Faculty of Chemistry

Sukurta: 23 June 2017

chf  24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
  Tel. 233 0987, fax 233 0987
  E-mail:
  www http://www.chf.vu.lt

  Dean – Prof. Dr. Aldona Beganskienė

 STAFF

49 teachers (incl. 47 holding research degree), 12 research fellows (incl. 9 holding research degree), 66 doctoral students.

 

RESEARCH AREAS

Synthesis and Investigation of Novel Materials and Nanostructures, Development of Analysis Methods

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2016

L. Taujenis. Identification and enantioselective determination of protein amino acids in fertilizers by hydrophilic interaction and chiral chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.
A. Žarkov. Novel synthetic approaches for YSZ and GDC ceramics and analytical characterization.
M. Malakauskaite-Petruleviciene. Sol-gel synthesis and characterization of calcium hydroxyapatite thin films on different substrates.
M. Misevicius. Synthesis, structural characterization and optical properties of selected strontium aluminates.
D. Anderson. Hydrogen bonded cavity and polymeric nanotubular assemblies from small bicyclic monomers.
A.Bočkuvienė. Polyalkyleneimines, their derivatives and polyamidoamines: synthesis, characterization and application for gene delivery.
I. Vilkončienė. Scanning electrochemical microscopy as a tool for the investigation of modified electrode surfaces.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2016

17th international conference-school Advanced Materials and Technologies 2016
2nd international conference Current Trends of Cancer Theranostics

DEPARTMENT OF ANALYTICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3117 fax 233 0987
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Stasys Tautkus

STAFF

Professors:  Habil. Dr. A.Padarauskas, Dr. A. Ramanavičienė, Dr. S. Tautkus, Dr. V. Vičkačkaitė, Habil. Dr. E. Juzeliūnas (part-time).
Associate professors:  Dr. A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė, Dr. A. Katelnikovas, Dr. V. Olšauskaitė, Dr. E. Naujalis (part-time), Dr. K. Leinartas (part-time).
Doctoral students: I. Baškirova, B. Bugelytė, L. Glumbokaitė, M. Janulevičius,  A. Popov, V. Poškus, E. Raudonytė-Svirbutavičienė,  L. Taujenis,  A. Žarkov, A. Žilionis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Development of UPLC-MS techniques for the characterization and determination of organic and bioorganic compounds
Novel microextraction techniques for gas chromatographic analysis
Development of biosensors and immunosensors
Determination of trace elements using atomic absorption spectrometric, atomic emission spectrometric and spectrophotometric metods
Photochemical synthesis of metal oxide particles
Up-conversion phosphors for bio-imaging
Rare earth and transition metal doped phosphors
Hydrothermal synthesis of luminescent nanoparticles

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Ultra-high Pressure Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for the Investigation of Organic and Bioorganic Compounds. Prof. A. Padarauskas.

The potential of reversed phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction chromatography methods combined with tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of L-ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids in fruit samples was investigated and compared. While both separation modes provide good retention and resolution of acids, the hydrophilic interaction chromatography is considerably stronger affected by a sample matrix.
Ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) was employed for the determination of coumestrol in lucerne species (Medicago sativa and Medicago lupulina) growing in Lithuania. Coumestrol was extracted with acidified methanol/water solution. MS detection was performed in the selected ion monitoring mode using negative ion electrospray ionization source. Measured recoveries of coumestrol were in the range 88.5–96.1% with RSD values ranged from 4.5 to 7.2%.

Main publications:

Taujenis, L., Olšauskaitė, V., Padarauskas. A. 2016. Comparison of RPLC and HILIC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids in fruits. Chemija, vol. 27(1), p. 52–59.

Taujenis, L., Padarauskas, A., Cesevičienė, J., Lemežienė, N., Butkutė. B. 2016. Determination of coumestrol in lucerne by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Chemija, vol. 27(1), p. 60–64.

Application of Nanomaterials in the Design of Optical and Electrochemical Biosensors. Prof. A. Ramanavičienė, Assoc. Prof. A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė.

The environmentally friendly gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different size synthesis method based on biocatalytic enlargement of AuNPs using glucose oxidase were investigated. It was shown that hydrodynamic diameter of biocatalytically enlarged AuNPs in the solution and the height of nanoparticles immobilized on the surface depends on the glucose concentration and on the duration of synthesis. Therefore, the biocatalytic enlargement of AuNPs could be applied in the development of glucose biosensors using optical and surface scanning methods.
Electrochemically synthetized 3D gold nanostructures (AuNS) were used for the development of reagentless electrochemical glucose biosensor. Red-ox mediator 6-(Ferrocenyl)hexanethiol was covalently immobilized on the electrode surface and different GOx immobilization methods were investigated in order to obtain well operating electrochemical glucose biosensor.

Main publication:

Ramanaviciene, A., Voronovic, J., Popov, A., Drevinskas, R., Kausaite-Minkstimiene, A., Ramanavicius, A. 2016. Investigation of biocatalytic enlargement of gold nanoparticles using dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, vol. 510, p. 183–189.  

Gas Chromatography. Prof. V. Vičkačkaitė.

Determination of eighteen organochlorine pesticide (4,4'- DDE, 4,4'-DDD, 4,4'- DDT, α - hexachlorocyclohexane (α – HCH), lindane (γ – HCH), heptachlor, aldrin, 2,4’-DDE, 2,4’-DDD, β- hexachlorocyclohexane (β – HCH), δ-hexachlorocyclohexane (δ – HCH), pentachlorobenzene, hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor exo-epoxide, heptachlor endo-epoxide, dieldrin, endrin, methoxychlor) in water was carried out by gas chromatographic method using electron capture detector and mass spectrometry detector.
DLLME is a very simple and rapid method for extraction and preconcentration of organic compounds from water samples. In this method, the appropriate mixture of extraction solvent and disperser solvent are injected into the aqueous sample by syringe, rapidly. After centrifuging, the fine particles of extraction solvent are sedimented in the bottom of the conical test tube.
Carbon tetrachloride (20 µl) was used as an extraction solvent; acetonitrile (480 µl) was used as a disperser solvent in DLLME. For dispersive liquid liquid microextraction bromobenzene as an internal standart was used.
For liquid-liquid extraction and DLLME linear ranges, accuracy and detection limits were determined. The comparison of the extraction methods was carried out. It was demonstrated that the both extraction methods can be applied for real water analysis.

