org/10.17219/pim/139586

  • Kopiasz R, Rukasz A, Chreptowicz K, Podgórski R, Kuźmińska A, Mierzejewska J, Tomaszewski W, Ciach T, Jańczewski D. (2021) Influence of Lipid Bilayer Composition on the Activity of Antimicrobial Quaternary Ammonium Ionenes, the Interplay of Intrinsic Lipid Curvature and Polymer Hydrophobicity, the Role of Cardiolipin. Colloids and surfaces B – Biointerfaces 207: 112016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.112016 

  • Drężek K, Kozłowska J, Detman A, Mierzejewska J. (2021) Development of a Continuous System for 2-Phenylethanol Bioproduction by Yeast on Whey Permeate-Based Medium. Molecules 26(23): 7388. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237388  

  • Chreptowicz K, Marlicka K, Milner-Krawczyk M, Korzeniowska E, Poterała M, Mierzejewska J. (2021) Cystobasidium psychroaquaticum As a New Promising Source of Valuable Bioactive Molecules. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 33: 101985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2021.101985

 Years 2015-2020

  • Kopiasz RJ, Tomaszewski W, Kuźmińska A, Chreptowicz K, Mierzejewska J, Ciach T, Jańczewski D. (2020) Hydrophilic Quaternary Ammonium Ionenes-Is There an Influence of Backbone Flexibility and Topology on Antibacterial Properties? Macromolecular Bioscience 20(7): e2000063.
  • Kazuń B, Małaczewska J, Kazuń K, Kamiński R, Adamek-Urbańska D, Żylińska-Urban J. (2020) Dietary administration of β-1,3/1,6-glucan and Lactobacillus plantarum improves innate immune response and increases the number of intestine immune cells in roach (Rutilus rutilus). BMC Veterinary Research 1-10.
  • Wojciechowski K, Gutarowicz M, Mierzejewska J, Parzuchowski P. (2020) Antimicrobial films of poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate) and its copolymers doped with TiO2and CaCO3. Colloids and Surfaces B – Biointerfaces 185:110605.
  • Kazuń B, Małaczewska J., Kazuń K, Kamiński R, Żylińska-Urban J. Dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum and β-glucan affects immune parameters in the tench (Tinca tinca) fry. (2020) Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences 23(4): 611–618.
  • Boreczek J, Litwinek D, ŻylińskaUrban J, Izak D, Buksa, K, Gawor J. Gromadka R, Bardowski J, Kowalczyk M. (2020) Bacterial community dynamics in spontaneous sourdoughs made from wheat, spelt, and rye wholemeal flour. Microbiology Open 1-13.
  • Kozon D, Mierzejewska J, Kobiela T, Grochowska A, Dudnyk K, Głogowska A, Sobiepanek A, Kuźmińska A, Ciach T, Augustynowicz-Kopeć E, Jańczewski D. (2019) Amphiphilic Polymethyloxazoline–Polyethyleneimine Copolymers: Interaction with Lipid Bilayer and Antibacterial Properties. Macromolecular Bioscience 19: 1900254.
  • Chreptowicz K, Mierzejewska J, Tkáčová J, Młynek M, Čertik M. (2019) Carotenoid-producing yeasts: Identification and Characteristics of Environmental Isolates with a Valuable Extracellular Enzymatic Activity. Microorganisms 7(12): 653.
  • Mierzejewska J, Dąbkowska K, Chreptowicz K, Sokołowska A. (2019) Hydrolysed corn stover as a promising feedstock for 2-phenylethanol bioproduction by non-conventional yeast Pichia fermentans. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology 94(3): 777-784.
  • Sebai A, Ruśkowski P, Gadomska-Gajadhur A, Mierzejewska J, Kruk A, Synoradzki L. (2019) The evaluation of antimicrobial properties of biodegradable chlorphenesin prodrug nanospheres. Polimery 64(5): 327-332.
  • Wojciechowski K, Gutarowicz M, Janke K, Jurek I, Kaczorowski M, Mierzejewska J, Parzuchowski P. (2019) Colloidal Stability of Positively Charged Dispersions of Styrene and Acrylic Copolymers in the Presence of TiO2 and CaCO3. Colloids And Interfaces 3: 20.
  • Chreptowicz K, Mierzejewska J. (2018) Enhanced bioproduction of 2-phenylethanol in a biphasic system with rapeseed oil. New Biotechnology 42: 56-61.
  • Chreptowicz K, Sternicka MK, Kowalska PD, Mierzejewska J. (2018) Screening of yeasts for the production of 2-phenylethanol (rose aroma) in organic waste-based media. Letters in Applied Biotechnology 66: 153-160.
  • Kazuń B, Kazuń K, Żylińska J, Siwicki AK. (2018) In vitro study of Lactobacillus plantarum properties as a potential probiotic strain and alternative method to antibiotic treatment of fish. Fisheries& Aquatic Life 26: 47-55.
  • Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk T, Puzia W, Żylińska J, Cieśla J, Gulewicz K, Bardowski J, Górecki RK. (2018) Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum IBB3036 and Lactobacillus salivarius IBB3154 to persistence in chicken after in ovo delivery. Microbiology Open 1-13.
  • Wojciechowski K, Kaczorowski M, Mierzejewska J, Parzuchowski P. (2018) Antimicrobial dispersions and films of positively charged styrene-acrylate copolymers. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 172:532–540.
  • Mierzejewska J, Tymoszewska A, Chreptowicz K, Król K. (2017) Mating of two laboratory Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains resulted in enhanced production of 2-phenylethanol by biotransformation of L-phenylalanine. Journal of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology 27: 81-90.
  • Okuniewska P, Domańska U, Więckowski M, Mierzejewska J. (2017) Recovery of 2-phenylethanol from aqueous solutions of biosynthesis using ionic liquids. Separation and Purification Technology 188: 530–538.
  • Chreptowicz K, Wielechowska M, Główczyk-Zubek J, Rybak E, Mierzejewska J. (2016) Production of natural 2-phenylethanol: From biotransformation to purified product. Food and Bioproducts Processing 100: 275-281.
  • Zabadaj M, Ufnalska I, Chreptowicz K, Mierzejewska J, Wróblewski W, Ciosek P. (2017) Performance of hybrid electronic tongue and HPLC coupled with chemometric analysis for the monitoring of yeast biotransformation. Biotechnology Progress 33(2): 299-307.
  • Zabadaj M, Chreptowicz K, Mierzejewska J, Ciosek P. (2017) Two-Dimensional Fluorescence as Soft Sensor in the Monitoring of Biotransformation Performed by Yeast. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems 167: 69-77.
  • Mierzejewska J, Chreptowicz K. (2016) Lack of Maf1 enhances pyruvate kinase activity and fermentative metabolism while influencing lipid homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FEBS Letters 590(1): 93-100.
  • Kobieracka P, Wyszyńska A, Maruszewska M, Wojtania A, Żylińska J, Bardowski J, Jagusztyn-Krynicka K. (2015) Lactic acid bacteria as surface display platform for Campylobacter jejuni Journal of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology 25: 1-10.
  • Łukowska-Chojnacka E, Mierzejewska J, Milner-Krawczyk M, Bondaryk M, Staniszewska M. (2016) Synthesis of novel tetrazole derivatives and evaluation of their antifungal activity. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 24: 6058–6065.
  • Okuniewska P, Domańska-Żelazna U, Pobudkowska A, Mierzejewska J. (2016) Production of 2-phenylethanol (PEA) by yeast with ionic liquids in situ extraction. Chemik 70: 491–496.

