Scientific results:
Over the course of the existence of the Laboratory, our research team has achieved extensive results in the study of functional nanomaterials and their use in additive technologies.
As a results of the conducted research, the Laboratory has developed a method for producing carbon nanodots on the surface of nanocrystalline cellulose that are able to fluoresce in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The produced materials can be used to manufacture sensors and sorbents with registered optical response during the operation of the system.
Our researchers have developed a modernized hydrogel wound-healing band on the basis of gelatin and nanocrystalline cellulose modified with carbon dots to obtain optical response during the use of the product, which possesses antibacterial effect without relying on drugs.
The Laboratory has developed a test system for detecting bacteria that is easy to use, does not require special equipment. It is based on magnetite nanoparticles with the capability of software of visual analysis.
A new biocomposite has been developed that contains aluminum oxide nanoparticles. It facilitate skin recovery after burns and the treatment of atrophic scarring.
We have developed approaches to producing optically active sensors based on nanocrystalline cellulose that are sensitive to рН changes that can be embedded into smart packaging for the ti detect processes of spoilage of food products. This can be useful in food biotechnologies.
The achieved results have been published in peer-reviewed academic journals and received high critical acclaim from the academic community.
Education and career development:
- In collaboration with the University of Toronto, we have organized and staged the two-day scientific school «BioPrint» that featured lectures by leading experts on the latest achievements in bioprinting and practical classes at the Laboratory. During the practice sessions, the participants printed a wound-healing band, sensitive to changes in the pH of the environment and having antibacterial effect, as well as printed a pattern with a micro- and nanostructure using fluorescent ink based on a coloring agent and used it to write their own messages. In 2020 and 2021, these events attracted over 100 participants.
- Members of the academic team have developed the course «Nano approaches/technologies for 3D-printed materials» for students devoted to advanced research of 3D printing. The aim of mastering this discipline is to obtain knowledge in polymer chemistry, biopolymers, the conditions and nature of gelation, the foundations of rheology and the characterization of produced materials, as well as biological applications of 3D printing.
- The Laboratory has organized research trips for ITMO University employees at the University of Toronto to conduct collaborative scientific work and improve competences of scientific personnel.
- Yelena F. Krivoshapkina has successfully defended her dissertation for the degree of Candidate of Sciences in Chemistry «Synthesis and physico-chemical patterns of the formation of materials based on scleroproteins and polysaccharides»,
- Nikolay V. Ryzhkov has successfully defended her dissertation for the degree of Candidate of Sciences in Chemistry «Research of physical and chemical properties of рН-sensitive polyelecton layers on the surface of metals and semiconductors in external electromagnetic fields»,
- Anna F. Fakhardo has successfully defended her dissertation for the degree of Candidate of Sciences in Biology «Regulation of cell viability in mammals under the influence of nanostructures».
Organizational and structural changes:
- A new modern laboratory has been organized that specializes in the extrusion 3D printing of nanocolloid ink with specified properties. We have purchased equipment, including auxiliary, components and materials for conducting scientific research, envisaged by the project and forming a laboratory that meets the world standards.
- We have created original research infrastructure for academic development, training and practice of undergraduate and postgraduate students, young professionals, engineers and technologists in the domain of trends of modern materials science to accumulate a critical mass of knowledge and its bearers necessary for the industrial exploitation of state-of-the-art technologies and materials in Russia. The level of interdisciplinary cooperation in the education process of ITMO University with the use of the infrastructure of the new laboratory has increased.
Collaborations:
- ITMO University and the Chamical-biological Cluster (Russia): we have conducted SWW winter and summer schools, at which students of other Russian university participated in research conducted by the Laboratory.
- University of Toronto (Canada): joint research.
