She found her path in the connection of physics, chemistry, and biology. Tereza Patlejchová is a student of the master's degree programs in Biophysics and Secondary School Teaching with a focus on Physics and Biology at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. She has been dedicated to nanomaterial research for a long time, particularly antimicrobial thin films for use in healthcare. The prestigious award, granted by the Government of the Czech Republic, is intended for bachelor's or master's students who demonstrate talent and interest in science and research.
During her research for her bachelor's thesis, Tereza Patlejchová developed highly effective antimicrobial surfaces, achieving a 100-fold increase in efficacy against viruses. She achieved this groundbreaking solution by using nanoparticles that induce galvanic corrosion, resulting in increased release of metal ions with antimicrobial effects. The research was published in an international scientific journal of the American Chemical Society. Tereza continued this work during her master's studies, where she managed to further enhance the effectiveness of these surfaces by adding an electrolytic substance, resulting in a new patented technology. These surfaces, which minimize the use of metals and therefore potential harm, while maximizing antibacterial effectiveness, could in the future help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which represents one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine.
The student also participated in research focused on the use of nanoparticles for laser printing, which was published last year on the cover of the prestigious scientific journal Nano Letters.
"I got into science completely by chance. I was always fascinated by the seemingly unusual combination of physics and biology. When I received an offer for collaboration at the end of my first year of undergraduate studies, I found nanomaterial science so captivating that I decided to stay with it. Paradoxically, my greatest joy came from successfully preparing my first layer of silver nanoparticles – I still have the sample nostalgically stored in the laboratory. Equally significant moments for me were the first antibacterial tests, which clearly confirmed that the layers I prepared actually worked. All the other major discoveries were just the cherry on top. What I love about science is its diversity and the constant influx of new information," describes Tereza Patlejchová about her journey into science.
Based on her scientific results, Tereza was selected last year for the prestigious international competition TalentON, which connects young scientists from across Europe.
In addition to experimental scientific research, she is also involved in science education. She conducted a survey among more than 1,700 high school teachers, academics, and students on their perception of science education. She managed to identify key needs and challenges in the current education system.
"Tereza Patlejchová is an extraordinarily talented student and researcher who enthusiastically embraced every opportunity to engage in research, while also being a kind and communicative person capable of interdisciplinary thinking. I noticed Tereza's scientific talent during a physics lab course, where the level of her output was close to that of scientific publications. Tereza did not inherit ready-made work; on the contrary, she began her scientific journey at the time of establishing the Laboratory of Nanomaterial Physics, where she significantly contributed to the construction of a high-vacuum deposition system, which she later used to prepare her samples. Through her critical thinking, meticulous planning, and execution of experiments, she was able to achieve unique results. Her findings on antimicrobial surfaces and a new method of additive nanomanufacturing were published in two prestigious American scientific journals and patented, which highlights her contribution to science," adds her supervisor, physicist Jiří Kratochvíl from the Faculty of Science at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice.
