Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences

Institute of Chemistry
24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel.: 233 0987, 219 3100, 219 3101, 219 3102, 219 3105; fax 233 0987

E-mail:  

Director – Prof. Habil. Dr. Aivaras Kareiva

 

 

Institute of Geosciences
21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-01513 Vilnius

Tel. 239 8268, fax 239 8292
E-mail:

Director – Prof. Dr. Egidijus Rimkus

www http://www.chgf.vu.lt

STAFF

121 teachers (incl. 112 holding research degree), 24 research fellows (incl. 16 holding research degree), 81 doctoral students.

INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY

DEPARTMENTS OF THE INSTITUTE

Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry

Deapartment of Applied Chemistry

Department of Inorganic Chemistry

Department of Organic Chemistry

Department of Physical Chemistry

Department of Polymer Chemistry

RESEARCH AREAS

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

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS DEFENDED IN 2017

J. Gaidukevič. Nano-structured graphene catalysts, catalyst supports and coatings: synthesis and investigation.
T. Petrėnas. Development and application of new methods for the conservation of ceramics.
J. Jonikaitė-Švėgždienė. Anionic molecular brushes: synthesis by RAFT polymerization and click chemistry and investigation.
V. Klimkevičius. Synthesis of cationic random and diblock brush copolymers and their application for stabilization of Titania nanoparticle dispersions.
G. Braziulis. Synthesis and investigation of alkaline earth metal molybdates.

 

DEPARTMENT OF ANALYTICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius

Tel.: 219 3117, 219 31 14, fax  233 09 87

E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Stasys Tautkus

STAFF

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

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Plant analysis
Novel microextraction techniques for gas chromatographic analysis
Development of biosensors and immunosensors
Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES); sol-gel chemistry
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 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget               

Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for the Investigation of Organic and Bioorganic Compounds. Prof.  Habil. Dr. A. Padarauskas, Assoc. Prof. Dr. V. Olšauskaitė. 2011–2020.

The chromatographic behavior of anionic, cationic and neutral analytes on bare silica stationary phase in hydrophilic interaction chromatography mode was investigated. The effect of various sample diluents and injection volume on the peak shapes of small polar compounds in hydrophilic interaction chromatography on the two stationary phases (bare silica and amide-bonded silica) were evaluated. Perennial legumes were investigated as a potential source of value-added ingredients for healthy food.

Main publication:

Butkutė, B., Padarauskas, A., Cesevičienė, J., Pavilonis, A., Taujenis, L., Lemežienė, N. 2017. Perennial legumes as a source of ingredients for healthy food: proximate, mineral and phytoestrogen composition and antibacterial activity. Journal of Food Sciences and Technology, vol. 54 (9), p. 2661–2669.

Application of Nanomaterials in the Design of Optical and Electrochemical Biosensors. Prof. Dr. A. Ramanavičienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė. 2011–2020.

Two amperometric glucose biosensors were developed. One biosensor was based on working graphite rod (GR) electrode modified with electrochemically deposited gold nanoparticles and glucose oxidase (GOx). Enzymatic formation of polypyrrole on the surface of pre-modified electrode was applied to improve analytical characteristics and stability of developed biosensor. The second biosensor was based on working GR electrode modified by the 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (PD) and GOx, which were layer-by-layer adsorbed on the electrode surface with subsequent evaporation of solvent and chemical cross-linking of the adsorbed GOx with glutaraldehyde. Designed biosensor was suitable for the determination of glucose in not-stirred sample conditions, which are very important in the development of cheap disposable and/or attachable amperometric glucose biosensors.

Main publications:

Kausaite-Minkstimiene, A., Simanaityte, R., Ramanaviciene, A., Glumbokaite, L., Ramanavicius, A. 2017. Reagent-less amperometric glucose biosensor based on a graphite rod electrode layer-by-layer modified with 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and glucose oxidase. Talanta, vol. 171, p. 204–212.

German, N., Ramanavicius, A., Ramanaviciene, A.2017. Amperometric glucose biosensor based on electrochemically deposited gold nanoparticles covered by polypyrrole. Electroanalysis, vol. 29, p. 1267–1277.

German, N., Popov, A., Ramanaviciene, A., Ramanavicius A. 2017. Evaluation of enzymatic formation of polyaniline nanoparticles. Polymer, vol. 115, p. 211–216.

Ramanavicius, A., German, N., Ramanaviciene, A. 2017. Evaluation of electron transfer in electrochemical system based on immobilized gold nanoparticles and glucose oxidase. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, vol. 164 (4), G45–G49.

 Gas Chromatography. Prof. Dr. V. Vičkačkaitė. 2011–2020.

Silver ion solid-phase extraction has been suggested for the gas chromatographic analysis of trans fatty acids in human adipose. Acid catalysed esterification of fatty acids protocol using BF₃ methanol complex as catalyst was used. Transesterified adipose tissue was fractionated on a home-made silica based Ag⁺-SPE column, whose preparation and operation conditions were optimized. The use of dichloromethane and hexane with the content of DCM increasing from 15 to 100% as an eluent, enabled to eliminate most of the cis isomers of C18:1 fatty acid methyl esters from the trans chromatographic zone and determine trace contents of C18:1 trans fatty acid methyl esters in human adipose samples. Either external standardization or internal standardization methods demonstrated similar repeatabilities. The home-made silica based Ag⁺-SPE column was compared with a commercial SCX based Ag⁺-SPE column using both quantification methods. The former demonstrated as good repeatabilities as the commercial one.

Main publication:

Zolumskis, A., Vičkačkaitė, V., Kosinskaitė, A., Markevičius, A., Sadaunykas, A., Naujalis, E., Šakirzanovas, S. 2017. An assessment of the in-house made stainless steel capillary GC column. Chemija, vol. 28 (2), p. 117–124.

Investigation of Instrumental Methods of Analysis of Environmental, Industrial, Biological and Cultural Heritage Objects. Prof. Dr. S. Tautkus. 2011–2020.

The influence of different parameters on the absorbance of copper was examined. Influence of propane-butane and air pressure, of hydrochloric, sulfuric and nitric acids on the analytical signal was investigated. The linear concentration range of copper was 0.05–4.0 µg/ml. The detection limit of copper was found to be 0.02 µg/ml. Also the selectivity of copper determination was investigated. According to the interfering effect the examined metal ions were ordered as: Ni > Mn, Co>Mg, Cd, K, Na, Al, Pb, Ca, Ba, Cr, Bi, Fe, Sr and Zn.

The methodology for the determination of copper in dfferent samples of raisins by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after extraction by a microwave system was suggested. The obtained results demonstrated the suggested methodology to be of a good reproducibility (S_r in the range from 1.5 to 3.1%) and high precision (recovery in the range from 95 to 99%).                  

Rare Earth and Transition Metal Doped Phosphors. Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Katelnikovas. 2011–2020.

The year 2017 was dedicated to the synthesis and investigation of the novel phosphors doped with Ce³⁺, Pr³⁺, Tb³⁺, Eu³⁺, Yb³⁺/Er³⁺, Yb³⁺/Ho³⁺, Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ ions. The research led to finding several high quality and efficient red phosphors suitable for application as colour converters in near UV based LEDs and luminescent security pigments. Totally five articles were published in the framework of this project in 2017.

Main publications:

Mikalauskaite, E., Raudonyte-Svirbutaviciene, A., Linkeviciute, M., Urbonas, A., Katelnikovas, A. 2017. Luminescence and luminescence quenching of Sr₃Lu₂(Si₃O₉)₂:Ce³⁺ phosphors. Journal of Luminescence, vol.184, p. 185–190; doi: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2016.12.037.

Mackeviciute, A., Linkeviciute, A., Katelnikovas, A. 2017. Synthesis and optical properties of Y₂Mo₄O₁₅ doped by Pr³⁺. Journal of Luminescence, vol. 190, p. 525–530; doi: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2017.06.014.

Kruopyte, R., Giraitis, R., Juskenas, D., Enseling, T., Jüstel, A. Katelnikovas, A. 2017. Luminescence and luminescence quenching of efficient GdB₅O₉:Eu³⁺ red phosphors. Journal of Luminescence, vol.190, p.520–526; doi: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2017.07.038.

Synthesis, Characterization and Analysis of Functional Materials. Dr. A. Žarkov. 2011–2020.

Comparative study on analysis of chromium doped yttrium gallium garnets and gadolinium scandium gallium garnets by EDX and ICP-OES techniques was performed.

Dissolution behaviour of fabricated glass-ceramic (GC) polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites in simulated body fluid was investigated by ICP-OES.

Gadolinium doped ceria thin films were synthesized by chemical solution deposition. Structural, morphological and optical properties of deposited films were investigated.

