RUPT

JOB POSTING*** ***PhD position in the context of an innovation research project “Susplasm” We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to study a novel pathway in organo-synthetic waste utilization by microwave plasma technology in a joint project between the Research Unit Plasma Technology (RUPT) at Ghent University and Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine (PLASMANT) at the University of Antwerp 👉Information about the position can be asked to prof. Bogaerts (Annemie.Bogaerts@uantwerpen.be) 👉Applications including a cover letter, a detailed CV and an official proof of English language skills should be emailed before February 28th 2025 to Dr. Karen Leus (karen.leus@ugent.be) and to prof. Annemie Bogaerts (Annemie.Bogaerts@uantwerpen.be) using “Susplasm" a subject.

We are thrilled to announce that our Senior Research Project Fundamental Research has been granted by Research Foundation Flanders - FWO! Titled “Electrospun scaffolds meet non-thermal plasma: a comprehensive approach for skin regeneration and infection control in chronic wound healing” This project addresses the critical challenge of chronic wound healing, which affects millions worldwide. This project is a collaboration between RUPT (Supervisor: Nathalie De Geyter and Co-supervisor: Maryam Nilkar) with LPM-UGent (Tom Coenye) and BIOMED-UHasselt (Annelies Bronckaers). Together, we aim to develop innovative solutions by combining advanced materials and plasma technology to revolutionize wound care. Our work focuses on creating next-generation scaffolds and novel plasma-based treatments to enable faster, infection-free healing and improved skin regeneration. This holistic approach has the potential to transform chronic wound management, benefiting patients and healthcare systems globally. We look forward to making an impact through this project and advancing wound care to the next level. #WoundHealing #PlasmaTechnology #SkinRegeneration #UGent #UHasselt #FWO  

During the 22nd Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Research Symposium (FEARS), several of our PhD students presented their work. Aftab presented a poster on the hydrogen production from the decomposition of ethanol using a non-self-sustained plasma discharge operating under atmospheric pressure. Meanwhile, Asif and his master's student presented a poster on the plasma-assisted fabrication of antimicrobial coatings on titanium implants.

Last week, Maryam Zabihzadeh Khajavi gave an oral presentation at the EFFoST conference in Bruges entitled: "Plasma-polymerized Poly(ethylene glycol)-like Coatings with Nitrogen-rich Functionalities for Antibacterial Food Packaging Applications.

*new article* Sustainable plasma-polymerized poly(ethylene glycol)-like coatings with nitrogen-rich functionalities for antibacterial food packaging applications 👉 view the full text on: https://lnkd.in/dexh8HyW

*new article* Hydrolysis of plasma-polymerized poly(ethylene glycol)/ZnO nanocomposites in food simulants: Identification of components and potential toxicity 👉 view the full text on: https://lnkd.in/d3dMcQrC

We are pleased to announce that EU Horizon project “VERDEDRIVE” :Harnessing by-products for the creation of eco-friendly and sustainable diesel fuel has been granted. VERDEDRIVE encompasses a comprehensive approach to biofuel production from by-products, integrating precision agriculture and surveillance technologies in the collection and processing stages, in conjunction with state-of-the-art methodologies from the fields of Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Modelling, Computer Engineering and Environment Engineering, aims to demonstrate a scientifically-sound approach to biofuel production. VERDEDRIVE activities are strategically positioned to drive innovation in response to demand in the biofuels sector.

We were honored to welcome Prof. Dr. Holger Kersten from the Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Plasma Physics / Plasma Technology Group at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU) for a thought-provoking seminar on "Non-conventional diagnostics for the investigation of atmospheric pressure plasma discharges." In his presentation, Prof. Kersten showcased innovative diagnostic techniques that are redefining our understanding of atmospheric pressure plasma discharges. His group’s cutting-edge approaches to analyzing plasma parameters open up significant potential for advancements in plasma processing, materials science, and biomedical applications. This unique perspective resonated strongly with our team and provided an inspiring foundation for future research. We are excited to explore further collaboration opportunities with Prof. Kersten's group, combining our expertise to drive new discoveries in atmospheric plasma diagnostics and technology. Thank you, Prof. Kersten, for your visit and for sparking fresh ideas and possibilities within our group!

Paving the way to heal hearts...!

We are pleased to announce that our project “PLANTED” has been granted as one of the 10 selected proposals within the ENLIGHT Thematic Networks (ETN) call.   The main purpose of this ETN is to initiate and enforce multidisciplinary cooperation between research groups of Comenius University Bratislava (CUB), Ghent University (UGent) and Tartu University (UT). The scientific perspective of the formed network is (i) to address the negative environmental and health impacts of water pollution by organic contaminants of emerging concern (e. g. micropollutants and pharmaceuticals) and (ii) to use plasma-based nitrogen fixation to reuse the water in agriculture 💧 .