Dr. Katarzyna Kita-Tokarczyk



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Email:

 katarzyna.kita(at)mail.com

My status

Date & place of birth :

1973, Kraków (Poland)

Nationality:

Polish

 
RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research focuses on physical chemistry of colloids and interfaces. In particular, I am interested in: 1) self-organization of small amphiphiles (surfactants, lipids) and macromolecules (polymers, proteins) in solution, in both diluted and concentrated regimes, and 2) the formation and behavior of organized mono- and multilayers from various classes of amphiphilic molecules at interfaces (air/water, air/solid). We study how molecular structure and amphiphilicity affect the energetics of self-organization and how this correlates to the resulting morphologies. On the practical side, we look for models to investigate how organized macromolecular superstructures affect cell membranes (on the molecular level), and study processes at interfaces, such as inorganic precipitation and membrane protein diffusion.

 
EXPERIENCE
since 2010
Senior scientist, Unilever Research and Development (Structured Materials and Process Science), Port Sunlight, UK
2009-2010

Senior research fellow, Centre for Molecular Nanoscience, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, UK

2003-2009

Postdoctoral assistant / project leader / lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Switzerland

2002-2003

Research and teaching associate, Department of General Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland

1997-1998

Teaching and research assistant, Department of General Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland

 

EDUCATION

2002

PhD in chemical sciences (honors), Department of General Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland

1997

MSci in chemistry, Department of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

2001-2002

young scientists scholarship, Stanislaw Estreicher Foundation (Jagiellonian University)

2000-2001

Fulbright Foundation Junior Research Grant

1998-2002

doctoral scholarship (Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University)

 

RESEARCH GRANTS

2009-2012

Interfacial behavior of biocompatible poly(hydroxyalkenoate)-based polymers for complex material development (Swiss National Science Foundation)

2001-2003

Molecular interaction in mixed Langmuir monolayers formed by physiologically active compounds (Poland/Spain Joint Research Project)

2001-2002

Characteristics of Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett films formed by polyphenyl carboxylic acids and their derivatives (Polish Committee for Scientific Research)

1999

Interaction between molecules in the mixed spread films at the water/air interface (Poland/Spain Joint Research Project)

1998-1999

Structural investigations of Langmuir films formed by polyphenyl carboxylic acids (Polish Committee for Scientific Research)

 

TEACHING

2006-2009

University of Basel:

Physical chemistry lab course for biology, chemistry, nanoscience and pharmacy (responsible)

Macromolecular chemistry (lecture with Prof. W. Meier and Dr. C. Vebert)

Nano III: Self-assembling polymers (lecture)

Nanoscience block-courses

1997-2003

Jagiellonian University:

Laboratory courses and seminars in general, analytical and organic chemistry

 
VISITING RESEARCHER

Nov. 2002

University of Vigo at Ourense (Spain), Department of Physical Chemistry, with Prof. N. Vila Romeu

2000-2001

University of California, Santa Barbara (USA), Department of Chemical Engineering, with Prof. J.A. Zasadzinski

Dec. 1999

University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), Department of Physical Chemistry, with Prof. J. Minones Trillo

 

PUBLICATIONS

 

  1. A. Jagoda, P. Ketikidis,M. Zinn, W. Meier, K. Kita-Tokarczyk: Interactions of biodegradable poly([R]-3-hydroxy-10-undecenoate) with
    1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine lipid: a monolayer study    , Langmuir, 27(17) (2011), 10878

  2. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, M. Junginger, S. Belegrinou, A. Taubert: Amphiphilic polymers at interfaces, Advances in Polymer Science, 242 (2011), 151

  3. K. Kita, Ch. Dittrich: Drug delivery vehicles with improved encapsulation efficiency: taking advantage of specific drug–carrier interactions, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, 8(3) (2011), 329

  4. M. Junginger, K. Bleek, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, J. Reiche, A. Shkilnyy, F. Schacher, A.H.E. Mueller, A. Taubert: Calcium phosphate growth beneath a polycationic monolayer at the air-water interface: effects of oscillating surface pressure on mineralization, Nanoscale, 2 (2010), 2440