Main publications:

Butkute, S., Turan, K., Zarkov, A., Tautkus, S., Ramanauskas, R., Kareiva, A. 2017. Investigation of distribution of metals in Cr³⁺-doped Y₃Ga₅O₁₂ and Gd₃Sc₂Ga₃O₁₂ using ICP‑OES and EDX. Chemija, vol. 28, p. 154–159.

Golubevas, R., Zarkov, A., Alinauskas, L., Stankeviciute, Z., Balciunas, G., Garskaite, E., Kareiva, A. 2017. Fabrication and investigation of high-quality glass-ceramic (GC) polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite for regenerative medicine. RSC Adv., vol. 7, p. 33558–33567.

Zarkov, A., Stanulis, A., Mikoliunaite, L., Katelnikovas, A., Jasulaitiene, V., Ramanauskas, R., Tautkus, S., Kareiva, A. 2017. Chemical solution deposition of pure and Gd-doped ceria thin films: Structural, morphological and optical properties. Ceram. Int., vol. 43, p. 4280–4287.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Synthesis and Investigation of Novel Luminescent Anti‐Counterfeiting Pigments (S-MIP-17-48/LSS-610000-1216). Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Katelnikovas. 2017–2019.

During the first year of the project the pilot synthesis of the estimated target materials were performed and the best preparation conditions were evaluated.

Research Council of Lithuania. Research of High-value Emission in Polymorphic Molybdates and Volframates (09.3.3.-LMT-K-712-03-0071). Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Katelnikovas. 2017–2018.

The aim of the project is to investigate polymorphic tungstates and molybdates as suitable host matrixes for upconversion luminescent materials.

Research Council of Lithuania. Investigation of Luminescent Properties of Layered Perovskites and Pyrochlore Structure (S-LZ-17-04/LSS-610000-2007). Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Katelnikovas. 2017–2018.

The aim of the project is to investigate the layered perovskite materials as host matrixes for lanthanide doping yielding down- and upconverting luminescent materials.

Research Council of Lithuania. Electrochromic/Electrochemical Gas Sensor. Prof. Dr. A. Ramanavičienė. 2017–2018.

The aim of this project is to design an innovative sensor for electrochromic/electrochemical determination of CO₂ and NH₃. Electrochemically generated layers of electrochromic conducting polymers and copolymers are applied in order to increase the selectivity and sensitivity of developed sensors.

Contractual Research

CC Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)

CC Elme metalas (Lithuania)

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

Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (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
Tailorlux GmbH (Germany)
Monpellier University Institute of Membranes (France)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

 Prof.  Habil. Dr. 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. S. Šakirzanovas (part-time), Dr. J. Senvaitienė (part time).
Associate professors: Dr. E. Garškaitė, 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, J. Raudonienė, D. Baziulytė, A. Pulmanas, P. Ušinskas, L. Alinauskas, R. Golubevas, G. Gaidamavičienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Film and powder synthesis by wet chemistry methods; surfaces and interfaces; nanostructural materials; sol-gel chemistry
Ceramics/bioceramics, biocomposites
Luminescent materials for solid-state lighting, upconverting materials for theranostics
Solid-state materials
Synthesis and investigation of different metal molybdates, vanadates, tungstates and phosphates

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

Ceramics/Bioceramics, Biocomposites. Dr. E. Garškaitė. 2017.

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

Main publications:

Opuchovic, O., Culunlu, S., Morkan, A.U., Morkan, I.A., Niznansky, D., Garskaite, E., Beganskiene, A., Kareiva, A.  2017. Structural, morphological, and magnetic characterization of bulk and thin films Y₃Al_5-xFe_xO₁₂ (YAIG): From the perspective of aqueous sol–gel processing. Chemical Engineering Communications, vol. 204, 9, p. 1037–1048.

Gul, E., Stanulis, A., Barushka, Y., Garskaite, E., Ramanauskas, R., Morkan, A. U., Kareiva, A. 2017.  The influence of thermal processing on microstructure of sol–gel-derived SrSnO₃ thin films. Journal of Materials Science, vol. 52, p. 12624–12634.

Alinauskas, L., Brooke, E., Regoutz, A., Katelnikovas, A., Raudonis, R., Yitzchaik, S., Payne, D.J., Garskaite, E. 2017. Nanostructuring of SnO₂ via solution-based and hard template assisted method. Thin Solid Films, vol. 626, p. 38–45.

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 publications:

Ušinskas, P., Stankevičiūtė, Ž., Niaura, G., Maminskas, J., Juodžbalys, G. Kareiva, A. 2017.  Sol-gel processing of calcium hydroxyapatite thin films on silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) substrate. Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, vol. 83, p. 268–274.

Prichodko, A., Enrichi, F., Stankeviciute, Z.,  Benedetti, A., Grigoraviciute-Puroniene, I., Kareiva, A. 2017. Study of Eu³⁺ and Tm³⁺ substitution effects in sol–gel fabricated calcium hydroxyapatite. Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, vol. 81, p. 261–267.

Upconverting Nanoparticle Synthesis. Study of Optical Properties and Biocompatibility of Na(Gd/Y)F₄ Nanoparticles. Prof. S. Šakirzanovas. 2017.

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.

Main publication:

Baziulyte-Paulaviciene, D., Karabanovas, V., Stasys, M., Jarockyte, G., Poderys V., Sakirzanovas, S., Rotomskis, R. 2017. Synthesis and functionalization of NaGdF4:Yb,Er@NaGdF4 core–shell nanoparticles for possible application as multimodal contrast agents. Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, vol. 8, p. 1815–1824.

Synthesis and Investigation of Different Metal Molybdates, Vanadates, Tungstates and Phosphates. Assoc. Prof. A. Žalga, PhD student G. Gaidamavičienė, PhD student G.  Braziulis.

The development of the aqueous sol-gel synthesis technique for the preparation of different oxide materials (MgMoO₄, CaMoO₄, SrMoO₄, BaMoO₄, La₂Mo₂O₉, 5Bi₂O₃·V₂O₅, La_2/3–xLi_3xTiO₃, LiTi₂(PO₄)₃, La₃Li₇Zr₂O₁₂). Nano and micro-sized ceramics were successfully synthesized by an aqueous sol-gel synthesis method using a tartaric acid as a ligand. Thermal analysis of both as-prepared gel precursors and oxides annealed at different temperatures was performed. The electrical properties of as-synthesized ceramics were additionally investigated by a broadband high temperature impedance spectroscopy techniques.

Participation in projects:

Lithuanian-French Programme "Gilibert". Production and application of composite solid electrolytes for electrochemical devices. 2016-2017. This research was supported by Lithuanian-French Programme ″Gilibert″ from the Research Council of Lithuania (Project No. TAP LZ-17-011).

M-era.Net (ERA-NET for materials research and innovation). PLARASBAT (Planar architecture all solid state batteries). Synthesis and characterization of functional materials for the all-solid-state lithium ion batteries.

Contractual Research

Tailorlux GmbH (Germany)
Laser Research Center (Lithuania)

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

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

National Cancer Institute, Vilnius (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

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, Asist. Prof. Ž. Stankevičiūtė. 2015–2018.

Main publication:

Golubevas, R., Žarkov, A., Alinauskas, L., Stankevičiūtė, Ž., Balčiūnas, G., Garškaitė, E., Kareiva, A. 2017. Fabrication and investigation of high-quality glass-ceramic (GC)–polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite for regenerative medicine. RSC Advances, vol. 7, p. 33558–33567.

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, Asist. Prof. Ž. Stankevičiūtė. 2015–2017.

Main publication:

Grigoravičiūtė-Puronienė, I., Tsuru, K., Garškaitė, E., Stankevičiūtė, Ž., Beganskien, A., Ishikawa, K.,  Kareiva, A. 2017. A novel wet polymeric precipitation synthesis method for monophasic β-TCP. Advanced Powder Technology, vol. 28, p. 2325–2331.

 

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, Dr. R. Skaudžius.
Lecturers: Dr. I. Grigoravičiūtė-Puronienė, Dr. M. Misevičius.
Research fellows: Dr. I. Bogdanovičienė, Dr. Z. Šaltytė.
Assistants: D. Sokol (part-time), J. Pilipavičius (part-time), J. Dakševič (part-time), A. Laurikėnas (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.

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 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

1. Synthesis of Functional Oxide Films and Heteroepitaxial Structures by MOCVD (Metalorganic Chemical Vapour Deposition). Prof. A. Abrutis. 2011–2020.
2. Synthesis and Characterization of Polycrystalline and Amorphous Materials.  Prof. A. Beganskienė, Prof. A. Kareiva, Prof. J. Barkauskas. 2011–2020.

