Scientists from 15 European countries are discussing their latest developments in the field of antimicrobial coatings for use in public buildings at Sofia Tech Park. The meeting is taking place today and tomorrow and is part of the "STOP - Surface transfer of Pathogens" project funded by the Horizon Europe programme. The project leader on the Bulgarian side is Assoc. Prof. Albena Daskalova from the Institute of Electronics of BAS. The work of the Bulgarian researchers is focused on the application of light in the form of ultra-short laser radiation to create innovative and time-resistant antibacterial surfaces. The idea is to invent micro- and nano-structure surfaces made of steel, copper and polymers which are used in the manufacture of door handles for the metro, operating [...]

Antibacterial surfaces with applications in repairing damaged bone tissue are being developed by scientists at the Institute of Electronics of BAS. The research has used ultrashort-pulse lasers to enhance the antibacterial properties of ceramic and polymer materials compatible with human tissue. The results of laboratory studies show the influence of laser radiation on the cellular composition of surfaces which is essential for the efficient repair of damaged tissues. The antimicrobial properties of laser-treated surfaces have been evaluated in interaction with different bacterial strains. Studies have shown that bacterial cells are less easily retained on the treated materials and their viability is reduced. The experimental methodology of the scientists from the Institute of Electronics confirms the non-contact surface femtosecond laser structuring of biocompatible materials as a [...]

The Institute of Polymers-BAS organized an information campaign "Open Doors Day" which took place on 26 November. The initiative was attended by a record number of visitors who had the opportunity to explore the scientific infrastructure of the Institute and observe interesting practical demonstrations, including: 3D printing of polymer biomaterials; Exposure of polymeric materials for wound healing and delivery of drug substances obtained by electrospinning; Synthesis, modification and degradation of polymers using microwave reactor; Observation of micro- and nanoparticles with scanning electron microscope; Preparation of temperature-sensitive polymer hydrogel; X-ray structural analysis of plastic products; Observation of the Brownian motion of colloidal dispersions of carbon nanotubes with light microscope; Characterization of polymers and polymer-based composites: determination of composition, molar mass and dispersity, and thermo-mechanical properties; Rheological [...]

The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences awarded the "Acad. Ivan Kostov" Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography (IMC) with a SILVER plaquette at a solemn celebration held at BAS. The award is presented on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of its foundation and for significant scientific achievements in the field of mineralogy and crystallography, the study and modelling of natural and technogenic mineral systems. The Academy's Scientific Secretary-General, Prof. Neli Koseva, presented the award to the Director of the Institute, Prof. Boris Shivachev. On behalf of the BAS leadership, Prof. Koseva presented a congratulatory address in which the undisputable contributions of the scientists in solving scientific and applied problems related to the extraction and efficient use of mineral resources as well as the characterization of [...]

  BELCHEM 2024: Electrochemistry for environmental protection, life quality improvement and sustainable energy conference was held from 25 to 28 September in Haskovo. The event was organized by the Institute of Physical Chemistry of BAS in cooperation with IEES-BAS, "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv, Thracian University - Stara Zagora, TU-Sofia and UCTM-Sofia. The conference covered the full spectrum of modern electrochemical research conducted by Bulgarian scientists from across the country, engaging participants from universities and research institutions. Along with Bulgarian researchers, foreign scientists, representatives of the Bulgarian electrochemical diaspora participated in the forum. Thirty-two oral and 24 poster presentations were given on: electrochemical materials science, electrochemical energy conversion and storage, analytical electrochemistry and non-electrochemical methods for the study of new materials with electrochemical applications. BELCHEM [...]

A working meeting of the teams of the bilateral cooperation project between the Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies (IOMT-BAS) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, was held at the Center of Excellence "Mechatronics and Clean Technologies" - Geo Milev Campus. The meeting which took place on 15 August was on "New materials for next generation integrated optics, optoelectronics and spintronics: synthesis and applications". Coordinators from the Bulgarian side are Prof. DSc Vera Marinova and for Taiwan: Prof. Shiuan Huei Lin. The event marked 22 years of official scientific research cooperation between the partners with a series of lectures by Bulgarian and Taiwanese scientists. Dr. Suang-Jing Pong from the Science and Technology Department of the Taipei Representative Office in Berlin, Germany was a [...]