Latest Research Dissemination and Training
Latest team training
Training in Croatia
The training in Croatia is planned to involve testing and developing a new method for textile surface treatment. The training in Milestones 1 and 2 will focus on the characterization of materials and gamma irradiation, including practical execution, working principles, and potential applications. This experience will enhance the trainee's understanding of the radiation technique and may foster opportunities for future collaborative projects.
Training in Switzerland
The training in Switzerland is planned to involve conducting bacterial culture and antibacterial tests. The trainee will have intensive training regarding the antibacterial
testing methods, and protocols on the textile materials developed in Milestones 2 and 3. The transfer of expertise from Swiss experts to Croatian scientists will elevate the skill set and technical proficiency of the Croatian laboratory personnel and enable the establishment of the Antibacterial Testing Group in Croatia. This knowledge transfer is crucial for building a sustainable scientific infrastructure that can respond to future challenges in antimicrobial resistance and biosecurity.
Training in Austria
The training in Austria is planned to involve performing biocompatibility experiments. The trainees will gain knowledge and experimental skills in performing cytotoxicity tests on textiles according to ISO standards, from maintaining human keratinocytes to conducting cytotoxicity testing. The training in Milestones 2 and 3 will also cover anti-inflammatory testing with THP-1 cells, which is critical for assessing antimicrobial materials, too.
Training in Croatia
The training and research stay included the following visiting researchers from the NATO Co-director group of Prof. Eva Roblegg from the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Graz:
M.Sc. Pharm. BSc. Lukas Vergeiner, visiting from 23.11.2025 to 28.11.2025
Dipl. Ing. James McFarlane Hoad, visiting from 23.11.2025 to 02.12.2025
dr. sc. Atida Selmani, visiting from 23.11.2025 to 02.12.2025
The primary scientific objective of the visit was to support the fabrication and functionalization of protective textile materials capable of providing simultaneous flame-retardant, antimicrobial, and UV-shielding performance. The activities represent a novel R&D approach to multifunctional textile engineering, emphasizing user safety, material sustainability, and environmental compatibility.
Throughout the research stay, the visiting scientists:
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Conducted experimental laboratory work using RBI facilities and instrumentation
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Contributed to layer-by-layer coating development for advanced textile substrates
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Participated in project coordination meetings and laboratory workflow discussions
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Engaged in data analysis, method optimization, and collaborative scientific exchange
Overall, the training exemplifies the NATO SAFEGUARD project's commitment to international cooperation, capacity building, and translational materials research aimed at developing next-generation protective apparel for resilient defense applications.
The photo documents a series of hands-on training and collaborative research activities conducted at the Laboratory for Precipitation Processes, Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI), Croatia, within the framework of the NATO project SAFEGUARD – Secure, Antibacterial, Flame-retardant, Enhanced Guard Apparel for Resilient Defense.
The images capture visiting researchers and host team members actively engaged in experimental laboratory work, method development, and scientific exchange. Laboratory scenes show researchers wearing standard personal protective equipment while performing layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition processes for fabric coating, a key technique used to fabricate multifunctional protective textiles. Experimental setups include wet-chemical processing, controlled coating deposition, and sample preparation, illustrating the practical implementation of advanced materials chemistry methodologies. Group photographs also reflect the collaborative atmosphere fostered during formal project meetings and informal networking sessions, which are essential for interdisciplinary knowledge transfer.
The training and research stay of Marc Puschmann, a visiting researcher from the NATO Co-director group of Prof. Katharina Maniura from the EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Galen, Switzerland.
He visited the Croatian team at the Ruđer Bošković Institute for one week from 23rd to 29th August 2026. During his stay, he received training on LBL coating preparation on cotton samples, pretreatment of textiles with Cu ions, and precipitation of nanoparticles on the surface of fibers for potentially better UPF properties.
Training in Austria
The training and research stay of Marc Puschmann, a visiting researcher from the NATO Co-director group of Prof. Katharina Maniura from the EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Galen, Switzerland
The primary scientific objective of the visit was to support the cytotoxicity of the coated phenol/zinc, phenol/copper textile materials
Latest Research Dissemination
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19th Christmas Biophysics Workshop
Stift St. Georgen am Längsee, Austria
9 - 10 December 2025
Within the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, Dipl. Ing. James McFarlane Hoad presented ongoing research activities from the SAFEGUARD project during an international scientific workshop. The contribution focused on the safety-oriented development of functional textile coatings intended for advanced protective applications.
