Research activities

Department Staff

The department consists of 8 faculty members, including 2 Doctors of Sciences and 2 Professors. Additionally, there are 6 Candidates of Sciences, 5 of whom hold the academic title of Associate Professor (including 2 external part-time faculty members who are stakeholders). Doctors and Candidates of Sciences make up 100% of the department's teaching staff.

Scientific School of the Chemistry Department and Research Activities of Faculty Members

Scientific activities at the Department of Chemistry are carried out in accordance with the "Concept of Organizing Research Work" and are an integral part of the educational process. These activities are based on the Law of Ukraine on Education, the University Charter (2023), and regulatory acts governing research work in higher education institutions.

The presence of highly qualified faculty members has enabled the establishment of a scientific school in the field of Bioorganic Chemistry, led by Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor L.O. Omelyanchyk, and Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor O.A. Brazhko.

In 2016, one doctoral dissertation was defended (O.A. Brazhko; previously defended a candidate dissertation in 2005), along with eight candidate dissertations:

• 1998 – N.V. Novosad
• 2004 – M.P. Zavhorodnyi
• 2008 – V.I. Gencheva
• 2010 – I.B. Labenska
• 2012 – M.M. Kornet
• 2012 – Yu.Yu. Petrusha
• 2019 – Yu.V. Karpenko

In 2006, a candidate dissertation was defended by V.V. Peretiatko in the specialty 13.00.09 – Theory of Learning.

In 2024, postgraduate studies resumed for A. Kozyr and Ya. Romanenko, under the supervision of O.A. Brazhko. Their dissertation defenses are scheduled for 2025 to obtain the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in specialty 091 – Biology.

Research Laboratory

The "Biotechnology of Physiologically Active Substances" laboratory has been operational since January 1, 2020:

• Head of the laboratory from 01.01.2020 – Associate Professor M.M. Kornet
• Acting head from 10.05.2023 – Associate Professor Yu.Yu. Petrusha
• Acting head from 11.12.2023 (Order No. 916-k) – Associate Professor H.F. Dudarieva

The laboratory operates within the Regional Scientific and Industrial Center "Ecology". More details: link.

Recent Projects of the Laboratory

1. Targeting Advanced Radioprotective Agents Based on Aminothiols Derivatized with Quinolines

Supervisor: Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor M.M. Kornet. Duration: 2023-2025. Funding: MSCA4Ukraine Consortium, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.

1. Synthesis of S,N-Modified Aminothiols as Potential Radioprotective Agents

Supervisor: Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor M.M. Kornet. Duration: 2022/ Funding: DAAD, Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists, 2021.

1. Rational Design of S,N-Modified Aminothiols as Potential Radioprotective Agents

State Registration No.: 0119U000226. Supervisor: Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor M.M. Kornet. Duration: 2019-2021.

Faculty members of the Department of Chemistry and postgraduate students conduct research in the field of “Search for biologically active substances of synthetic and natural origin, study of their physicochemical properties and biological activity.”

A research project was carried out within the primary working hours of faculty members on the topic: "Physicochemical prerequisites for the creation of food additives for food products with predictable properties" (State Registration No. 0116U004858, Scientific Supervisor: PhD in Chemistry, Associate Professor N.P. Lasko).

Another research project conducted within the primary working hours of faculty members focused on "Organization of the educational process in institutions of general secondary and higher education in Ukraine" (State Registration No. 0120U000372, Scientific Supervisor: PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor V.V. Peretiatko).

Under the supervision of PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor V.V. Peretiatko, research is being conducted on the topic: "Innovative approaches to teaching natural and health disciplines in secondary and higher education: development and effectiveness of methodologies" (State Registration No. 0124U003186; Duration: May 2024 – December 2027). This project includes the development of teaching methodologies for specific topics and sections of natural sciences, chemistry, biology, and health education in general secondary and higher education institutions in Ukraine, as well as research on the effectiveness of their implementation.

Associate Professor M.M. Kornet is conducting a doctoral research grant project titled "Targeting advanced aminothiol-based radioprotective agents derivatized by quinolines" for the period 01.07.2023 – 30.06.2025 at Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, under the MSCA4Ukraine Consortium and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (ID number 1232375).

The results of faculty members' research projects conducted at the department are actively integrated into the educational process.

Faculty members of the department actively participate in regional and national Olympiads and competitions.

It is also worth noting the department's significant efforts in promoting the Department of Chemistry and the university as a whole through mass media.

State-Funded Research Projects of the Department of Chemistry

During the period 2020-2024, faculty members of the department carried out the state-funded research project 6/20: "Rational Design of S,N-Modified Aminothiols as Potential Radioprotective Agents" (State Registration No. 0119U000226), under the supervision of Associate Professor M.M. Kornet. This research also included doctoral dissertation projects, as part of the competition for research projects and scientific-technical (experimental) developments for young scientists (Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, 2018).

