Prof. Marta Fioลka | Microbiology | Excellence in Research Award
Prof. Marta Fioลka, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Poland.
Dr. Marta Fioลka 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 ๐ชฑ. With 12 patented inventions, numerous national awards ๐, and active international collaborations, she combines scientific innovation with public science outreach ๐ข. As a mentor, lecturer, and science promoter, Dr. Fioลka inspires future researchers through her passion, creativity, and groundbreaking discoveries.
Profile
๐ Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Marta Fioลka began her academic journey with a Masterโs degree in Biology from Maria Curie-Skลodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin on June 17, 1993. Her thesis, under the supervision of Prof. Jan Jarosz, explored the โEffect of hydrocortisone on the defensive reactions of larvae Galleria mellonella.โ She earned her PhD in Biological Sciences (specialty: Invertebrate Immunology) on April 12, 2006, with a dissertation titled โLysozymes of selected invertebrate species as natural immune defence factors,โ supervised by Prof. Teresa Jakubowicz. On June 24, 2016, she was awarded the title of habilitated doctor for her research on โAntimicrobial and anti-tumor substances from isolated bacteria and tissues of the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta.โ ๐งฌ๐
๐ผ Professional Endeavors
Dr. Fioลkaโs 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 (1993โ1998), before becoming an assistant at UMCS in the Department of Insect Pathology (1998โ2006). 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. ๐๐ฌ
๐ฌ Contributions and Research Focus On Microbiologyย
Dr. Fioลka’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. ๐๐งซ๐
๐ Impact and Influence
Dr. Fioลka 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. ๐งโ๐ซ๐ข
๐ง Research Skills
Dr. Fioลka 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. Sheโs a versatile researcher, equally adept at experimental design, patent development, and cross-institutional collaborations. ๐๐งซ๐งช
๐ Awards and Honors
Dr. Fioลka has received numerous accolades, including:
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Scientific Award of the Minister of Science (2024) ๐
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Marie Curie Research Award (2020)
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Rectorโs Awards (2015โ2023)
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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 Ministerโs Badge of Merit for Inventiveness (2015)
These honors underscore her excellence in scientific innovation, academic leadership, and public service. ๐๏ธ๐
๐๏ธ Legacy and Future Contributions
As a leading authority on the medical applications of earthworms, Dr. Fioลkaโs 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. ๐๐งโ๐๐ฌ
Publications Top Notes
๐ 1. Preliminary proteomic analysis of mouse lung tissue treated with cyclophosphamide and Venetin-1
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๐ฉโ๐ฌ Authors: P. Czaplewska, M. Muller, N. Musiaล, B. Tokarz-Deptuลa, M.J. Fioลka
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๐ฐ Journal: Scientific Reports
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๐ Year: 2024
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๐งช Focus: Investigating protein-level changes in mouse lung tissue exposed to Venetin-1, a compound derived from earthworms.
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๐ Keywords: Proteomics, lung tissue, cancer treatment, Venetin-1
๐ 2. Prospects of earthworm coelomic fluid as a potential therapeutic agent to treat cancer
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๐ฉโ๐ฌ Authors: S. Haque, A. Hussain, A.H. Almalki, M.K. Srivastava, M.J. Fioลka
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๐ฐ Journal: [Name not specified] (likely a peer-reviewed open access journal)
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๐ Year: Not specified (but likely 2023โ2024 based on listing)
- ๐ฑ Focus: Reviews the therapeutic potential of earthworm coelomic fluid for oncological applications.
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๐ Keywords: Earthworm-derived compounds, anticancer agents, coelomic fluid
๐ 3. Autophagy of Candida albicans cells after the action of earthworm Venetin-1 nanoparticle with protease inhibitor activity
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๐ฉโ๐ฌ Authors: S. Wรณjcik-Mieszawska, K. Lewtak, E. Skwarek, J. Pawelec, M.J. Fioลka
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๐ฐ Journal: Scientific Reports
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๐ Year: 2023
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๐งซ Focus: Explores how Venetin-1 nanoparticles derived from earthworms induce autophagy in Candida albicans fungi.
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๐ฆ Keywords: Antifungal therapy, Venetin-1, protease inhibitors, autophagy