Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences

  24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
  Tel. 85 219 3105
  E-mail:
  www http://www.chgf.vu.lt
  Dean – Prof. Aivaras Kareiva

 

 

INSTITUTES OF THE FACULTY
Institute of Chemistry
Institute of Geosciences

STAFF
113 teachers (incl. 103 holding research degree), 23 research fellows (incl. 19 holding research degree), 82 doctoral students.

INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 85 219 3100
E-mail:
www http://www.chgf.vu.lt
Director – Dr Lina Mikoliūnaitė

DEPARTMENTS OF THE INSTITUTE
Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry
Department of Applied Chemistry
Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Department of Organic Chemistry
Department of Physical Chemistry
Department of Polymer Chemistry

RESEARCH AREAS
• Synthesis and Investigation of Novel Materials and Nanostructures
• Development of Analysis Methods

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2022
Milita Vagner. Growth and investigation of nanostructured manganite films doped with cobalt.
Dzmitry Busel. Emulsion of epoxy oligomers, their colloid-chemical properties and new fields of their application.
Augustina Jozeliūnaitė. Dynamic hydrogen-bonded tubular supramolecular assemblies.
Eivydas Andriukonis. Yeast cell wall modification for improvements in biofuel cells.
Šarūnas Žukauskas. Glucose biosensors and glucose-powered biofuel cells.
Justina Medžiūnė. The synthesis and applications of oligonucleotide-modified nucleotides.
Ramūnas Diliautas. Synthesis and investigation of bismuth mixed ferrites and manganites.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2022
• International Conference „Funcional Inorganic Materials 2022“, Vilnius, Lithuania;
• Students Scientific Conference dedicated to 225 years anniversary of the Institute of Chemistry, Vilnius University “Chemistry and Chemical Technology 2022”, Vilnius, Lithuania;
• International conference-school “Advanced Materials and Technologies 2022”. Palanga, Lithuania.
• 1st International Conference on Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications, AMBRA 2022 16-19 May 2022, Wrocław, Poland.
• National Conference “Theodorus Grotthuss. Genius ahead of time”. 4 March 2022, Žeimelis, Lithuania. https://www.lma.lt/news/1469/67/Moksline-konferencija-Teodoras-Grotusas-Genijus-pralenkes-laika

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2022
• Doc. Dr Ieva Plikusienė – International Rising Talents award (UNESCO and Loreal Foundation);
• Assist. Prof. Dr A. Popov - Young Scientist Scholarship of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
• Prof. S. Tumkevičius. Juozas Matulis (chemistry) prize of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

 

DEPARTMENT OF ANALYTICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3114, 219 3119
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Habil. Audrius Padarauskas

STAFF
Professors: Dr A. Katelnikovas, Dr Habil. A. Padarauskas, Dr A. Ramanavičienė, Dr V. Vičkačkaitė.
Associate professors: Dr A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė, Dr V. Olšauskaitė, Dr E. Naujalis (part-time), Dr I. Plikusienė (post-doc researcher).
Assistant professors: Dr A. Popov, Dr V. Poškus, Dr A. Žarkov.
Researcher: Dr A. Popov (part-time).
Doctoral students: K. Blaževič, B. Brasiūnas, V. Kavaliauskas, A. Kizalaitė, G. Laurinavičius, V. Lisytė, S. Pazylbek, L. Sakalauskienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Analytical, inorganic, solid-state and materials chemistry, wet chemical synthesis of calcium phosphates, sol-gel synthesis and characterisation of multicomponent metal oxide systems, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)

• Biosensors, immunosensors, nanobiotechnology and biofuel cells

• Upconverting nanoparticles for biomedical applications

• Inorganic quantum-cutting phosphors

• Phosphors for white LEDs

• Phosphors for horticultural lighting

• Rare earth and transition metal doped phosphors and anti-counterfeiting pigments

• Hydrothermal synthesis of luminescent nanoparticles

• Perovskite nanoparticles for solar cells

• Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) techniques for the characterisation and determination of organic and bioorganic compounds