  5. M. Junginger, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, T. Schuster, J. Reiche, F. Schacher, A.H.E. Mueller, H. Coelfen, A. Taubert: Calcium phosphate mineralizations beneath a polycationic monolayer at the air-water interface, Macromolecular Bioscience, 10(9) (2010), 1084

  6. S. Belegrinou, J. Dorn, M. Kreiter, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, E.-K. Sinner, W. Meier: Biomimetic supported membranes from amphiphilic block copolymers, Soft Matter, 6 (2010), 179

  7. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, F. Itel, M. Grzelakowski, S. Egli, P. Rossbach, W. Meier: Monolayer interactions between lipids and amphiphilic block copolymers, Langmuir, 25(17) (2009), 9847

  8. C. Münzenberg, A. Rossi, K. Feldman, R. Fiolka, A. Stemmer, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, W. Meier, O. Lukin, A.D. Schlüter: Synthesis of compounds presenting three and four anthracene units as potential connectors to mediate infinite lateral growth at the air / water interface, Chemistry–A European Journal 14(34) (2008), 10797

  9. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, W. Meier: Biomimetic block copolymer membranes, Chimia 62(10) (2008), 820

  10. O. Casse, O. Colombani, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, A.H.E. Müller, W. Meier, A. Taubert: Calcium phosphate mineralization beneath monolayers of poly(n-butylacrylate)-block-poly(acrylic acid) block copolymers, Faraday Discussions 139 (2008), 179

  11. T. Haefele, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, W. Meier: Phase behavior of mixed Langmuir monolayers from amphiphilic block copolymers and an antimicrobial peptide, Langmuir 22(3) (2006), 1164

  12. M. Strobel, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, A. Taubert, C. Vebert, P.A. Heiney, M. Chami, W. Meier: Self-assembly of amphiphilic calix[4]arenes in aqueous solution, Advanced Functional Materials 16(2) (2006), 252

  13. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, J. Grumelard, T. Haefele, W. Meier: Block copolymer vesicles – using concepts from polymer chemistry to mimic biomembranes, Polymer 46(11) (2005), 3540

  14. H. Heerklotz, A. Tsamaloukas, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, P. Strunz, T. Gutberlet: Structural, volumetric and thermodynamic characterization of a micellar sphere-to-rod transition, Journal of The American Chemical Society 126(50) (2004), 16544

  15. P. Dynarowicz-Łątka, K. Kita, P. Milart, D.A. Silva Filho: Langmuir films from n-alkyl substituted 5’-phenyl-m-terphenyl carboxylic acids, Trends in Colloid and Interface Science XVII 126 (2004), 74

  16. P. Dynarowicz-Łątka, J. Minones Jr., K. Kita, P. Milart: The utility of Brewster angle microscopy in evaluating the origin of the plateau in surface pressure / area isotherms of aromatic carboxylic acids, Progress in Colloid and Polymer Science 123 (2004), 152

  17. M. Ferreira, P. Dynarowicz-Łątka, J. Minones Jr., W. Caetano, K. Kita, M. Schalke, M. Losche, O.N. Oliveira Jr.: On the origin of the plateau in surface - pressure isotherms of aromatic carboxylic acids, Journal of Physical Chemistry B 106(40) (2002), 10395

  18. P. Dynarowicz-Łątka, K. Kita, P. Milart, A. Dhanabalan, A. Cavalli, D.A. da Silva Filho, M.C. dos Santos, O.N. Oliveira Jr.: Influence of apolar group structure on the properties of Langmuir monolayers of polyphenyl carboxylic acids, Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 198-200 (2002), 141

  19. P. Dynarowicz-Łątka, K. Kita, P. Milart, A. Dhanabalan, A. Cavalli, D.A. da Silva Filho, O.N. Oliveira Jr.: Langmuir monolayers from substituted aromatic carboxylic acids, Trends in Colloid and Interface Science XV 118 (2001), 5

  20. P. Dynarowicz-Łątka, K. Kita, P. Milart, A. Dhanabalan, A. Cavalli, O.N. Oliveira Jr.: Langmuir monolayers from substituted 5’-phenyl-m-terphenyl carboxylic acids, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 239(1) (2001), 145