Patent applications and patents

  • P.446762; Olszewski M, Szymańska K, Drężek K, Marlicka K, Serafin K, Sobiecka K, Pituła E, Śmietana M, Janik M, Koba M, Nidzworski D, Gromadzka B, Panasiuk M. Modified enhanced eGFP green fluorescence protein, genetic construct encoding modified eGFP protein, application of modified eGFP protein for mercury ion detection, and method of measuring mercury ion concentration using modified eGFP protein; date of application: 17.11.2023
  • P.446399; Olszewski M, Szymańska K, Drężek K, Marlicka K, Serafin K, Nidzworski D, Gromadzka B. Modified enhanced eGFP green fluorescence protein, genetic construct encoding the eGFP protein, a method for producing the modified eGFP protein, the use of the eGFP protein for chromium ion detection, and a method of measuring chromium ion concentration with the using the modified eGFP protein; date of application: 16.10.2023
  • P.441309; Drężek K, Mierzejewska J, Jakubowska K, Korzeniowska E. Method for the simultaneous production of 2-phenylethanol and fermented vegetable oil containing 2-phenylethanol, the use of fermented oil for skin moisturization and a cosmetic formulation containing fermented oil; date of application: 30.05.2022
  • PL 239943 B1; Chmielewski AG, Kalbarczyk P, Mierzejewska J, Roubinek OK, Dudek J, Palige J, Burliński H, Dobrowolski A, Polkowska-Motrenko H, Gryczka U. Method of multicomponent sorption of rare earth metals from aqueous solutions; grant date: 31.01.2022
  • 439631; Mierzejewska J, Drężek K. Method of producing 2-phenylethanol and the use of whey permeate to produce 2-phenylethanol; date of application: 24.11.2021
  • PL 236297 B1; Kowalczyk M, Boreczek J, Bardowski J, Żylińska J, Górecki R, Litwinek D, Gambuś H, Buksa K. Bacterial starter culture, sourdough containing it, the method of making bread and the use of bacterial starter culture or sourdough for making bread; grant date: 28.12.2020
  • PL 234032 B1; Chreptowicz K, Mierzejewska J. A process for preparing 2-phenylethanol; grant date: 30.11.2019; temporary license sold to BIOTmi Ltd.
  • PL 226680 B1; Mierzejewska J, Mularska A. Saccharomyces cerevisiae AM1-d yeast strain, use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae AM1-d yeast strain for 2-phenylethanol production, and use of medium for 2-phenylethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae AM1-d yeast strain; grant date: 17.02.2017
  • PL 227208 B1; Chreptowicz K, Wielechowska M., Główczyk-Zubek J, Mierzejewska J. A process for preparing natural 2-phenylethanol; grant date: 09.06.2017; temporary license sold to BIOTmi Ltd.

Cooperation  

  • Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn, Department of Pond Culture in Żabieniec (dr Barbara Kazuń)
  • Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS (dr inż. Anna Detman, dr Małgorzata Cieśla)
  • Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agriculture and Food Biotechnology – State Research Institute, Microbiology Department
  • University of Debrecen, Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology (prof. Matthias Sipiczki, dr Zsuzsa Antunovics, mgr inż. Zoltán Kállai)
  • Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Department of Biochemical Technology (prof. Milan Čertik)
  • cosmetic companies: SENKARA Elżbieta i SOHO Cosmetics
  • Pro-mill s.c. – design and manufacture process equipment and process lines
  • BIOTmi Sp. z o.o., WUT spin off

 

Links

https://wutyeastcollection.pw.edu.pl

https://www.researchgate.net/lab/Jolanta-Mierzejewska-Lab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywKe6kPyhEg 

https://biotechnologia.pl/kosmetologia/oleje-bogate-w-skladniki-aktywne-i-biotechnologicznie-pozyskany-aromat-rozany-odkrycia-polskich-naukowcow,18734 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb_pf1_zLHA 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuSqqNj9ucE&t=16s

Laboratory of Biomolecular Interaction Studies (LBIS)

Group members

Tomasz Kobiela, DSc. PhD. Eng. – Head (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7155-659X)

Anna Sobiepanek, PhD. Eng. (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3186-7582)

Karolina Staniak, PhD.

Swamy Kasarla, MSc. (PhD student)

Adrianna M. Piasek MSc. Eng. (PhD student)                                                                                                         

Research interests

  • Application of label-free methods to study biological systems
  • Characteristics of biomolecular interactions (e.g.  protein-ligand)
  • Elaboration of research models for the diagnosis and prognosis of skin malignancies
  • Assessment of the effectiveness of cosmetic ingredients on skin cells

 

Projects 

  • 2021-2024 National Science Center, UMO-2021/40/C/NZ3/00057, SONATINA 5, „Reversible senescence as a new mechanism of cancer cell resistance for chemotherapy. Analysis of the mechanism of cancer cell escape from senescence and the role of autophagy in this process”, Principal Investigator Dr. Karolina Staniak.

  • 01.2021-12.2022 BIOTECHMED-2 start project, POB BIB ID-UB, „Biophysical characteristics of the interaction of mast cells with other skin cells during inflammation, allergy and cancer progression”, Princial investigator – Anna Sobiepanek.

