Dr Natalia Sergeeva

Profile

I joined University of Leeds in 2013. I obtained my PhD from the University of Leipzig. Prior to Leeds, I undertook a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Potsdam and a research fellowship at Trinity College Dublin.

Responsibilities

• Deputy Director for Research
• Research Ethics Lead

Research interests

Coloured materials found various applications in our day-to-day life including energy harvesting systems, solar protectors, UV and thermo-sensors, smart textiles, food technology, beauty & cosmetics, fashion to name a few. While many of these applications have been inspired by natural systems, which have been successfully isolated, re-created and synthetically improved, other systems have been man-made. But together they provide a great choice of multifunctional and smart materials.

Our research interests are in space of applied science with an emphasis on sustainable materials underpinning applications in personal care and photomedicine, photoprotection, waste utilisation, surface treatment and characterisation. 

My main interests include:

(Natural) Colorants in Healthcare

Many dyes are biological molecules such as photosynthetic and respiratory pigments, betalains, flavonoids etc. which show physiological activities including anti-microbial, anti-tumour, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive etc. This fact has been extensively used in preparation of novel therapeutics and preventive measures in healthcare.

Natural or naturally derived dyes in photomedicine

Photodynamic therapy is a division of photomedicine, which is based on three key elements: light, a PDT agent (photosensitiser) and molecular oxygen. PDT has been successfully used to treat medical conditions such as cancer, skin and vision disorders. PDT can be used as an alternative treatment against infectious pathogens, and this treatment cannot cause conventional antimicrobial resistance.

Photoprotective materials are important measures to reduce the risks associated with overexposure to solar radiation, for example, sun light. We explore, design and characterise materials for personal care and coatings e.g. textiles.

Sustainable materials from waste and biomass

We are exploring methods for utilisation of waste and the isolation of value-added chemicals with a specific emphasis on colorants. Our characterisations include structure, physico-chemical properties, and biological evaluation.

Utilisation of bio templating in the fabrication of functional hybrid and (nano)materials

Photocatalytic and filtration materials for water purification

Qualifications

• FHEA

Professional memberships

• Member of Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)

Student education

Multidiciplinarity of my research allows me to contribute to a wide range of topics. I teach colour physics and chemistry, (renewable) materials. I hold tutorials and demonstrate the practical course. I supervise MSc research projects.

Current postgraduate researchers

• Laurie Corbel