Investigation of Instrumental Methods of Analysis of Environmental, Industrial, Biological and Cultural Heritage Objects. Prof. S. Tautkus.

The influence of different parameters on the absorbance of manganese was examined. An influence of acetylene and air pressure, of hydrochloric, sulfuric and nitric acids on the analytical signal was investigated. The linear concentration range of manganese was 0.1 – 2.0 µg/ml. The detection limit of manganese was found to be 0.04 µg/ml. Also the selectivity of manganese determination was investigated. According to the interfering effect the examined metal ions were ordered as: Fe, Co>Ni, Bi, K, Na, Al, Cd, Pb, Ca, Ba, Mg, Cu, Cr, Sr and Zn.
The methodology for the determination of manganese in mushrooms by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after extraction by a microwave system has been suggested. The obtained results demonstrated that the suggested methodology has a good reproducibility (Sr in the range from 3.2 to 4.9%) and high precision (recovery in the range from 98 to 102%).                   

Rare Earth and Transition Metal Doped Phosphors. Assoc. Prof. A. Katelnikovas.
The year 2016 was dedicated to the synthesis and investigation of the novel phosphors doped with Ce3+, Pr3+, Tb3+, Cr3+ and Eu3+ ions. The research has led to finding several high quality and efficient red phosphors suitable for application as colour converters in near UV based LEDs. Totally nine articles were published in the framework of this project in 2016.

Main publications:

Janulevicius, M.,   Marmokas, P.,   Misevicius, M., Grigorjevaite, J.,  Mikoliunaite, L.,  Sakirzanovas, S.,  Katelnikovas, A. 2016. Luminescence and luminescence quenching of highly efficient Y2Mo4O15:Eu3+ phosphors and ceramics. Scientific Reports, vol. 6, 26098.

Colmont, M., Saitzek, S., Katelnikovas, A., Kabbour, H., Olchowka, J., Roussel, P. 2016. Host-sensitized luminescence properties in KLa5O5(VO4)2:Eu3+ for solid-state lighting applications. Journal of Materials Chemistry, vol. C 4, 7277.

Grigorjevaite, J., Katelnikovas A. 2016. Luminescence and luminescence quenching of K2Bi(MoO4)(PO4):Eu3+ phosphors with efficiencies close to unity. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, vol.  8, p. 31772–31782.

 National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Study of Optical Properties and Biocompatibility of Na(Y/Gd)F4 Nanoparticles (MIP-030/2014). Prof. G. Streckytė. 2014–2016.

2016 was focused on the investigation of kinetics of upconversion processes. The influence of laser pulse width and power to the upconversion decay curves was the main concern. The obtained results will give insight in upconversion emission mechanisms.

Contractual Research

CC Fermentas, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific (Lithuania)
CC Elme metalas (Lithuania)

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
CC Fermentas, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific (Lithuania)
Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)
State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine (Lithuania)
Malmo University (Sweeden)
Jerzy  Haber  Institute  of  Catalysis  and  Surface  Chemistry,  Polish  Academy  of  Sciences (Poland)
Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (Lithuania)
Tailorlux GmbH (Germany)
Monpellier University Institute of Membranes (France)

 OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Padarauskas –

  • editorial board member of the journal Chemija (Chemistry)

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY

24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3176, fax 233 0987
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Rimantas Raudonis

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. V. Daujotis, Dr. R. Raudonis, Dr.  V. Kairys (part time), Dr. J. Senvaitienė (part time).
Associate professors: Dr. E. Garškaitė, Dr. S. Šakirzanovas, Dr. A. Žalga.
Lecturers: Dr. Kiuberis, Dr. Ž. Stankevičiūtė, Dr. R. Voronovič (part time), Dr. D. Ragauskienė (part time).
Research fellows: Dr. E. Garškaitė (part time), Dr. S. Šakirzanovas (part time).
Doctoral students: Y. Barushka, G. Braziulis, S. Kareiva, J. Raudonienė, D. Sakalauskas, A. Zolumskis, D. Baziulytė, A. Pulmanas, P. Ušinskas, L. Alinauskas, R. Golubevas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Film and powder synthesis by wet chemistry methods; surfaces and interfaces; nanostructural materials; sol-gel chemistry
Ceramics/bioceramics, biocomposites, photocatalysts
Luminescent materials for solid state lighting, upconverting materials for theranostics
Properties of water at the interface between electrode and aqueous solution
Solid state materials
Application of polymers for cultural heritage conservation
Synthesis and characterization of different molybdates and vanadates

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Properties of Water at the Interface between Electrode and Aqueous Solution.  Prof. V. Daujotis. 2016–2020.

Our earlier findings show that viscosity of the interfacial water at gold electrode decreases during the positive potential scan. Golden surface narrows the technological potentiality of this effect. We have found that the stainless steel is not applicable in this case due to decrease of the resistance of stainless steels to corrosive attacks at the positive potential scan. It has been found that the use of polymer coated surfaces is the most promising in this particular case. Piezoelectric resonator admittance and drag force measurements have shown that the viscosity of water viscosity–density product of water at a styrene-butadiene (PVB) coated electrode surface decreases during the positive potential scan. This decrease is even more pronounced than in case of golden surface.