• New generation solvents for microextraction of organic pollutants

• Novel microextraction techniques for chromatographic analysis

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Synthesis and Investigation of Calcium Phosphates Substituted With Biologically Active Ions. Assist. Prof. Dr A. Žarkov, PhD students: A. Kizalaitė
Zinc whitlockite (Zn-WH, Ca₁₈Zn₂(HPO₄)(2)(PO₄)(12)) is a new synthetic analogue of the second most abundant biomineral – magnesium whitlockite (Mg-WH, Ca₁₈Mg₂(HPO₄)(2)(PO₄)(12)), which is considered as a potential material for bone regeneration. The formation of Zn-WH via a dissolution-precipitation process under hydrothermal conditions was investigated in detail. The influence of medium pH, reaction time, temperature and concentration of precursors on the formation of the single-phase material was studied.
Three different Mn2+-doped calcium pyrophosphate (CPP, Ca₂P₂O₇) polymorphs were synthesised by the wet co-precipitation method, followed by annealing at different temperatures.
The influence of annealing conditions on phase transformations in calcium phosphates was investigated. Synthetic brushite (CaHPO4 centre dot 2H(2)O) with a Ca/P ratio of 1:1 was taken as a starting material and annealed at 1200°C for different periods of time under three different conditions: in a static air atmosphere, in a nitrogen flow, and in a vacuum. It was demonstrated that the phase composition and Ca/P ratio in the final product highly depend on the annealing conditions due to the evaporation of phosphate species.
Main publications:
1. Kizalaite, A., Klimavicius, V., Versockiene, J., Lastauskiene, E., Murauskas, T., Skaudzius, R., Yokoi, T., Kawashita, M., Goto, T., Sekino, T., Zarkov, A. Peculiarities of the formation, structural and morphological properties of zinc whitlockite (Ca₁₈Zn₂(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₁₂) synthesized via a phase transformation process under hydrothermal conditions. CrystEngComm. 2022, 24(28): 5068.
2. Griesiute, D., Garskaite, E., Antuzevics, A., Klimavicius, V., Balevicius, V., Zarkov, A., Katelnikovas, A., Kareiva, A. Synthesis, structural and luminescent properties of Mn-doped calcium pyrophosphate (Ca₂P₂O₇) polymorphs. Scientific Reports. 2022, 12(1): 7116.
3. Griesiute, D., Raudonyte-Svirbutaviciene, E., Kareiva, A., Zarkov, A. The influence of annealing conditions on the Ca/P ratio and phase transformations in bulk calcium phosphates. CrystEngComm. 2022, 24(6): 1166.

Development and Investigation of Bioanalytical Systems. Prof. Dr A. Ramanavičienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė, Assist. Prof. Dr A. Popov, PhD students: B. Brasiūnas, L. Sakalauskienė, V. Lisytė

Electrochemical glucose biosensors were developed based on graphite rod electrodes electrochemically modified with dendritic gold nanostructures (DGNs) and glucose oxidase (GOx). Three GOx immobilisation methods were used: adsorption on DGNs and cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA) vapour (GA-GOx/DGNs/GR), covalent immobilisation on DGNs modified with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid self-assembled monolayer (SAM) (GOx-SAM/DGNs/GR) and covalent immobilisation on SAM with additional cross-linking with GA vapour (GA-GOx-SAM/DGNs/GR). The highest difference of maximal current (ΔImax) generated during the enzymatic reaction equal to 384.20±16.06 µA was obtained using GA-GOx-SAM/DGNs/GR electrode. ΔImax for biosensors based on the GA-GOx-SAM/DGNs/GR electrode was 1.41 times higher than for the GA-GOx/DGNs/GR, whereas the linear dynamic range from 0.1 to 10 mM was the same using all three GOx immobilisation methods. The limit of detection using GA-GOx-SAM/DGNs/GR and GA-GOx/DGNs/GR electrodes was 0.019 and 0.022 mM, respectively.
A surface plasmon resonance immunosensor signal amplification strategy based on antibody-functionalised gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles was developed for ultrasensitive and quantitative detection of the CD5 biomarker using an indirect sandwich immunoassay format. Compared to the direct CD5 detection with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.04 nM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 3.47 nM, the proposed sandwich immunoassay improved the LOD up to 8.31 fM and the LOQ up to 27.70 fM. In addition, it showed satisfactory performance in human blood serum.
A new, membraneless single-enzyme biofuel cell powered by glucose was developed. The biofuel cell operated in an O2-saturated buffer medium pH 6.0 and generated an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 646 mV, a maximum power density of 10.94 μW/cm2 and a current density of 60.52 μA/cm2 at 40 mM glucose. OCV and current density were directly proportional to glucose concentration in 0.01–10.00 mM and 0.05–124.00 mM concentration ranges, respectively. Also, the developed biofuel cell had good operational stability.
Main publications:
1. Sakalauskiene, L., Popov, A., Kausaite-Minkstimiene, A., Ramanavicius, A., Ramanaviciene, A. The impact of glucose oxidase immobilization on dendritic gold nanostructures on the performance of glucose biosensors. Biosensors. 2022, 12: 320.
2. Kausaite-Minkstimiene, A., Popov, A., Ramanaviciene, A. SPR immunosensor with antibody-functionalized magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles for ultra-sensitive quantification of the CD5 biomarker. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces. 2022, 14: 20720.
3. Kausaite-Minkstimiene, A., Kaminskas, A., Ramanaviciene, A. Development of a membraneless single-enzyme biofuel cell powered by glucose. Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 2022, 216: 114657.

Upconverting Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications. Prof. Dr A. Katelnikovas

The upconverting LiYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanoparticles were synthesised by the thermal decomposition method. Under the 980 nm constant wavelength laser excitation, the synthesised nanoparticles showed intensive upconversion luminescence, especially in the UV (~350 nm) and deep-red (~800 nm) spectral areas. The surface of the nanoparticles was modified with custom-made polymers to increase the nanoparticles’ colloidal stability in aqueous and biological media.
Main publication:
1. Klimkevicius, V., Voronovic, E., Jarockyte, G., Skripka, A., Vetrone, F., Rotomskis, R., Katelnikovas, A., Karabanovas, V. Polymer Brush Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles with Improved Colloidal Stability and Cellular Labeling. J. Mater. Chem. B. 2022, 10: 625.. 

