The NANOPROGRESS, z.s. cluster once again successfully renewed the prestigious Gold Label certification under the Cluster Management Excellence initiative in December. Nanoprogress has consistently held this highest level of cluster management quality assessment for several years, firmly ranking among the elite cluster organisations in Europe. The Gold Label renewal process takes place every three years and confirms that the cluster meets the highest standards in management and in the provision of high value-added services. This repeated success clearly demonstrates the professionalism of the cluster management and its ability to develop and sustain a high-quality and resilient innovation ecosystem over the long term. For more than 15 years, Nanoprogress has been a significant driver of innovation, research and development, particularly in the field of nanotechnologies. Throughout its existence, the cluster has continued to evolve dynamically, respond to current technological trends, and systematically strengthen cooperation among companies, research organisations and the academic sector. Today, Nanoprogress is one of the largest cluster organisations in the Czech Republic and significantly exceeds common standards through its professional management. It highly values the support it receives at both national and international levels, actively transforming this support into concrete results. Over the course of its activities, the cluster has delivered numerous successful projects and has contributed to more than 50 patents, confirming its key role in the transfer of knowledge and technological innovations into practice. With the arrival of 2026, NANOPROGRESS, z.s. enters a new stage of development with the goal of significantly accelerating the innovation potential of the entire nanotechnology ecosystem. It aims to become a key driver of advanced technologies in Europe—connecting a broad spectrum of actors, from dynamic startups and SMEs, through leading research organisations and universities, to strategic industrial and institutional partners. The ambition of NANOPROGRESS, z.s. is to create an environment in which truly breakthrough solutions with global impact can emerge. The renewed Gold Label is not only a recognition of past achievements, but also a commitment to the future—to continue developing top-tier cluster management and strengthening the competitiveness of the Czech and European innovation landscape.

Obhajoba Gold Label probíhá každé tři roky a potvrzuje, že klastr splňuje nejvyšší standardy v oblasti řízení a poskytovaných služeb s vysokou přidanou hodnotou. Tento opakovaný úspěch jasně dokládá profesionalitu klastrového managementu a schopnost dlouhodobě rozvíjet kvalitní a udržitelný inovační ekosystém.

Nanoprogress je již více než 15 let významným hybatelem inovací, výzkumu a vývoje, zejména v oblasti nanotechnologií. Po celou dobu své existence se klastr dynamicky rozvíjí, reaguje na aktuální technologické trendy a systematicky posiluje spolupráci mezi firmami, výzkumnými organizacemi a akademickou sférou.

Dnes je Nanoprogress jednou z největších klastrových organizací v České republice a svým profesionálním managementem výrazně přesahuje běžné standardy. Velmi si váží podpory, které se mu dostává jak na národní, tak i na mezinárodní úrovni, a aktivně ji proměňuje v konkrétní výsledky. Za dobu svého působení má klastr za sebou nespočet úspěšných projektů a podíl na více než 50 patentech, které potvrzují jeho klíčovou roli v transferu znalostí a technologických inovací do praxe.

S příchodem roku 2026 vstupuje NANOPROGRESS, z.s. do nové etapy svého rozvoje s cílem zásadně akcelerovat inovační potenciál celé nanotechnologické scény. Usiluje o to stát se klíčovým hybatelem pokročilých technologií v Evropě – propojit co nejširší spektrum aktérů, od dynamických startupů a MSP, přes špičkové výzkumné organizace a univerzity, až po strategické průmyslové a institucionální partnery. Ambicí NANOPROGRESS, z.s. je vytvářet prostředí, ve kterém se rodí skutečně průlomová řešení s globálním dopadem.

Obhájený Gold Label je nejen oceněním dosavadní práce, ale také závazkem do budoucna – nadále rozvíjet špičkový klastrový management a posilovat konkurenceschopnost českého i evropského inovačního prostředí.

When four nanotechnology enthusiasts founded the NANOPROGRESS cluster in 2010, they could not have foreseen how many important discoveries lay ahead — or how profoundly those discoveries would influence the industrial and healthcare sectors. From the very beginning, attention was focused on polymer materials and their transformation into nanofibers through electrostatic spinning. Soon after the cluster was founded, we managed to construct a device that was able to create nanofibers from a number of polymers using direct current. The key new patented element of this device was the so-called overflow electrode, which enabled the preparation of nanofibers from many synthetic polymers, such as polyamide, polyurethane, or polyvinyl butyral, but also from a number of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone, polyvinyl alcohol, collagen and many others.

A significant innovation was the development of a spinning device for the preparation of coaxial, i.e. hollow nanofibers. These nanofibers can be made from biodegradable polymers and their cavity can be filled with, for example, drugs or other biologically active substances. This began the era of so-called functionalization of nanofibers, which, in addition to the properties given by the spatial structure of the fibers, adds other functional properties that significantly increase the added value of nanofibers. The ability to functionalize nanofibers has become a key research and development element of the NANOPROGRESS cluster, which has distinguished us from the vast majority of our competitors to this day.

