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.
Latest Research Dissemination
(01)
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.
(02)
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.
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.