Ceramics/Bioceramics, Biocomposites, Photocatalysts. Dr. E. Garškaitė. 2016.

Film and powder synthesis by wet chemistry methods; sol-gel; surfaces and interfaces; hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity; nanostructured materials; material morphological characterization (SEM).

Investigation of the Seals in the Telšiai Land Court Cases Book 1825-1837 and the Assessment of Restoration Compounds. Dr. D. Ragauskienė. 2016.

The study is focused on the investigation of chemical composition of historical seals in the 19th century Land Court Case Book (from the collection of Vilnius University Library). Different binding media as well as cinnabar, chalk and kaolin were identified in papered and shellac seals. The restoration compound made from paraffin-dammar and improved by chalk-kaolin fillers was approved for the reconstruction of fragmented seals.

Synthesis of Calcium Phosphates by Sol-Gel Method. Ž. Stankevičiūtė. 2015–2020.

Synthesis of calcium phosphate powders and coatings on titanium, silica and silicon nitride substrates.

Main publication:

Usinskas, P., Stankeviciute, Z., Beganskiene, A., Kareiva, A. 2016. Sol-gel derived porous and hydrophilic calcium hydroxyapatite coating on modified titanium substrate. Surface and Coatings Technology, vol. 307, p. 935–940.

Upconverting Nanoparticle Synthesis. Study of Optical Properties and Biocompatibility of Na(Gd/Y)F4 Nanoparticles. Assoc. Prof. S. Šakirzanovas. 2014–2016.

Fluoride based nanoparticles exhibit higher upconversion efficiency compared to oxide materials. Reliable and repeatable fluoride nanoparticle synthesis procedure was prepared. Chloride salt thermal decomposition method offers reliable strategy for controllable particle size nanomaterials, starting from 10 nm. Scanning electron microscope images show highly monodisperse samples.

Synthesis and Characterization of Different Molybdates and Vanadates. A. Žalga.

Lithuanian Swiss cooperation programme. Broadband impedance study of memristor oxide films. CH-3-ŠMM-02/06.

Main publication:

Kežionis, A., Petrulionis, D., Kazakevičius, E., Kazlauskas, S., Žalga, A., Juškėnas, R. 2016. Charge carrier relaxation phenomena and phase transition in La2Mo2O9 ceramics investigated by broadband impedance spectroscopy. Electrochimica Acta, vol. 213, p. 306–313.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Construction of Composite Bone Scaffold Material and in Vivo Evaluation of Biocompatibility and Osteopromotion (No MIP-046/2015, executing institution VU, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Odontology). Assoc. Prof. E. Garškaitė, Dr. Ž. Stankevičiūtė. 2015–2018.

Main publications:

Garskaite, E., Alinauskas, L., Drienovsky, M., Krajcovic, J., Cicka, R., Palcut, M., Jonusauskas, L., Malinauskas, M., Stankeviciute, Z., Kareiva, A.  2016. Polylactic acid-nanocrystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite (PLA-cHAP) composite: preparation and surface topographical structuring with direct laser writing (DLW). RSC Advances, vol. 6, p. 72733–72743.

Malakauskaite-Petruleviciene, M., Stankeviciute, Z., Niaura, G., Garskaite E., Kareiva A. 2016. Characterization of sol-gel processing of calcium phosphate thin films on silicon substrate by FTIR spectroscopy. Vibrational Spectroscopy, vol. 85, p. 16–21.

Research Council of Lithuania. Fabrication of Low Crystalline Calcium Phosphate and its Initial in Vivo Evaluation for Artificial Bone Substitutes with Higher Osteoconductivity. Assoc. Prof. E. Garškaitė, Dr. Ž. Stankevičiūtė. 2015–2017.

 MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Tailorlux GmbH (Germany)

Laser Research Centre (Lithuania)

Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, (Germany)

National Cancer Institute, Vilnius (Lithuania)

DEPARTMENT OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3110, fax 233 0987
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Aivaras Kareiva

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. A. Abrutis, Habil. Dr. J. Barkauskas, Habil. Dr. A. Beganskienė, Habil. Dr. A. Kareiva, Dr. R. Pauliukaitė (part-time), Dr. A. Selskis (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. V. Kubilius, Dr. V. Plaušinaitienė.
Lecturers: Dr. R. Skaudžius, Dr. I. Grigoravičiūtė-Puronienė, A. Stanulis (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. I. Bogdanovičienė, Dr. Z. Šaltytė.
Assistants: M. Misevičius (part-time), J. Pilipavičius (part-time).
Doctoral students: L. Pavasarytė, M. Liubinienė, V. Jonauskė, E. Gražėnaitė, J. Gaidukevič, D. Sokol, M. Skruodienė, A. Ežerskytė-Misevičienė, O. Opuchovič, A. Laurikėnas, A. Smalenskaitė, I. Mikalauskaitė, S. Kuprėnaitė, T. Murauskas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Developments of metal-organic chemical vapour deposition technique for oxide films
Transparent conducting oxides
Dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials
Superconducting, magnetic and magnetoresistant materials
Sol-gel processing of luminescent and biomaterials
Conservation and Restoration Chemistry
Synthesis, investigation and application of carbon nanomaterials
Synthesis of nanoparticles of metal, semiconductors and upconversion nanoparticles for biomedical and optic applications
New materials and procedures for conservation and preservation of cultural heritage
Synthesis, investigation and application of lanthanide doped garnets
Hybrid surface formation by plasma polymerization

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

New Functional Materials and Chemical Compounds: Synthesis, Self-Order and Investigation of Properties:

Synthesis of Functional Oxide Films and Heteroepitaxial Structures by MOCVD (Metalorganic Chemical Vapour Deposition).  Prof. A. Abrutis. 2011–2020.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polycrystalline and Amorphous Materials.  Prof. A. Beganskienė, Prof. A. Kareiva, Prof. J. Barkauskas. 2011–2020.

