Exchanges period 1

From 02 February to 01 March 2024, Associate Professor Ganna Yanovska visited the NANOWAVE SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA (NanoWave) Warszawa, Poland in the frame of Horizon Europe MSCA-SE project “Towards development of new antibacterial strategy for dentistry” 
The primary objective of this visit was to create and functionalize silver and copper nanoparticles to enhance their antibacterial properties and reduce toxicity. Various kinds of stabilization techniques were applied and compared for estimation of stabilizers influence on nanoparticles cytotoxicity. The physicochemical properties of obtained nanoparticles were investigated. Characterization was performed after various processing conditions.
This visit enhanced our proficiency in synthesis and modification of various kinds of nanoparticles. The innovative strategies of nanoparticles functionalization that were applied during visit could improve antibacterial properties of dental materials without antibiotic resistance.

The collaboration with "NanoWave" in Poland provided instrumental approaches for the researchers from Sumy State University in development of an innovative antibacterial strategy for dentistry.

From 5 February till 4 March, Yevheniia Husak had a secondment to the University of Latvia, Riga.

During the visit, Yevheniia Husak conducted training sessions centered around laboratory safety. The main task of this visit was to develop composite bone grafting materials with silver nanoparticles followed by evaluation of their biocompatibility. Additionally, she actively participated in drafting a research publication, involving the preparation, analysis, and description of the obtained results. During the visit Yevheniia took part in 82nd International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia with poster presentation.

From 13 January till 12 February, representatives from Sumy State University, Yuliіa Varava and Valerіia Korniienko, embarked on a one-month visit to "MB Sensografa" in Vilnius, Lithuania, as part of the Horizon Europe MSCA-SE project titled "Towards the development of a new antibacterial strategy for dentistry." (ARGO) Their objective during this visit was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the structural, optical, and chemical properties of nanoparticles using atomic force microscopy (AFM).

The utilization of AFM facilitated a detailed analysis of the nanoparticles, yielding valuable insights into their size, shape, morphology, and other pertinent characteristics.

The collaboration with "MB Sensografa" in Lithuania proved instrumental in providing the researchers from Sumy State University with essential data, marking a significant stride forward in the pursuit of developing an innovative antibacterial strategy tailored for dentistry.

This visit underscored the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the scientific community, highlighting the collective efforts aimed at addressing pressing healthcare challenges and fostering advancements in dental care.

Dr. Maksym Pogorielov, a senior researcher at the Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, engaged in a collaborative visit to Umeå University from January 17 to February 16 as part of the ARGO project. During his visit, he and Prof. Roman Moskalenko from Sumy State University, who also spent time at Umeå Dental Laboratory, successfully developed a model for dental root canal infection. They utilized silver nanoparticles in a novel approach to inhibit bacterial colonization. In addition, alongside Prof. Thomas Boren, they crafted a proposal for the Swedish Institute call, actively incorporating several members from the ARGO consortium.

The head of the Ukrainian-Swedish research center SUMEYA, Professor Roman Moskalenko (Sumy State University, Ukraine) took part in a business trip within the framework of the MSCA-SE project "Towards the development of a new antibacterial strategy for dentistry" (ARGO) at Umea Dentallaboratorium Holding AB (UDAB, Umea, Sweden) from January 14 to February 13, 2024.

During the visit of Prof. Roman Moskalenko held meetings and negotiations with Frederik Jonson (UDAB), prof. Anders Berglund (Department of Odontology, Umeå University) regarding the expansion of existing cooperation within the framework of the ARGO project. During the secondment, Prof. Roman Moskalenko worked on the development of a model of infectious tooth damage and subsequent treatment of the infection. Modern equipment and materials of Umea Dentallaboratorium Holding AB came in handy for this.

Anna Butsyk and Iryna Tkachenko the researchers from Sumy State University (Sumy, Ukraine) took part in the secondment under the MSCA-SE project “Towards development of new antibacterial strategy for dentistry” (ARGO) (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101086441) at Umea Dentallaboratorium Holding AB (UDAB), Umea, Sweden from January 20, 2024, till March 19, 2024.