Key achievements of the project: a virtual combinatorial library of S,N-modified aminothiols with potential antiradical and radioprotective properties was created; 25 compounds with promising antiradical and radioprotective properties were selected for synthesis through virtual screening; Chemometric analysis and quantum-chemical calculations of these compounds were conducted; Synthesis methods were developed, and fundamental heterocyclic structures were obtained.

At the Department of Chemistry of Zaporizhzhia National University (ZNU), laboratory regulations for the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds are being developed, and their physicochemical properties are studied. The research materials are actively used in lectures, specialized course programs, as well as in dissertation and student research projects.

The synthesis methods and biological screening results have been integrated into the educational process of various institutions, including: Departments of Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia Medical College, Departments of the Faculty of Biology at ZNU, The medical center of Ivchenko-Progress State Enterprise.

Research Project on Food Additives

A research project titled "Physicochemical Prerequisites for the Development of Food Additives with Predictable Properties" (State Registration No. 0116U004858) was conducted within the main working hours of the faculty, under the supervision of Associate Professor N.P. Lashko (PhD in Chemistry).

Key findings of the project: the extraction efficiency, distribution coefficient, and comparative sorption properties of hydrophobic and hydrophilic gelatin gels were studied; the influence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces on the sorption capacity of gelatin gels was confirmed; it was established that the type of functional group in flavoring agents plays a key role in their binding to biopolymer matrices; experimentally, it was demonstrated that gelatin gels with high hydrophobicity are most technologically promising for the creation of flavoring agents based on hydrophobic aromatic substances.

Scientific and Methodological Developments, Publications, and Abstracts

Over the past five years (2020-2024), the Department of Chemistry has published: over 30 educational and methodological publications; 3 monographs; 5 chapters in monographs; 33 articles in professional journals; 53 articles in journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science; 3 patents.

Faculty members have also participated in 80 international and national conferences, symposiums, and congresses, resulting in the publication of 116 abstracts.

Professional Development and Internships of Faculty Members of the Department of Chemistry

The professional development of faculty members is conducted through various forms, such as internships at departments of other leading higher education institutions with related profiles, institutions of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and training at professional development faculties.

• Associate Professor V.I. Gencheva of the Department of Chemistry:

1. 2022-2023: Completed professional development at the Department of Biological Chemistry of Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University from April 17, 2023, to May 29, 2023. Qualification Topic: "Familiarization, professional development, and improvement of professional competence based on familiarization with modern pedagogical technologies at Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University." Certificate No. 01/2023, dated May 26, 2023.
2. 2023-2024 academic year: Completed an International Online Internship for scientific-pedagogical and pedagogical workers of higher education institutions on the topic: "Formation of Competence and Development of Professional Pedagogical Skills of Teachers in Higher Education Institutions" as part of the continuous professional education program. The training lasts 6 weeks (from February 5, 2024, to March 15, 2024). The program consists of 6 modules, each lasting 30 hours (1 ECTS credit), for a total of 180 hours (6 ECTS credits). Certificate No. 2024/02/02, Gencheva Viktoriia.

• Associate Professor O.V. Luhanska of the Department of Chemistry:

1. Completed professional development at the Department of Analytical Chemistry of Zaporizhzhia State Medical University in student groups where all classes were conducted in English. The training took place from March 1 to April 12, 2022. Certificate No. 20, dated April 12, 2022.

• Associate Professor V.V. Peretiatko of the Department of Chemistry:

1. Completed an online international internship on the topic "International Projects: Writing, Application, Management, and Reporting" organized by the University of Social Sciences (UNS) Central European Academy Studies and Certifications (CEASC), Lodz, Poland, and within the CEASC project at the Catholic University – Theological Institute TF Catholic University in Ružomberok, Spišska Kapitula – Spišska Podhradie, Slovakia, from August to October 2020.
2. Completed online professional development during the internet conference "Professional Development of Chemistry and Biology Teachers: Experience and Advice" on the topics "Project-Based Learning," "Cross-Cutting Skills," and "Subject-Specific Teaching." The duration was 8 hours (0.27 ECTS credits). Certificate No. К47-365244, Educational Project "Na Urok."
3. Completed a licensed professional development program at the Institute of Pedagogy of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine on the topic "Teaching Methodology for Natural Science Courses in Grades 5-6 of General Secondary Education Institutions" in 2022. The total number of academic hours: 30 (1 ECTS credit). Certificate No. PR-1565.
4. Completed a licensed professional development program at the Institute of Pedagogy of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine on the topic "Health, Safety, and Well-Being in the New Ukrainian School: Innovative Approaches" in 2022. The total number of academic hours: 12 (0.4 ECTS credits). Certificate No. ZBD-711.