  • 01.2021-12.2022 BIOTECHMED-2 advanced project, POB BIB ID-UB, Opracowanie i ocena właściwości biosensora opartego na rezonatorze kwarcowym, przeznaczonego do charakteryzacji fragmentów tkanki nowotworowej, zatopionych w bloczkach parafinowych, przygotowanych do diagnozy histopatologicznej, Principal Investigator – Tomasz Starecki, Investigator of the task performed at WCh – Tomasz Kobiela.
  • 01.2021-12.2022 Technologie Materiałowe-2, POB Technologie Materiałowe ID-UB , Opracowanie przyjaznych dla środowiska folii skrobiowych wzmocnionych kryształami i włóknami z nanocelulozy: właściwości funkcjonalne i zastosowanie, Principal Investigator – Zuzanna Żołek-Tryznowska, Investigator of the task performed at WCh – Tomasz Kobiela.
  • 07.2020-12.2021 BIOTECHMED-1 project, POB BIB ID-UB, Studies on the influence of the energetic metabolism modulation on the glycosylation profile of melanoma cells with BRAF mutation, Principal Investigator – Tomasz Kobiela.
  • Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) Scientific Projects 2020,  Scientific experiment – the extraction of carotenoids from microalgae and testing their influence as antioxidants on the skin cells as well as their application in the cosmetic formula by the students of the Warsaw University of Technology” the project is realized by the students of the Scientific Association of Biotechnology Students ‘Herbion’ from the Faculty of Chemistry WUT under the supervision of Anna Sobiepanek (LBIS) and Małgorzata Milner-Krawczyk (WUT). (2020) Principal Investigator – Adrianna M. Zalewska.
  • 07.2018-07.2022 National Science Center, UMO-2017/27/N/ST4/01389, PRELUDIUM 14,Label-free methods for studying the influence of surface modification on the diagnostics and prognostics of melanoma”, Principal Investigator – Anna Sobiepanek.
  • Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Target grant for large research infrastructure nr. 6175/IA/134/2012,Stand for molecular interactions studies” (Decision) – AFM integrated with a fluorescence microscope.
  • Ministry of Science and Higher Education, nr. N204 125237,Designing and characterization of receptor layers of sensors and biosensors” (2009-2012) – designing and AFM/QCM characterization of receptor layers.

 

Articles

2021-2025

  • Piasek, A.M.; Musolf, P.; Sobiepanek, A.; Aptamer-based advances in skin cancer research, Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2023, 30(8):953-973. DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220408112735

  • Sobiepanek, A.; Milner-Krawczyk, M.; Musolf, P.; Starecki, T.; Kobiela, T.; Anandamide-modulated changes in metabolism, glycosylation profile and migration of metastatic melanoma cells, Cancers, 2022, 14(6):1419. DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061419

  • Sobiepanek, A.; Kuryk, Ł.; Garifalo, M.; Kumar, S.; Baran, J.; Musolf, P.; Siebenhaar, F.; Fluhr, J.W.; Kobiela, T.; Plasenzotti, R.; Kuchler, K.; Staniszewska, M.; The Multifaceted Roles of Mast Cells in Immune Homeostasis, Infections and Cancers, International Journal of Molecular Science, 2022, 23(4): 2249; DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042249

  • Sobiepanek, A.; Kowalska, P.D.; Szota, M.; Grzywa, T.M.; Nowak, J.; Włodarski, P.K.; Galus, R.; Jachimska, B.; Kobiela, T.; Novel diagnostic and prognostic factors for the advanced melanoma based on the glycosylation-related changes studied by biophysical profiling methods, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2022, 203, 114046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2022.114046

  • Sobiepanek, A.; Kobiela, T.; Studying Viscoelastic Changes of Skin Cells Using QCM-D Measurements. In: Biomedical Engineering Technologies. Methods in Molecular Biology, Ossandon M.R., Baker H., Rasooly A. (eds), 2022, vol 2393. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-1803-5_28.

  • Ścieżyńska, A.; Sobiepanek, A.; Kowalska, P.D.; Soszyńska, M.; Łuszczyński, K.; Grzywa, T.M.; Krześniak, N.; Góźdź, A.; Włodarski, P.K.; Galus, R.; Kobiela, T.; Malejczyk, J.;. A Novel and Effective Method for Human Primary Skin Melanocytes and Metastatic Melanoma Cell Isolation” Cancers, 2021, 13(24): 6244. DOI:10.3390/cancers13246244.

  • Musolf, P.; Baran, J.; Ścieżyńska, A.; Staniszewska, M.; Sobiepanek, A.; Rola mastocytów w nadzorze odpornościowym procesów fizjologicznych i patologicznych skóry, Zagadnienia aktualnie poruszane przez młodych naukowców 19, CREATIVETIME, Kraków, 2021, 78-83, ISBN: 978-83-66772-06-9.

  • Zalewska, A.M.; Sobiepanek, A.; Kobiela, T.; Zastosowanie metabolitów pozyskanych z mikroalg w biomedycynie, a w szczególności w diagnostyce i terapii chorób nowotworowych, Zagadnienia aktualnie poruszane przez młodych naukowców 19, CREATIVETIME, Kraków, 2021, 12-17, ISBN: 978-83-66772-06-9. 

  • Sobiepanek, A.; Paone, A,; Cutruzzolà, F.; Kobiela, T.; Biophysical characterization of melanoma cell phenotype markers during the metastatic progression, European Biophysics Journal with Biophysics Letters, 2021, 50:523-542. DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01514-8.

  •  Nisiewicz, M.K.; Kowalczyk, A.; Sobiepanek, A.; Jagielska, A.; Wagner, B.; Nowakowska, J.; Gniadek, M.; Grudzinski, I.P.; Kobiela, T.; Nowicka, A.M. Tracking of Glycans Structure and Metallomics Profiles in BRAF Mutated Melanoma Cells Treated with Vemurafenib. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(1), 439. DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010439.