As our research activities grew, in 2012 it became necessary to establish a specialized Laboratory of Advanced Nanofiber Structures, which is located in rented premises of the Technical University of Liberec. Thanks to the activities of this laboratory in 2014, two groundbreaking discoveries were made. It turned out that not only direct current (DC) electric current can be used to produce nanofibers, but that the spinning process works even better using alternating current (AC). It was the very limited productivity of DC spinning that severely limited its use for production operations. In contrast, AC spinning stands out with significantly higher productivity, while at the same time allowing to influence a number of process parameters and thus change the properties of the resulting nanofibers according to the target applications. This world-unique AC technology has become another key strategic research and development element of the cluster (patent protected) and the vast majority of our current production of nanomaterials comes from this technology. The second breakthrough discovery was the preparation of linear nanostructures. Until then, all nanomaterials were created in the form of a planar membrane and various densities and basis weights. We managed to come up with a technology where nanofibers are captured on a carrier fiber, thereby creating a nanofiber yarn. We can prepare these yarns from dozens of synthetic or biopolymers in many different diameters and they can be used directly or processed using conventional textile technologies, such as weaving, knitting, and others. This has fundamentally expanded the possibilities of applying nanofibers to other fields. 

We have worked tirelessly on the further development of AC spinning technology for both planar and linear structures, and especially in the possibilities of their advanced functionalization. In 2020, we managed to integrate so-called sputtering into the AC spinning process. Thanks to this innovation, we can incorporate and fix fine powder materials and particles into the interfiber spaces and thus create composite nanofiber structures. For example, activated carbon can be incorporated into a nanofiber filtration membrane, thus providing it with sorption capabilities in addition to the standard mechanical filtration function. The composite membrane prepared in this way is capable of removing an exceptionally wide range of unwanted particles and contaminants from both air and water.  

The driving force behind the research and development carried out within the NANOPROGRESS cluster has always been the synergistic involvement of cluster members in the R&D process at all levels of the value chain, from chemical and polymer synthetic producers, through analytical support, in-house researchers and developers of nanotechnology and spinning equipment, to the applicators of emerging solutions in commercial applications and products. It is thanks to intensive research and the involvement of many cluster members that we have managed to develop a number of unique technological solutions and products, which can be divided into three main groups: 

Biomedicine, healthcare and cosmetics

• Protective equipment - respirators, masks. Thanks to the global Covid pandemic, we have accelerated the development of protective equipment, where the nanofiber membrane ensures extremely high protection against viral and bacterial pathogens, while the functionalization of the fibers with biocidal substances (betadine) further enhances the protective effect and extends the useful life of the mask or respirator.
• Implantable nanofibrous carriers and wound dressings. Nanostructures made of biodegradable polymers functionalized with biologically active substances from stem cells for the treatment of bone, tendon, cartilage defects and skin injuries, where the nanofibers serve as a supporting matrix for cell growth, while also undergoing gradual biodegradation and thus gradually releasing active substances at the site of tissue damage, significantly increasing the regenerative effect.  
• Cosmetic masks based on nanofibers functionalized with active substances, vitamins, where the extremely large active surface of the nanofibers results in highly effective transport of active substances into the skin.

Environmental technology

• Nanofiber filtration membranes for water and air filtration, optionally functionalized by incorporating sorption, antimicrobial or antifouling components. These membranes are capable of very effectively removing both unwanted particles and pathogens, as well as contributing to the capture of a number of contaminants, or preventing the overgrowth of the filtration membrane with biofilm, which reduces filtration capabilities. 
• Nanofibrous carriers of bacterial biomass for water purification. Nanofibrous yarns processed into 3D carriers are an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms that effectively degrade unwanted contaminants from water, including pesticides, drug and hormone residues, and other micropollutants.

Food and other industries

• Nanofiber filters for filtration of vegetable oils, wine, distillates and other media. Nanofiber-based filters provide high filtration efficiency and, thanks to higher permeability, also reduce energy costs. At the same time, these filters, thanks to the specific properties of nanostructures, also demonstrate quantum sorption effects and can, for example, eliminate unwanted phosphatides, pesticide residues and other substances from vegetable oils or wine, and thus significantly increase the sensory and nutritional quality of filtered foods in one process step.
• Intelligent textiles. Nanofiber textiles with incorporated electrically conductive component for protective clothing for explosive environments. Textiles with powdered activated carbon for protective clothing for environments contaminated with CBRN substances. Textiles with integrated nanofiber biosensors for the detection of specific substances.

Our cluster organization succeeded in the latest call of the Operational Program Technologies and Applications for Competitiveness (OP TAK) with two significant innovation projects focused on the development of nanofiber structures, advanced technologies and high-performance applications.

Nanofiber filters for filtration of vegetable oils, wine and other media

The processing of vegetable oils, in this case rapeseed, is a relatively complicated process that includes a number of technological steps, starting from pressing and filtration, through acid hydration to remove phospholipids, alkaline refining to remove fatty acids, bleaching to remove pigments, oxidation products and metal residues, and ending with deodorization. All of these process steps have a negative impact on the nutritional and, above all, sensory properties of the vegetable oil and are, of course, energy and material intensive. 

