- By atomistic computer modeling we have studied mixtures of poly-L-lactic acid and polyhydroxybutyrate used as binding in biocompatible polymer composites. We have detected and explained differences in thermal characteristics of studied materials at different spatial scales. Achieved results are useful to understanding of molecular processes occurring when polymers are mixed and for correct evaluation of operational characteristics of polymer mixtures
- Fundamental data has been obtained on interactions of cellulose crystal with cell membranes. We have also formulated possible strategies for enhancing qualities of medical bandages based on cellulose. Our team has determined molecular mechanisms of mineralizatin of phosphorylated cellulose and formulated recommendations for synthesis of composite materials based on cellulose and calcium phosphate
- Using the quantitative self-consistent Scheutjens-Fleer fields method we have conducted research of unfolding of polymeric globule that formed upon collapse of comb-like polymers. It has been shown that equilibrium stretch of a globule made of comb-like macromolecules is analogous to to stretch of a linear macromolecule and appears according to the «all or nothing» principle
- Our Laboratory has developed a method to synthesize cellulose nanoparticles suitable for further surface modifications. A method has been developed for to inject obtained materials into biodegradable films based on chitosan. We have synthesized composite materials based on complex polyesters of aliphatic hydroxy acids containing nanocellulose nanocrystals and anion peptides.
- Our team has developed an aprobated methods to modify cellulose by carbon chain polymers and electric conductive polymers. From obtained polypyrrole cellulose particles we have created thin film electrodes. We have developed methods of modifying cellulose with graft copolymers of vinyl family and synthesized glyco-silicones – a new class of amphiphilic polymers.
- We have developed new composite materials based on complex polyether and cellulose particles for 3D-particles that can be later used as scaffolds to create bone tissue.
Implemented results of research: Developed materials based on complex polyethers and cellulose nanocrystals are being tested for toxicity and biocompatibility using model animals at the Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia for further preparation of materials for clinical tests
Education and career development:
- 2 masters dissertations and 1 bachelor dissertation have been defended
- Members of the Laboratory's staff read the following courses at the Saint Petersburg State University: «Computer modeling of polymer nanocomposits» and «Computer modeling of biomolecular systems».
- The Laboratory's researchers have actively participated in organizing the 13th International Saint Petersburg Conference for Young Scientists «Modern problems of polymer science» (2017) and the 14th International Saint Petersburg Conference for Young Scientists «Modern problems of polymer science» (2018)
Organizational and structural changes:
- Technological base has been created to synthesize and study biocompatible polymer nanomaterials
- We have purchased equipment to conduct microbiological synthesis of biopolymets at the Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This equipment allowed to launch production of new biomaterials for study at the Laboratory including biosynthesis of polymers, their further chemical modifications and creating composite materials from synthesized polymers. For instance, production of bacterial cellulose has been launched in volumes to complete the whole project
- We have purchased a GeSiM BioScaffolder 3.2 3D printer to create 3D scaffolds. The printer is a system with open architecture. It allows for usage of various 3D printing technologies when creating new materials with unique characteristics. Various accessories for mixing composites allowed to synthesize composite materials directly in the process of printing. Technologies of the BioScaffolder 3.2 printer can allow to print live tissues and organs using encapsulated cells.
Other results: Employees of the Laboratory took part in organizing and running the Open competition of high school students of Saint Petersburg named after M.V. Wolkenstein, as well as in the all-Russian «Museums Night 2018» presenting the «Metamorphoses of Sciences» exhibition.
Collaborations:
Saint Petersburg State University, All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Saint Petersburg Institute of Phthisiopulmonology of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia Moscow State University (Russia), University of Western Ontario (Canada), TU Eindhoven (the Netherlands), Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, University of Helsinki (Finland): joint research