Thin films were deposited by Metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) technique and their properties were studied.
New sol-gel methods for the multifunctional inorganic materials were developed. An amorphous CHAp was prepared by the modified sol-gel processing route. New ceramic pigments were synthesized using an environmentally benign aqueous sol-gel chemistry technique.

Main publications:

Balevicius, S., Tornau, E.E., Zurauskiene, N., Stankevic, V., Simkevicius, C., Tolvaisiene, S., Plausinaitiene, V., Abrutis, A. 2017. Magnetoresistance anisotropy of ultrathin epitaxial La0.83Sr0.17MnO3 films. J. Appl. Phys., vol. 122, article number: 213901.

Gul, E., Stanulis, A., Barushka, Y., Garskaite, E., Ramanauskas, R., Morkan, A. U., Kareiva, A. 2017. The influence of thermal processing on microstructure of sol-gel derived SrSnO₃ thin films. J. Mater. Sci., vol. 52, p. 12624–12634.

Golubevas, R., Zarkov, A., Alinauskas, L., Stankeviciute, Z., Balciunas, G., Garskaite E., Kareiva, A. 2017. Fabrication and investigation of high-quality glass-ceramic (GC)-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite for regenerative medicine. RSC Adv., vol. 7, p. 33558–33567.

Tomina, V.V., Melnyk, I.V., Zub, Yu. L., Kareiva, A., Vaclavikova, M., Seisenbaeva, G. A., Kessler, V.G. 2017. Tailoring bifunctional hybrid organic-inorganic nanoadsorbents by the choice of functional layer composition probed by adsorption of Cu²⁺ ions. Beilstein J. Nanotechnol., vol. 8, p. 334–347.

National Research Projects

Lithuania-JAPAN Cooperation Project: Fabrication of Low Crystalline Calw Higher Osteoconductivity (KALFOS) (LJB-2/2015). Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Kareiva. 2015–2017.

Low-crystalline and single-phase CHAp powders were successfully synthesized through the sol-gel synthesis route.

Main publications:

Grigoraviciute-Puroniene, I., Tsuru, K., Garskaite, E., Stankeviciute, Z., Beganskiene, A., Ishikawa, K., Kareiva, A. 2017. A novel wet polymeric precipitation synthesis method for monophasic β-TCP. Adv. Powd. Technol., vol. 28, p. 2325–2331.

Usinskas, P., Stankeviciute, Z., Niaura, G., Juodzbalys, G., Kareiva, A. 2017. Sol-gel processing of calcium hydroxyapatite thin films on silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) substrate. J. Sol-Gel Sci. Technol., 83, p. 268–274.

Prichodko, A., Enrichi, F., Stankeviciute, Z., Benedetti, A., Grigoraviciute-Puroniene, I., Kareiva, A. 2017. Study of Eu³⁺ and Tm³⁺ substitution effects in sol-gel fabricated calcium hydroxyapatite. J. Sol-Gel Sci. Technol., vol. 81, p. 261–267.

Research Council of Lithuania. National Research Programme: Healthy Ageing project from 3D SEM ‐ A New Tool for Targeted Characterization of Adipose Tissue and Determination of Early Prognostic Factors of Metabolic Diseases (SEMAT) (SEN-16014). Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Kareiva. 2016–2018.

SEM characterization of adipose tissue was performed on the samples taken from obese patients.

Main publications:

Brimiene, V., Skaudzius, R., Misevicius, M., Brimas, G., Brimas, E., Kareiva, A. 2017. SEM characterization of adipose tissue structure. Proceedings of TechConnect World Innovation Conf. & Expo, Washington DC, USA. Advanced Materials: TechConnect Briefs, vol. 1, p.13–16.

Lithuania-France cooperation project:  Synthesis of Magnetic Nanomaterials Using Environmently Benign Sol-Gel Method and Application in Medicine (MAGNA). (TAP LZ-17-009). 2017–2018.

Magnetic materials having garnet crystal structure were successfully synthesized through the sol-gel synthesis route.

Main publications:

Kostruba, A., Stetsyshyn, Y., Vlokh, R, Mayevska, S., Rachiy, B., Musiy, R., Zarkov, A., Kareiva, A. 2017. Sensitivity and accuracy of new ellipsometric technique for the characterization of ultrathin films. Chemija, vol. 28, p. 177–182.

Opuchovic, O., Niznansky, D., Kareiva, A. 2017. Thermoanalytical (TG/DSC/EVG–GC–MS) characterization of the lanthanide (Ho) iron garnet formation in sol–gel – thermal process. J. Therm. Anal. Calorim., vol. 130, p. 1085–1094.

Opuchovic, O., Culunlu, S., Morkan, A. U., Morkan, I. A., Niznansky, D., Garskaite, E., Beganskiene, A., Kareiva, A. 2017. Structural, morphological and magnetic characterization of bulk and thin films Y₃Al_5-xFe_xO₁₂ (YAIG): From the perspective of aqueous sol–gel processing. Chem. Eng. Commun., vol. 204, p. 1037–1048.

Butkute, S., Turan, K., Zarkov, A., Kontrimaviciute, E., Tautkus, S., Ramanauskas, R. Kareiva, A. 2017. Investigation of distribution of metals in Cr³⁺-doped Y₃Ga₅O₁₂ and Gd₃Sc₂Ga₃O₁₂ using ICP-OES and EDX. Chemija, vol. 28, p. 154–159.

International Research Projects

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

The Mg/Al/Bi and Mg/Al/Ln 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.

Main publications:

Salak, A. N., Khalyavin, D. D., Zamaraite, I., Stanulis, A. Kareiva, A., Shilin, A. D., Rubanik, V.V., Radyush, Yu V., Pushkarev, A. V., Olekhnovich, N. M., Starykevich, M., Grigalaitis, R. ,Ivanov, M., Banys, J. 2017. Metastable perovskite Bi_1-xLa_xFe_0.5Sc_0.5O₃ phases in the range of the compositional crossover. Phase Transitions, vol. 90, p. 831–839.

Smalenskaite, A., Vieira, D. E. L., Salak, A. N., Ferreira, M. G. S., Katelnikovas, A., Kareiva A. 2017. A comparative study of co-precipitation and sol-gel synthetic approaches to fabricate cerium-substituted Mg-Al layered double hydroxides with luminescence properties. Appl. Clay Sci., vol. 143, p. 175–183.

Sokol, D., Klemkaite-Ramanauske, K., Khinsky, A., Baltakys, K., Beganskiene, A., Baltusnikas, A., Pinkas, J., Kareiva A. 2017. Reconstruction effects on surface properties of Co/Mg/Al layered double hydroxide. Materials Science (Medžiagotyra), vol. 23, p. 144–149.

Fertman, E. L., Fedorchenko, A. V., Khalyavin, D. D., Salak, A.N, Baran, A., Desnenko, V. A., Kotlyar, O.V., Čižmár, E., Feher, A., Syrkin, E. S., Vaisburd, A. I., Olekhnovich, N. M., Pushkarev, A.V., Radyush, Yu.V., Stanulis, A.,  Kareiva, A. 2017. Multiferroic Bi_0.65La_0.35Fe_0.5Sc_0.5O₃ perovskite: Magnetic and thermodynamic properties. J. Magnet. Magnet. Mater., vol. 429, p. 177–181.

COST action CM1302: European Network on Smart Inorganic Polymers. Executive board member Prof. J. Barkauskas. 2013–2017.

Preparation of nanocompozites composed of graphene oxide and inorganic polymer parathiocyanogen (SCN)x with excellent electrocatalytical activity in oxygen reduction reactions.

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. Habil. Dr. A. Kareiva –

• member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
• deputy editor of the journal Chemija (Chemistry);
• member of Council of Alytus College;
• chairman of Chemistry Section of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
• deputy Chairman of the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

 

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: Dr. I. Čikotienė (part-time), Dr. V. Masevicius, Dr. E. Orentas (part-time), Habil. Dr. S. Tumkevičius, Habil. Dr. P. Vainilavičius (Emeritus), Dr. A. Zilinskas.  
Associate professors:   Dr. A. Brukštus, Dr. J. Dodonova Dr. V. Jakubkienė, Dr. R. Vaitkus.
Assistants: Dr. Karpaviciene (part-time), Dr. G. Petraityte (part-time), Dr. S. Visniakova (part-time).
Junior assistant: I. Baskirova (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. J. Bucevicius, Dr. Karpaviciene (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. R. Buksnaitiene, Dr. E. Orentas (part-time), Dr. G. Petraityte (part-time),
Doctoral students: T. Javorskis (part-time), M. Jonusis, K. Karpavičius, M. Nainyte, A. Neniskis, V. Vaitkevicius, A. Urbanaite, R. V. Urbonas (part-time).