Perovskite Nanoparticles for Solar Cells. Prof. Dr A. Katelnikovas

A novel method for inorganic perovskite nanoparticle preparation was developed. The proposed method decreases the synthesis time from several hours (the conventional hot-injection method) to 15-20 minutes. Moreover, the proposed method also shows excellent reproducibility.
Main publication:
1. Katelnikovas, A., Steponaviciute, M., Ezerskyte, E., Drabavicius, A., Klimkevicius, V. Ultrasound-induced synthesis of all-inorganic lead perovskite quantum dots: fast, simple, and highly reproducible. Mater. Today Chem. 2022, 26: 101163.

Rare Earth and Transition Metal Doped Phosphors and Anti-counterfeiting Pigments. Prof. Dr A. Katelnikovas
A novel upconverting K₂Bi(PO₄)(MoO₄):20%Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ phosphor was developed. It showed bright upconversion luminescence in the green (~530 nm) and red (~660 nm) spectral areas if excited with a 980 nm constant wavelength laser. Moreover, the dominance of green or red emissions can be tailored by adding or removing Yb³⁺ from the compound. The synthesised compounds also show potential for remote luminescence thermometry.
Main publication:
1. Grigorjevaite, J., Katelnikovas, A. Optical Spectroscopy Studies of K₂Bi(PO₄)(MoO₄):20%Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ Phosphors for Upconversion Applications. J. Lumin. 2022, 252: 119384.

New Generation Solvents for Microextraction of Organic Pollutants. Prof. Dr (HP) A. Padarauskas, Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Olšauskaitė, PhD students: V. Kavaliauskas
Six hydrophobic eutectic solvents composed of menthol, tetrabutylammonium chloride, and tetrahexylammonium chloride as hydrogen-bond acceptors and trifluoroacetic acid and hexafluoroisopropanol as hydrogen-bond donors were synthesised. All solvents exhibit higher than water densities and have low-to-moderate viscosities. The extraction properties of the solvents were evaluated by employing phthalates, parabens and flavonoids as model analytes. Four solvents demonstrated considerably better overall extraction efficiency than conventional chlorinated solvents. The developed solvents were examined as sample diluents for high-performance liquid chromatography separations. Finally, a solvent consisting of tetrahexylammonium chloride and trifluoroacetic acid was applied for dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction of four parabens from wastewater samples prior to chromatographic analysis.
Main publication:
1. Kavaliauskas, V., Olšauskaitė, V., Padarauskas, A. Hydrophobic eutectic solvents based on perfluorinated hydrogen bond donors as extractants for dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. Chromatographia. 2022, 85: 255–262.

Deep Eutectic Solvents: Synthesis, Investigation, and Application. Prof. Dr V. Vičkačkaitė, Assist. Prof. Dr V. Poškus
Seven deep eutectic solvents (DES) were synthesised in a microwave reactor and investigated as calibration media in SPME of β-caryophyllene from the complex matrix – hemp oil. Among 7 DESs, hydrophilic ChCl-based DES demonstrated better suitability for HS SPME, whereas hydrophobic menthol-based DESs were ineffective. The combination of [ChCl:tartaric acid (2:1)] with 15% water additive demonstrated the best extraction efficiency.
The feasibility of a new approach for determining volatiles in solid matrices by coupling microwave-assisted extraction with static headspace gas chromatography has been demonstrated. Eight polar and low volatility deep eutectic solvents were prepared using microwave heating and examined for hexanal extraction from fat-rich food. Choline chloride-glucose-water showed the best transition efficiency of hexanal to the headspace and was applied to extract hexanal using microwave-assisted extraction. Hexanal released from the fat-rich food is poorly soluble in hydrophilic deep eutectic solvent choline chloride-glucose-water. It entered the gas phase and dissolved in the coconut oil fixed above the extraction mixture in a polypropylene capillary. The capillary was transferred to a headspace vial, and headspace gas chromatography was carried out. The developed approach was successfully applied to analyse hexanal in fat-rich food.
Main publication:
1. Vickackaite, V., Jurkute, I., Poskus, V., Bugelyte, B. Combined microwave-assisted extraction and headspace gas chromatography for hexanal determination in fat-rich food. Sep Sci plus. 2022, 5(5): 1.

National Research Projects
Synthesis and Characterization of New Calcium Phosphates with Whitlockite Structure by NMR and EPR Methods. (MSF- JM- 5/2021). Vilnius University Science Promotion Fund. Assist. Prof. Dr A. Zarkov. November 2021–December 2022.

Flexible Piezoelectric Nanogenerators Based on BaTiO3/PDMS Composites. (P-PD-22-076). Post-doctoral fellowship project from the Research Council of Lithuania. Supervisor: Assist. Prof. Dr A. Zarkov. 2022-2024.

The Investigation, Evaluation, and Practical Application Aspects of Sars-Cov-2 Virus Protein Interaction With Specific Antibodies. (Project No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-05-0038) European Regional Development Fund. Grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Dr A. Ramanavičienė. 2021–2023.

Surface Plasmon Resonance and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry-Based Immunosensors for the Detection of Antibodies Against Sars-Cov-2 Proteins. The Research Council of Lithuania, Researcher Group project. Prof. Dr A. Ramanavičienė. 2022–2025.

Determination of Biologically Active Substances Using Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Enhanced by Plasmonic Excitations. (Project No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0106). European Social Fund. Grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania. Post-doc fellow: Dr I. Plikusienė; Supervisor: Prof. Dr A. Ramanavičienė. 2020–2022.