Films of Al doped ZnO were deposited by atmospheric pressure metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) technique on different orientation sapphire substrates, structure and properties of films were studied and compared. Effects of annealing conditions and film thickness on electrical and optical properties of epitaxial Al-ZnO films were investigated. Nanostructured La01-xCaxMnO3 films were grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique and the magnetoresistance of deposited films was investigated in pulsed magnetic fields up to 60 T in the temperature range 1.5–294 K. The results were analyzed from the perspective of using these films for magnetic field sensors operated at low temperature. New sol-gel methods for the preparation of calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite thin films on different substrates using dip- and spin-coating techniques have been developed. An amorphous CHAp was prepared by the modified sol-gel processing route. New ceramic pigments have been synthesized using an environmentally benign aqueous sol-gel chemistry technique.

Main publications:

Kuprenaite, S., Abrutis, A., Plausinaitiene, V., Arkhangelskiy, A., Kubilius, V., Silimavicius, L., Murauskas, T., Saltyte, Z. 2016. Properties of Al-doped ZnO films grown by atmospheric pressure MOCVD on different orientation sapphire substrates. Integrated Ferroelectrics, vol. 173/1, p. 128–139.
 
Kuprenaite, S., Abrutis, A., Kubilius, V., Murauskas,T., Saltyte, Z., Plausinaitiene, V. 2016. Effects of annealing conditions and film thickness on electrical and optical properties of epitaxial Al-doped ZnO films. Thin Solid Films, vol. 599, p. 19–26.
 
Pilipavicius, J., Kaleinikaite, R., Pucetaite, M., Velicka, M., Kareiva, A., Beganskiene, A. 2016. Controllable formation of high density SERS-active silver nanoprism layers on hybrid silica-APTES coatings. Appl. Surf. Sci., vol. 377, p. 134–140.
 
Grazenaite, E., Pinkas, J., Beganskiene, A., Kareiva, A. 2016. Sol-gel and sonochemically derived transition metal (Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) chromites as pigments: A comparative study. Ceram. Int., vol. 42, p. 9402–9412.
 
Skaudzius, R., Juestel, T., Kareiva, A. 2016. Luminescence properties of Ln3+–doped (Ce3+, Eu3+, Tb3+ or Er3+) mixed–metals Y3(Al,In)5O12 and Y3Al4.75Cr0.25O12 garnets synthesized by sol–gel method. Mater. Chem. Phys., vol., p. 170, 229–238.
 
Kiele, E., Senvaitiene, J., Griguceviciene, A., Ramanauskas, R., Raudonis, R., Kareiva, A. 2016. Application of sol-gel method for the conservation of copper alloys. Microchem. J., vol. 124, p. 623–628.

National Research Projects

Forming of Hydrophobic Coats by Plasmic Polimerization for Oil Products Collection. March 2015–February 2016. Funding Agency – Dr. Bronislovas Lubys. R. Skaudžius.

Preparation of hydrophobic surfaces on cheap raw material for sorbent application.

Main publications:

Skaudžius, R., Enseling, D., Skapas, M., Selskis, A., Pomjakushina, E., Jüstel, T., Kareiva, A., Rüegg, C. 2016. Europium–enabled luminescent single crystal and bulk YAG and YGG for optical imaging. Opt. Mat., vol. 60, p. 467–473.

Skruodiene, M., Misevicius, M., Sakalauskaite, M., Katelnikovas, A., Skaudzius, R. 2016. Doping effect of Tb3+ ions on luminescence properties of Y3Al5O12:Cr3+ phosphor. J. Lumin., vol. 179, p. 355–360.

Lithuania-Japan cooperation project: Fabrication of Low Crystalline Calcium Phosphate and its Initial in Vivo Evaluation for Artificial Bone Substitutes with Higher Osteoconductivity (KALFOS, LJB-2/2015). Prof. A. Kareiva. 2015–2017.

Highly crystalline and single-phase CHAp powders were successfully synthesized through the sol-gel synthesis route using seashells from different seashores of the Baltic Sea as calcium source.

Main publications:

Usinskas, P., Stankeviciute, Z., Beganskiene, A., Kareiva, A. 2016.  Sol-gel derived porous and hydrophilic calcium hydroxyapatite coating on modified titanium substrate. Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 307, p. 935–940.

Trinkunaite-Felsen, J., Birkedal, H., Zarkov, A., Tautkus, S., Stankeviciute, Z, Kareiva, A. 2016. Environmentally benign fabrication of calcium hydroxyapatite using seashells collected in Baltic Sea countries: A comparative study. Phosphorus Sulfur Silicon Relat. Elem., vol. 191, p. 919–925.

Kareiva, S., Klimavicius, V., Momot, A., Kausteklis, J., Prichodko, A., Dagys, L., Ivanauskas, F., Sakirzanovas, S., Balevicius, V., Kareiva, A. 2016. Sol-gel synthesis, phase composition, morphological and structural characterization of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2: XRD, FTIR, SEM, 3D SEM and solid-state NMR studies. J. Molec. Struct., vol. 1119, p. 1–11.

Research Council of Lithuania. National Program “Healthy Ageing” (SEN-15095). Non-Invasive Glucose Sensor. Prof. J. Barkauskas. 2015–2017.

Preparation of flexible coatings on the polymer substrate for the application biosensor electrodes for glucose getermionation in vivo.

Research Council of Lithuania. National Program Towards Future Technologies (LAT11-2016). Graphene Supercapacitor Powered FET all Carbon Circuit for Sensing Applications (G-SUPERCAP). Prof. J. Barkauskas. 2016–2018.

International Research Projects

COST Project (Action MP1202). Rational Design of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Interfaces: The Next Step towards Advanced Functional Materials. Prof. A. Kareiva. 2012–2016.