  21. P. Dynarowicz-Łątka, K. Kita, P. Milart, A. Dhanabalan, A. Cavalli, D.A. da Silva Filho, O.N. Oliveira Jr.: Structural modification influences the characteristics of Langmuir monolayers from aromatic carboxylic acids, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 239(1) (2001), 158

  22. P. Dynarowicz–Łątka, K. Kita, J.R. Seoane, J. Minones, O. Conde: Studying of the molecular interaction in mixed monolayers at the air/water interface – application in medical sciences, Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica–Drug Research 56(1) (1999), 3

  23. P. Dynarowicz-Łątka, J. Czapkiewicz, K. Kita, P. Milart, E. Brocławik: Langmuir monolayers formed by a novel group of aromatic amphiphiles, Trends in Colloid and Interface Science XIII 112 (1999), 15

  24. P. Dynarowicz-Łątka, K. Kita: Molecular interaction in mixed monolayers at the air / water interface, Advances in Colloid and Interface Science 79(1) (1999), 1

  25. D. Góralczyk, K. Kita: Properties of anionic-cationic adsorption films, Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 139(3) (1998), 329

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

  1. A. Taubert, M. Junginger, J. Reiche, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, A. Shkilnyy, H. Schlaad, Polycations in biomimetic calcium phosphate mineralization, Polymers in Biomedicine and Electronics (German Chemical Society meeting), Berlin-Dahlem (Germany), 10.2010

  2. P. Ketikidis, A. Jagoda, W. Meier, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, M. Zinn, Medium-chain-length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) for tissue engineering - monolayer behavior, International Symposium on Biopolymers, Stuttgart (Germany), 10.2010

  3. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, Polymer membranes for life sciences, Biomedical and Health Research Centre, University of Leeds (UK), 06.2010

  4. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, Block copolymers at interfaces: towards complex materials, Centre for Molecular Nanoscience, University of Leeds (UK), 02.2010

  5. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, Block copolymers at interfaces, Swiss Chemical Society Fall Meeting, Zürich (Switzerland), 09.2008

  6. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, Membranes from amphiphilic block copolymers for biosciences, Empa St. Gallen (Switzerland), 08.2008

  7. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, Membranes from amphiphilic block copolymers for biosciences, Membranes and Membrane Proteins (German – French Workshop), Strasbourg (France), 12.2007

  8. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, W. Meier: Membranes from amphiphilic block copolymers at interfaces: characterization and applications, European Polymer Congress 2007, Portoroz (Slovenia), 07.2007

  9. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, V. Malinova: Amphiphilic block copolymers: from synthesis to biomimetic membranes, IMPRS/NSF Summer School - Membranes on Surfaces or Nanoscale Engineering of the Biointerface, Platja D'Aro, Girona (Spain), 06.2007

  10. K. Kita-Tokarczyk: Films from macromolecular amphiphiles at the air - water interface: bio-mimicking, functionalization and responsiveness, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich (Switzerland), 12.2006

  11. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, A. Senti, W. Meier: Self-assembly of biocompatible block copolymers, Structure and Properties of Self-Organized Amphiphilic Copolymers (SONS/Polyamphi Networking Activity Workshop), Prague (Czech Republic), 10.2006

  12. K. Kita-Tokarczyk, T. Haefele, W. Meier: Phase behavior of mixed membranes from amphiphilic block copolymers and an antimicrobial peptide, Experimental and Theoretical Methods for Preparation, Characterization and Study of Self-Assembling Block Copolymers (POLYAMPHI Workshop), Chodová Planá (Czech Republic), 10.2005

  13. H. Heerklotz, A. Tsamaloukas, K. Kita-Tokarczyk, P. Strunz, T. Gutberlet: Volumetric, thermodynamic, and structural characterization of a micellar transition, 104th Annual General Meeting of the Deutsche Bunsen-Gesellschaft für Physikalische Chemie e.V. (Bunsentagung), Frankfurt am Main (Germany), 05.2005

 

updated: August 30, 2011