Gold Nanoparticles for Sensitive Heparin Detection by Optical and Piezoelectric Signal Recording Methods. (Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0075). The Research Council of Lithuania. The project aims to improve the development of the competencies of scientists, other researchers, and students through practical research activities, the development of students’ abilities to conduct R&D activities, and the sub-activities of the development of students’ abilities by conducting research during a project during the semester. Prof. Dr A. Ramanavičienė. 2021–2022.

Development and Research of a Single Enzyme Glucose Biofuel Cell. (Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0013). The Research Council of Lithuania. The project aims to improve the development of the competencies of scientists, other researchers, and students through practical research activities, the development of students’ abilities to conduct R&D activities, and the sub-activities of the development of students’ abilities by conducting research during a project during the semester. Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė. 2021–2022.

Application of Peroxidase-Mimicking Nanoparticles for the Preparation of an Enzymatic Biofuel Cell Cathode. (Project no. A-SV-22-58. Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712). The Research Council of Lithuania. The project aims to improve the development of the competencies of scientists, other researchers, and students through practical research activities, the development of students’ abilities to conduct R&D activities, and the sub-activities of the development of students’ abilities by conducting research during a project during the semester. Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė. 2022

Evaluation of Conjugation of Specific Antibodies to Quantum Dots. (Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0074). The Research Council of Lithuania. The project aims to improve the development of the competencies of scientists, other researchers, and students through practical research activities, the development of students’ abilities to conduct R&D activities, and the sub-activities of the development of students’ abilities by conducting research during a project during the semester. Assist. Prof. Dr A. Popov. 2021–2022.

Perovskite-Based Quantum-Cutting Materials and Their Application for Efficient Composite Solar Cells. (Grant No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-03-0048). Project financed by the European Regional Development Fund according to the supported activity ‘Research Projects Implemented by World-class Researcher Groups’ under Measure No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718. Implementing institution: Center for Physical Sciences and Technology. Project Leader Dr V. Gulbinas; partner institution: Vilnius University. Project leader at the partner institution: Prof. Dr A. Katelnikovas.

Engineering of biocompatible upconverting polymeric-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials. Project financed by the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT) under grant agreement No. [S-MIP-22-68]. Implementing institution: Vilnius University (project leader: Prof. Dr A. Katelnikovas).

International Research
New calcium phosphates with whitlockite structure for regenerative medicine purposes: advanced synthesis and fabrication of ceramics (WHITCERAM). (P-LJB-22-1). Lithuania-Japan Cooperation Project. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Dr A. Zarkov. 2022-2024.

Novel 1D photonic metal oxide nanostructures for early-stage cancer detection Horizon 2020 Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Action Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017) project (No. 778157). Prof. Dr A. Ramanavičienė. 2018–2023.

Contractual Research
UAB Elme metalas (Lithuania)
Re-Lithium, MB (Lithuania)
Fitsout, UAB (Lithuania)

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
Georgetown University, Washington D.C. (USA)
Münster University of Applied Sciences (Germany)
National Cancer Institute (Lithuania)
Osaka University (Japan)
State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine (Lithuania)
Tailorlux GmbH (Germany)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
Université D’Artois (France)
Université du Québec (Canada)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr A. Ramanavičienė
• editorial board member of the journal Sensors MDPI, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors/sectioneditors/biosensors;
• guest editor of special issue of the journal Polymers MDPI,
• https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/polymers_sensors_biosensors_ design;
• guest editor of special issue of the journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences MDPI, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/TD2UCXS1QU
• scientific committee member of the International Conference “Functional Inorganic Materials 2022”, 6-8 October, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Prof. Dr Habil. A. Padarauskas
• editorial board member of the journal Chemija (Chemistry).
Prof. Dr A. Katelnikovas
• guest editor of a special issue of the journal Materials MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/special_issues/optical_white_light_emitting_diodes
Assist. Prof. Dr A. Žarkov
• guest editor for the special issue Sol-Gel Technology Applied to Materials Science: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of the Materials (2021–2023);
• guest editor for the special issue Advances in Functional Inorganic Materials Prepared by Wet Chemical Methods (Volume II) of the Crystals (2021–2022).
Assist. Prof. Dr A. Popov
• guest editor of special issue of the journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences MDPI, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/TD2UCXS1QU

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Žarkov, A., Kizalaitė, A., Klimavičius, V., Kareiva, A. Zinc whitlockite (Ca18Zn2(HPO4)2(PO4)12): dissolution-precipitation synthesis, structural and morphological features. Junior Euromat 2022, July 19-22, 2022, Coimbra, Portugal.
2. Katelnikovas, A., Steponavičiūtė, M., Ežerskytė, E., Klimkevičius, V. Ultrasound-induced synthesis of all-inorganic lead perovskite QDs: fast, simple, and highly reproducible. The 7th International Workshop on Advanced Spectroscopy and Optical Materials (IWASOM'2022), July 10-15, 2022, Gdansk, Poland.
3. Ramanavičienė, A., Popov, A., Brasiūnas, B., Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė, A., Kirdaitė, G., Bernotienė, E., Mobasheri, A. Nanoparticles in the design of immunosensors for the detection of biomarkers. 11th International Colloids Conference, June 12-15, 2022, Lisbon, Portugal.
4. Popov, A., Lysitė, V., Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė, A., Ramanavičienė, A. Evaluation of antibody immobilization on the surface of Qdots. 7th International Conference on Bio-Sensing Technology, May 22-25, 2022, Sitges, Spain.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
Assist. Prof. Dr A. Popov - Young Scientist Scholarship of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (2022).

