Ultrashort pulse laser treatment of cp-Ti immersed in aqueous silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution A biodegradable cellular matrix that supports bone tissue regeneration and at the same time prevents the formation of bacterial biofilm on it has been developed by a research team from the Institute of Electronics of BAS. During their experimental studies, the scientists generated a coated surface that can be applied in the development of customized, multi-component and porous structured implants imitating the natural body environment and possessing antibacterial properties. By means of ultrashort laser pulse processing, properties optimally tailored to the biocompatibility, mechanical and physiological needs of the host tissue are sought. The team's development is innovative and has potential for future application in tissue engineering. The research team [...]

A new picosecond laser with harmonic frequency generation modules will support research at the Institute of Electronics of BAS. The state-of-the-art equipment will be used to develop new multifunctional materials. Within the framework of two projects funded by the National Science Fund, scientists from the Micro- and Nanophotonics Laboratory are looking for new approaches to form composite nanostructures from metal oxides and precious metals and to obtain new materials by laser-induced decomposition of nitride ceramics. The research will apply the method of laser ablation by picosecond pulses. Picosecond laser systems, generating pulses with durations of units to tens of picoseconds, are of increased scientific and applied interest. They are easier to use and more stable than systems generating ultrashort pulses. The application of picosecond laser [...]

Dr. Ivalina Trendafilova from the Institute of Organic Chemistry with Center of Phytochemistry - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was awarded the "Prof. Christo Balarew" award of the Union of Chemists in Bulgaria "Outstanding Young Scientist in Inorganic Chemistry". The ceremony was held on the Day of the National Enlighteners. The prize was awarded for Dr. Trendafilova's developments in the field of preparation of innovative porous nanosized silicates and their potential application as carriers in drug-delivery systems to improve the efficiency of application of biologically active substances of natural origin, and also for the preparation of effective catalysts for the treatment of wastewater and harmful emissions from production processes.

The European Commission awarded the COUNTERFOG project with the 2022 Security Innovation Award. The international interdisciplinary project involves 30 scientists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The EU prize is awarded for a research project in the field of security technologies. The aim of the COUNTERFOG project is to create systems for the protection of public facilities in the event of terrorist attacks with weapons of mass destruction, military actions, industrial accidents, disasters, etc. The project is implemented by a consortium of 10 European institutions. The head of the Bulgarian team is Assoc. Prof. Ognyan Ivanov. The project is implemented at BAS by the Institute of Solid State Physics and GIS - TRANSFER CENTER. The team from the Academy has developed instrumentation to control fog [...]

Nanocoatings that can stop viruses and bacteria from infecting surfaces such as door handles and ATMs are being developed by an international team of scientists as part of the Surface Transfer of Pathogens (STOP) project. The aim is to prevent infections from occurring through contact with contaminated surfaces and thus improve the protection of human health. The research involves a team from the Institute of Electronics of BAS which will seek to address the problem by surface structuring to improve antimicrobial activity. The STOP project is funded by the EU and involves 15 organisations from industry and academia. "The 'Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung' (BAM) in Germany and the University of Birmingham (UoB) are leading the research. Different surfaces in areas frequented by many people, [...]