The initial idea was to replace conventional cotton bag filters with nanofiber filters, which would be more effective and do not require as frequent maintenance. After a series of experiments, this was indeed achieved. However, what was our surprise when the filtered oil also contained a significantly lower amount of sensory undesirable substances. This was followed by demanding testing and analytical evaluation, which proved that, thanks to the not yet fully understood, probably quantum - sorption phenomena on the nanofiber membrane, when filtering oil at the appropriate temperature, there is indeed a significant reduction in the content of phosphatides, fatty acids, oxidation products and pigments. In one process step, we obtain oil free of the vast majority of undesirable substances with nutritional and sensory properties corresponding to virgin oil. This eliminates the need for additional process steps, which has a very positive effect on both the quality of the oil and the energy intensity of the entire vegetable oil processing process. 

Encouraged by these successes, we tried to implement a similar technology in such a conservative and traditional technology as wine production. We replaced standard cellulose filters with nanofiber ones, however, initial results showed that our filters were too effective – they even removed pigments from red wine and turned it into white wine. After a series of experiments, we developed an optimal technological solution for filtering wine must, which removes only unwanted impurities, including bacterial pathogens. The presence of these pathogens in wine is the reason why winemakers have to stabilize wine by adding sulfites, which, however, have a negative sensory effect on the quality of wine. Thanks to our solution, the need to add stabilizing sulfur substances to wine is significantly reduced, and the result is the preservation of all nutritional and sensory properties of wine. 

Nanofibrous carriers of bacterial biomass for water and air purification

During 2014, we developed a unique technology for preparing nanofiber yarns. Through this technology, the required layer of nanofibers is continuously applied to the carrier fiber using AC spinning, thereby creating a solid fiber coated with an extremely complex nanostructure. These AC nanostructures very faithfully imitate the so-called extracellular matrix of cells and thus represent an ideal supporting environment for the growth and proliferation of various types of microorganisms. Communities of microorganisms, consisting mainly of bacterial and fungal biomass, are able to degrade contaminants in the aquatic environment, starting with nitrogenous substances and ending with pesticides and drug and hormone residues. This led us to the idea of ​​using these nanoyarns as carriers of microbial biomass for water purification. We have created various 3D versions of nanofibrous carriers, from small units in the order of centimeters, which can be used in the required amount according to the volume of purified water (tens to hundreds of units) to large carrier structures measuring many square meters, which can be used both in stationary treatment plants and in modular mobile purification systems for local applications at contaminated sites. For these carriers, we are able to very accurately identify the appropriate composition of the microbial community and specifically plant it with a culture of the desired microorganisms according to the specifics of the contamination, which will significantly support the formation and stabilization of the necessary microbial community. Tests at a number of sites have shown that these biomass carriers are capable of not only effectively removing nitrogenous substances, but also effectively reducing the concentrations of micropollutants, drug residues, hormonal substances and pesticides, which conventional water purification methods do not allow. We have adapted and successfully tested a similar concept for removing unwanted volatile substances from the air, which are generated, for example, in wastewater treatment plants, biogas stations, etc., where they create an annoying and sometimes dangerous odor.

Implantable nanofibrous carriers and wound covers

Nanostructures created using electrostatic spinning very closely imitate the so-called extracellular matrix of cells, which makes them an ideal supporting environment for cell growth and proliferation. This led us to the idea of ​​using our nanostructures as cell carriers in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. We can prepare nanostructures from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers and, in addition, we can further functionalize them using biologically active substances. So, we created nanofibrous carriers from biopolymers, which we functionalized in several ways – with stem cells, stem cell extracts, growth factors and other biologically active substances. We experimentally implanted these carriers into several types of tissue defects – damaged cartilage, bone defects, and we are planning to also damage tendons. The nanofibrous structure at the site of implantation supports the growth of new tissue, and in addition, the gradual natural degradation of the biopolymer leads to the gradual release of the biologically active substance, which thus always reaches an optimal concentration at the site of the defect for maximum support of the regenerative effect. 

We have achieved similar results in the case of nanofibrous wound dressings, where the target therapeutic indication is difficult-to-heal skin damage, leg ulcers, burns, etc. Here, the functionalized planar nanostructure not only functions as a barrier, protecting the wound from pathogens while ensuring breathability, but in addition, the biodegradation of the polymer gradually releases the active substance into the site of damage, which further accelerates the regeneration process. 

The application of nanofibrous functionalized cell carriers and wound dressings in experimental and, to a limited extent, human models has demonstrated high effectiveness in supporting the regenerative healing process of damaged tissue as well as a significant reduction in undesirable complications.

Representatives of the Nanoprogress cluster organization, as part of the National Center of Competence PolyEnvi21, participated in the PLASTKO 2024 conference at TBU in Zlín last week. During the two-day meeting, there was an intensive discussion about polymer materials and their recycling.