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Assist. Prof. Dr A. Žarkov
• Article/interview about materials for bone regeneration:
https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/mokslas-ir-it/11/1450740/kaip-priauginami-prarasti-kaulai
http://mokslolietuva.lt/2021/07/vu-chemikas-dr-a-zarkovas-kaulu-regeneracijai-skirtos-medziagos-ateityje-bus-dar-aktualesnes/
https://naujienos.vu.lt/vu-chemikas-dr-a-zarkovas-kaulu-regeneracijai-skirtos-medziagos-ateityje-bus-dar-aktualesnes/
• Interview about materials for bone regeneration on “Žinių radijas” radio station:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLh-OLyNaOU
• Lectures about chemistry and Fulbright Programme for pupils at American Corner of Visaginas Cultural Center (Visaginas, Lithuania, 2022).

 

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. +370 5 2193176, fax 233 0987
E-mail:
Head - Prof. Dr Simas Sakirzanovas

STAFF
Professors: Dr R. Raudonis, Dr S. Šakirzanovas (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr A. Žalga, Dr L. Vilčiauskas (part-time), Dr Ž Stankevičiūtė (part-time)
Assistant professor: Dr Kiuberis, Dr T. Murauskas (part-time).
Research professor: Dr S. Šakirzanovas (part-time).
Researcher: Dr T. Murauskas (part-time).
Teaching assistant: G. Merkininkaitė (part-time), J. Grigorjevaitė (part-time).
Doctoral students: G. Merkininkaitė, D. Tediashvili, J. Januškevičius, L. Šerpytis

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Film and powder synthesis by wet chemistry methods; surfaces and interfaces; nanostructural materials; sol-gel chemistry
• Ceramics/bioceramics, biocomposites
• Luminescent materials for solid-state lighting, upconverting materials for theranostics
• Solid state materials
• Synthesis and investigation of different metal molybdates, vanadates, tungstates and phosphates
• Materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Ion insertion framework materials. Molecular modelling and materials informatics.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Synthesis of Selected Mixed-Metal Ferrites. Assoc. Prof. Dr Ž. Stankevičiūtė, PhD student Justinas Januškevičius.
An aqueous sol-gel process was applied for a membrane-assisted synthesis of selected mixed-metal ferrite (yttrium iron garnet (Y₃Fe₅O₁₂), yttrium iron perovskite (YFeO₃) and terbium iron perovskite, TbFeO₃,) nanotubes.
Main publication:
1. Januškevičius, Justinas; Stankevičiūtė, Živilė; Baltrūnas, Dalis Antanas; Mažeika, Kęstutis; Murauskas, Tomas; Drabavičius, Audrius; Kareiva, Aivaras. Membrane-assisted synthesis of selected mixed-metal ferrite nanotubes using sol-gel derived precursors // Solid state sciences. Amsterdam: Elsevier BV. ISSN 1293-2558. eISSN 1873-3085. 2022, vol. 132, art. no. 106983, p. 1-10. DOI: 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2022.106983

Advanced Precursors for Fabrication of Novel Nano/Micro Non-Stoichiometric Inorganic Ceramic Structures Using Laser 3D Printing Technology. Prof. Dr S. Šakirzanovas, G. Merkininkaitė.
Precursors possessing the proper chemical and physical properties are an essential prerequisite for forming 3D micro- and nano-dimension ceramic structures by laser lithography. Thus, finding new chemical precursors suitable for laser 3D polymerisation remains an urgent and timely task. This project aims to prepare and investigate mixtures of metallo-organic compounds with various compositions and stoichiometry to employ them for printing 3D derivatives.
Main publications:
1. G. Merkininkaitė, E. Aleksandravičius, M. Malinauskas, D. Gailevičius, S. Šakirzanovas. „Laser Additive Manufacturing of Si/ZrO2 Tunable Crystalline Phase 3D Nanostructures“. Opto-Electronic Advances (OEA), 210077 (2022). doi: 10.29026/oea.2022.210077 (Q1, IF 8.933).
2. A. Butkutė, G. Merkininkaitė, T. Jurkšas, J. Stančikas, T. Baravykas, R. Vargalis, T. Tičkūnas, J. Bachmann, S. Šakirzanovas, V. Sirutkaitis and L. Jonušauskas. „Femtosecond Laser Assisted 3D Etching Using Inorganic-Organic Etchant“. Materials, 15(8), 2817 (2022). doi: 10.3390/ma15082817 (Q2, IF 3.623).
3. E. Ežerskytė, M. Vengris, K. Gineitis, G. Merkininkaitė, B. Leber, R. Vargalis, P. Stiegler, P. Schemmer, S. Šakirzanovas, A. Kielaitė-Gulla, K. Strupas, L. Jonušauskas. „Qualitative comparison between different biopolymers for usage in two-photon polymerization towards liver regeneration“. Optical Materials Express, Optica Publishing Group, Vol.12, 7, pp. 2550-2567 (2022). doi: 10.1364/OME.459057 (Q1, IF 3.074).
Monograph:
Book chapter. G. Merkininkaitė, E. Aleksandravičius, S. Varapnickas, D. Gailevičius, S. Šakirzanovas, M. Malinauskas. „Multi-photon 3D lithography for sub-100 nm additive manufacturing of inorganics”, knygoje: „Ultrafast Laser Nanostructuring - The Pursuit of Extreme Scales“, Springer-Nature (Q2), No. 22. Published 2022 December 20.
Patent:
G. Merkininkaitė, D. Gailevičius, S. Šakirzanovas. Pareiškėjai: Vilnius University and UAB Femtika. “Foto kietinamos neorganinės-organinės hibridinės dervos gamybos būdas ir kietųjų SiOxCy keraminių mikrostruktūrų gamybos būdas, naudojant foto kietinamą neorganinę-organinę hibridinę dervą”, Paraiškos nr. LT2022 537, pateikimo nr. 107277, žyma V83-97. Pateikta Lietuvos Respublikos VPB 2022 m. rugsėjo 14 d.

