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Master's Thesis
Author of thesis: Bc. Kateřina Kulíšková
Acad. year: 2025/2026
Supervisor: Ing. Jiří Smilek, Ph.D.
Reviewer: doc. Ing. Petr Sedláček, Ph.D.
This diploma thesis focuses on optimizing the thermal gelation of chitosan for extrusion 3D printing technology without the use of additional cross-linking agents. As part of the optimization of chitosan sol preparation in an alkaline solvent through, the influence of individual components (NaOH, urea, and water) on the polymer dissolution through freeze- thaw cycles and its subsequent gelation was investigated. A high concentration of NaOH (2 mol/l), together with urea have positive effect on the dissolution of chitosan, while an increase in urea concentration raises the gelation temperature of the systems. The prepared chitosan sols were characterized by rheological measurements, which confirmed their pseudoplastic behavior, which is fundamental for smooth extrusion from the perspective of the 3D printing process. Since the gelled systems exhibited a sharp decrease in elastic modulus upon returning to laboratory temperature, attention was paid to the effect of solvent rinsing with deionized water on the mechanical properties of prepared hydrogels and which confirmed the need to remove the solvent in order to maintain high elasticity of hydrogels. Furthermore, the study evaluates the practical compatibility of the developed hydrogel with a commercially available extrusion 3D printer and highlights specific material challenges during the printing process itself. Based on the identified trends and rheological limits, the study proposes an optimal printing strategy utilizing direct extrusion into a heated bath.
polysaccharide hydrogels, chitosan, thermal gelation, rheology, 3D printing
Date of defence
21.05.2026
Result of the defence
Defended (thesis was successfully defended)
Grading
C
Process of defence
Obhajoba proběhla podle následujícího schématu: prezentace studentky-vyjádření vedoucí/ho-oponentský posudek-reakce na posudek-diskuse s komisí. Studentka přednesla dobrý výtah výsledků své diplomové práce, v odpovědích na dotazy oponentské i členů komise nebo v reakcích na připomínky k diplomové práci projevovala menší neznalosti. V diskusi tak studentka prokázala dobrou schopnost orientace v teoretických i praktických základech problematiky diplomové práce. Komise, s uvážením hodnocení v posudku a vyjádření vedoucí/ho, zhodnotila její diplomovou práci celkově jako dobrou. Dzik: Jaký je závěr pro další postup směrem k úspěšnému tisku chitosanového hydrogelu?
Language of thesis
Czech
Faculty
Fakulta chemická
Department
Institute of Physical and Applied Chemistry
Study programme
Chemistry for Medical Application (NPCP_CHMA)
Specialization
Processes and Materials of Medical Applications (BF)
Composition of Committee
doc. PharmDr. Ing. Radka Ješinová, Ph.D. (člen) doc. Ing. Zdenka Kozáková, Ph.D. (člen) prof. Ing. Stanislav Obruča, Ph.D. (místopředseda) prof. Ing. Miloslav Pekař, CSc. (předseda) doc. Ing. Petr Dzik, Ph.D. (člen)
Supervisor’s reportIng. Jiří Smilek, Ph.D.
Grade proposed by supervisor: C
Reviewer’s reportdoc. Ing. Petr Sedláček, Ph.D.
Grade proposed by reviewer: B
Responsibility: Mgr. et Mgr. Hana Odstrčilová