Academic Centre
Biomaterials research moves forward despite the shadows cast by the war in Ukraine.
Nowadays, Kyrylenko is engaged in research collaboration with Professor Seppänen. Both their universities are members of the ESCULAPE consortium, together with universities and companies from many other countries. The main task of the project is to explore new graphene-like 2D nanomaterials, MXenes, and use them to design conductive polymer scaffolds, e.g., tissue engineering.
"MXenes are new and very promising nanomaterials that are being intensively explored in many fields of science and technology. MXenes have a very thin, two-dimensional structure, somewhat similar to graphene, but with more attractive features. Biomedical properties of MXenes have been studied very little so far," Kyrylenko explains.
"MXenes consist of atomic layers of transition metals, such as titanium with carbon or nitrogen. They conduct electricity better than graphene, and they are hydrophilic, which makes the material more versatile than graphene. However, it is not yet clear how different physical and chemical conditions affect the material’s electrical conductivity. Exploring that is one of the main objectives of our project," Seppänen adds.
"MXenes are completely new materials for our research group."
The requirements set for biomaterials are strict. They must be non-toxic, recyclable and, above all, biocompatible with human tissues, if they are to be used in medical applications.
Dr. Viktoriia Korniienko from the Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy of the University of Latvia presented a lecture titled "Biomaterials – Production and Application" as part of the project "Electro-Conductive Polymeric 3D Scaffolds as Novel Strategies for Biomedical Applications" under the HORIZON-MSCA-2022-SE-01 ESCULAPE 101131147. Her insightful contribution shed light on groundbreaking strategies for biomedical applications.
The lecture was a pivotal component of a broader online series conducted from 13 to 27 December 2023 for the chemistry students at Sumy State University, focusing on the creation and research of materials in biomedicine, which is an invaluable educational opportunity. These sessions, dedicated to the creation and exploration of materials in the field of biomedicine, aimed to equip students with the latest methodologies in material creation, study, and application for biomedical purposes. The lectures underscored the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and successful implementation of international grants and projects. This initiative stands as a testament to the institution's dedication to providing students with a comprehensive and forward-looking education.
Initiating the HORIZON-MSCA-2022-SE-01 Project ESCULAPE 101131147, the kick-off meeting took place in Porto, Portugal, from November 21 to November 23, 2023. Representatives from Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, France, Czech Republic, Portugal, Finland, Ukraine, and Brazil attended.
This gathering signifies the official commencement of our collaborative journey, providing an opportunity for all team members to align on objectives, expectations, and roles. The primary purpose of the meeting is to launch the ESCULAPE project, introducing key stakeholders and team members, reviewing project goals and milestones, and outlining the project plan.
The ESCULAPE project is geared towards fostering robust interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on advancing research and innovation in biomaterials, polymer science, nanotechnology, tissue engineering, microbiology, and medicine. The ultimate aim is to pioneer new solutions in medical engineering for regenerative medicine and wearable electronics.
Dr. Viktoriia Korniienko participated in the online webinar "Marie Skłodowska-Curie Staff Exchanges: How to Broaden Your Horizon?" organized by the National Contact Points of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland on October 10, 2023. As the coordinator of the Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions Staff Exchange project "Electro-conductive polymeric 3D scaffolds as novel strategies for biomedical applications" (ESCULAPE), Dr. Korniienko shared invaluable insights and experiences. Her focal point revolved around the intricacies of proposal preparation, shedding light on the meticulous process that goes into crafting successful project proposals.
The collaborative efforts of the Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, and Polish National Contact Points made this webinar a beacon of knowledge and a platform for researchers to broaden their horizons. Dr. Viktoriia Korniienko's contribution not only illuminated the potential of ESCULAPE but also inspired aspiring researchers to embark on their own journeys of scientific exploration and collaboration.