YSU biologists are developing food science in Armenia

The five-year research "Potential of compounds of plant origin in the development of food and feed preservatives and new biologically active additives" is financed by the Science Committee of the RA ESCS Ministry. The goal is to develop natural preservatives, biologically active additives, and other preparations (α-tested, TRL-5) with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, which will be used in the fields of agriculture, food production, as well as preventive medicine, and veterinary medicine.

The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiotic-modulating activity of extracts isolated from plants (for example, Vitis vinifera, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum vulgare, Artemisia dracunculus, Ribes nigrum, etc.) are studied within the scope of the research. Different microorganisms and cell lines from different origins are used as test systems. Plant metabolism and cytotoxicity of extracts are also studied. The effect of solutions on microbial membranes, cellular antioxidant activity, and a diabetic nephropathy model is investigated.

During the conversation with us the head of the research group, senior researcher of the Chair of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology of YSU Faculty of Biology, Ph.D. Naira Sahakyan stressed that they are trying to solve several problems in parallel. "In addition to developing plant-based preservatives, we want to address fundamental issues related to the development and prevention of modern diseases (such as cancer, diabetic nephropathy, and other diabetic complications), as well as address one of the greatest challenges of our time: antibiotic resistance."

As part of the scientific program implemented in 2021, eight scientific articles have already been published in peer-reviewed international journals, while three are currently under publication.

The members of the scientific group are Ph.D. Margarit Petrosyan from the YSU Chair of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology of the Faculty of Biology, Ph.D. Gohar Sahakyan from the Institute of Hydroponics Problems named after G.S. Davtyan, MD of Yerevan State Medical University Armenuhi Moghrovyan, graduate students of YSU Faculty of Biology Anush Babayan, Anahit Shirvanyan, Sylvard Tadevosyan, MA Alvard Minasyan, and MA Naira Vardanyan. The international partner of the project is Professor, nutritionist, and chemist Agnieszka Bartoszek from Gdansk University of Technology (Poland).

The scientific interests of Naira Sahakyan and Agnieszka Bartoszek crossed as early as 2016, within the framework of the European Union's "Horizon-2020" program, when more than 100 participants from 40 countries trusted each other and decided to implement joint scientific projects. Before the initiation of the research, with the cooperation of universities, young researchers of the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology of YSU Faculty of Biology underwent laboratory practice at the Gdansk University of Technology, developing their professional skills and knowledge.

Within the research framework, young Armenian specialists also have the opportunity to travel to Poland and get to know the environment where international partners work. Anahit Shirvanyan, a member of the scientific group, has already conducted research at Gdansk University of Technology, the results of which are now summarized in a scientific article. A visit of two young specialists is planned shortly.

According to the requirements of the grant program, Agneska Bartoshek visited YSU for the 2nd time to get acquainted with the ongoing scientific processes. The professor admires the efforts of YSU biologists to communicate, cooperate, and become equal partners with foreign colleagues and scientists, one of the manifestations of which are the steps towards the development of food science in Armenia, which has received a lot of attention in the international scientific community, especially during the last 5 years.

Referring to the development opportunities of food science in Armenia, the professor emphasized, "There are many types of plants in Armenia, the semiological activity of which is not known, therefore the country is a wonderful source for studies, in which the use of even old and already used methods is justified."

During the ten-day visit, Agnieszka Bartoszek participated in the 31st international conference entitled "Functional food and biologically active compounds: Modern and medieval approaches", had professional meetings and discussions on various topics related to nutrition, and also held a lecture on the general principles of new developments in nutrition.

In the conversation with us, Bartoshek noted that cooperation with Armenian colleagues is of special importance for her for scientific and personal reasons.

"Armenians in Poland have a unique Polish name, Ormianie, which speaks of the representation of the Armenian community and centuries-old friendship. I feel at home in Armenia, as people's manners and the way of communication are very familiar to me, which inspires me to strengthen partnership ties," emphasized the professor of Gdansk University of Technology.

Naira Sahakyan and Agnieszka Bartoszek mentioned that they want to implement new scientific projects in the future and organize the exchange of students, professors, and other educational programs, strengthening the scientific dialogue of universities.