Research Group

Researchers
Dr Aris Xenakis, Researcher Director (Program Head)
Dr. Vassiliki Papadimitriou, Researcher C', Chemist

PhD Students
Mrs. Argyro Kalaitzaki, Chemical Engineer, University of Orebro, Sweden
Mrs. Karen Goncalves, Pharmacist, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Mr. Ivaldo Junior, Pharmacist, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ms. Maria Hatzidaki, Chemical Engineer, University of Orebro, Sweden
Ms. Andreia Fatima Zanette, Chemical Engineer, University of Marenga, Brazil

Msc. Students
Ms. Tina Filippou, Biologist
Ms. Ioanna Zampakidi, Biologist

Technicians
Mr. G. Sotiroudis, MSc. Pharmacist

Aims of the Programme

Model of Reverse Micelle

The Biomimetics and Nanobiotechnology Programme deals with studies on the behavior of biomolecules, such as enzymes, in model systems simulating their natural environment. The studies are focused on structural and functional aspects of the biomolecules when hosted in nano-scale environments with restricted water contents, such as nanodispersions of the microemulsion type.

Ενσωμάτωση ενζύμου σε αντίστροφα μικκύλια. Πιθανές θέσεις εντοπισμού του ενζύμου

The activities developed within the Biomimetics and Nanobiotechnology programme comprise:

• Structure and function studies of enzymes in nanodispersions - biocatalysis.
• Development and structural characterization of nanodispersions - nanoformulation
• Biotechnological applications based on biocompatible components - Olive oil

Schematic representation of microemulsions

AOT in the absence of lipase    AOT in the presence of lipase

lecithin in the absence of lipase  lecithin in the presence of lipase

These studies have yielded various applications, which are developed within the Industrial Enzymology Unit of the Division of Biological Research and Biotechnology, in collaboration with Food, Pharmaceutics, and Cosmetics industries.

Current Externally Funded projects:

1. Current Externally Funded projects:

   1. MED Programme 2009-2011 "Mediterranean Transnational Technology Transfer - MET3" Budget: 360.000 €
   2. South East Europe - Trasnational Cooperation Programme 2009-2011, "Solutions and Interventions for the Technological Transfer and the Innovation of the Agro-Food Sector in the South East Regions", SEE/A/160/1.1/X Budget: 238.118 €
   3. MED Programme 2010-2012 «IP Awareness and Enforcement: innovative services for Mediterranean SMEs -IP-SMEs» No. 1G-MED08-309 (2010-2) Budget: 170.000 €
   4. Programme ΕΣΠΑ "Cooperation" 2010-2. "Development of nanoemulsions as new materials for managing phytoprotective products to reduce the environmental charge" Budget: 449.040,00 € (NHRF 147.743€). Coordinator Dr V. Papadimitriou.
      
   5. Programme CAPES, Ministry of Education, Brazil. 2010-4. "Nanobiotechnology. Lipase activity" Budget: NHRF 40.000 €.
      

Complete list of projects

Selected Recent Publications

1. E.D. Tzika, M. Christoforou, S. Pispas, M. Zervou, V. Papadimitriou, T. G. Sotiroudis, E. Leontidis, A. Xenakis (2011) "Influence of nanoreactor environment and substrate location on the activity of horseradish peroxidase in olive oil-based w/o microemulsions" Langmuir, 27, 2692-2700.
2.  V. Papadimitriou, E. D.Tzika, S. Pispas, T.G. Sotiroudis, A. Xenakis (2011) "Microemulsions based on virgin olive oil: a model biomimetic system for studying native oxidative enzymatic activities" Colloids Surfaces.A: Physichochemical  & Engineerinig Aspects, 382, 232-237
3.  M. Fanun, V. Papadimitriou, A. Xenakis (2011) "Characterization of cephalexin loaded nonionic microemulsions" J. Colloid Interf. Sci., 361, 115-21
4. A. Xenakis, V. Papadimitriou, T.G. Sotiroudis (2010) "Colloidal structures in natural oils" Curr.Opinion Colloid Interface Sci. 15, 55-60
5. M. Zoumpanioti, H. Stamatis, A. Xenakis (2010) "Microemulsion-based organogels as matrices for lipase immobilization" Biotechnol.Advances, 28, 395-406
6. F. Michaux, M. Zoumpanioti, M. Papamentzelopoulou, M. J. Stebe., J. L. Blin, A. Xenakis (2010) "Immobilization and activity of Rhizomucor miehei lipase. Effect of the matrix properties prepared from nonionic fluorinated surfactants". Proc.Biochem. 45, 39-46
7. A. Xenakis, V. Papadimitriou, H. Stamatis, F. N. Kolisis (2009) "Biocatalysis in microemulsuions" in "Microemulsions: Properties and Applications" Surfactant Sci.Ser., Vol.144, pp.349-385. Ed. M.Fanun.,CRC Press, Jerusalem, Israel
8. V. Papadimitriou, S. Pispas, S. Syriou, A.Pournara, M. Zoumpanioti, T. G. Sotiroudis, A.Xenakis (2008) "Biocompatible Microemulsions based on Limonene: Formulation, Structure and Applications" Lamgmuir, 24, 3380-3386.
9. V. Papadimitriou, T.G. Sotiroudis, A. Xenakis, (2007) Olive oil microemulsions: enzymatic activities and structural characteristics, Langmuir, 23, 2071-7.
   
10. S. Avramiotis, V. Papadimitriou, E. Hatzara, V. Bekiari, P. Lianos, A. Xenakis (2007) "Lecithin Organogels Used as Bioactive Compounds Carriers. A Microdomain Properties Investigation" Langmuir, 23, 4438-4447
    

Complete list of publications

Collaborations with Industries