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 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular direct C-H arylation for the synthesis of hitherto unknown fused heterosystems containing incorporated pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold  were developed. The  pyrimido[5’,4’:4,5]pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindoles were synthesized by using a cascade N-benzylation/C-H arylation reaction sequence of 2,4-diarylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines with o-bromobenzyl bromides. A series of pyrimido[5’,4’:4,5]pyrrolo[1,2-f]phenanthridines were successfully assembled from a domino process  involving the palladium-catalyzed direct double C-H arylation reactions of 2,4,7-triarylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines with o-bromoiodobenzenes.

Main publication:

Dodonova, J., Tumkevicius, S. 2017. Fused Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines (7-Deazapurines) by Palladium-Catalyzed Direct N–H and C–H Arylation Reactions. Synthesis-Stuttgart, vol. 49, p. 2523–2534, doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1588734).

Development of New Organic Synthetic Methods. Prof. Dr. Cikotiene. 2015–2020.

Synthesis of N-aryl-3-arylpropargylamines and investigation of their electrophilic cyclization reactions was carried out. It was shown that formation of quinolines in the reactions between N-aryl-3-arylpropargylamines and electrophiles depended on substituents in aniline fragment, and nature of electrophile. A series of compounds containing the 4-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3-thiadiazole scaffold were synthesized as Hsp90 inhibitors. Analysis of their binding to the recombinant N-terminal domain of Hsp90 revealed that four of these compounds bound to Hsp90 with K-d of 0.6 to 0.8 nM. The compounds fully inhibited the growth of all tested cancer cell lines: A549 (lung adenocarcinoma), IGR39 (melanoma), and U87 (glioblastoma), with the effective antiproliferative concentration (EC50) of the compounds reaching 0.35 mu M.

Main publications:

Urbanaite, A.,  Steinys, L.,  Brukstus, A.,  Cikotiene, I. 2017. Addition of primary amines to 2-(1-Alkynyl)-2-cycloalken-1-ones. Eur. J. Org. Chem., p. 1624–1627.

Kazlauskas, E.,  Brukstus, A.,  Petrikas, H.,  Petrikaite, V.,  Cikotiene, I.,  Matulis, D. 2017. Improving the Hsp90 inhibitors containing 4-(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3-thiadiazole scaffold: synthesis, affinity and effect on cancer Cells. Anti-Cancer Agents Med. Chem., vol., 17, p. 1593–1603.

Synthesis and Investigation of Novel Heterocycles Fused with Fragments of Bridge-head Hydrocarbons. Prof. Dr. A. Zilinskas. 2014–2020.

Synthesis of bicyclic ligands with nitrile and carboxy groups as well as synthesis of new 1,8-naphthyridine based compounds having a non-planar bicyclic moiety was accomplished and their photoluminescence characteristics in chloroform solution were determined. Analysis of the results let 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.

Main publication:

Urbanavičiūtė, I., Višniakova, S., Dirsytė, J., Juška, G., Lenkevičiūtė B., Bužavaitė, E., Žilinskas, A., Arlauskas, K. 2017. A series of new luminescent non-planar 1,8-naphthyridine  derivatives giving coloured and close-to-white electroluminescence spectra. Journal of Luminescence, vol. 181, p. 299–309.

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

Two step protocol for the synthesis of 5-substituted or 5,6-disubstituted furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines using bifunctional electrophiles and pyrimidine derivative was developed. This protocol is applicable for the synthesis either aryl of alkyl furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives alike. Latest addition to our pool of molecular tools for research in epigenetics is AdoMet analogue bearing Cy3 fluorophore.

Main publication:

Osipenko, A., Plotnikova, A., Nainytė, M., Masevičius, V., Klimašauskas, S., Vilkaitis, G. 2017. Oligonucleotide-addressed covalent 3’-terminal derivatization of small RNA strands for enrichment and visualization. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., vol. 56, p. 6507–6510.

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

Supramolecular synthons with orthogonal 2H-bonding sites were designed and synthesized for two-directional aggregation to achieve the formation of non-covalent nanotubes. Supramolecular tubular polymers with unprecedented large internal cavity were assembled in aromatic solvents. Peapod-like polymeric inclusion complexes were obtained using C₇₀ templation. Self-sorting phenomena between tubular polymers, capsules and open-ended cyclic aggregates was demonstrated.

New synthetic methodologies for perylene diimide functionalization and chemoselective sulphonamide deprotection were developed. The scalability of the newly developed procedures was evaluated.

Main publications:

Javorskis, T., Orentas, E. 2017. Chemoselective deprotection of sulfonamides under acidic conditions: scope, sulfonyl group migration and synthetic applications. J. Org. Chem., vol., 82, p. 13423.

Jozeliūnaitė, A., Striela, R., Labanauskas, L., Orentas, E. 2017. Practical preparation of octa- and tetrabromoperylene diimides and derivatives thereof. Synthesis, vol. 23, p. 5176.

Shi, Q., Javorskis, T., Bergquist, K.-E., Ulčinas, A., Niaura G., Matulaitienė, I., Orentas, E., Wärnmark, K. 2017. Stimuli-controlled self-assembly of diverse tubular aggregates from one single small monomer. Nat. Commun., vol. 8, p. 14943.

National 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. Habil. Dr. S. Tumkevicius. 2015–2017.

A simple and efficient synthesis of isomeric 7-deazapurine – 1,2,3-triazole conjugates with amino substituents from easily available 9-alkyl-2,6-diazido-7-deazapurines was developed using consecutive CuAAC and regioselective nucleophilic substitution reactions of azido and 1,2,3-triazole groups with amines.

Main publication:

Bucevicius, J., Turks, M., Tumkevicius, S. 2017. Easy access to isomeric 7-deazapurine–1,2,3-triazole conjugates via S_NAr and CuAAC reactions of 2,6-diazido-7-deazapurines. Synlett, doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1590942.

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. 233 7517, 219 3114, 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).
Associated 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, A. Nicolenco, A. Rekertaitė, L. Dedelaitė, P. Genys, L. Sinkevičius, E. Andriukonis, Š. Žukauskas, D. Juknelevičius, R. Levinas, M. Vainorius, A. Kisieliūtė, T. Sabirovas, D. Balčiūnas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Biosensors
Biofuel cells
Bioelectrochemistry
Scanning electrochemical microscopy
Ellipsometry
Surface plasmon resonance
Investigation of the electrodeposition and properties of obtained tungsten- and molybdenum-containing alloys
Metals and alloys electrodeposition
Corrosion of metals and alloys
Template-assisted deposition
Electrooxidation of cyanides
Electrochemical treatment of titanium, tungsten
Photoelectrochemistry

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2014

Projects Supported by University Budget

Electrochemical methods in Biosensors. Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Ramanavičius. 2010–2020.

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

Main publications:

Ramanavicius, A., Rekertaitė, A. I., Valiūnas, R., Valiūnienė, A. 2017. Single-step procedure for the modification of graphite electrode by composite layer based on polypyrrole, Prussian blue and glucose oxidase. Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical, vol. 240, p. 220–223.              

Ramanavicius, A., Morkvenaite-Vilkonciene, I., Kisieliute, A., Petroniene, J., Ramanaviciene, A. 2017. Scanning electrochemical microscopy based evaluation of influence of pH on bioelectrochemical activity of yeast cells – Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. Colloids and Surfaces B-Biointerfaces, vol. 149, p. 1–6.         

Plausinaitis, D., Sinkevicius, L., Mikoliunaite, L., Plausinaitiene, V., Ramanaviciene, A., Ramanavicius, A. 2017. Electrochemical polypyrrole formation from pyrrole ‘adlayer’. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, vol. 19, p. 1029–1038.                                            

Ramanavicius, A., German, N., Ramanaviciene, A., 2017. Evaluation of electron transfer in electrochemical system based on immobilized gold nanoparticles and glucose oxidase. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, vol.164, G45–G49.                 

Investigation of the Interfacial Processes Prof. Dr. H. Cesiulis. 2010–2020.