• Associate Professor Yu.Yu. Petrusha of the Department of Chemistry:

1. Completed postgraduate international internship from August 26 to October 6, 2020 (180 hours) at the University of Social Sciences (Lodz, Poland, CEASC Foundation) on the topic "International Projects: Writing, Application, Management, and Reporting." This is confirmed by the corresponding Certificate No. 2020/10/1267.

• Professor O.A. Brazhko of the Department of Chemistry:

1. Completed professional development by participating in the All-Ukrainian Conference of Researchers in Lviv, September 19-24, 2021 (30 hours, 1 credit). Certificate No. 11.

• Professor L.O. Omelyanchyk of the Department of Chemistry:

1. Completed an online internship No. 1288 in the International Scientific Internship Program "Outstanding Personalities: Studying Experience and Professional Achievements for Forming a Successful Personality and Transforming the World," from June 25, 2021, to August 16, 2021, in Dubai, New York, Rome, Jerusalem (180 hours, 6 credits).

The faculty members of the Department of Chemistry continually enhance their qualifications through an accumulative system. Additionally, they actively study foreign languages at the Foreign Language Learning Center of Zaporizhzhia National University. V.I. Gencheva, O.V. Luhanska, and V.V. Peretiatko are members of the public organization PROGRESYLNY.

Certification of Research Personnel

Faculty members of the Department of Chemistry are involved in the review of scientific and educational-methodological literature, act as official opponents for the defense of candidate and doctoral dissertations, and participate in other forms of certification of research personnel in Ukraine.

Associate Professors M.M. Kornet and V.V. Peretiatko are actively engaged by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine as experts during the licensing and accreditation procedures of higher education institutions in Ukraine.

Student Research Groups (Student Scientific Activity), Student Awards

The Department of Chemistry hosts student research groups such as "Bioorganic Chemistry" (supervised by Professors L.O. Omelyanchyk and O.A. Brazhko) and "Professionalism of Future Teachers of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Education" (supervised by Associate Professor V.V. Peretiatko) (https://sites.znu.edu.ua/stud-sci-soc/4771.ukr.html).

Students are directly involved in the scientific work of the department. The department hosts student research groups focused on scientific problems studied by the faculty.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, Chemistry students actively participated in the following conferences:

1. "Young Science – 2021, 2022, 2023" conference (22 abstracts published);
2. Regional Scientific and Practical Conference for students, postgraduates, and young scientists "Current Issues and Perspectives of Natural, Medical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences" (8 abstracts published);
3. VII International Scientific and Practical Conference "Current Problems of Biology, Ecology, and Chemistry" on April 25-27, 2024, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine (8 abstracts published).

Students' Participation in University Scientific Conference and the "Best Chemistry Expert" Competition

Achievements of the Department of Chemistry students:

1. 1st place at the XIV University Scientific and Practical Conference of Students, Postgraduates, Doctoral Students, and Young Scientists "Young Science – 2021" in the Chemistry section (Viryovkina M.);
2. Certificate of Participation in the annual ZODA competition for gifted youth in science (Lahron A.);
3. Participation in the All-Ukrainian Student Scientific Work Competition (Papiyeva T.);
4. Certificate for successful scientific research in the 2021/2022 academic year and on the occasion of Science Day (Baklan V., 3rd year);
5. 1st place in the student quiz "Best Expert" in the "Chemistry" round (Baklan V., 3rd year);
6. Membership in the International Youth Community EU Young Ocean Advocate Project (Boiky K., 1st year);
7. Certificate from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology "For the Best Report at the Sectional Meeting" at the X Regional Scientific and Practical Conference of Students, Postgraduates, and Young Scientists "Current Problems and Prospects of Development in Natural, Medical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences" (Dunaieva Z., Tarkan T., Viryovkina M., 2nd year Master's students);
8. Certificate of the Dean of the Faculty of Biology for 1st place in the student quiz "Best Chemistry Expert" (Pushkar A., 3rd year);
9. Certificate of the Dean of the Faculty of Biology for the high level of the report at the XVI University Scientific and Practical Conference of Students, Postgraduates, Doctoral Students, and Young Scientists "Young Science – 2023" (Baklan V., 4th year; Yegorov O., 1st-year Master's student; Krut O., 1st-year Master's student);
10. Certificate of the Dean of the Faculty of Biology for 1st place at the university stage of the All-Ukrainian Chemistry Olympiad (Baklan V., 4th year);
11. Certificate of the Dean of the Faculty of Biology for 2nd place at the university stage of the All-Ukrainian Chemistry Olympiad (Oleynikov S., 1st-year Master's student);
12. Certificate of the Dean of the Faculty of Biology for 3rd place at the university stage of the All-Ukrainian Chemistry Olympiad (Lebedyantsev D., 4th year);
13. Certificate of the Dean of the Faculty of Biology for active scientific activity in the 2022-2023 academic year and on the occasion of Science Day (Oleynikov S., 1st-year Master's student).