News

For the first time, RUDN University chemists obtained polymer nanoparticles from chitosan derivatives with antibacterial activity at the level of modern antibiotics. Chitosan is a polyaminosaccharide, which is obtained from chitin and is actively used as a biological additive and cosmetics, but the antibacterial properties of chitosan are expressed quite poor, mainly due to its low solubility in water. Chemical modification of chitosan allows obtaining water-soluble chitosan derivatives with increased antibacterial activity. In this study, chitosan derivatives with extremely high antibacterial activity and significant solubility in water were obtained. To synthesize chitosan derivatives, from which highly active nanoparticles are formed, scientists have developed a new approach based on a combination of click chemistry and ultrasonic processing. With the help of the proposed approach, it will be possible to obtain other polysaccharide particles with antibacterial activity. The article is published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

Soil scientists from RUDN University found that the most suitable conditions for microorganisms are created in soil pores ranging in size from 60 to 180 micrometers. To visualize the relationship between enzymes produced by soil microorganisms and pore size, researchers first created a three-dimensional map of soil structure. To do this, they used soil 2D zymography and X-ray computed tomography. The article is published in the best soil science journal Soil Biology and Biochemistry.

Postgraduate student Peter Harin and Master students Elena Makeeva and Valeria Savich from the Institute of Applied Mathematics and Telecommunications of the RUDN University underwent a one-week internship in Austria at Johannes Kepler Universität Linz.

RUDN University mathematician for the first time proved the theorem of existence and uniqueness of solutions of the Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation in a strip. Such theorems are very rare for partial differential equations. The new results can be applied, for instance, in astrophysics, in describing the propagation of plane waves in plasma. The article is published in the journal Nonlinear Analysis: Real World Applications.

RSF mega-grant, new laboratory, network of green spaces monitoring, Joint degree master's and postgraduate programs – for just a year of work at the RUDN University and many years of cooperation with the university, Nobel Prize Laureate Riccardo Valentini was able to realize many successful projects and is not going to stop on it.

A RUDN University chemist synthesized fluorescent compounds with "merry-go-round" molecules that can be used to create economical displays with organic LEDs (OLED). The nucleus of these molecules is a triangle of silver or copper atoms, and organic elements are bound to it through phosphorus atoms and are able to rotate around them. This molecular geometry doubled the quantum yield of luminescence to 41 percent. In modern OLED screens, this figure is 20 percent. The article is published in Inorganic Chemistry.

A chemist from RUDN University has developed a tin silicate catalyst for the production of esters — flavours, plasticisers, and biofuel components. Unlike existing catalysts, the new material can be made active again and reused. The results are published in the journal Microporous and Mesoporous Materials.

Plastic surgery as a scientific field is developing rapidly, this topic discussed at the roundtable “Human Science: How Plastic Surgery Will Change in the Near Future” at the Russia Today International News Agency. RUDN University was represented by Professor Natalya Tataurschikova, Deputy Dean for Scientific, Organizational and Methodological Work, RUDN University

Experts from France told RUDN students that the effect of electromagnetic radiation on human organism from such "safe" devices as mobile phones or solar panels can be amplified many times depending on geological conditions and environmental conditions.

RUDN University mathematician proposed a method for calculating the optimal trajectory of spacecraft with electric propulsion, whose thrust is thousands times less than chemical one has, but it is able to work for years. These motors are best suited for interplanetary missions. Mathematicians calculated the flight parameters of the space probe with such motor to Mars and Mercury. The paper is published in the journal Cosmic Research.

RUDN University chemists have discovered a unique method for making plastic film based on natural polysaccharides. It simultaneously has antioxidant, antimicrobial and barrier properties, and protects the content against ultraviolet exposure. Using the film to package and coat food products will considerably extend their shelf life.

Mathematicians from RUDN University and the Nuclear Safety Institute of the RAS (NSI RAS) have proposed a numerical method for solving equations describing the propagation of light in a medium.