2016-2020

  • Sobiepanek, A., Kowalska, PD., Soszyńska, M., Kobiela, T., Ścieżyńska, A., A short guide on the selection of melanocytes and melanoma cells’ isolation procedures for cancer research, Review and Research on Cancer Treatment, 2020 6(1)67-78, ISSN 2544-2147. This article was reprinted at the publisher’s request from the book “Advances in Biomedical Research –from Cancer Prevention to Treatment”, eds. Ł. Biały, I. Młynarczuk-Biały; Polska, Lublin 2020, Wydawnictwo Tygiel and Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, ISBN 978-83-66489-45-5; ISBN 978-83-7637-51-9, pp. 197-211, with the permission of all the authors of the original article.
  • Sobiepanek, A., Kowalska, PD., Soszyńska, M., Ścieżyńska, A., Implementation of Geneticin in the in vitro cell culture and in vivo studies, Review and Research on Cancer Treatment, 2020 6(1)79-87, ISSN 2544-2147. This article was reprinted at the publisher’s request from the book: Advances in Biomedical Research –from COVID to Medical Humanities, eds. Ł. Biały, I. Młynarczuk-Biały; Polska, Lublin 2020, Wydawnictwo Tygiel and Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, ISBN 978-83-66489-44-8; ISBN 978-83-7637-552-6, pp. 122-133, with the permission of all the authors of the original article.
  • Sobiepanek, A., Baran, J., Milner-Krawczyk, M., Kobiela, T., Different Types of Surface Modification used for Improving the Adhesion and Interactions of Skin Cells, Open Access Journal of Biomedical Science, 3 April 2020, 2(1):275-278. DOI: 10.38125/OAJBS.000161.
  • Staniszewska, M., Sobiepanek, A., Bondaryk, M., Peña-Cabrera, E., Arroyo-Córdoba, I.J., Kazek, M., Kuryk, Ł., Wieczorek, M., Koronkiewicz, M., Kobiela, T., Ochal, Z., Sulfone derivatives enter the cytoplasm of Candida albicans sessile cells, 2020, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 112139. DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112139.
  • Sobiepanek, A., Galus, R., Kobiela, T., Application of the tape stripping method in the research on the skin condition and its diseases, Review and Research on Cancer Treatment, 2019, 5(1)4-14, ISSN 2544-2147. This article was reprinted at the publisher’s request from the book “Advances in Biomedical Research: From microbiology to Cancer”, eds. Ł. Biały, I. Młynarczuk-Biały; Polska, Lublin 2018, Wydawnictwo Tygiel sp. z o.o. and “Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny”, ISBN 978-83-7637-516-8; ISBN 978-83-66489-01-1, pp. 19-33, with the permission of the authors of the original article (A.Sobiepanek, R.Galus and T.Kobiela).
  • Kozon, D., Mierzejewska, J., Kobiela, T., Grochowska, A., Dudnyk, K., Głogowska, A., Sobiepanek, A., Kuźmińska, A., Ciach, T., Augustynowicz-Kopeć, E., Jańczewski, D., Amphiphilic Polymethyloxazoline-Polyethyleneimine Copolymers: Interaction with Lipid Bilayer and Antibacterial Properties, 2019, Macromolecular bioscience, e1900254. DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201900254.
  • Sobiepanek, A., Kobiela, T., Application of biosensors in cancer research, Review and Research on Cancer Treatment, 2018, 4(1):4-12, ISSN 2544-2147. This article was reprinted at the publisher’s request from the book “Advances in Biomedical Research–selected topics”, eds. Ł. Biały, I. Młynarczuk-Biały; Polska, Lublin 2018, Wydawnictwo Tygiel sp. z o.o., ISBN 978-83-7637-516-8, 9-21, with the permission of the authors of the original article (A.Sobiepanek and T.Kobiela).
  • Kobiela, T., Milner-Krawczyk, M., Pasikowska-Piwko, M., Bobecka-Wesołowska, K., Eris I., Święszkowski W., Dulinska-Molak I.,The Effect of Anti-aging Peptides on Mechanical and Biological Properties of HaCaT Keratinocytes; International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics, 2018, 24, 577–587. DOI: 10.1007/s10989-017-9648-7.
  • Kobiela, T., Milner-Krawczyk, M., Łukowska, E., Dobrzynski, P., Pastusiak, M., Smola-Dmochowska, A., Lukes, J., Bobecka-Wesołowska, K., Chwojnowski, A., The effect of polymeric membrane surface on HaCaT cell properties, Micron, October 2017, 101:162–169. DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2017.07.006.
  • Sobiepanek, A., Milner-Krawczyk, M., Lekka, M., Kobiela, T., AFM and QCM-D as tools for the distinction of melanoma cells with a different metastatic potential, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 15 July 2017, 93:274-281. DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.08.088.
  • Sobiepanek, A., Milner-Krawczyk, M., Bobecka-Wesołowska K., Kobiela T., The effect of delphinidin on the mechanical properties of keratinocytes exposed to UVB radiation, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 1 November 2016, 164:264-270. DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.09.038.

2011-2015

  • Kobiela, T., Milner-Krawczyk, M., Sobiepanek, A., Bazela, K., Debowska, R., Pasikowska, M., Eris I., Atomic force microscopy as a tool for the evaluation of UV and botanical agents exposure on skin cells, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2015, 135(Suppl 2):S43–S54, 310.
  • Kobiela, T., Pasikowska, M., Dulinska-Molak, I., Milner-Krawczyk, M., Lewandowska, M., Eris I., Effect of anti-aging peptides on morphology and mechanical properties of keratinocytes, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2014, 134(Suppl 1):S40–S48, 263.
  • Wojciechowski, K., Orczyk, M., Gutberlet, T., Trapp, M., Marcinkowski, K., Kobiela, T., Geue, T., Unusual penetration of phospholipid mono- and bilayers by Quillaja bark saponin biosurfactant, BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES, July 2014, 1838(7):1931-1940. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.04.008.
  • Wojciechowski, K., Orczyk, M., Marcinkowski, K., Kobiela, T., Trapp, M., Gutberlet, T., Geue T., Effect of hydration of sugar groups on adsorption of Quillaja bark saponin at air/water and Si/water interfaces, COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES, May 2014, 117(1):60-67. DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2014.02.010.
  • Kobiela, T., Lelen-Kaminska, K., Stepulak, M., Lekka, M., Malejczyk, M., Arct, J., Majewski, S., The influence of surfactants and hydrolyzed proteins on keratinocytes viability and elasticity, Skin Research and Technology, February 2013, 19(1):e200-e208. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2012.00628.x
  • Senkara-Barwijuk, E., Kobiela, T., Lebed, K., Lekka, M., Reaction pathway and free energy profile determined for specific recognition of oligosaccharide moiety of carboxypeptidase Y, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, June 2012, 36(1):103-109. DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2012.04.014

Patent applications and patents 

  • PL 195377 B1, Baza kosmetyczna zawierająca kwas gamma-linolenowy i sposób wytwarzania bazy kosmetycznej zawierającej kwas gamma-linolenowy

Cooperation with other institutions and companies

  • Instytut Fizyki Jądrowej H. Niewodniczańskiego (Prof. Małgorzata Lekka)
  • Pracownia Membran Półprzepuszczalnych i Bioreaktorów, IBIB PAN (Prof. Andrzej Chwojnowski)
  • Katedra i Zakład Histologii i Embriologii Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego (Dr hab. Ryszard Galus, Dr Aneta Ścieżyńska)
  • Zespół Mikropęcherzykowy, Wydział Fizyki, Astronomii i Informatyki Stosowanej, Uniwersytet Jagielloński (Prof. Ewa Stępień)
  • Zakład Diagnostyki i Immunologii Nowotworów, Wielkopolskie Centrum Onkologii (Prof. A. Mackiewicz)
  • Zakład Farmakologii Ogólnej i Farmakoekonomiki, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny (Prof. B. Czerny)
  • BASF Polska Sp. z o.o. (Dr. M. Stepulak)
  • Laboratorium Kosmetyczne Dr Irena Eris Sp. z o.o. (Dr. R. Dębowska)
  • Chromavis Service Sp. z o.o., Nail Products & Color Development (A.Fularska)
  • Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin (Prof. Joachim Fluhr, PD Dr Frank Siebenhaar)
  • Sapienza Università di Roma (Prof. Francesca Cutruzzolà)
  • Institute of Physics, Zagreb, Croatia (Prof. Marko Kralj, Dr. Tomislav Vuletic)
  • Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University (Prof. Daumantas Matulis, Dr. Lina Baranauskiene)
  • Tomasz Kobiela jest w Zespole Sterującym projektu UE – COST CA 18103 (INNOGLY): Innovation with Glycans: new frontiers from synthesis to new biological targets, który realizowanym w latach 2019-2023. Dotyczy badania znaczenia polisacharydów w chorobach nowotworowych czy neurodegeneracyjnych oraz glikanów jako narzędzia diagnostycznego i terapeutycznego

 Homepage

https://lbischpw.wordpress.com/

Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology (LSSB)

Research Group

Małgorzata Adamczyk, DSc. PhD. Eng., Prof. PW – Group leader (ORCID 0000-0003-3979-0364)

Volodymyr Padalko, DSc. PhD.