The presentation highlighted the project's objective to support the development of secure, antibacterial, UV-protective, and flame-retardant textile systems relevant to military personnel protection and dual-use civilian scenarios, including emergency response, medical support, and infrastructure protection. Particular emphasis was placed on the human safety dimension, addressing the importance of skin compatibility for materials designed for prolonged use.
The workshop contribution outlined the methodological framework used within the SAFEGUARD project to evaluate the biological interaction of textile coating components. This framework integrates in vitro screening approaches, skin-relevant cellular models, and established analytical assays to support a safety-by-design strategy in materials development. Such early-stage assessments are essential for guiding formulation decisions and minimizing potential health risks associated with advanced functional materials.
The presentation further demonstrated the interdisciplinary collaboration fostered by the NATO SPS Programme, bringing together expertise from pharmaceutical sciences and materials chemistry across partner institutions. This cooperation strengthens scientific capacity, promotes knowledge exchange, and supports the responsible translation of laboratory-scale innovations towards application-oriented protective technologies.
Overall, the workshop contribution reflected the NATO SPS Programme's commitment to international scientific cooperation, risk mitigation, and societal resilience, reinforcing the SAFEGUARD project's role in advancing user-safe, high-performance protective textiles for defense and civilian use while maintaining alignment with ethical, regulatory, and sustainability considerations.
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5th Youth Meeting of the Croatian Society for Radiation Protection, March 6, 2026, at the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health in Zagreb.
Within the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, Dipl. Ing. Helena Biljanić presented ongoing research activities from the SAFEGUARD project during 5th Youth Meeting of the Croatian Society for Radiation Protection workshop. The modern military industry requires textile materials that can provide long-lasting and
reliable protection under extreme conditions of use. Standard fabrics often fail to meet
requirements related to UV resistance, flammability, durability, and overall user safety.
Moreover, existing functional finishing treatments frequently exhibit limited durability as
well as potential environmental and health risks. Therefore, there is a pronounced need to
develop new, sustainable methods for textile functionalization.
Ionizing gamma irradiation of fabrics represents an effective method of material activation,
as it induces the formation of free radicals within and on the surface of fibers, leading to the
cleavage of existing chemical bonds and increased surface reactivity. The resulting active
sites enable efficient and durable binding of functional substances to the fibers without the
need for aggressive chemicals. The process is carried out at room temperature and does not
require the use of toxic reagents, making it an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient
approach to textile functionalization. Natural polyphenolic acids are used in textile
functionalization due to their favorable properties. Phytic acid, which is non-toxic and
biodegradable, exhibits pronounced flame-retardant properties owing to its high
phosphorus content and its ability to promote material char formation. UV-absorbing tannic
acid possesses antimicrobial properties, thereby further contributing to fabric safety and
hygiene. By combining gamma irradiation with natural polyphenolic acids, it is possible to
develop multifunctional textiles with enhanced durability, safety, and sustainability, suitable
for application in the military industry.
This paper presents an innovative approach to the functionalization of various fabrics
(cotton, nylon, polyester, and a nylon–cotton composite) through the application of
different gamma irradiation conditions and the deposition of environmentally friendly
tannic acid coordinated with iron ions and phytic acid, using different functionalization
methods.
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International Conference on Radiation Applications in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medical Sciences, Engineering and Environmental Sciences (RAP26), held from 25th to 29th May 2026 at the Campus Tecnologico e Nuclear, Lisbon, Portugal
Within the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, Dipl. Ing. Helena Biljanić presented ongoing research activities from the SAFEGUARD project during the International Conference on Radiation Applications in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medical Sciences, Engineering and Environmental Sciences (RAP26), held from 25th to 29th May 2026 at the Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Lisbon, Portugal, with a poster presentation “A radiation-based strategy for the development of functional coatings on military textiles”. At the conference, approximately 110 participants presented their results.
Ionising gamma irradiation is an effective method for textile activation, as it induces the formation of free radicals in the bulk and on the surface of fibres, leading to the disruption of existing chemical bonds and increased surface reactivity. These newly generated active sites enable efficient and durable attachment of functional compounds to textile fibres without the use of harsh chemicals. The process is carried out at ambient temperature and does not require toxic reagents, making it an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient approach to textile functionalisation.