During this period, Anna and Iryna mainly focused on constructing the tooth crown using different materials and evaluating its quality. Also, they continued to work with FORSTEC software for crown modeling and performed 3D printing of tooth crown models.

From 15 January till 27 January, Prof. Arunas Ramanavicius had a secondment to the University of Latvia, Riga.

Prof. Arunas Ramanavicius visited University of Latvia, Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy with aim to provide modification of AgNPs with polydopamine (PDA). During research period he provided several modifications and evaluate NPs size and surface change using DLS method. Selected samples with appropriate properties will be used for investigation of their biocompatibility and antibacterial effectiveness. Additionally prof. Ramanavicius participated in preparation of new joint project under the SI call.

From 14 December  till 13 January, Agne Ramanaviciute had a secondment to the University of Latvia, Riga.

Agne Ramanaviciute, representative of MB Sensografa (Vilnius, Lithuania) completed her secondment under the MSCA-SE project ARGO. During the visit Agne provided investigation of different types of AgNPs in bacteriological laboratory. She assessed their Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MIC) towards different bacteria strains, including S. Aureus and E. Coli. Obtained results will be used for drafting collaborative paper.

From 25 November to 24 December 2023, Ph.D. student Yevheniia Husak visited the NANOWAVE SPOLKA ZOGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA (Nanowave) Warszawa, Poland.

The primary objective of this visit was to create particles capable of maintaining a suspended state consistently. To achieve this, we investigated the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles through repeated separation and washing processes involving water and alcohol. The data obtained offered valuable insights into the diverse physical and chemical characteristics of these nanoparticles under various processing conditions.

This visit was transformative, significantly enhancing our expertise in synthesizing and characterizing nanomaterials. The outcomes we achieved hold promise in influencing ongoing research endeavors focused on devising innovative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and elevate the standards of dental healthcare.

From 25 November till 24 December, Dr. Maksym Pogorielov and Dr.Viktoriia Korniienko had a secondment to the Umea Dentallaboratorium Holding AB, Umeå, Sweden.

During the visit they provided development of dental crown model using modern CAD/CAM techniques. Hosting organization provided intensive training in CAD/CAM techniques that they used for development of orthodontic constructions. Togeter with secondees from Sumy State University and in cooperation with Umea University we developed tooth model for application in bacteria leakage experiment.

Anna Butsyk and Iryna Tkachenko the representatives of Sumy State University (Sumy, Ukraine) took part in the secondment under the MSCA-SE project “Towards development of new antibacterial strategy for dentistry” (ARGO) (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101086441) at Umea Dentallaboratorium Holding AB (UDAB) from 9 October till 8 December, Umea, Sweden. 

During the secondment period Anna and Iryna worked on scanning teeth in the oral cavity for modelling of tooth crown. They had the opportunity to work with software FORSTEC which allows create a digital version of the crown with further 3D printing. Also Iryna and Anna studied different techniques of tooth implant and crown development. 

From 15 August  till 2 September, Prof. Arunas Ramanavicius had a secondment to the University of Latvia, Riga.

Prof. Arunas Ramanavicius, representing Sensografa. Throughout his stay, he carried out tests on innovative silver nanoparticles utilizing the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method. He evaluated the hydrodynamic size and Z-potential of AgNPs produced through various synthesis techniques. Following the visit, the selected nanoparticles are now being readied for detailed examination using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) at Sensografa's laboratory.

From 22 July till 21 September, Anna Butsyk and Iryna Tkachenko had a secondment to the Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

During the secondment period Anna and Iryna focused on the investigation of bacterial growth-transfer in the dental models.

Anna identified bacterial cells by fluorescent immucytochemical staining. Anna took part in 24th Annual Conference on Material Science YUCOMAT 2023 (Herceg Novi, Montenegro, September 4-8, 2023). 

Iryna was involved in the following study of bacteria from the dental models by spectroscopy and microscopy (bright field and fluorescent).

From 02 August till 01 September, Dr. Maksym Pogorielov had a secondment to the "MB Sensografa" in Vilnius, Lithuania.