Students

Natalia Stróżyńska

Katarzyna Piętka

inż. Marta Wojtunik

 

Main research activities

  • Development of our patented methodology for doubling the production capacity of trehalose in genetically modified yeast cells, without increasing the cost associated with heating the culture, that is required in the case of other trehalose producers such as extremophilic organisms. Our strain does not require heat shock for de novo trehalose synthesis
  • Integration of cellular processes, linking the transcription regulation with metabolism in order to propose new strategies to combat cancer and to develop new metabolic engineering strategies in biotechnology of bacteria and unicellular eukaryotes
  • the interplay between tRNA transcription, tRNA quality and metabolic activity of cells
  • Role of mobile element (plasmids) in the bacterial hosts metabolism (pathogenic bacteria and GRAS)
  • Systems biology: protein interaction networks
  • Synthetic biology: protein engineering
  • Modelling of biochemical networks using the FBA approach (constraint-based genome scale metabolic simulations, Flux Balance Analysis)
  • Validation of in silico generated models of proteins and systems: e.g. the structure and function of proteins, activity of metabolism

Research

The major interest of the lab is understanding the coordination of cellular networks, metabolism and gene regulation.

The proper functioning of biological systems depends on the integrated response of regulatory networks to extracellular and internal stimuli at the cellular level. This enables the living organisms to adapt to changing extracellular and intracellular environments through multiple molecular mechanisms. The mechanisms that govern the processes of metabolism remodelling (rerouting the metabolic flux) are not well understood neither in prokaryotes nor in eukaryotes.

Perturbations in the functioning of metabolism result in serious human diseases, i.e. diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders.

We use an integrated approach in our research, both experimental and in silico. By performing large-scale analyses, we holistically assess the phenomena under investigation at the cellular, global level. Reductionist analyses, enables us to analyse targeted networks nodes to decipher and describe regulatory mechanisms in action in detail.

We believe in building biological systems based on knowledge in molecular biology and engineering principles.

Applicability: e.g. designing metabolic pathways for the purpose of increasing the efficiency in biosynthesis of compounds of industrial importance

Grants

  • 2022 – now BIOTECHMED-3 Advanced 2022-2023 – „tRNA epitranscriptomics using the Next-Next Generation Oxford NanoPore sequencing” nr 1820/334/Z01/POB4/2021

  • 2021 – now Nchem2 “Metabolic engineering tool in regulation of flux in trehalose synthesis pathway in S. cerevisiae” RD Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) – principal investigator: M. Adamczyk
  • 2021 – now NChem2 ” Confirmation of an alternative, metabolic strategy in yeast strain perturbed in glucose metabolism “, RD Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) – principal investigator: R. Szatkowska
  • 2019-2020 “Grants for grants – quality promotion III” Ministry of Science and Higher Education ProMet project under HORIZON 2020 contract number 4112 / GGPJ3-19 / H2020 / 0 – principal investigator: M. Adamczyk
  • 2019 STSM Short Term Scientific Mission “Optical tweezer analysis of KfrA protein interation with cognate plasmid DNA” COST Action CA15126, University of Groningen, Netherlands – principal investigator Joanna Paduch
  • 2016-2020 OPUS 9 NCN no. 2015/17 / B / NZ2 / 01160 “The influence of mobile elements on the metabolism of bacteria. Dynamic polymers of the alpha-helical protein Kfr in the organization of the prokaryotic “mitotic spindle” – principal investigator M. Adamczyk (consortium coordinator, Faculty of Chemistry, WUT and Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences) principal investigator: M. Adamczyk Project value: PLN 1,384,200
  • 2018 • Conference grant awarded by the Organizing Committee of Horizons in Molecular Biology Symposium, Germany – R. Szatkowska
  • 2018 Conference grant awarded by the Management Committee of the COST Action CA15126, R. Szatkowska
  • 2015 EMBO Short Term Fellowship, project “The NMR spectroscopy analysis of maf1Δ yeast strain metabolome”, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom – R. Szatkowska
  • 2013-2017 SONATA BIS 1 NCN No. 2012/05 / E / NZ2 / 00583 “Application of systems biology in the analysis of glucose signalling pathways in S. cerevisiae” – principal investigator M. Adamczyk Project value: PLN 764,000

 

Publications

2021-2025

2015-2020

  • Lewicka E., Mitura M., Steczkiewicz K., Kieracinska J., Skrzynska K., Adamczyk M, Jagura-Burdzy G Unique properties of alpha helical DNA-binding KfrA protein of RA3 plasmid from IncU incompatibility group and its host-dependent role in plasmid maintenance. Applied and Enviromental Microbology. DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01771-20 (2020)
  • Szatkowska R, Garcia-Albornoz M, Roszkowska K, Stephen Holman, Furmanek E., Hubbard S, Beynon R, Adamczyk M. Glycolytic flux in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is dependent on RNA polymerase III and its negative regulator Maf1. Biochemical Journal 476, 1053-1082. DOI:10.1042/BCJ20180701 (2019)
  • Adamczyk, M., Szatkowska R. Low RNA polymerase III activity results in up regulation of HXT2 glucose transporter independently of glucose signaling and despite changing environment. PlosOne, 12(9): e0185516.

    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185516 (2017)

  • Kujda, M., Adamczyk, Z., Cieśla, M., Adamczyk, M. High density monolayers of plasmid protein on latex particles: experiments and theoretical modeling. Journal of Statistical Mechanics: Theory and Experiment, 4. DOI: 10.1088/1742-5468/2015/04/P04003 (2015)

2010-2015

  • Cieśla, M., Mierzejewska, J., Adamczyk, M., Ostlund Farrants, AK., Boguta, M. Fructose bisphosphate aldolase is involved in the control of RNA polymerase III- directed transcription. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta: Gene regulatory mechanisms. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.02.007 (2014)
  • Kujda, M., Adamczyk, Z., Jagura-Burdzy, G., Adamczyk, M. KfrA plasmid protein monolayers on latex particles-electrokinetic measurements. Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces. 112: 165-170. DOI: 101016/j.colsurfb.2013.07.026 (2013)
  • Adamczyk, Z., Kujda, M., Nattich-Rak, M., Ludwiczak M, Jagura-Burdzy, G., Adamczyk, M Revealing properties of the KfrA plasmid protein via combined DLS, AFM and electrokinetic measurements. 2012, Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces 103:635-641. DOI:101016/j.colsurfb.2012.10.065 (2012)
  • Adamczyk M., Westerhoff H.V Engineering of self-sustaining systems: Substituting the yeast glucose transporter plus hexokinase for Lactococcus lactis phosphor transferase system in a L.lactis network in silico Biotechnology Journal, 7(7):877-83. DOI: 10.1002/biot.201100314 (2012)
  • Adamczyk M., van Eunen K, Bakker B., Westerhoff H.V Enzyme kinetics for systems biology: when, why and how Methods in Enzymology, 500:233-57. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-385118.00013-X (2011)