Fe-W alloys were successfully electrodeposited from newly developed Fe(III)-based electrolyte contained both citric and glycolic acid as complexing agents and the main characteristics of the deposition process were compared to the ones obtained using Fe(II) baths. The simulation of electrolytes stability shows that the investigated Fe(III)-based glycolate-citrate electrolyte is thermodynamically stable in the neutral and weakly alkaline solutions due to peculiarities of Fe(III) and W(VI) complexes distribution in the concurrent presence of citrate and glycolate ions. In these solutions W(VI) forms dominantly complexes with glycolate ions, whereas Fe(III) with citrates. The current efficiency of the electrodeposition process occurring in Fe(III) glycolate-citrate bath reaches up to 60–70%, which is much higher than that obtained in the citrate baths or any other previously reported iron-based electrolytes. Compact and smooth coatings with high W content are obtained at elevated temperatures and low current densities, since at these conditions the partial current of side reaction is small. The increased content of tungsten in Fe-W alloys results in the decrease in values of crystallite size from 30 to ∼5 nm. Thus, elaborated environmentally friendly electrolyte has high importance due to the possibility to obtain good quality Fe-W coatings from Fe(III)-based solution with tunable W content, high current efficiency and deposition rate; also it may be considered for electrodeposition of other Fe based alloys.

WO₃ films have been obtained by anodization of tungsten in the different acidic electrolytes (HCl, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, H₃PO₄ + NH₄F) and at various applied potentials. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate film formation and to characterize the obtained oxide films. The equivalent electric circuits modelling reactive and blocking behaviour are provided and discussed. It was found, that oxide film capacitance decreases linearly with increasing anodization potential. The relative permittivity of tungsten oxide films varies from 31 to 56 depending on the acid used. A relatively high rate of the film formation (1.87 nm/V) and increased resistance against oxide breakdown can be achieved for tungsten oxide obtained from 0.3 M oxalic acid bath. Compact oxide films are formed at the potentials ranged from 10 V to 30 V, whereas increasing of anodization voltage to 60 V resulted in the formation of disordered, porous structures due to surface etching. Semiconductor properties were determined by Mott-Schottky analysis. Photoelectrochemical properties of as-deposited and annealed at 600ºC WO₃ films were determined in a Na₂SO₄ solution under pulsed and constant UV irradiation. It was determined that annealed WO₃ films in comparison to as-deposited films are more stable and generate substantially higher photelectrochemical currents.

Main publications:

Levinas, R., Tsyntsaru, N., Lelis, M., Cesiulis, H. 2017. Synthesis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study and photoelectrochemical behaviour of as-deposited and annealed WO3 films. Electrochimica Acta, vol. 225, p. 29–38; doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.12.112.

Nicolenco, A., Tsyntsaru, N., Cesiulis, H. 2017. Fe (Iii)-based ammonia-free bath for electrodeposition of Fe-W alloys. J Electrochem Soc., vol. 164(9), D590–D596; doi: 10.1149/2.1001709jes.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil. Dr. 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).
Assistant professors: Dr. A. Bočkuvienė, Dr. J. Jonikaitė-Švėgždienė, Dr. V. Klimkevičius
Research fellows: Dr. T. Krivorotova.
Doctoral students: S. Mačiulytė, P. Radzevičius, M. Steponavičiūtė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Synthesis and modification of polymers
Controlled 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 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Diblock brush copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylates with different length of PEO chains (PEO_xMEMA, x=5, 9, 19, and 43) were synthesized by RAFT polymerization. Diblock brush copolymers synthesized by chain extension had higher dispersity compared to that of the homopolymers, and the copolymers with the longest PEO chains contained a fraction of the “died” chains. Synthesis of diblock brush copolymers by “one pot” RAFT polymerization was preferential over polymerization with isolation of the first block.

Poly(2-hydroxypropylene imines) containing segments of cystamine PHPI-CA were synthesized and studied. Novel highly branched cationic polymers containing different amount of disulfide linkages were less cytotoxic compared with PHPI, and they were able to disintegrate and release DNA following the treatment with reducing agent DTT.

Main publications:

Klimkevicius, V., Makuska, R.  2017. Successive RAFT polymerization of poly(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylates with different length of PEO chains giving diblock brush copolymers. European Polymer Journal, vol. 86, p. 94–105.

Poulsen, N. N., Ostergaard, J., Petersen, N. J., Daasbjerg, K., Iruthayaraj, J., Dedinaite, A., Makuska, R., Jensen, H. 2017. Automated coating procedures to produce poly(ethylene glycol) brushes in fused-silica capillaries. Journal of Separation Science, vol. 40, p. 779–788.

Zigmantas, S., Zaliauskiene, L., Makuska, R., Bockuviene, A., Vareikis, A. 2017. Biodegradable cationic polymers and uses thereof. Patent application WO 2017/156447 A1.

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

Poly(urethane-urea) (PUU) microcapsules were synthesized from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and hexamethylene diisocyanate by inverse emulsion method. Encapsulation of water-soluble materials was carried out by varying molar ratio of PVA and APTES, reaction time and temperature. Structure of the polyurethane shell of the microcapsules was proven by FT-IR spectra and chemical analytical methods. Properties of PUU microcapsules and their application for immobilization of maltogenase were studied.

Main publications:

Kochane, T., Budriene, S., Miasojedovas, S., Ryskevic, N., Straksys, A., Maciulyte, S., Ramanaviciene, A. 2017. Polyurethane-gold and polyurethane-silver nanoparticles conjugates for efficient immobilization of maltogenase. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, vol. 532, p. 436–443.

Maciulyte, S., Gutauskiene, G., Niedritis, J., Kochane, T., Budriene, S. 2017. PVA and various diisocyanates based poly(urethane-urea) microcapsules for encapsulation of enzyme in water/butyl acetate emulsion: synthesis and study. Chemija, vol. 28 (1), p. 74–84.

National Research Projects

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

Coil-brush, brush-coil-brush and coil-brush-coil polystyrene-based di- and triblock copolymers containing poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) side chains were synthesized via RAFT polymerization. Polystyrene-based anionic brush copolymers were studied by SEC with triple detection, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, and water contact angle measurements. Polystyrene-based anionic brush copolymers in mixed solutions of DO and water formed micelles and, at larger amount of water, micellar aggregates with the hydrodynamic diameter of 500–1000 nm.

Well-defined hydrophilic pentablock copolymers with iterative blocks of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) and poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) were synthesized by three-step one-pot RAFT polymerization in the presence of difunctional RAFT CTA. Two types of pentablock copolymers with central blocks of either pHEMA or pDMAEMA were synthesized and thermoresponsive self-assembly of these copolymers in aqueous solutions was studied by DLS, SEM, and zeta potential measurements. It was determined that these copolymers are double thermoresponsive, with temperature-induced aggregation at about 26-36 °C and 59-65 °C.

Main publications:

Radzevicius, P., Krivorotova, T., Makuska, R. 2017. Synthesis by one-pot RAFT polymerization and properties of amphiphilic pentablock copolymers with repeating blocks of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and poly(butyl methacrylate). European Polymer Journal, vol. 87, p. 69–83.

Jonikaite-Svegzdiene, J., Kudresova, A., Paukstis, S., Skapas, M., Makuska, R. 2017. Synthesis and self-assembly of polystyrene-based diblock and triblock coil-brush copolymers. Polymer Chemistry, vol. 8, p. 5621–5632.

Radzevicius, P., Steponaviciute ,M., Krivorotova, T., Makuska, R. 2017. Double thermoresponsive pentablock copolymers: synthesis by one-pot RAFT polymerization and self-assembly in aqueous solutions. Polymer Chemistry, vol. 8, p. 7217–7228.

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. Dr. S. Budrienė, Assoc. Prof. T. Kochanė. 2015–2018.

Hydrophilic copolymers of acrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and vinyl-poly(dimethylsiloxane) were synthesized in tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and their mixtures. The obtained products were modified with glycidyl methacrylate, and cross-linking was initiated by a photoinitiator to form biocompatible hydrophilic films. Chemical structure of the obtained films was proven by FT-IR spectra and elemental analysis. The obtained films were biocompatible. 

Contractual Research

CC Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics. Prof. Dr. R. Makuška.

CC Optolita. Prof. Dr. R. Makuška.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. R. Makuška –

• member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
• member of the scientific committee of the international conference Baltic Polymer Symposium 2017;
• editorial board member of the journal Chemija (Chemistry).

 

INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCES

Director – Prof. Dr. Egidijus Rimkus

DEPARTMENTS OF THE INSTITUTE

Department of Cartography and Geoinformatics
Department of Geography and Land Management
Department of Geology and Mineralogy
Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology
Departmant of Hydrology and Climatology

RESEARCH AREAS

Geographical differentiation of Lithuania’s territory in terms of state development and territorial planning
Changes in ecosystems and climate, conservation of the environment and the use of natural resources

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2017

1. G. Bičkauskas. Sedimentology and diagenesis of Minija regional stage (Silurian) carbonates in Lithuania.

CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS ORGANIZED IN 2017

The Baltic-German University Liaison Office project seminar Climate Change and Health: German Experience to Baltic States

 

DEPARTMENT OF CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOINFORMATICS

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 268 8296

E-mail: 

Head – Prof. Dr. Habil. Algimantas Česnulevičius

STAFF

Professors: Dr. G. Beconytė, Habil. Dr. A. Česnulevičius.
Assistants: Dr. A.Balčiūnas (part-time), Dr. A.Bautrėnas, Dr. L. Bevainis, Dr. K. Papšys (part-time), Dr. D. Ovodas (part-time).
Doctoral students: J. D. Budrevičius, D. D. Gudelis, N. Mačiulevičiūtė-Turlienė, D. Vasiliauskas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Thematic mapping of natural and social phenomena in Lithuania
Photogrammetry
Geographic information systems
Cartographic design
Internet mapping

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

Cartographic Modeling of Lithuania Natural and Social Phenomenon. Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Česnulevičius. 2014–2018.

