Our Lab has considerable experience in the investigation of various reaction systems, including biosystems, in both periodic and non-periodic dynamic states. For in vitro biophysical measurements, special reaction vessels were designed with a micro temperature sensor and a system of microelectrodes for continuous monitoring of the process dynamics. Also, the Lab is developing equipment for the investigation of the effects of microwave radiation as well as weak magnetic fields on living cells. The Lab is equipped for various numerical and theoretical investigations of complex reaction models.
Ongoing research:
- Irradiation of live yeast using microwaves n = 2.45GHz, in a modified microwave reactor at constant bulk temperature. The effects on cell metabolism during irradiation are further studied by biochemical assays and spectroscopic techniques.
- Development of microquantitative methods for determination of pharmaceutically active substances (quercetin, morphine, uric acid, etc.).
- Modelling of various reaction systems in chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry such as the Bray-Liebhafsky oscillatory reaction, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis including the influence of stress and alcohol on the neuroendocrine system. Using Stoichiometric Network Analysis identification of instabilities and bifurcations in models of the reaction mechanism is elaborated. Development of techniques for the quantification of various chaotic states, either from numerical simulations, or from experimental measurements.
- Optimization of the experiment design for the investigation of the effects of weak magnetic fields on living systems, as well as the investigation of urease kinetics using potentiometry and stopped-flow UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The formed intermediates will also be studied by low temperature EPR spectroscopy (in collaboration with our Lab for Magnetic Resonance).
For more information regarding these topics and collaboration, please contact Prof. Dragomir Stanisavljev, PhD: dragisa@ffh.bg.ac.rs