Synthesis and Investigation of Different Metal Molybdates, Vanadates, Tungstates, Phosphates, and Titanates. Assoc. Prof. Dr Artūras Žalga, Dr Giedrė Gaidamavičienė.
The development of the aqueous sol-gel synthesis technique for the preparation of different oxide materials (MgMoO₄, CaMoO₄, SrMoO₄, BaMoO₄, La₂Mo₂O₉, 5Bi₂O₃·V₂O₅, La_2/3–_xLi_3xTiO₃, LiTi₂(PO₄)₃, La₃Li₇Zr₂O₁₂, Fe₃O₄, Au#Fe₃O₄). Nano and micro-sized ceramics have been successfully synthesised by an aqueous sol-gel synthesis method using tartaric acid as a ligand. Thermal analyses of both as-prepared gel precursors and oxides annealed at different temperatures were performed. The electrical properties of as-synthesised ceramics were additionally investigated by broadband high-temperature impedance spectroscopy techniques.
Main publications:
1. A. Diktanaitė, G. Gaidamavičienė, E. Kazakevičius, A. Kežionis, A. Žalga, Aqueous sol-gel synthesis, structural, thermoanalytical studies, and conductivity properties of lithium lanthanum titanate, 715 (2022) Thermochimica Acta, p. 179268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2022.179268
2. Fariza Kalyk, Artūras Žalga, Andrius Vasiliauskas, Tomas Tamulevičius, Sigitas Tamulevičius, and Brigita Abakevičienė (2022) Synthesis and electron-beam evaporation of gadolinium-doped ceria thin films. Coatings, 12(6), 747. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12060747.

Fundamental Studies and Applications of Na- and Li-ion Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems by the Methods of Structural Analysis, Electrochemistry and Molecular Modelling. Assoc. Prof. L. Vilčiauskas, PhD student D. Tediashvili. 2017–2023.
The search, synthesis, characterisation and applications of novel phosphate framework materials suitable for the Na-ion battery electrodes.

Contractual Research
Synthesis and Developement of Precursors for Laser 3D Additive Manufacturing. UAB Femtika (Lithuania)
Vital3D Technologies, UAB (Lithuania)
Vidaus vandens kelių direkcija, VĮ (Lithuania)
Optomenas, UAB (Lithuania)
Integrated Optics, UAB (Lithuania)

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
UAB Femtika (Lithuania)
UAB Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. G. Merkininkaitė, E. Aleksandravičius, D. Gailevičius, M. Malinauskas, S. Šakirzanovas. „Optimization of multi-photon polymerization and thermal post-treatment for free-form glass-ceramic nano/micro-structures manufacturing”. International symposium „23th International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication“. Dresden, Germany, June 7-10 (2022). https://dgm.de/lpm/2022/
2. A. Butkutė, G. Merkininkaitė, T. Baravykas, T. Jurkšas, J. Stančikas, T. Tičkūnas, L. Jonušauskas, V. Sirutkaitis. „Selective laser etching of high aspect ratio 3D glass microstructures“, International conference „SPIE Photonics West 2022“, San Francisco, USA, January 22-27 (2022). https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/photonics-west?SSO=1
3. D. Gailevičius, G. Merkininkaitė, S. Šakirzanovas, M. Malinauskas. „Calcination: the enabler of next-gen additive inorganic 3D structuring“. International conference „SPIE Photonics West 2022“, San Francisco, USA, January 22-27 (2022). https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/photonics-west?SSO=1

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES

L. Vilčiauskas is a stakeholder and member of BatteRIes Europe (https://batterieseurope.eu) expert platform in WG1 WG3 and WG4 working groups (https://batterieseurope.eu/workstream-bodies/integrated-working-groups)