Geoinformation of social and economic phenomenon for National Atlas of Lithuania creation was analyzed and completed. Demographic, fertility-mortality, migratory, labour and unemployment, health and public health status, education of the population, economic activity of the population, mineral extraction, industry, domestic and foreign trade, finance, agriculture and forestry, service, transport, communications phenomena, its spatial dispersion and intensity were analysed.

222 original maps mapping the development of the administrative division of the territory of Lithuania, development of the population and social status, economic status and its development, extraction of natural resources and industry, transport structure and relations were created.

Main publication:

Česnulevičius, A., Morkūnaitė, R., Bautrėnas, A., Bevainis, L., Ovodas, D. 2017. Intensity of geodynamic processes in the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Spit. Earth System Dynamics, vol. 8(2), p. 419–428.

Contractual Research

Creation of original maps of the Lithuanian National Atlas (Volume III). Contractor - National Land Service. Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Česnulevičius.

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

SE GIS-centras (Lithuania)
Uniwersity of Warsaw (Poland)
University of Wroclaw (Poland)
University of Brest (Belorussian)
CC Hnit – Baltic (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof.  Dr. G. Beconytė –

• member of Commission on Geovisualization (International Cartographic Association);
• editorial board member of the journal Geografija (Geography);
• editorial board member of the Journal of Maps;
• executive secretary of the Lithuanian Cartographic Society.

Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Česnulevičius –

• editorial board member of the journal Geografija (Geography);
• editorial board member of the journal Geodesy and Cartography;
• editorial board member of the journal Polski Przegląd cartograficzny (Polish Cartographic Revue);
• President of the Lithuanian Cartographic Society.

Dr. L. Bevainis –

• editorial board member of the journal Surveying and Mapping Engineering (JSME).

 

DEPTARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND LAND MANAGEMENT

21 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8288
E-mail: 

Head – Prof. Dr. Darijus Veteikis

STAFF

Professors: Prof. Habil. Dr. P. Kavaliauskas (emeritus), Dr. D. Veteikis, Dr. D. Krupickaitė, Dr. J. Mačiulytė (part-time), Dr. D. Burneika (part-time), Dr. V. Daugirdas (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. M. Dumbliauskienė, Dr. R. Prapiestienė, Dr. F. Kavoliutė, Dr. R. Šimanauskienė, Dr. R. Tučas, Dr. R. Skorupskas, Dr. J. Volungevičius.
Assistants: Dr. L. Jukna, Dr. M. Jankauskaitė (part time), Dr. S. Šabanovas (part-time).
Lecturer: V. Bezaras (part-time).
Research fellow: Dr. G. Godienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: A. Jasinavičiūtė, A. Lukoševičienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Remote sensing and spatial analysis of landscape, biotopes and soils
History and monitoring of landscapes
Land use change analysis
Spatial analysis of political, social and economical processes
Prognoses of spatial changes of society
Urban geography
Migration studies
Rural geography
Optimization of land management and strategic planning
Geographical groundings of regional policy
Medical and health geography
Electoral geography
Mapping and visualization of geographical processes

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

Study of Lithuanian Landscape and Political, Cultural, Social and Economical Territorial Structure in the Context of Optimization of the Country‘S Spatial Organization and Planning. Prof. Dr. D. Veteikis. 2016–2020.

Research involved rural studies of The Leader programme as a model of institutional transfer in Lithuania and France, comparative social geographical studies of Lithuania and Belorussia, analysis of Lithuanian border regions in the context of European borderland studies, electorate studies of Lithuania, analysis of the implementation of the European Landscape Convention in the Baltic States during 2014–2016, spatial analysis of land use change between 1974 and 2013, identification and inventory of  extinct settlements of Lithuania, regional and correlation analysis of the epidemiology and aethiology of type 1 diabetes.

Main publications:

Chevalier, P., Mačiulytė, J., Razafimahefa, L., Dedeire, M. 2017. The Leader programme as a model of institutional transfer: learning from its local implementation in France and Lithuania. European Countryside, vol. 2, p. 317–341.

Gruževskis, B, Šabanovas, S. 2017. Lithuanian border regions - development of the periphery. Advances in European borderlands studies, vol. 7, p. 259–278.

Krupickaitė, D., Godienė, G. 2017. The Implementation of the European Landscape Convention: Activities in the Baltic States/Lithuania in 2014–2016. Kulturlandschaft und Kulturerbe. Konventionen und ihre Umsetzung in Europa: p. 105–108.

National Research Projects

Post-doc research project 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-02-0108.  Analysis of the stakeholder priorities in the assessment of urban ecosystem services demand (Vilnius city case study). 2017–2019.

International Research Projects

COST Action TU1401. Renewable Energy and Landscape Quality (RELYManagement Committee member from Vilnius University – Prof. Dr. D. Veteikis. 2014–2018.

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

Lithuanian Social Research Centre (Lithuania)
Montpellier III University (France)
Ruhr University Bochum (Germany)
Bamberg University (Germany)
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil. Dr. P. Kavaliauskas (emeritus) –

• editorial advisory board member of the Central European Journal of Geosciences (CEJG);
• international advisory board member of the Geographical Yearbook;
• editorial board member of the journal Geologija. Geografija.

Prof. Dr. D. Burneika –

• editor-in-chief of the Geographical Yearbook.
  

Prof.  Dr. D. Veteikis –

• associate editor of the journal Geologija. Geografija;
• editorial board member of the journal The Geographical Yearbook;
• editorial board member of Administration Locorum series of the Acta Scientiarum Polonorum.

 

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY

21 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel.: 239 8272, 239 8277, fax 239 8272
E-mail ,

Head – Assoc Prof. Dr. Andrej Spiridonov

STAFF

Professors: Dr. G. Motuza-Motuzevičius (emeritus), Dr. P. Šinkūnas.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Brazauskas, Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. G. Skridlaitė (part-time), Dr. S. Radzevičius, Dr. A. Spiridonov.
Assistants: Dr. A. Čečys , N. Dobrotin (part-time), Dr. A. Kleišmantas (part-time), Dr. J. Lazauskienė (part-time), Dr. D. Michelevičius (part-time), Dr. D. Kisielienė (part-time), Dr. L. Balakauskas.
Research fellow: Dr. G. Vaikutienė.
Doctoral students: E. Šinkūnė, A. Ekleris, J. Debesiūnaitė, Ž. Stankevičius, D. Dankina, M. Jankovska, V. Kirkliauskaitė, S. Lozovskis, M. Grendaitė,  A. K. Cichon-Pupienis, A. Zans.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Geology of Precambrian crystalline basement

Petrology, chronology, tectonic structure and evolution of Precambrian crystalline crust

Palaeontology, stratigraphy, and sedimentology

Taxonomy, evolutionary dynamics, macroecology and stratigraphy of early Paleozoic graptolite and brachiopods, conodonts and other vertebrates
Geochemistry and sedimentalogy of Silurian deposits of the Silurian Baltic Basin
Late Permian vertebrate paleontology and sedimentology of the north-eastern Zechstein basin
Late Glacial and Holocene diatom taxonomy and stratigraphy, changes in climate and sea level of the Baltic Sea
Lithostratigraphy of Quaternary tills based on lithological, sedimentological and geochronological data

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of Quaternary Deposits. Dr. G. Vaikutienė. 2016–2021.

Objective: to determine the palaeogeographical conditions and regularities of the formation of deposits of glacial and non-glacial origin, which are characteristic of different Quaternary periods.

Main publications:

Vaikutienė, G., Skipitytė, R., Mažeika, J., Martma, T., Garbaras, A., Barisevičiūtė, R., Remeikis, V. 2017. Environmental changes induced by human activities in the Northern Curonian Lagoon (Eastern Baltic): diatoms and stable isotope data. Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences, vol. 66(2), p. 93–108.