Investigation of 3D imaging systems.

Horizon 2020 Msca-Rise-2014: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) Project: TUMOCS: Tuneable Multiferroics Based on Oxygen Octahedral Structures. Prof. A. Kareiva. 2014–2018.

The Mg/Al/Bi HTC type compounds with different magnesium and aluminium substitution level by bismuth were synthesized via novel alkoxy-free sol-gel and co-precipitation (low super saturation) methods.

COST action CM1302: European Network on Smart Inorganic Polymers (SIPs). Prof. J. Barkauskas. 2013–2017.

Main publication:

Trusovas, R., Račiukaitis, G., Niaura, G., Barkauskas, J., Valušis, G., Pauliukaite, R. 2016. Recent advances in laser utilization in the chemical modification of graphene oxide and its applications. Advanced Optical Materials, vol. 4(11), p. 37– 65.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

University of Franche-Comté, FEMTO-ST Institute, Besancon (France)
Universite de Loraine, Supelec, Labor. Materiaux Optiques, Photonique et Systemes, Metz (France)
Vilnius Gediminas Tech Univ, Dept Phys (Lithuania)
Inst Semicond Phys, Ctr Phys Sci & Technol (Lithuania)
Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Masaryk University, Brno (Czech Republic)
Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)
Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Charles University of Prague (Czech Republic)
Department of Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences, Muenster (Germany)
Paul Scherrer Institut, FEMTO-SLS, Villigen (Switzerland)
Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius (Lithuania)
National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) (Taiwan, R.O.C.)
University of Latvia, Riga (Latvia)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Kareiva –

  •  member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • deputy editor of the Lithuanian journal Chemija (Chemistry);
  • member of Council of Alytus College;
  • chairman of Chemistry Section of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • deputy Chairman of the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • member of Scientific Council of Center for Physical Sciences and Technology;
  • editorial board member of the Materials Science (Medžiagotyra);
  • editorial board member of the Current Inorganic Chemistry;
  • Laureat of the Medal SAPIENTI SAT of the Association and Chapter of A. Sniadecki, K. Olszewski and Z. Wrublewski (Poland);
  • Visiting Professor at Department of Biomaterials, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Japan (04/2016–04/2016) and Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Venice, Venice, Italy (04/2016–04/2016).

DEPARTMENT OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3197, fax 233 0987
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Sigitas Tumkevičius

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. E. Butkus (part-time), Dr. I. Čikotienė, Dr. V. Masevicius, Dr. E. Orentas (part-time), Habil. Dr. S. Tumkevičius, Dr. A. Zilinskas.   
Professor emeritus: Habil. Dr. P. Vainilavičius.
Associate professors:   Dr. A. Brukštus, Dr. M. M. Burbulienė (part-time), Dr. J. Dodonova (part-time), Dr. V. Jakubkienė, Dr. E. Orentas (part-time), Dr. S. Stončius (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. J. Bucevicius, Dr. J. Dodonova (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. M. M. Burbulienė (part-time), Habil. Dr. E. Butkus (part-time), Dr. R. Buksnaitiene, Dr. E. Orentas (part-time), Dr. G. Petraityte, A. Urbanaite (part-time).
Doctoral students: T. Javorskis, M. Jonusis, K. Karpavičius, M. Nainyte, A. Neniskis, R. Rimkus (part-time), V. Vaitkevicius (part-time), A. Urbanaite, R. V. Urbonas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
 
Metal-catalyzed organic reactions
Heterocyclic chemistry
Design, synthesis and transformations of novel nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulphur heterocycles, their functional derivatives and structural analogs of natural compounds
Design, synthesis and characterization of AdoMet analogues
Enantioselective synthesis of polycyclic molecules
Chiroptical properties
Self-assembly of organic molecules
Synthesis of supramolecular structures based on chiral bicyclic frameworks fused with heteroaromatic fragments
Light-emitting organic materials
Charge-transporting organic materials
Biological activity of organic compounds
Crystal engineering
X-ray diffraction
NMR, FTIR, Raman, UV, CD spectroscopy of organic compounds
Quantum chemical methods

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Synthesis of Functional Heteroaromatic Materials and Investigation of their Optical and Biological Properties. Prof. S. Tumkevičius. 2014–2020.

A facile synthesis of novel nitrogen containing heptacene analogs - 8H-16,17-epoxydinaphto[2,3-c:20,30-g]carbazoles decorated with various alkyl and aryl side-groups was developed. Optical, electrical and electrochemical properties of the synthesized compounds were thoroughly assessed in various surroundings.
A straightforward and solventless synthesis of pyrroles was developed by using mechanochemical activation and a biosourced organic acid as the catalyst.

Main publications:

Rimkus, R., Tumkevicius, S., Serevicius, T., Komskis, R., Adomenas, P., Gruodis, A., Jankauskas, V., Kazlauskas, K., Jursenas, S. 2016. Heterocyclic heptacene analogs - 8H-16,17-epoxydinaphto[2,3-c:20,30-g]carbazoles as charge transport materials. Dyes and Pigments, vol. 124, p. 133–144.
Akelis, L., Rousseau, J., Juskenas, R., Dodonova, J., Rousseau, C., Menuel, S., Prevost, D., Tumkevičius, S., Monflier, E., Hapiot, F. 2016. Greener Paal–Knorr pyrrole synthesis by mechanical activation. Eur. J. Org. Chem., p. 31–35.

Development of New Organic Synthetic Methods. Prof. I. Čikotienė. 2015–2020.

New synthetic method of polysubstituted pyrroles through tandem 1,3-addition-5-endo-dig cyclization of cyclopropyl-tethered 3-alkynyl imines was developed. Synthesis of alkoxymethyl groups containing isoxazoles and chromones was developed by an oxocarbenium-ion mediated cyclization process.