Natural polyphenolic acids have attracted increasing attention as functional additives due to their beneficial properties. Phytic acid, which is non-toxic and biodegradable, exhibits pronounced flame-retardant behaviour owing to its high phosphorus content and its ability to promote char formation. Tannic acid, by contrast, acts as an effective UV absorber and possesses antimicrobial activity, further enhancing the safety and hygienic performance of treated fabrics. The combination of gamma irradiation with natural polyphenolic acids enables the development of multifunctional textiles with improved durability, safety, and sustainability, making them suitable for military applications.
This study presents an innovative approach to functionalising various textile fabrics (cotton, nylon, polyester, and nylon-cotton composites) using gamma irradiation combined with the application of environmentally friendly tannic acid coordinated with iron ions and phytic acid. Gamma irradiation was applied under different conditions and doses. Following functionalisation via a one-pot synthesis method and through layer-by-layer deposition, colour was determined by colorimetric measurements, and the intensity of coloration was visually evaluated. The materials were further analysed by water contact angle measurements, while coating uniformity was confirmed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that irradiation conditions and dose significantly influence coating adhesion to textile surfaces. The applied radiation-assisted method resulted in a uniform atomic distribution across the fabric surfaces, accompanied by changes in the textile surface properties.
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Solutions in Chemistry, held from 1st to 5th September 2026 at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development, University of Rijeka, Croatia
Within the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, Dipl. Ing. Karlo Vojtkuf presented ongoing research activities from the SAFEGUARD project during the Solutions in Chemistry conference, held from 1st to 5th September 2026 at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development, University of Rijeka, Croatia, with a poster presentation titled “Bio-based coatings for flame retardancy and UV protection of cotton and nyco fabrics”. At the conference, approximately 150 participants presented their results.
Protective textiles must combine fire safety with additional functions such as UV protection, while retaining the comfort and mechanical performance of the underlying fabric. Cotton and nylon/cotton (NyCo) blends are attractive for these applications but are inherently flammable. In NyCo, combustion may be further promoted by the scaffolding effect, in which molten nylon is retained by the cotton-derived char. Surface coatings provide an effective approach to localising protective components at the fibre interface, where ignition and flame propagation occur, while preserving the bulk properties of the textile. Phytic acid (PA) and tannic acid (TA) provide complementary bio-based functionalities: phosphorus-rich PA promotes acid-catalysed dehydration and char formation, whereas polyphenolic TA acts as a carbon source and UV-absorbing agent and can participate in coordination with metal ions. In this study, cotton and NyCo fabrics were functionalised with a PA/TA coating coordinated with Zn2+ and Y3+ ions.
The surface morphology and elemental composition of the treated fabrics were characterised by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Flame-retardant performance was evaluated using limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements and horizontal and vertical flame tests, while UVprotective performance was assessed by determining the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and UVA and UVB transmittance. The treatment increased the LOI from 17.4 to 28.6% for cotton and from 17.8 to 26.8% for NyCo. SEM-EDS showed surface deposits on both substrates and the spatial distribution of Zn and Y atoms across the treated fibres. The UPF increased from 1.32 to 17.83 for cotton and from 11.78 to 23.25 for NyCo, accompanied by pronounced reductions in UVA and UVB transmittance. These findings demonstrate that the developed PA/TA-Zn/Y coating strategy provides an effective multifunctional surface treatment for cotton and NyCo fabrics, combining improved flame-retardant behaviour with enhanced UV protection.
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5th Croatian Microscopy Congress 2026, held from 16th to 18th September 2026 at the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, part of the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek, Croatia
Within the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, Dipl. Ing. Karlo Vojtkuf presented ongoing research activities from the SAFEGUARD project during the 5th Croatian Microscopy Congress 2026, held from 16th to 18th September 2026 at the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, part of the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek, Croatia, with a poster presentation titled “Bio-Based Tannic Acid and Phytic Acid Coatings for Multifunctional Textiles”. At the conference, approximately 100 participants presented their results.
The growing demand for sustainable protective textiles has encouraged the development of bio-based surface treatments that provide multiple functions while reducing reliance on conventional additives. Tannic acid (TA) and phytic acid (PA) are attractive bio-based compounds with complementary functionalities. TA interacts with textile fibres and contributes to char formation, UV absorption, and antimicrobial activity, whereas the high phosphorus content of PA promotes dehydration and carbonisation during thermal exposure. Cotton, nylon, polyester and nylon-cotton (NyCo) fabrics were functionalised with coatings based on TA coordinated with iron ions and PA. Two pretreatment strategies, gamma irradiation at different doses and atmospheric conditions and copper-ion coordination, were compared with layer-by-layer (LBL) and one-pot deposition. Colour change and washing durability were assessed by colorimetric measurements, while surface morphology, coating uniformity, and elemental composition and distribution before and after washing were examined using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).
