Antibacterial coatings on implants at the core of YSU PhD student's research

Mikayel Torosyan is studying ways to include antibiotics in medical implants as part of his research work. Metal, ceramic and polymer implants are placed in case of bone fracture, shattering or osteoarthritis. After the installation, there is a high risk of inflammatory processes, so the patient takes antibiotics.

"Before reaching the potentially inflamed center, the antibiotic participates in metabolism and causes side (also harmful) effects. So that the antibiotic does not go through the entire chain, but affects the inflamed center at once, we offer the integration of antibiotics into the implants as a solution," said the young researcher.

Mikayel Torosyan cooperates with another scientific research group, which is engaged in 3D printing of implants, under the supervision of Marina Aghayan, Candidate of Technological Sciences at the Institute of Chemical Physics after A. B. Nalbandyan. This cooperation provided the opportunity to conduct experiments more efficiently.   

Now he is studying polymers that will be integrated into the composition of implants.

"After that study, I will try to understand how to control the rate of release of the antibiotic from the polymer, the period of its viability in the polymer, as well as to extend the shelf life," said Mikayel.

The supervisor of the research study is Academician Ashot Saghyan, Professor at the Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Associate Professor of Chemical Sciences, who always guides and gives advice to the young researcher.  

"The close cooperation between student and scientific supervisor is important in the work, otherwise we will not be able to achieve a good result. I know that I can always turn to my supervisor and get his full support, which is of pivotal importance for achieving the intended result," the young researcher noted.

After completing the research as part of the grant program, Mikayel will continue his research studies in the field of science. He emphasized that his love and interest in science arose a long time ago. He was convinced that chemical experiments and laboratory work would one day become an integral part of his life. By being admitted to YSU, the love and interest in science were transferred to the practical and tangible platform and became scientific studies.

In addition to chemistry, the young researcher is also interested in the field of pharmacology. He said that he never hesitated over entering the scientific world and choosing the Faculty of Chemistry at YSU.

"From the beginning, I thought that I should come to YSU since the best environment necessary for the professional progress of a young researcher is provided here. Both my professors and classmates are always ready to help. I have never faced any obstacles," emphasized Mikayel, adding that YSU's familiar environment and the support of scientific friends are powerful driving forces for moving forward, discovering new things and achieving professional success.

The YSU PhD student's research study on the topic "Development of the composition of polymer-antibiotic composites for bio-implants obtained by 3D printing" will last 3 years.