Exchanges period 2

From March 3 to March 17, 2026, Dr. Benediktas Brasiūnas visited NanoBioMedical Center, AMU in Poznan, Poland.

The secondee performed research related to MXene-based materials and their integration into electrochemical sensing platforms. Activities carried out during this period included the preparation and deposition of Ti₃C₂T_X MXenes on electrode surfaces, together with the assessment of approaches aimed at improving the stability and functional performance of the modified layers.

Throughout the visit, the dr. Benediktas Brasiūnas gained practical and scientific expertise in MXene processing, surface modification, and electrochemical characterization. The work also strengthened collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of advanced materials for sensing applications. The results obtained provided a useful basis for optimizing modification procedures and supported the further development of MXene-based biosensing systems.

Two researchers from Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU), Andriy Lys and Irfan Hanif, carried out a secondment at RESPILON Membranes s.r.o. from 29 January to 27 February 2026. The visit was part of a collaborative effort aimed at advancing expertise in electrospinning technologies and strengthening cooperation between academic and industrial partners. 

During the secondment, the research activities were focused on the development of electrospinning processes for polymer–MXene systems. The primary objective was to improve the practical aspects of membrane fabrication rather than provide basic training. Irfan worked on optimizing solution compositions and refining electrospinning parameters to achieve more uniform fibers and structurally stable membranes.

Several experimental series were conducted using large-scale electrospinning equipment at the host institution to investigate the behaviour of selected polymer–MXene compositions under continuous operation conditions. Pilot membranes were produced to evaluate process stability, fiber uniformity, and reproducibility at higher production rates. In parallel, different material formulations were compared to identify the most suitable systems for further development of functional membranes intended for large-scale production.

The secondment also enabled active knowledge exchange through daily laboratory interactions. Discussions focused on MXene dispersion, fiber formation mechanisms, and practical limitations of electrospinning processes. These interactions highlighted key differences between small-scale laboratory experiments and industrial-scale manufacturing.

From 23 January to 22 February 2026, Anton Popov carried out a secondment focused on the development of MXene-based nanocomposites for biomedical applications. At the outset of the visit, an in-depth review of existing studies on MXenes and their deposition on polymeric membranes was conducted to identify current approaches and research gaps. Based on this analysis, a structured research strategy was established. The initial phase also included hands-on training, enabling the researcher to become familiar with laboratory equipment and experimental procedures for working with nanostructures in biomedical contexts.

Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes used during the secondment were synthesized at Vilnius University from the MAX phase Ti₃AlC₂ obtained from the Materials Research Center (MRC, Ukraine). The subsequent stage of the visit focused on depositing MXenes and their nanoconjugates onto polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber membranes. Various deposition strategies were explored to achieve uniform, stable coatings. The coated membranes were then evaluated through photothermal testing. The results demonstrated that the coating efficiency of PCL membranes depends strongly on the preparation and deposition conditions of the nanoconjugates. Furthermore, a clear relationship between the photothermal performance and the concentration and composition of the MXene-based nanocomposites was established.

Almira Ramanaviciene (Vilnius University, VU) successfully completed a secondment to Latvia University (LU) from 11 to 25 November 2025 as part of the ESCULAPE project.

During the second period of the secondment, Prof. A. Ramanaviciene was focused on the Ti₃C₂T_xMXenes of different size preparation, characterization and comparison. The special/optimized conditions were applied to obtain smaller MXenes using the ultrasonic bath. The MXenes obtained from the project partners’ and treated by the ultrasound were characterized electrochemically using different redox mediators and various electrochemical methods. It was determined that smaller MXenes obtained after treatment in the ultrasonic bath show much higher electrochemical signal when compared with screen printed carbon electrode modified with untreated and bigger in size MXenes. The reproducibility of electrodes modified with smaller in size MXenes was evaluated electrochemically. The obtained results confirmed that the selected electrode preparation and modification with MXenes method is appropriate for the further modifications and electrochemical studies.

The secondee at the host research institution was introduced to the principles of cell culturing, adding of MXene solution, storage terms and conditions, and biocompatibility assessment principles. The knowledge she gained is very valuable for the further research with MXenes.