Main publications:

Urbanaitė, A., Čikotienė I. 2016.  Synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles through the tandem 1,3-Addition-5-Endo-Dig Cyclization of 1-(1-Alkynyl)Cyclopropyl Imines. Eur. J. Org. Chem., p. 5294–5300.

Jonušis, M., Šteinys, L., Bukšnaitienė, R., Čikotienė, I. 2016.  Synthesis of alkoxymethyl groups containing isoxazoles and chromones. Synthesis, doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1588327.

Synthesis and Investigation of Novel Heterocycles Fused with Fragments of Bridge-Head Hydrocarbons. Prof. A. Žilinskas. 2014–2020.

The synthesis of 37 new 1,8-naphthyridine based compounds having a non-planar bicyclic moiety (bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, bicyclo[3.3.0]octane and camphor) was accomplished and their FMO’s energetic, photoluminescence characteristics in chloroform solution were determined. The analysis of the results lets to obtain precious information about the influence of molecular structure peculiarities of the synthesized compounds on PL and EL spectra, as well as on HOMO and LUMOcharacteristics.

Research on Synthesis and Functionalization of Pyrimidine Based Heterocyclic Compounds. Heterocyclization Reactions. Prof. V. Masevicius. 2015–2020.

A new protocol for the functionalization of the second and sixth positions of furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine heterocycle via palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura reaction has been developed. Synthetic S-adenosyl-L-methionine analogues bearing reporter groups for one step DNA labeling experiments utilizing azide-alkyne “click” chemistry were synthesized.

Main publication:

Masevičius, V., Nainytė, M., Klimašauskas, S. 2016. Synthesis of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine analogs with extended transferable groups for Methyltransferase-directed labeling of DNA and RNA. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem., vol. 64, 1.36.1–1.36.13, doi: 10.1002/0471142700.nc0136s64

Supramolecular Chemistry in the Design of Functional Materials.  Search For Novel Photochemical Reactions and their Application in Synthesis. Assoc. Prof. E. Orentas. 2015–2020.

A new self-protected eight-membered C2-symmetric sulfenamide reagent have been developed for the efficient and concise synthesis of medium-ring S,N-heterocycles from simple starting materials. High reactivity towards various nucleophiles, very clean reaction profile and the waste-free nature of this reagent enabled the realization of one-pot synthetic procedures to access (benzo)thiomorpholines and 2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiazine derivatives in high yields.

Main publications:

Javorskis, T., Bagdžiūnas, G., Orentas. E. 2016.  N-Tosyl-1, 5, 2, 6-dithiadiazocane: a waste-free electrophilic sulfur reagent for the efficient synthesis of medium-ring S, N-heterocycles. Chem. Comm., vol. 52, p. 4325–4328.

Račkauskaitė, D., Gegevičius, R., Matsuo, Y., Wärnmark, K., Orentas, E. 2016. An enantiopure hydrogen‐bonded octameric tube: self‐sorting and guest‐induced rearrangement. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., vol. 55, p. 208–212.

International Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Taiwan – Latvia – Lithuania Cooperation project: Synthesis of Novel (Deaza) Purine-Triazole Conjugates and Applications of their Fluorescent Properties (Project No. TAP LLT-01/2015). Prof. S. Tumkevicius. 2015–2017.

A simple protocol for the synthesis of novel potent fluorophores - 2-phenyl-6-(1-substituted 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)- and 2,6-bis(1-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-9-methyl-7-deazapurines from an easily accessible 2,6-dichloro-9-methyl-7-deazapurine has been developed.

Main publication:

Karpavicius, K., Kizys, K., Leroy, S., Rousseau, J., Bucevicius, J., Tumkevicius, S. 2016. Synthesis of (1-substituted 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-7-deazapurines. Chemija, vol. 27, N 4, p. 213–217.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
Lund University (Sweden)
La Laguna University (Spain)
Jyvaskyla University (Finland)
d’Artois University (France)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. S. Tumkevicius –

  • editorial board member of the journal Chemija (Chemistry).

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3185, fax 233 0987
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Arūnas Ramanavičius

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. A. Ramanavičius (part-time), Dr. H. Cesiulis, Habil. Dr. A. Malinauskas (part-time), Habil. Dr. R. Ramanauskas (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. D. Plaušinaitis, Dr. A. Valiūnienė.
Lecturers: Dr. L. Mikoliūnaitė, Dr. I Balevičiūtė.
Research fellows: Dr. D. Plaušinaitis (part-time), Habil. Dr. A. Ramanavičius (part-time).
Doctoral students: E. Vernickaitė, I. Vilkončienė, U. Bubnienė, A. Nicolenco, A. Rekertaitė, L. Dedelaitė, P. Genys, L. Sinkevičius.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Electrooxidation of cyanides
Synthesis and application of nanoparticles
Investigation of the electrodeposition and properties of obtained tungsten- and molybdenum-containing alloys
Electrochemical treatment of titanium, tungsten
Photoelectrochemistry
Biosensors
Biofuel cells
Bioelectrochemistry
Scanning electrochemical microscopy
Ellipsometry
Surface plasmon resonance

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Investigation of the Interfacial Processes Prof. H. Cesiulis. 2011–2015.

