Dr. Lea Gazvoda

2024: PhD, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia

2017: Master of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Ljubljana

2014: Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Ljubljana

2024 - present: Researcher with PhD, Advanced Materials Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana

2017 - 2024: Young researcher, Advanced Materials Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana

2024: Krka Award for Doctoral Dissertation

Doctoral dissertation: “Piezoelectric polymer films made of polyl-lactic acid for biomedical use”

2024: Certificate for Foundation Course on 3D Bioprinting

Antimicrobial materials

I am actively involved in the development and assessment of antimicrobial properties of nanoparticles, composites and textiles. My expertise includes the synthesis of antimicrobial materials, detailed characterization of physiochemical properties and their incorporation into different materials to achieve antimicrobial functionalities, evaluating their cytocompatibility, coating stability, and long-term effectiveness.

Inorganic piezoelectric biomaterials

I am involved in the development of fully organic piezoelectric biomaterials that can stimulate human cells involved in promoting wound healing. Using techniques like mechanical stretching, electrospinning, and template-assisted nanotexturing, I prepared polymer poly(l-lactic acid) piezoactive surfaces that respond to mechanical cues. These piezoelectric scaffolds show potential for electrically stimulated wound healing, particularly in the context of chronic wounds. I also combine this work with 3D bioprinting to produce bioactive scaffolds tailored for customized tissue regeneration.