2005-2010

  • Westerhoff H.V, Verma M., Nardelli M., Adamczyk M., van Eunen K., Simeonidis E., Bakker B.M. Systems biochemistry in practice: experimenting with modelling and understanding regulation and control. 2010, Biochem Soc Trans 38(5): 1189-96. DOI: 10.1042/BST0381189 (2010)
  • Westerhoff H.V, Winder C, Messiha H., Simeonides E., Adamczyk M., Verma M., Bruggeman F.J., Dunn W. Systems Biology; the elements and principles of Life. FEBSlett 17;583(24):3882-90. DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.11.018 (2009)
  • Derome A., Hoischen C., Bussiek M., Grady R., Adamczyk M., Kedzierska B., Diekmann S., Barilla D., Hayes F.Centromere anatomy in the multidrug-resistant pathogen Enterococcus faecium PNAS, 105, (6) :2151-6. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0704681105 (2008)
  • Adamczyk M., Poznański J., Kopera E., Bal W. A Zinc-Finger Metal Binding Site in the Nucleosome. FEBS lett 581 (7): 1409-16. DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.02.063 (2007)
  • Gołębiewski M, Kern-Zdanowicz I., Zienkiewicz M., Adamczyk M., Żylinska J., Gniadkowski M., Bardowski J., Cegłowski P. Complete nucleotide sequence of the pCTX-M3 plasmid and its involvement in spread of the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene  blaCTX-M-3, 2007, Antimicrob Agents Chemother.51, (11) :3789-95. DOI: 10.1128/AAC.00457-07 (2007)
  • Adamczyk M., Dolowy P., Jonczyk M., Jagura-Burdzy G. The kfrA gene is the first in a tricistronic operon required for survival of IncP-1 plasmid R751. Microbiology SGM 152(6-7):1621-37. DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.28495-0 (2006)
  • Adamczyk M. Bal W. Współczesne poglądy na kancerogenezę metali – mechanizmy molekularne kancerogenezy jonów niklu. 2006, Bromatologia i Chemia Toksykologiczna 39, 4:361-370 (2006). 

2000-2005

  • Adamczyk M., Jagura-Burdzy G.Spread and survival of promiscuous IncP-1 plasmids. Acta Biochimica Polonica 50(4): 425. DOI: 035002425 (2003)

 

Patents

Adamczyk MA, Szatkowska R. “Method of obtaining trehalose” 2018. Scope of protection: Poland, Patent Office of the Republic of Poland, PL426329.

 

Scientific Collaboration

Domestic

  • Prof Dr hab. Grażyna Jagura-Burdzy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, IBB PAN, Warsaw
  • Dr Stanisław Dunin-Horkawicz, Center of New Technologies (CENT) of the University of Warsaw, Warsaw
  • Prof Dr hab. Zbigniew Adamczyk, Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IKiFP), Kraków
  • Dr Hanna Nieznańska, Institute of Experimental Biology M. Nencki, Warsaw

 International

  • Prof. Dr Robert Beynon, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
  • Prof Dr Simon Hubbard, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
  • Dr Christian Ludwig, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
  • Prof. Dr hab. Andrzej Kierzek, University of Surrey, Surrey, Great Britain (now Certara, Simcyp Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) Group, Sheffield, UK)
  • Prof. Dr Wouter Roos, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Biotransformation (LBB-WUT)

Members

Paweł Borowiecki, PhD, Eng. (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5355-7281) – Head

Beata Zdun, MSc, Eng. (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5545-4929) (PhD student)

Aleksandra Rudzka, MSc, Eng. (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0548-8124) (PhD student)

Natalia Antos, MSc, Eng. (https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6236-7349) (PhD student)

Students 

B.Sc. Eng. Izabela Kopińska

 

Research Interests 

  • The use of enzymes and/or whole-cell microorganisms as biocatalysts for the efficient synthesis of useful compounds, especially enantiomeric pharmaceuticals and/or pharmacologically relevant agents;
  • Development of lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution (KR) of racemic alcohols/esters;
  • Synthesis of chiral alcohols by asymmetric hydrogen-transfer bioreduction employing recombinant alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs);
  • Invention of novel reagents (acyl donors) for efficient, chromatography-free lipase-catalyzed KR approaches towards sec-alcohols;
  • Studies on one-pot/two-step deracemization procedures for sec-alcohols via a tandem bi-enzymatic oxidation–reduction reaction sequence based on (laccase/TEMPO)-ketoreductase (KRED) catalytic systems;
  • Intensification of enzymatic processes using chemical and physicochemical methods;
  • Screening of biocatalysts in terms of their application in organic synthesis;
  • Optimization and scale-up of enzymatic processes;
  • Design and synthesis of new anticancer and antifungal agents;
  • Development of analytical methods for the detection/monitoring of enzymatic reactions progress (GC, HPLC);
  • Assignment of the absolute configuration of novel liquid and/or non–crystalline optically active compounds using spectroscopic methods employing chiral derivatizing agents (CDAs);
  • Determination of the enantiomeric purity of optically active compounds employing chiral HPLC or NMR spectroscopy using chiral solvating agents (CSAs);
  • In silico studies of ligand-receptor interactions;
  • Computer-aided structure-based design for modeling new inhibitors of target proteins (kinases, calcineurin, opioid receptors etc.);
  • Prediction and rationalization of stereoselectivity (stereopreference) of enzymes as biocatalysts using docking simulations.

 

Grants 

  • 2023–2026, National Science Centre, Poland (OPUS 24) (No.: 2022/47/B/ST4/00139), “The Power of Hybrid – Development of Novel Multienzymatic Cascade Reactions and Photo-Biocatalytic Redox Systems for Asymmetric Synthesis of Optically Active High-Added Value Compounds („EnzCasc-Photo4BioCat”)”, Funding: 1 970 910,00 PLN (ca. 447 934 EUR), Project Leader: Paweł Borowiecki.
  • 2023–2024, YOUNG PW (IDUB) (No.: 504/04496/1020/45.010016), “Biotechnological Application of a New Variant of Recombinant Alcohol Dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus kefir in the Asymmetric Synthesis of Optically Active Compounds with High Added Value”, Funding: 149 983,00 PLN (ca. 32 393 EUR), Project Leader: Paweł Borowiecki.

  • 2020–2023, National Science Centre, Poland (SONATA 15) (Project No.: 2019/35/D/ST4/01556), „Novel chemoenzymatic strategies in asymmetric synthesis of the selected pharmaceuticals using recombinant oxydoreductases and hydrolases as biocatalysts”, Funding: 1 068 000,00 PLN (ca. 267 000 EUR), Project Leader: Paweł Borowiecki.