Kaminskas, D., Rudnickaitė, E., Vaikutienė, G. Bitinas, A., Grigienė, A., Buynevich, I. Damušytė, A., Pupienis D., Šinkūnas, P. 2017. Middle and Late Holocene paleoenvironmental developement of the Curonian Lagoon, Lithuania. Quaternary International, p. 1–10.

Andronikov, A.V., Andronikova, I., Subetto, D. A., Rudnickaitė, E. 2017. Geochemical records of paleocontamination in late pleistocene lake sediments in West Flanders (Belgium). Geografiska Annaler Series A Physical Geography, p. 1–17.

The Late Silurian Bioevents. Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Radzevičius. 2016–2020.

During the year 2017 researchers obtained new results, which were presented at conferences and published in papers. The main results were on the following topics:
Cyclostratigraphy of Wenlock;
Development of new tools for detection of dynamical transitions in the fossil record;
Integrated stratigraphy of Ludlow;
Acritarchs dynamics in late Wenlock.

Main publications:

Spiridonov, A., Stankevič, R., Gečas, T., Šilinskas, T., Brazauskas, A., Meidla, T., Ainsaar, L., Musteikis, P., Radzevičius, S. 2017. Integrated record of Ludlow (Upper Silurian) oceanic geobioevents – coordination of changes in conodont, and brachiopod faunas, and stable isotopes. Gondwana Research, vol. 51(11), p. 272–288.

Spiridonov, A., Kaminskas, D., Brazauskas, A., Radzevicius, S. 2017. Time hierarchical analysis of the conodont paleocommunities and environmental change before and during the onset of the lower Silurian Mulde bioevent - A preliminary report. Global and Planetary Change, vol. 157, p. 153–164.

Spiridonov, A. 2017. Recurrence and cross recurrence plots reveal the onset of the Mulde event (Silurian) in the abundance data for Baltic conodonts. The Journal of Geology, vol. 125(3), p. 381–398.

Impact Craters in Lithuania. Prof. Dr. G. Motuza Matuzevičius. 2015–2017.

Primary metamorphic and igneous rocks in the basement of the Mizarai impact crater and breccia (in form of fragments) affected at different degree by shock metamorphism, as wellas regularities of their distribution with the aim to reconstruct the primary composition of the target area were investigated.

Additionally dykes met in the Silurian sequence of the Baltic offshore, their mineralogical and chemical composition, and tectonic setting were researched. Their age by Ar-Ar method as 351±11Ma, correponding to Carboniferous period, close to the age of alkaline intrusions in NE Poland was estimated.

Main publications:

Motuza, G., Šliaupa, S. 2017. Paleogene volcanism in Central Afghanistan: Possible far-field effect of the India-Eurasia collision. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, vol. 147, p. 502–515.

Motuza, G., Šliaupa, S. 2017. Supracrustal suite of the Precambrian crystalline crust in the Ghor Province of Central Afghanistan. Geoscience Frontiers, vol. 8(1), p. 125–135.

International Research Projects

International Geoscience Programme (IGCP – 596): Climate Change and Biodiversity Patterns in the Mid-Palaeozoic. Participants: Dr. A. Brazauskas, Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. S. Radzevičius, Dr. A. Spiridonov.

Main publications:

Radzevičius, S., Tumakovaitė, B., Spiridonov, A. 2017. Upper Homerian (Silurian) high-resolution correlation using cyclostratigraphy: an example from western Lithuania. Acta Geologica Polonica, vol. 67(2), p. 307–322.

Spiridonov, A., Brazauskas, A., Radzevicius, S. 2017. Dynamics of Abundance of the mid- to late Pridoli Conodonts from the eastern part of the Silurian Baltic Basin: multifractals, state shifts, and oscillations (vol. 316, pg 363, 2016). American Journal of Science, vol. 317(3), p. 411–411.

Spiridonov, A., Venckute-Aleksiene, A., Radzevicius, S. 2017. Cyst size trends in the genus Leiosphaeridia across the Mulde (lower Silurian) biogeochemical event. Bulletin of Geosciences, vol. 92(3), p. 391–404.

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

Division of Geochemistry and Laboratories, Czech Geological Survey (Czech)
St. Petersburg State University (Russia)
University of Wroclaw (Poland)
Tartu University (Estonia)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. (emeritus) G. Motuza Matuzevičius –

• honourable member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
• foreign member of the Polish Academy of Art and Sciences;
• member of the European Geoscience Union;
• member of the Lithuanian Geothermal Association;
• editorial board member of the journal Geologija, Geografija.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Brazauskas –

• member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
• member of the Lithuanian Commission on Silurian Stratigraphy;
• participant of the International Geosciences Programme (IGSP) Projects 653 and 652.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. D. Kaminskas –

• editor-in-chief and reviewer of the journal Geologija, Geografija;
• webmaster of VU FNS Geology and Mineralogy Department;
• director of Deep Geology Research Centre at VU;
• member of the Geological Society of Lithuania.

Assist. Prof. Dr. J. Lazauskienė –

• member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
• secretary of the Lithuanian Commission on Silurian Stratigraphy;
• expert consultant for the Lithuanian Science and Encyclopedia Publishing;
• expert consultant for the Lithuanian version of National Geographic.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Radzevičius –

• editorial board member of the international journal Geological Quarterly;
• secretary of the international journal Geologija, Geografija;
• the head of the Lithuanian Comission on Stratigraphy;
• member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
• participant of the International Geosciences Programme (IGSP) Projects 653 and 652;
• member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).
  

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Spiridonov –

• member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
• member of International Palaeontological Association;
• member of the Paleontological Society;
• member of Pander Society (an international association of palaeontologists and stratigraphers with a common interest in the study of conodonts);
• participant of the International Geosciences Programme (IGSP) Projects 653 and 652.

Prof. Dr. P. Šinkūnas –

• chairman of the Lithuanian National INQUA Committee;
• chairman of Lithuanian National Committee of Geologists (IUGS);
• member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
• member of the Lithuanian Geographical Society;
• editorial board member of the journal Geologija, Geografija;
• editorial board member of the journal Baltica;
• editorial board member of the journal Geologijos akiračiai.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROGEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8278
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Robert Mokrik

STAFF

Professor: Habil. Dr. R. Mokrik.
Associate professors: Dr. S. Gadeikis, Dr. S. Gadeikytė, Dr. P. Klizas, Dr. K. Jokšas, Dr. G. Žaržojus, Dr. M. Gregorauskas (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. V. Jakimavičiutė Maselienė (part-time), Dr. J. Arustienė (part-time), D. Urbaitis (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. V. Jakimavičiutė Maselienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: D. Gribulis, Ž. Palaitis, V. Samalavičius, I. Lekstutytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Assessment of groundwater resources of the Quaternary aquifer system
Baltic artesian basin groundwater flow formation
Regional mathematical flow modeling of pre-quaternary aquifer systems
Isotopes and geochemistry of the groundwater
Investigation of engineering geological conditions of urbanized territories and technogenic loading influence to the geo-environment
Geotechnical properties of natural and filled soils.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research of the Geoenvironment Changes, Protection and Resources Use. Prof. Habil. Dr. R. Mokrik. 2011–2019.

Investigation of environmental isotopes and noble gases in groundwater of the Baltic Artesian Basin: determination of trace and major elements of groundwater using ICP spectrometric and ion chromatography methods; assessment of groundwater environmental isotopic ages by radioactive isotopes radiocarbon-14, tritium and noble gas isotope ratios of Kr 81 and He 4. Modeling of groundwater flow processes using MT3D codes and particle track tracing. Solving heat conduction processes according to meshless numerical scheme as a radial basic function. Engineering geological investigation of ground and soil physical-mechanical properties by static loading, dynamical penetration tests and using laboratory and field-tests methods. Estimation of soil properties using optimization of data sets on the principle of statistical learning algorithms.

Main publications:

Gerber, Ch., Vaikmae, R., Aeschbach-Hertig, W., Babre, A., Jiang, W., Leuenberger, M., Lu, Z-T., Mokrik, R., Müller, P., Raidla, V., Saks, T., Waber, N., Weissbach, Th., Zappala, J., Purtschert, R. 2017. Using 81Kr and noble gases to characterize and date groundwater and brines in the Baltic Artesian Basin on the 1 million years timescale. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 205, p. 187–210.

Štuopis, A., Mokrik, R., Gregorauskas, M., Marcinonis, A. 2017. Assessment of groundwater resources of Quaternary aquifer system in concordance with avoidable negative impact on geoenvironment, Southeastern part of Lithuania. WaterResources, vol. 44(1), p.  52–60.

De Luca, M., Žilionienė, D., Gadeikis, S., Dell’, Acqua, G. 2017. Traffic pollution assessment using artificial neural network and multivariate analysis. The Baltic Journal of Road and Bridge Engineering, vol. 12(1), p. 57–63.