UV protection was assessed through ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and UVA/UVB transmission, while surface wettability and charge were examined by water contact angle and zeta-potential measurements. Textile composition, pretreatment and deposition method influenced coating performance and retention after washing. Cotton exhibited the greatest improvement in UV protection, particularly after copper-ion pretreatment followed by LBL deposition, with markedly reduced UVA and UVB transmission. NyCo also showed enhanced protection, while nylon achieved its best performance after LBL deposition following irradiation at 15 kGy; polyester showed only modest changes. Cotton and polyester generally became more hydrophobic, whereas nylon and NyCo showed treatment-dependent behaviour. All fabrics exhibited negative zeta potentials, with the most pronounced treatment-related changes observed for polyester and nylon. Elemental analysis confirmed the presence and distribution of phosphorus- and iron-containing species. Overall, deposition of tannic acid coordinated with iron ions and phytic acid provides a versatile and environmentally favourable approach to the development of multifunctional protective textiles.
Karlo Vojtkuf won the Best Poster Award at the 5th Croatian Microscopy Congress 2026, held from 16th to 18th September 2026 at the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, part of the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek, Croatia
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12th International Textile Clothing & Design Conference (ITC&DC 2026) Magic World of Textile, from October 4th to October 7th, 2026, in Zadar, Croatia.
Within the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, Dipl. Ing. Jelena Kosanović presented ongoing research activities from the SAFEGUARD project during the 12th International Textile Clothing & Design Conference (ITC&DC 2026) Magic World of Textile, from October 4th to October 7th, 2026, in Zadar, Croatia, with a poster presentation titled “Naturally Derived Functional Coatings for Textiles”. At the conference, approximately 50 participants presented their results.
Conventional textile finishing methods often raise environmental concerns, creating a demand for high-performance and sustainable alternatives. To address these limitations, this study focuses on developing eco-friendly and multifunctional coatings based on tannic and phytic acids for cotton, nylon, polyester, and nyco fabrics, providing enhanced flame-retardant, antimicrobial, and UV-protective properties. Phytic acid provides flame retardancy through its high phosphorus content and char-forming ability, while tannic acid contributes to UV protection and resistance to microbial growth.
Textile surfaces were activated by gamma irradiation or copper ion coordination to promote strong coating adhesion, followed by the layer-by-layer (LbL) or one-pot deposition of tannic acid, phytic acid, and metal ions (Zn2+, Fe3+). Flame retardancy was evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), while UV protection was assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy through UPF determination.
Among the tested approaches, gamma irradiation (15 kGy, O2 atmosphere) combined with LbL deposition was identified as the most effective and scalable method in terms of reproducibility, coating uniformity and washing durability. Optimization of coating composition, including incorporation of Zn2+ ions and acidic curing, significantly enhanced functional performance. Treated nyco and cotton fabrics exhibited improved ignition resistance and self-extinguishing behavior, with LOI values of 26.8% and 28.6%, respectively. Nyco retained mechanical integrity and showed good resistance to washing after five laundering cycles, whereas cotton was sensitive to acidic curing. A marked improvement in UV protection was observed, with nylon UPF increasing from 7.1 to 25.2, indicating efficient UV shielding by the coatings.
Overall, results support the development of multifunctional bio-based protective textiles with potential applications in advanced protective clothing.
Media coverage
PROMETEJ
Our research project was recently featured on the Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) program Prometej, which aired on April 1st 2026. Prometej is a Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) science and education program focused on presenting scientific research, technological innovation, and their impact on society.During the broadcast, we presented the objectives and progress of our NATO-funded project SAFEGUARD, with a particular focus on the development of advanced protective textiles.
DOBRO JUTRO HRVATSKA
Our project was also presented live on the Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) morning program Dobro jutro, Hrvatska, which aired on March 13th 2026. Dobro jutro, Hrvatska is a widely viewed national morning show that combines news, science, culture, and lifestyle topics, providing a platform for discussing current issues and innovations with a broad audience.
During the live broadcast, we introduced the goals and significance of our NATO-funded project SAFEGUARD, with particular emphasis on the development of advanced protective textiles. The discussion highlighted how our research addresses key limitations of existing protective materials, especially their reduced performance after prolonged use and exposure to demanding environmental conditions.
News about the project was published and broadcast in various media outlets.