During a one-month secondment from the University of Latvia to SensoGrafa MB, Dr. Maksym Pogorielov undertook a focused training in Raman spectroscopy. The primary objective of this training was to enhance proficiency in utilizing Raman spectroscopy for the characterization of nanoparticles and nanocomposites. Specifically, the aim was to investigate ZnO/Au-antibody complexes for their potential application in detecting Listeria monocytogenes. 

The study encompassed a thorough exploration of various types of AgNPs, with a particular emphasis on conducting comprehensive analyses of their chemical composition and phase characteristics. The amassed data is intended to contribute to a holistic understanding of how different capping agents impact the structure, chemical properties, and overall biological efficacy of nanoparticles. 

Additionally, the research delved into the assessment of the specificity of ZnO/Au-antibody complexes in detecting Listeria monocytogenes. This evaluation sought to establish the unique ability of these complexes to selectively identify and target the presence of L. monocytogenes. 

In essence, Dr. Maksym Pogorielov's month-long collaboration with SensoGrafa MB encompassed rigorous training in Raman spectroscopy, coupled with extensive investigations into nanoparticle characterization and the potential of ZnO/Au-antibody complexes for targeted pathogen detection. 

From 29 July to 28 August 2023, Ph.D. student Yevheniia Husak visited the NANOWAVE SPOLKA ZOGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA (Nanowave) Warszawa, Poland.

During the visit, she engaged in the synthesis of silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles. These particles exhibit potential for various biomedical uses, especially for antibacterial applications. The obtained data offered significant insights into the physical and chemical characteristics of the produced nanoparticles. Yevhenia actively participated in drafting a research publication, involving the preparation, analysis, and description of the obtained results. The obtained results allowed us to contribute to ongoing research projects aimed at developing innovative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and improve dental healthcare.

From 29 July  till 28 August, Dr. Oksana Pogorielova had a secondment to the University of Latvia, Riga.

During her secondment, Dr. Oksana Pogorielova actively participated in training sessions focused on nanomaterials functionalization and the technique of electrospinning. Throughout her visit, she conducted investigations on silver nanoparticles utilizing the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method. These investigations aimed to determine the size and Z-potential of the nanoparticles, with a focus on assessing how these characteristics varied depending on the synthesis method employed.

Furthermore, Oksana Pogorielova contributed by delivering a group seminar that centered on the critical topic of antibiotic resistance and innovative methods for antibacterial treatment. This knowledge-sharing session was a valuable addition to the exchange of expertise during her secondment.

From 20 July till 19 August 2023, Dr. Viktoriia Korniienko and Ph.D. student Kateryna Diedkova visited (Nanowave) Warszawa, Poland.

During the visit, training sessions focusing on laboratory and chemical safety were conducted. We then proceeded to synthesize silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles, which are potentially useful for biomedical applications. The obtained data provided valuable insights into the properties of the nanoparticles produced. We engaged in the preparation and discussion of a draft research publication.

Overall, the visit was a valuable opportunity to expand our knowledge and skills in the field of nanomaterials synthesis and characterization. It also allowed us to contribute to ongoing research projects aimed at developing innovative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and improve dental healthcare.

From 12 May till 11 July, Anna Butsyk and Iryna Tkachenko had a secondment to the Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

During the secondment period Anna and Iryna tested the antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles, denoted AgNPs to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Anna focused on developing the dental model and was also responsible for the model validation experiments, while Iryna focused on studies of the physical properties of the AgNPs by electron microscopy (EM) at the Umeå Centre for Electron microscopy (UCEM) facility.

From 24 May till 23 June, Dr. Maksym Pogorielov had a secondment to the "MB Sensografa" in Vilnius, Lithuania.

During the visit, we conducted a comprehensive characterisation of Ag nanoparticles and ZnO/ZnO-Au nanocomposites using SEM, TEM, FTIR, and Raman techniques. All the obtained data has been archived for future analysis and preparation of research papers. A research seminar on the application of hydroxyapatite in dentistry and surgery was delivered. The nanoparticles and nanocomposites were selected for in-vitro investigation.