  • 2019–2020, Dean’s Funding Program for Young Investigators 2019/20 (Project No.: 504/04361/1020/44.000000), „Chemoenzymatic synthesis of optically actively γ-arylo-γ-butyrolactones using microorganisms and recombinant alcoholic dehydrogenases as a versatile tool in the preparation of innovative neuroleptics”, Project Leader: Paweł Borowiecki.
  • 2017–2018, Dean’s Funding Program for Young Investigators 2017/18 (Project No.: 504/03354/1020/42.000100), „Towards highly efficient biocatalysts for deracemization of 1-(β-hydroxypropyl)indoles”, Project Leader: Paweł Borowiecki.
  • 2015–2016, National Science Centre, Poland (PRELUDIUM 7) (Project No.: 2014/13/N/ST5/01589), „Enzymatic catalysis as a versatile tool for the synthesis of 1,3-dimethylxanthine derivatives with potential anticancer activity”, Funding: 49 589,00 PLN (ca. 12 397 EUR), Project Leader: Paweł Borowiecki.
  • 2014–2015, System Project of the Local Government of Masovia (Project No.: 304/ES/ZS-III/W-POKL/14), “Development of Science – the development of the region – scholarship and accompanying support for Mazovia postgraduate students”, Project Leader: Paweł Borowiecki.

 

Publications 

2021-2025

  • A. Rudzka, N. Antos, T. Reiter, W. Kroutil, P. Borowiecki, One-Pot Sequential Two-Step Photo-Biocatalytic Deracemization of sec-Alcohols Combining Photocatalytic Oxidation and Bioreduction, ACS Catalysis 2024, 14, 1808–1823.
  • A. Rudzka, B. Zdun, N. Antos, L. Martínez Montero, T. Reiter, W. Kroutil, P. Borowiecki, Communications Chemistry 2023, 6, 1−14.
  • B. Zdun, T. Reiter, W. Kroutil, P. Borowiecki, Chemoenzymatic synthesis of tenofovir, The Journal of Organic Chemistry 2023, 88, 11045−11055.

  • P. Wińska, M. Wielechowska, M. Koronkiewicz, P. Borowiecki, Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Novel Dual Inhibitors of Human Protein Kinases CK2 and PIM-1, Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(7), 1991.

  • Zajda, P. Borowiecki, M. Matczuk, Effective monitoring of Platinum-DNA adducts formation under simulated physiological conditions by CE-ICP-MS/MS, Talanta 2023, 264, 124749.
  • B. Zdun, I. Kopińska, M. Dranka, T. Reiter, W. Kroutil, P. Borowiecki, Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Optically Active Alcohols Possessing 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinoline Moiety Employing Lipases or Variants of the Acyltransferase from Mycobacterium smegmatis, Catalysts 2022, 12, 1610.
  • J. Bojarska, M. Breza, M. Remko, P. Borowiecki, A. Fruziński, I. D. Madura, K. Kaczmarek, Z. Leśnikowski, A. Kraj, P. Zielenkiewicz, W. M. Wolf, Supramolecular synthon hierarchy in cyclopropyl-containing peptide-derived compounds, CrystEngComm 2022In Press.
  • P. Borowiecki, Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Optically Active Ethereal Analog of iso-Moramide—A Novel Potentially Powerful Analgesic. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 11803.
  • P. Borowiecki, B. Zdun, N. Popow, M. Wiklińska, T. Reiter, W. Kroutil, Development of a novel chemoenzymatic route to enantiomerically enriched β-adrenolytic agents. A case study toward propranolol, alprenolol, pindolol, carazolol, moprolol, and metoprolol. RSC Adv. 2022, 12, 22150–22160.
  • P. Borowiecki, A. Rudzka, T. Reiter, W. Kroutil, Biocatalytic hydrogen-transfer to access enantiomerically pure proxyphylline, xanthinol, and diprophylline. Bioorg. Chem. 2022, 127, 105967–105978.
  • P. Borowiecki, A. Rudzka, T. Reiter, W. Kroutil, Chemoenzymatic deracemization of lisofylline catalyzed by a (laccase/tempo)-alcohol dehydrogenase system. Catal. Sci. Technol. 2022, 12, 4312–4324.
  • B. Zdun, P. Cieśla, J. Kutner, P. Borowiecki, Expanding access to optically active non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs via lipase-catalyzed kr of racemic acids using trialkyl orthoesters as irreversible alkoxy group donors. Catalysts 2022, 12, 546–566.
  • M. Poterała, P. Borowiecki, From Waste to Value—Direct Utilization of α-Angelica Lactone as a Nonconventional Irreversible Acylating Agent in a Chromatography-Free Lipase-Catalyzed KR Approach toward sec-Alcohols. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng. 2021, 9, 10276-10290.
  • K. Chojnacki, P. Wińska, O. Karatsai, M. Koronkiewicz, M. Milner‐Krawczyk, M. Wielechowska, M. J. Rędowicz, M. Bretner, P. Borowiecki, Synthesis of Novel Acyl Derivatives of 3‐(4,5,6,7‐Tetrabromo‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl)propan‐1‐ols—Intracellular TBBi‐Based CK2 Inhibitors with Proapoptotic Properties. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 6261–6283.
  • J. Bojarska, R. New, P. Borowiecki, M. Remko, M. Breza, I. D. Madura, A. Fruziński, A. Pietrzak, W. M. Wolf, The First Insight Into the Supramolecular System of D,L-α-Difluoromethylornithine: A New Antiviral Perspectiveve. Frontiers in Chemistry 2021, 9, 679776.
  • Borowiecki, B. Zdun, M. Dranka, Chemoenzymatic Enantioselective and Stereo-Convergent Syntheses of Lisofylline Enantiomers via Lipase-catalyzed Kinetic Resolution and Optical Inversion Approach. Mol. Catal. 2021, 111451.
  • Borowiecki, M. Młynek, M. Dranka, Chemoenzymatic synthesis of enantiomerically enriched diprophylline and xanthinol nicotinate. Bioorg. Chem. 2021, 106, 104448.

