The main directions are modeling of cold astrochemical processes, studies of the structure and properties of intermediates and unusual molecules at cryogenic temperatures, development of promising nanosensitizers for radiotherapy and theranostics using X-ray radiation, radiation-chemical synthesis of metal-polymer nanocomposites.
A special place in the modern topic of the laboratory is occupied by studies of radiation-chemical transformations of isolated molecules in matrices of solid noble gases at temperatures in the helium range, as well as the structure and properties of new molecules and radicals with unusual chemical bonds - noble gas hydrides of the HNgY type. The laboratory has original techniques and a unique complex of helium cryostats for such studies using IR and EPR spectroscopy methods
- IR spectroscopy
- EPR spectroscopy
Research directions
Radiation chemistry of crown ethers and crown-containing systems
This area is associated with the problems of developing radiation-resistant extraction systems and sorbents based on crown ethers for nuclear fuel reprocessing and radioanalytical applications.
The main attention is paid to the mechanisms of radiation-chemical transformations of crown ethers of various structures, as well as to the study of the influence of the nature of the cation and anion on radiation-chemical processes in crown-containing systems. Along with this, attempts are being made to develop original methods for obtaining crown-containing sorbents.
EPR spectroscopy is used to characterize the mechanisms of radiation-chemical transformations, various synthetic and analytical techniques are used.
Radiation-chemical synthesis of metal polymer nanocomposites
Within the framework of this direction, the task of single-stage radiation-chemical synthesis of promising hybrid nanomaterials, which may be of potential interest for various applications (creation of tissues with bactericidal properties, sensors, optical filters, catalysts), is being solved.
The main attention is paid to the development of new principles for controlling the size and distribution of metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles obtained by radiation-chemical reduction of metal ions in aqueous polymer systems.
The research uses modern structural methods (electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis), as well as methods for studying the kinetics of radiation-chemical processes (electron absorption spectroscopy and EPR).
Development and model studies of the mechanisms of action of promising nanosensitizers for radiotherapy and theranostics using X-ray radiation
Currently, cancer treatment is one of the main problems of medicine. In many cases, radiation therapy is used to treat cancer, and in some cases it is the only effective option. The combination of radiation therapy with radiosensitizing drugs makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of treatment. This approach is most promising for X-ray irradiation with an energy from 10 to 100 keV.
Within the framework of this direction, the LSE conducts systematic comprehensive studies of the mechanisms of radiation-chemical processes in systems containing nanosensitizers, the influence of radiation energy and the composition of the medium, as well as the nature, concentration, size, shape and surface properties of these nanomaterials on their radiosensitizing ability.
The main goal is to develop and optimize new promising nanomaterials based on metal and oxide particles using an original method of radiation–chemical modification of the surface of nanoparticles by macromolecules.
The spin trap method based on the quantitative determination of radicals using EPR spectroscopy, as well as Monte Carlo calculations and gel electrophoresis (together with the A.I. Burnazyan FMBC and IFHE RAS) is used as the main method of model studies of radiation-chemical processes.
Radiation-chemical transformations of small molecules in low-temperature matrices
Within the framework of this direction, experimental and theoretical studies of the structure and properties of various highly reactive intermediates and unusual molecules at temperatures in the helium range are carried out.
The original approaches and methods used in the work allow us to obtain unique information of interest to various branches of chemistry and chemical physics, in particular, radiation chemistry and photochemistry, chemistry of interstellar space, terrestrial and planetary atmospheres, as well as for the development of new principles for manipulating chemical reactions at low temperatures.
Of independent interest is the possibility of obtaining and studying the properties of a new class of compounds with unusual chemical bonds – noble gas hydrides with the general formula HNgX.
The research uses a combination of highly informative IR and EPR spectroscopy methods in matrix isolation conditions, and modern quantum chemical calculations are used.