Fot. Rafał Opalski
Prof. Wojciech Simka is the winner of the Silesian Science Award
Professor Wojciech Simka from the Faculty of Chemistry of the Silesian University of Technology is the winner of the Silesian Science Award 2023. It is awarded to researchers, scientists and creators who significantly contribute to the development and promotion of Silesian science. The initiative takes place as part of the Silesian Science Festival KATOWICE.
The awards gala took place on December 10th , 2023, at the International Congress Centre in Katowice. Prof. Wojciech Simka was awarded for his lifetime scientific achievements. The scientist's research topics are mainly related to the modification of the surface of implants made of titanium or its alloys. Another research area is the synthesis and characterization of new anode materials for fuel cells.
– The award is an expression of recognition for many years of work, not only by me, but also by my entire team (Electrochemistry Group), without whom publications, patents and projects would not have been created. This type of award is certainly an inspiration for further, intensive work - said prof. Simka.
The research topic undertaken by the professor is important for several reasons. The first is to improve the quality of life of people and animals. In this case, research was undertaken to modify the surface of implants, which are made of a very durable metal such as titanium or its alloys. Titanium is used to produce the so-called long-term implants, i.e. implants that should remain in the human body for more than a dozen years.
– To improve the properties of such implants, special coatings are produced on their surface, causing faster and stronger fusion with the bone. For this purpose, an electrochemical process is used, which allows for the incorporation of elements such as calcium and phosphorus, i.e. bone building components, into the mentioned coating. This procedure allows you to "deceive" the tissue (bone) into recognizing the implant as its own, which accelerates integration with it, explains the scientist.
Coatings of this type are successfully used on dental implants, as well as on personalized (tailored to the patient) implants made in 3D printing. These, in turn, can replace parts of the facial skull after extensive injuries, e.g. as a result of war or accidents.
– Modified dental implants were implanted in approximately two thousand patients from Ukraine. Currently, the process is used to process the surface of individual printed craniofacial implants for patients with war injuries in Ukraine - adds prof. Simka.
The use of developed coatings also allows for improving the properties of animal implants. In this case, implants covered with special coatings fuse with the animal's tissue, which eliminates the need to perform a second operation - removing the implants after healing, which significantly reduces stress in the animal.
The second important research area covered by prof. Wojciech Simka's goal is to improve the quality of the natural environment by developing modern electrocatalysts that can be used in fuel cells. In this case, catalysts are being developed based on nickel, cobalt and copper compounds, which have very good properties for the oxidation of urea, methanol and other alcohols as potential fuels.
More information about the Silesian Science Award at https://slaskifestiwalnauki.pl/snn-o-nagrodzie.