2016-2020

  • Borowiecki, N. Telatycka, M. Tataruch, A. Żądło-Dobrowolska, T. Reiter, K. Schühle, J. Heider, M. Szaleniec, W. Kroutil, Biocatalytic asymmetric reduction of γ-keto esters to access optically active γ-aryl-γ-butyrolactones. Adv. Synth. Catal. 2020, 362, 2012.
  • Gizińska, A. Staniszewska, M. Kazek, M. Koronkiewicz, Ł. Kuryk, M. Milner-Krawczyk, J. Baran, P. Borowiecki, M. Staniszewska, Antifungal Polybrominated Proxyphylline Derivative Induces Candida albicans Calcineurin Stress Response in Galleria mellonella. Bioorg Med. Chem. Lett. 2020, 127545.
  • Borowiecki, G. Grynkiewicz, New applications of biotechnology in the field of pharmaceutical syntheses. Przemysł Chemiczny 2019, 98/3, 434.
  • Borowiecki, M. Dranka, A facile lipase-catalyzed KR approach toward enantiomerically enriched homopropargyl alcohols. Bioorg. Chem. 2019, 93, 102754.
  • Borowiecki, M. Kraszewski, Highly efficient, solvent-free esterification of testosterone promoted by a recyclable polymer-supported tosylic acid catalyst under microwave irradiation. ARKIVOC 2019, (vi), 288.
  • Borowiecki, P. Wińska, M. Bretner, M. Gizińska, M. Koronkiewicz, M. Staniszewska, Synthesis of novel proxyphylline derivatives with dual anti-Candida albicans and anticancer activity. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2018, 150, 307.
  • Borowiecki, I. Justyniak, Z. Ochal, Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution approach toward enantiomerically enriched 1-(β-hydroxypropyl)indoles. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 2017, 28, 1717.
  • Borowiecki, M. Dranka, Z. Ochal, Lipase‐catalyzed kinetic resolution of N‐substituted 1‐(β‐hydroxypropyl)indoles by enantioselective acetylation. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2017, 5378.
  • Poterała, M. Dranka, P. Borowiecki, Chemoenzymatic preparation of enantiomerically enriched (R)-(–)-mandelic acid derivatives: application in the synthesis of the active agent pemoline. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2017, 16, 2290.
  • Borowiecki, D. Paprocki, A. Dudzik, J. Plenkiewicz, Chemoenzymatic synthesis of proxyphylline enantiomers. J. Org. Chem. 2016, 81, 380.

2011-2015 

  • Borowiecki, Enantiodifferentiation of promethazine using (S)-(-)-BINOL as the NMR chiral solvating agent – determination of the enantiomeric purity and performance comparison with traditional chiral HPLC. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 2015, 26, 16.
  • Dudzik, W. Snoch, P. Borowiecki, J. Opalinska-Piskorz, M. Witko, J. Heider, M. Szaleniec, Asymmetric reduction of ketones and β-keto esters by (S)-1-phenylethanol dehydrogenase from denitrifying bacterium Aromatoleum aromaticum. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2015, 99, 5055.
  • Borowiecki, M. Bretner, J. Plenkiewicz, Ionic liquids and potential areas of their applications in chemical industry, J. Pol. Chem. Soc. (Wiadomości Chemiczne) 2015, 69, 271.
  • Borowiecki, Industrial applications of lipases in the synthesis of high added-value chemicals – 85 years of lipase-based enzymatic catalysis. Part I. J. Pol. Chem. Soc. (Wiadomości Chemiczne) 2015, 69, 391.
  • Borowiecki, Industrial applications of lipases in the synthesis of high added-value chemicals – 85 years of lipase-based enzymatic catalysis. Part II. J. Pol. Chem. Soc. (Wiadomości Chemiczne) 2015, 69, 431.
  • Borowiecki, D. Paprocki, M. Dranka, First chemoenzymatic stereodivergent synthesis of both enantiomers of promethazine and ethopropazine. Beilstein J.Org. Chem. 2014, 10, 3038.
  • Borowiecki, A. M. Wawro, P. Wińska, M. Wielechowska, M. Bretner, Synthesis of novel chiral TBBt derivatives with hydroxyl moiety. Studies on inhibition of human protein kinase CK2a and cytotoxicity properties. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2014, 84, 364–374.
  • Borowiecki, M. Włoczewska, Z. Ochal, Asymmetric reduction of 1-(benzoazole-2-ylsulfanyl)propan-2-ones using whole cells of Mortierella isabellina, Debaryomyces hansenii, Geotrichum candidum and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii. J. Mol. Cat. B: Enzymatic 2014, 109, 9.
  • Borowiecki, M. Fabisiak, Z. Ochal, Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of 1-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-ylsulfanyl)propan-2-ol with antifungal activity: a comparative study of transesterification versus hydrolysis. Tetrahedron 2013, 69, 4597.
  • Borowiecki, S. Balter, I. Justyniak, Z. Ochal, First chemoenzymatic synthesis of (R)- and (S)-1-(9H-fluoren-9-yl)ethanol. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 2013, 24, 1120.
  • Borowiecki, M. Bretner, Studies on the chemoenzymatic synthesis of (R)- and (S)-methyl 3-aryl-3-hydroxypropionates: the influence of toluene pretreatment of lipase preparations on enantioselective transesterifications. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 2013, 24, 925.
  • Borowiecki, M. Milner-Krawczyk, J. Plenkiewicz, Chemoenzymatic synthesis and biological evaluation of enantiomerically enriched 1-(β-hydroxypropyl) imidazolium- and triazolium-based ionic liquids. Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2013, 9, 516.
  • Borowiecki, M. Milner-Krawczyk, D. Brzezińska, M. Wielechowska, J. Plenkiewicz, Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of imidazolium and triazolium chiral ionic liquids. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2013, 4, 712.
  • Borowiecki, M. Poterała, J. Maurin, M. Wielechowska, J. Plenkiewicz, Preparation and thermal stability of optically active 1,2,4-triazolium-based ionic liquids. ARKIVOC 2012, 8, 262.

Patent applications and patents 

  • “Sulfony halogenometyloarylowe do zastosowania w leczeniu chorób spowodowanych przez Candida albicans” Patent Krajowy, PL229427 (B1), 2018, Z. Ochal, M. Staniszewska, M. Bondaryk, P. Borowiecki.

 

Memberships of the Team Leader in international or national scientific organizations and societies

  • An affiliate member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
  • Member of the European Society for Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB).

 

Awards and honors of the Team Leader

  • Scholarship recipient of the system project organized by the Local Government of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship: “Development of science – development of the region – scholarships and accompanying support for Mazovian doctoral students” implemented within the framework of the Human Capital Operational Program 2007-2013 (Priority VIII Regional staff of the economy, Measure 8.2 Knowledge transfer, Sub-measure 8.2.2 Regional innovation strategies).
  • Nomination for the “Stanislaw Biniecki Award and Medal” in recognition of extremely valuable scientific achievements in the field of medicinal chemistry.
  • Laureate of the “Prime Minister’s Dissertation Award for 2016”.
  • Laureate of the “Individual Grade I Award” of the JM Rector of the Warsaw University of Technology for outstanding scientific achievements in 2020-2021, with significant impact on the current state of knowledge and further development of research directions in the field of biocatalysis.
  • Laureate of the 1st edition of the “Best of the Best PW” competition funded by the “Initiative for Excellence-University Research” (IDUB PW).

Cooperation with other institutions 

  • Prof. Wolfgang Kroutil – Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
  • Prof. Maciej Szaleniec – Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, PAS, Cracow, Poland
  • Prof. Monika Staniszewska (Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies CEZAMAT, Warsaw, Poland
  • Dr Jan Kutner (Laboratory for Structural and Biochemical Research, Biological and Chemical Research Centre of the University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland)

Homepage  

http://lbb-wut-borowiecki.ch.pw.edu.pl/