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
1. Interview DELFI Family journal. “Viską be jokios chemijos valančios nano šluostės- stebuklas ar eilinė apgavystė? Chemikė įspėja dėl netinkamo jų panaudojimo.”
https://www.delfi.lt/seima/idomu/viska-be-jokios-chemijos-valancios-nano-sluostes-stebuklas-ar-eiline-apgavyste-chemike-ispeja-del-netinkamo-ju-naudojimo.d?id=91681875#/
2. Straipsnis apie pasiekimus Lietuvos mokslų akademijos internetinėje svetainėje. “Publikacija prestižiniame žurnale atveria naujas galimybes gaminti neorganinius 3D nanodarinius”.
https://www.lma.lt/index.php/1459/38/Publikacija-prestiziniame-zurnale-atveria-naujas-galimybes-gaminti-neorganinius-3D-nanodarinius?page=news/1459/38/Publikacija-prestiziniame-zurnale-atveria-naujas-galimybes-gaminti-neorganinius-3D-nanodarinius
3. Straipsnis apie pasiekimus Vilniaus universiteto internetinėje svetainėje ir DELFI LOGIN.LT žurnale. “VU mokslininkų pasiektas proveržis atveria naujas galimybes aukštųjų technologijų pramonei”.
https://naujienos.vu.lt/vu-mokslininku-pasiektas-proverzis-atveria-naujas-galimybes-aukstuju-technologiju-pramonei/ ; https://www.delfi.lt/login/progresas/inovacijos/vu-mokslininku-pasiektas-proverzis-atveria-naujas-galimybes-aukstuju-technologiju-pramonei.d?id=89404335

 

DEPARTMENT OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 8 (5) 219 3173
E-mail:
Head – Dr Justina Gaidukevič

STAFF
Professors: Dr A. Beganskienė, Dr Habil. A. Kareiva, Dr R. Pauliukaitė (part-time), Dr R. Skaudžius (part-time), Dr V. Plaušinaitienė (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr I. Grigoravičiūtė (part-time), Dr V. Kubilius, Dr J. Gaidukevič, Dr M. Misevičius (part-time), Dr J. Pilipavičius (part-time)
Assistant professors: Dr G. Gaidamavičienė (part-time), Dr A. Laurikėnas.
Senior researchers: Dr E. Raudonytė-Svirbutavičienė, Dr A. Žarkov, Dr J. Barkauskas, Dr I. Grigoravičiūtė (part-time), Dr V. Plaušinaitienė (part-time).
Researchers: Dr M. Vagner (part-time), Dr G. Gaidamavičienė (part-time).
Junior Assistant professors: G. Inkrataitė (part-time), D. Karoblis (part-time), A. Pakalniškis (part-time).
Doctoral students: R. Aukštakojytė, G. Rimkutė, G. Inkrataitė, A. Pakalniškis, R. Diliautas, A. Afonina, D. Budrevičius, R. Raišelienė, R. Karalkevičienė, L. Lukavičiūtė, E. Brimas, M. Baublytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Developments of metal-organic chemical vapour deposition technique for oxide films
• Transparent conducting oxides
• Dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials
• Sol-gel processing of magnetic, luminescent and biomaterials
• Conservation and restoration chemistry
• Synthesis, investigation and application of carbon nanomaterials
• Synthesis of nanoparticles of metal, semiconductors and upconversion nanoparticles for biomedical and optic applications
• New materials and procedures for the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage
• Synthesis, investigation and application of lanthanide doped garnet structure materials
• Reduction of biological pollution by cold plasma
• Wood hardness and flame-retardancy properties
• Synthesis and investigation of solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes
• Thermoanalytical, structural, and surface morphological studies
• Synthesis, investigation, and application of functional inorganic materials for environmental pollution control.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Polycrystalline Materials. Prof. A. Kareiva. Prof. A. Beganskienė, Prof. J. Barkauskas, Prof. R. Skaudžius. 2020–2025.
A sol-gel synthetic approach using ethylene glycol and citric acid was successfully utilised to prepare Mg_1-xY_xFe_2-δO₄ (δ = x/3) solid solutions. The iron content played a key role in the phase purity of the final products, and only when δ = x/3 monophasic spinels could be obtained. The solid-state 1H, 31P NMR spectra and cross-polarisation (CP MAS) kinetics in the series of samples containing amorphous phosphate phase (AMP), a composite of AMP + nano-structured calcium hydroxyapatite (nano-CaHA) and high-crystalline nano-CaHA were studied under moderate spinning rates. The wet chemistry route has been developed to prepare calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, (HA) thin films on silicon substrate using the novel low-temperature sol-gel and dissolution-precipitation approach. The calcium carbonate thin films on the silicon substrate were obtained by spin-coating technique when substrates were repeatedly coated with 10, 20, and 30 layers of sol-gel solution. A mesoporous silica material was prepared by co-condensing sodium metasilicate and silanes with phosphonic and phenyl groups.
Main publications:
1. D. Karoblis, K. Mazeika, R. Raudonis, A. Zarkov, A. Kareiva. Sol-Gel Synthesis and Characterization of Yttrium-Doped MgFe2O4 Spinel. Materials. 15 (2020) 7547.
2. V. Klimavicius, A. Maršalka, A. Kizalaite, A. Zarkov, A. Kareiva, K. Aidas, J. Hirschinger, V. Balevicius. Step-by-Step from Amorphous Phosphate to Nano-Structured Calcium Hydroxyapatite: Monitoring by Solid-State ¹H and ³¹P NMR and Spin Dynamics. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 24 (2022) 18952 - 18965.
3. Inna V. Melnyk, Veronika V. Tomina, Nataliya Stolyarchuk, Arturas Katelnikovas, Aivaras Kareiva, Aldona Beganskienė, Oksana A. Dudarko. Affordable phosphonic and phenyl functionalized silicate adsorbent for metal and dye cations uptake. Journal of Porous Materials, 29 (2022) 1829–1838.