Decontamination of highly concentrated cyanide solutions by the method of electrochemical oxidation is presented in this work. The kinetics of electrochemical reaction of cyanide oxidation was investigated by voltammetry and fast Fourier transform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The kinetic parameters of cyanide ion electrooxidation reaction are determined and the mechanism of anodic reaction is suggested by considering the analysis of EIS data.
Sub-micron Fe particles (50-340 nm) were synthesized by wet chemical reduction reaction of FeSO4 by sodium borohydride in the rapeseed and mineral oils in the presence of surfactant: block copolymer (ENB 90R4) or oxyethylated alcohol (OS-20). A four-ball wear tribometer was used to investigate the tribological properties of mineral and rapeseed oil: coefficient of friction (COF), wear scar diameter and wear loss. Viscosity measurements of oil solutions and determination of synthesized Fe particles size were performed as well. The protocol to estimate Fe corrosion in oils was built up. Corrosion estimation was based on the determined concentrations of Fe(II) and Fe(III) that are formed in the corrosive media (e.g. oils) in course of metallic Fe particles corrosion. The spectrophotometric microanalysis technique was adopted to determine Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, and corrosion is expressed as a fraction of Fe(II) and Fe(III) quantity of the initial Fe quantity. The protocol was tested by the experiments on the enforced corrosion of Fe particles in rapeseed and mineral SAE 10 oils containing antioxidants and Fe-particles stabilizing surfactants.

Main publications:

Valiūnienė, A., Margarian, Ž., Gabriūnaitė, I.,  Matulevičiūtė, V., Murauskas, T., Valinčius, G. 2016. Cadmium stannate films for immobilization of phospholipid bilayers. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, vol. 163 (9), p. H1–H6.

Valiūnienė, A., Petrulionienė, T., Balevičiūtė, I., Mikoliūnaitė, L., Valinčius,. G. 2016. Formation of hybrid bilayer on silanized thin-film Ti electrode. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2016.12.001.

Kovalevich, T., Ndao, A., Suarez, M., Tumenas, S., Balevicius, Z., Ramanavicius, A., Baleviciute, I., Häyrinen, M., Roussey, M., Kuittinen, M., Grosjean, T., Bernal, M. P. 2016. Tunable Bloch surface waves in anisotropic photonic crystals based on lithium niobate thin films. Optics Letters, vol. 41, p. 5616–5619.

Electrochemical Methods in Biosensors. Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Ramanavičius.

Electrochemical methods were applied for the design of biosensors new surfaces suitable for electrochemical sensors were developed.

Main publications:

Baitimirova, M., Viter, R., Andzane, J.,  van der Lee, A., Voiry, D., Iatsunskyi, I., Coy, E., Mikoliunaite, L., Tumenas, S., Zaleski, K., Balevicius, Z., Baleviciute, I., Ramanaviciene, A., Ramanavicius, A., Jurga, S., Erts, D., Bechelany, M. 2016. The tuning of structural and optical properties of Graphene/ZnO nanolaminates. Journal of Physical Chemistry C, vol. 120, p. 23716–23725, doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b07221.

Viter, R. Iatsunskyi, I. Fedorenko, V., Tumenas, S., Balevicius, Z., Ramanavicius, A., Balme, S., Kempiński, M., Nowaczyk, G., Jurga, S., Bechelany, M. 2016. Enhancement of electronic and optical properties of ZnO/Al2O3 Nanolaminate coated electrospun nanofibers. Journal of Physical Chemistry C, vol. 120, p. 5124–5132, doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b12263.

Vernickaite, E., Bubniene, U., Cesiulis, H., Ramanavicius, A., Podlaha, E. J., Hybrid. A. 2016. Approach to fabricated nanowire-nanoparticle composites of a Co-W alloy and Au nanoparticles. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, vol. 163 (7), D344–D348, doi: 10.1149/2.1401607jes.

National Research Projects

Lithuanian Research Council. Electrochemical Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Catalysis (MIP-031/2014). Prof. H. Cesiulis. 2014–2016.

The comprehensive investigation of as-deposited and annealed WO3 films obtained by tungsten anodization in the different acidic solutions was carried out and investigated in deep by EIS, also using Mott-Schottky analysis. The electrooxidation of methanol on the as deposited and annealed CoW was investigated. Rich in molybdenuym and tungsten alloys with Ni, Co and Fe were electrodeposited and electrocatalytic properties were investigated.

Main publications:

Vernickaite, E., Tsyntsaru, N., Cesiulis, H. 2016.Electrodeposition and corrosion behaviour of nanostructured cobalt–tungsten alloys coatings. Transactions of the IMF 2016, vol. 94, No. 6, p. 313–321, doi: 10.1080/00202967.2016.1220071.

Vernickaite, E., Bubniene, U., Cesiulis, H., Ramanavicius, A., Podlaha, E. J. 2016. A hybrid approach to fabricated nanowire-nanoparticle composites of a Co-W alloy and Au nanoparticles. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, vol. 163 (7), p. D1–D5.

Tsyntsaru, N., Silkin, S., Cesiulis, H., Guerrero, M., Pellicer, E., Sort, J. 2016. Toward uniform electrodeposition of magnetic Co-W mesowires arrays: direct versus pulse current deposition. Electrochimica Acta, vol. 188, p. 589–601. doi:10.1016/j.electacta.2015.12.032.

Lithuanian Research Council. Program: ‘Healhy aging’, project: Non-invasive Glucose Sensor NIG-Sensor.  Prof. A. Ramanavičius. 2015–2017.

Non-invasive glucose sensor NIG-Sensor will be created by this project.
 
International Research Projects

Horizon 2020 program: Innovative Training Networks (ITN), project: Smart Electrodeposited Alloys for Environmentally Sustainable Applications: from advanced Protective Coatings to Micro/Nano-Robotic Platforms “SELECTA” (#642642) Prof. H. Cesiulis.

The theoretical study of the electrodeposition of Fe and Co alloys with W is carried out. Thermodynamic modelling of electrolytes stability shows that the investigated glycolate-citrate solutions are thermodynamically stable at pH>6, whereas citrate solutions are presented in the metastable state. Under direct current or potential mode, the electrode process occurs under kinetic control on flat surfaces whereas the process is limited by mass transfer during electrodeposition in the mesopores. For the membranes used in this work (pore length about 60 m, pore diameter 240 nm) the diffusion processes were revealed.