International Research Projects

IAEA (Vienna) project CRP F33022 item No. 20467/R0: Integrated Studies of Crustal Permeability Based on Environmental Isotopes, Noble Gases Data and Shallow-Deep Groundwater Mass-Transport Modelling in the Surrounding Area of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. 2016–2019.

Further technical cooperation with Tallinn Technological University Isotopes Laboratory in the partners project „Groundwater flow history, global palaeoclimate signals and anthropogenic influence in the Baltic Artesian Basin: A synthesis of numerical models and hydrogeochemical data” – research program project of the Estonian Research Council 2014–2019.

Research outputs are related with investigations and paper preparation in the field of hydrochemistry and environmental isotopes (radiocarbon, tritium, stable isotopes and noble gases) of the deep groundwater for age’s assessment in the Baltic artesian basin.

Contractual Research

Contractual research of soil and ground geotechnical parameters for soil and rocks physical-mechanical properties of urbanistic sites with Ltd SC Fugro Baltic, Geoinžinerija, Kelprojektas, Sweco Lietuva, Geologijos projektavimo centras.

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

IAEA (Vienna)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Tallinn Technical University (Estonia)
Bern University (Swiss)
Heidelberg University (Germany)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil. Dr. R. Mokrik –

• editorial board member of the journal Geologija. Geografija (Geology, Geography);
• editorial board member of A.A. Balkema/Francis&Taylor Group books and monographs series Sustainable Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. G. Žaržojus –

• editorial board member of the journal Geologija. Geografija (Geology, Geography).

 

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROLOGY AND CLIMATOLOGY

21 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius 

Tel. 239 8292, fax 239 8292
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Arūnas Bukantis

STAFF
Professors: Dr. A. Bukantis, Dr. E. Rimkus, Dr. G. Valiuškevičius.
Associated professors: Dr. G. Stankūnavičius, Dr. J. Kažys, Dr. D. Pupienis, Dr. E. Stonevičius.
Assistant: Dr. R. Linkevičienė (part-time).
Lecturer: Dr. J. Liukaitytė (part-time).
Doctoral students: L. Šidlauskaitė, J. Kilpys, V. Vilčinska, D. Karlonienė, V. Mačiulytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Climate change, quantitative and qualitative fluctuations of Lithuanian water resources
Indices of climate change in Lithuania and the response of hydrosphere (lakes water levels and sediments, rivers discharges, the Baltic Sea water levels, temperature and salinity, coastline and coast sediment budget) to the long-term climate fluctuations
Extreme climatic phenomena, climatic resources dynamics and forecasting
Regional anthropogenic climate changes, climate change impact on environment and economy
Applied and road meteorology, human biometeorology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2017

Projects Supported by University Budget

Regional Analysis of Climate and Water Resources. Prof. Dr. A. Bukantis. 2014–2018. 

Identification of the tendencies of the regional climate change and the hydrological processes, assessment of the climate change impact on the Baltic Sea coasts, analysis of the measures to facilitate adequate adaptation strategies, verification of numerical weather prediction outputs under different atmospheric circulation background were realized. Also NAO and QBO oscilliations effect and its tendency on mean air temperature, precipitation, hygrotermic index and snow cover duration in Lithuania was analysed.

Main publications:

Rimkus, E. Stonevičius, E, Kilpys, J., Mačiulytė, V., Valiukas, D. 2017. Drought identification in the eastern Baltic region using NDVI. Earth System Dynamics, vol. 8(3), p. 627–637.

Stonevičius, E., Rimkus, E., Štaras, A., Kažys, J., Valiuškevičius, G. 2017. Climate change impact on the Nemunas River basin hydrology in the 21st century. Boreal Environment Research, vol. 2, p. 49–65.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Impact Assessment of Climate Change and Other Abiotic Environmental Factors on Aquatic Ecosystems. Prof. Habil. Dr.  A. Bukantis. 2015–2018.

The aim of this study is to evaluate changes of environmental factors (water temperature, hydrological regime and water quality elements) and their impact on aquatic animal diversity and productivity, and carry out an integrated impact assessment according to the multi‐annual data and climate scenarios. Three river basins and the Curonian Lagoon were chosen as research objects.

Main publication:

Valiuškevičius, G. 2017. Steponas Kolupaila’s contribution to hydrological science development. History of Geo- and Space Sciences, vol. 8, p. 57–67.

International Research Projects

Integrated Drought Management Programme in Central and Eastern Europe (IDMP CEE),  http://www.droughtmanagement.info/idmp-activities/idmp_cee/ . Assoc. Prof. Dr. G. Stankūnavičius. 2013–2017.

Drought preparedness measures (investment and non-investment measures, for example, drought insurance systems). Enhancement (and/or development) of drought monitoring and early warning systems. Development of capacity building programs for water managers and farmers. Development of case studies to document good practices in application of integrated drought management as an integral part of water and land management (including transboundary basins).

COST activity: A European Network for a Harmonised Monitoring of Snow for the Benefit of Climate Change Scenarios, Hydrology and Numerical Weather Prediction, http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/essem/ES1404. Prof. Dr. E. Rimkus. 2014–2018.

European research teams have developed different snow measurement practices, instrumentation, algorithms and data assimilation techniques customised to their purposes. However, they lack harmonised approaches, validation and methodologies. The Action co-ordinates efforts to address these issues through establishing harmonized monitoring practices, enhancing the use of observations by promoting new observing strategies, bringing together different communities, facilitating data transfer, upgrading and enlarging knowledge through networking, exchange and training, and linking them to activities in international agencies and global networks.

Project: Imaging Noteworthy Archaeological and Geomorphic Sites in Lithuania: Developing a Collaborative International Partnership (Project supported by University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, USA). Assoc. Prof. Dr. D. Pupienis. 2017.

The aim of this project was to investigate geomorphic landscape in Lithuania (Curonian Spit). The students from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire (UWEC) worked together with partners to non-invasively image the subsurface layering of selected designated coastal environment. The researchers from UWEC's and Vilnius University used ground penetrating radar (GPR) system (pulse EKKO 100 and 1000) to collect data and interpret the processed data. The GPR results are significant to understand the evolution of Curonian Spit and paleo environmental during Holocene.

Main publications:

Sergeev, A., Zhamoida, V., Ryabchuk, D., Buynevich, I., Sivkov, V., Dorokhov, D., Bitinas, A., Pupienis, D. 2017. Genesis, distribution, and dynamics of lagoon marl extrusions along the Curonian Spit, southeast Baltic Coast. Boreas, vol. 46(1), p. 69–82.

Pupienis, D., Buynevich, I., Ryabchuk, D., Jarmalavičius, D., Žilinskas, G., Fedorovič, J., Kovaleva, O., Sergeev, A., Cichoń-Pupienis, A. 2017. Spatial patterns in heavy-mineral concentrations along the Curonian Spit coast, southeastern Baltic Sea. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 195 (5), p. 41–50.

Buynevich, I., Savarese, M., Curran, H.A., Bitinas, A., Glumac, B., Pupienis, D., Kopczinski, K., Dobrotin, N., Gnivecki, P., Boush, L.P., Damušytė, A. 2017. Sand incursion into temperate (Lithuania) and tropical (the Bahamas) maritime vegetation: Georadar visualization of target-rich aeolian lithosomes. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 195 (5), p. 69–75.

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

Temple University (USA)
Institute for Environment and Sustainability (EC Joint Research Centre)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Energy Institute (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. A. Bukantis –

• editorial board member of the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, http://www.vgtu.lt/leidiniai/?id=29;
• editorial board member of the Journal of Water Security (JWS), http://jws.asu.lt/jws.

Prof. Dr. E. Rimkus –

• editorial board member of the journal Geologija. Geografija (Geology. Geography), http://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/index.php/geologija-geografija.

Prof. Dr. G. Valiuškevičius –

• member of the Nordic Hydrological Association, www.nhf-hydrology.org.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Stonevičius –

• executive editor of the journal Geologija. Geografija (Geology. Geography), http://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/index.php/geologija-geografija;
• national Correspondent of Euromediterranean Network of Experimental and Representative Basins (ERB), http://erb-network.simdif.com.

Dr. R. Linkevičienė ‒

• editorial board member of the journal Limnological review (the Journal of Polish Limnological Society), http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/limre. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Kažys –

• editorial board secretary of the journal Geologija. Geografija (Geology. Geography), http://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/public/journals/10/Redkolegija.pdf.
• editorial board member of the journal International Journal of Ecosystems and Ecology Science (IJEES), https://sites.google.com/site/injournalofecosystems/template/editor---in---chief.