Dr. Marta Fiołka is a professor at UMCS specializing in invertebrate immunology and biomedical research. She is renowned for her work on antimicrobial and anticancer compounds derived from earthworms 🪱. With 12 patented inventions, numerous national awards 🏆, and active international collaborations, she combines scientific innovation with public science outreach 📢. As a mentor, lecturer, and science promoter, Dr. Fiołka inspires future researchers through her passion, creativity, and groundbreaking discoveries.
Profile
Scopus Profile
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Marta Fiołka began her academic journey with a Master’s degree in Biology from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin on June 17, 1993. Her thesis, under the supervision of Prof. Jan Jarosz, explored the “Effect of hydrocortisone on the defensive reactions of larvae Galleria mellonella.” She earned her PhD in Biological Sciences (specialty: Invertebrate Immunology) on April 12, 2006, with a dissertation titled “Lysozymes of selected invertebrate species as natural immune defence factors,” supervised by Prof. Teresa Jakubowicz. On June 24, 2016, she was awarded the title of habilitated doctor for her research on “Antimicrobial and anti-tumor substances from isolated bacteria and tissues of the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta.” 🧬📚
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Fiołka’s professional journey reflects her dedication to biological sciences. She began as a specialist in the Department of Animal and Environment Hygiene at the Agricultural University in Lublin (1993–1998), before becoming an assistant at UMCS in the Department of Insect Pathology (1998–2006). She continued her career at UMCS as an adjunct and later as a professor in the Department of Immunobiology, where she now serves as a full professor since 2019. Her international fellowships include training at the Medical University of Lublin and a research project in Japan at Chiba University under Prof. Nozomu Takeuchi. 🌍🔬
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus On Microbiology
Dr. Fiołka’s core research explores bioactive compounds from earthworms, focusing on their antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates immunology, cell biology, and biotechnology. She has pioneered work on the coelomic fluid of Dendrobaena veneta, identifying key protein-polysaccharide complexes and metabolites with therapeutic potential. Her studies have resulted in 12 patented inventions and numerous peer-reviewed publications. She also leads a national research network involving several top Polish institutions. 🐛🧫💊
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Fiołka has significantly advanced the field of invertebrate immunology and biomedicine. Her research has fostered collaborations across Poland and Japan, and she has served as reviewer of multiple doctoral theses and high-impact journal articles. She has mentored numerous students, promoted intellectual property awareness, and organized microbiology and flow cytometry laboratories. Her public outreach efforts, including lectures, exhibitions, and media appearances, highlight her commitment to science popularization and education. 🧑🏫📢
🧠 Research Skills
Dr. Fiołka demonstrates proficiency in cell culture techniques, antimicrobial screening, immunoblotting, microscopic imaging, flow cytometry, and molecular biology. She skillfully integrates interdisciplinary methods to identify, isolate, and characterize bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. She’s a versatile researcher, equally adept at experimental design, patent development, and cross-institutional collaborations. 🔍🧫🧪
🏅 Awards and Honors
Dr. Fiołka has received numerous accolades, including:
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Scientific Award of the Minister of Science (2024) 🏆
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Marie Curie Research Award (2020)
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Rector’s Awards (2015–2023)
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Silver Medal for Long-Term Work (2018)
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National Education Committee Medal (2015)
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Prime Minister’s Badge of Merit for Inventiveness (2015)
These honors underscore her excellence in scientific innovation, academic leadership, and public service. 🎖️🎓
🏛️ Legacy and Future Contributions
As a leading authority on the medical applications of earthworms, Dr. Fiołka’s legacy lies in bridging traditional biology with innovative medical biotechnology. She envisions expanding her research into nanomedicine and personalized therapies, continuing her collaboration with Chiba University and Polish medical institutions. As a founder and mentor of a thriving student research club, she is nurturing the next generation of scientists while advocating for intellectual property awareness in academia. Her work is setting a precedent for eco-friendly biomedical discovery. 🌍🧑🎓🔬
Publications Top Notes
📘 1. Preliminary proteomic analysis of mouse lung tissue treated with cyclophosphamide and Venetin-1
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👩🔬 Authors: P. Czaplewska, M. Muller, N. Musiał, B. Tokarz-Deptuła, M.J. Fiołka
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📰 Journal: Scientific Reports
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📅 Year: 2024
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🧪 Focus: Investigating protein-level changes in mouse lung tissue exposed to Venetin-1, a compound derived from earthworms.
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🔍 Keywords: Proteomics, lung tissue, cancer treatment, Venetin-1
📘 2. Prospects of earthworm coelomic fluid as a potential therapeutic agent to treat cancer
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👩🔬 Authors: S. Haque, A. Hussain, A.H. Almalki, M.K. Srivastava, M.J. Fiołka
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📰 Journal: [Name not specified] (likely a peer-reviewed open access journal)
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📅 Year: Not specified (but likely 2023–2024 based on listing)
- 🌱 Focus: Reviews the therapeutic potential of earthworm coelomic fluid for oncological applications.
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💊 Keywords: Earthworm-derived compounds, anticancer agents, coelomic fluid
📘 3. Autophagy of Candida albicans cells after the action of earthworm Venetin-1 nanoparticle with protease inhibitor activity
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👩🔬 Authors: S. Wójcik-Mieszawska, K. Lewtak, E. Skwarek, J. Pawelec, M.J. Fiołka
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📰 Journal: Scientific Reports
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📅 Year: 2023
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🧫 Focus: Explores how Venetin-1 nanoparticles derived from earthworms induce autophagy in Candida albicans fungi.
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🦠 Keywords: Antifungal therapy, Venetin-1, protease inhibitors, autophagy