Main publication:

Tsyntsaru, N., Silkin, S., Cesiulis, H., Guerrero, M., Pellicer, E., Sort, J. 2016. Toward uniform electrodeposition of magnetic Co-W mesowires arrays: direct versus pulse current deposition. Electrochimica Acta, 2016, vol. 188, p. 589–601, doi:10.1016/j.electacta.2015.12.032.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Katholieke University Leuven (Belgium)
Northeastern University Boston (US)
Institute of Applied Physics of NAS (Moldova)
Hasselt University (Belgium)
Selcuk University, Konya (Turkey)
Odesa University, Odesa (Ukraine)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Ramanavicius –

  • editorial board member of the journal Chemija (Chemistry).

DEPARTMENT OF POLYMER CHEMISTRY

24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3113, 219 3227, fax 233 0987
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Ričardas Makuška

STAFF

Professors: Dr. R. Makuška, Dr. S. Budrienė.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Vareikis, Dr. T. Kochanė, Dr. K. Radzevičius (part time).
Research fellows: Dr. T. Krivorotova, A. Bočkuvienė (part time), Č. Višnevskij (part time).
Doctoral students: J. Jonikaitė-Švėgždienė, S. Mačiulytė, V. Klimkevičius, P. Radzevičius.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Synthesis and modification of polymers
Living radical polymerization
Polyelectrolytes from natural and synthetic building blocks
Amphiphilic and charge-carrying brush polymers
Cationic polymers for gene transfection
Polymeric carriers for bioactive compounds
Immobilization of biocatalysts onto polymeric carriers
Encapsulation of hydrophilic and lipophilic materials within polymeric shells

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Ionogenic Brush Polymers for Nanotechnology. Prof. R. Makuška. 2016–2018.

One-pot successive three-step RAFT polymerization of HEMA and DMAEMA in the presence of difunctional RAFT CTA was done resulting in hydrophilic pentablock copolymers and their brush derivatives. Rheology of titania based ceramic nanodispersions stabilized by cationic comb copolymers was studied, and the optimal composition of the comb copolymers indispensable for steric stabilization was established.

Main publications:

Klimkevicius, V., Makuska, R., Graule, T. 2016. Rheology of titania based ceramic nanodispersions stabilized by cationic comb copolymers. Applied Rheology, vol. 26(1), 15199.  

Heydari, G., Tyrode, E., Visnevskij, C., Makuska, R., Claesson, P. M. 2016.Temperature-dependent deicing properties of electrostatically anchored branched brush layers of poly(ethylene oxide). Langmuir, vol. 32 (17), p. 4194–4202.

Bockuviene, A., Slavuckyte, K., Vareikis, A., Zigmantas, S., Zaliauskiene, L., Makuska. R. 2016. Intracellular delivery and triggered release of DNA using biodegradable poly(2-hydroxypropylene imine)s containing cystamine units. Macromolecular Bioscience, vol. 26, p. 1497−1505.

Synthesis and Modification of Polymers for Biotechnology. Prof. S. Budrienė. 2015−2018.

The effect of three different diisocyanates, namely, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, and 4,4’-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate on the structure and properties of PVA-based poly(urethane –urea) microcapsules was evaluated. Microcapsules containing aqueous solution of an enzyme were obtained via interfacial polyaddition reaction in environmentally friendly inverse water/butyl acetate emulsion. It was shown that reactivity of diisocyanates and variations of synthesis time and temperature affected the encapsulation efficiency of enzyme and its release from microcapsules.

Main publications:

Straksys, A., Kochane, T., Budriene, S. 2016. Catalytic properties of maltogenic α-amylase from Bacillus stearothermophilus immobilized onto poly(urethane urea) microparticles. Food Chemistry, vol. 211, p. 294−299.

Di Martino, A., Pavelkova, A., Maciulyte, S., Budriene, S., Sedlarik, V. 2016. Polysaccharide-based nanocomplexes for co-encapsulation and controlled release of 5-fluorouracil and temozolomide. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, vol. 92, p. 276–286.

Krivorotova, T., Cirkovas, A., Maciulyte, S., Staneviciene, R., Budriene, S., Serviene, E., Sereikaite, J. 2016. Nisin-loaded pectin nanoparticles for food preservation. Food Hydrocolloids, vol. 54, p. 49−56.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Multiblock Polymers and their Brush Derivatives (No MIP-054/2015). Prof. R. Makuška. 2015−2018.

Amphiphilic pentablock copolymers were synthesized by one-pot RAFT polymerization. Effect of the solvents on monomer conversion and dispersity of the polymers was substantiated by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy of the monomer solutions. Phase transition and conformational behaviour amphiphilic pentablock copolymers were studied by DSC, DLS, 1H NMR spectroscopy and contact angle measurements.

Research Council of Lithuania. Soft Tissue Engineering: from Cell to Artificial Tissue (No SEN-13/2015, project partner, executing institution VU, Institute of Biochemistry). Prof. S. Budrienė, Assoc. Prof. T. Kochanė. 2015−2018.

Biocompatible films based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) and water soluble polymers were synthesized. UV-curing of the polymers in solutions was done using UV-sensitive photoinitiator Irgacure 651 and several crosslinkers. Structure of the films was proven by elemental analysis and FT-IR spectra.

International Research Projects

Contractual Research

CC Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics. Optimization of the process and pilot-scale synthesis of the copolymers of dimethylacrylamide designed for capillary electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids. Prof. R. Makuška. 2016.

Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology. Comparison of thermochemical rubber regenerate with reprocessed tyres of cars and trucks. Prof. R. Makuška. 2016.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)
Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology (Switzerland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. R. Makuška –

  • member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • scientific committee member of the international conference Baltic Polymer Symposium 2016;
  • editorial board member of the journal Chemija (Chemistry).