Synthesis and Characterization of Multicomponent Oxide Materials Prepared by an Aqueous Sol-Gel Method. Assist. Prof. Dr Giedrė Gaidamavičienė
An aqueous sol-gel synthesis was successfully applied for the synthesis of lithium lanthanum titanate (Li_0.35La_0.55TiO₃) ceramic. Thermoanalytical, structural, morphological, and electrical properties of synthesised material have been investigated. The thermoanalytical and structural properties of lithium aluminium molybdate (LiALMo₂O₈) have been analysed. The synthesis and characterisation of lanthanum molybdate doped with different amounts of calcium have been performed. Also, the influence of the degree of substitution on the phase transition has been investigated.
Main publications:
1. Diktanaitė, G. Gaidamavičienė, E. Kazakevičius, A. Kežionis, A. Žalga, Aqueous sol-gel synthesis, structural, thermoanalytical studies, and conductivity properties of lithium lanthanum titanate. Thermochimica Acta, 715 (2022), 179268.
2. Žalga, A. Diktanaitė, G. Gaidamavičienė, Aqueous sol-gel synthesis, thermoanalytical, structural, and vibrational studies of the lithium aluminium molybdate (LiAlMo₂O₈). Chemija, (2022) (accepted for printing).

Synthesis of Functional Oxide Films by MOCVD (Metalorganic Chemical Vapour Deposition), Properties of the Films and Applied Studies. Prof. Dr V. Plaušinaitienė. 2020-2025.
The results of colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) properties of La_1-xSr_xMn_yO₃ (LSMO) films grown by the pulsed injection MOCVD technique onto an Al₂O₃ substrate are presented. The grown films with different Sr (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) and Mn excess (y > 1) concentrations were nanostructured with vertically aligned column-shaped crystallites spread perpendicular to the film plane. It was found that the films' microstructure, resistivity, and magnetoresistive properties strongly depend on the strontium and manganese concentration.
Main publications:
1. Stankevič, V., Žurauskienė, N., Keršulis, S., Plaušinaitienė, V., Lukose, R., Klimantavičius, J., Tolvaišienė, S., Skapas, M., Selskis, A., Balevičius, S. Nanostructured manganite films grown by pulsed injection MOCVD: tuning low- and high-field magnetoresistive properties for sensors applications. Sensors, 22 (2022) 1-16.
2. Žurauskienė, N., Keršulis, S., Rudokas, V., Vagner, M., Motiejuitis, K., Koliada, M., Stankevič, V., Pavilonis, D., Plaušinaitienė, V. Influence of preparation conditions on long-term stability of magnetoresistive properties of nanostructured La-Sr-Mn-Co-O films grown by PI MOCVD. IEEE Transactions on magnetics, 58 (2022) 1-5.
3. Žurauskienė, N., Stankevič, V., Keršulis, S., Vagner, M., Plaušinaitienė, V., Dobilas, J., Vasiliauskas, R., Skapas, M., Koliada, M., Pietosa, J., Wisnewski, A. Enhancement of Room-Temperature Low-Field Magnetoresistance in Nanostructured Lanthanum Manganite Films for Magnetic Sensor Applications. Sensors, 22 (2022) 1-14.

Synthesis, Investigation, and Application of Carbon Nanomaterials. Prof. Dr Jurgis Barkauskas and Dr Justina Gaidukevič. 2020–2025.
Graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) were synthesised using three different oxidisers: (NH₄)₂S₂O₈, K₂S₂O₈, and CrO₃ with and without P₂O₅ as a water-binding agent. Furthermore, the samples obtained were heat-treated at 800 °C. Also, a detailed study of the structural and electrical changes occurring in two graphene oxide (GO) samples during a thermal reduction in the presence of malonic acid (MA) (5 and 10 wt%) and P2O5 additives have been studied. The morphology and de-oxidation efficiency of reduced GO and GICs samples were characterised by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron, energy-dispersive X-ray, Raman spectroscopies, optical, transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrical conductivity measurements. Furthermore, thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) was functionalised using sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and 4-benzenediazonium sulfonate generated in situ to obtain solid acid graphene-based catalysts. The catalytic performance of the graphene-based samples was tested in the reaction of glycerol esterification performed with acetic acid at 110 °C using a glycerol to acetic acid molar ratio of 1:6.
Main publications:
1. R. Aukstakojyte, J. Gaidukevic, G. Niaura, M. Skapas, V. Bukauskas, J. Barkauskas, Structural Control and Electrical Behavior of Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide Samples Assisted with Malonic Acid and Phosphorus Pentoxide. Inorganics, 10 (2022) 142.
2. G. Rimkute, M. Gudaitis, J. Barkauskas, A. Zarkov, G. Niaura, J. Gaidukevic, Synthesis and Characterization of Graphite Intercalation Compounds with Sulfuric Acid. Crystals, 12 (2022) 421.
3. A. Malaika, K. Ptaszyńska, J. Gaidukevič, M. Kozłowski, The impact of surface groups of functionalized graphene on glycerol acetylation. Fuel, 313 (2022) 122987.

National Research Projects
New Generation Materials for Light Technologies: Frontier Research on the Correlation of Optical Properties and Structure for the Purposive (NEGEMAT). (No. S-MIP-19-59). National Grant from the Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Dr A. Kareiva. 2019–2022.
Mixed-metal garnets with novel chemical compositions (Pr:Y_3-xCa_xAl_5-yTi_yO₁₂) have been synthesised by a simple aqueous sol-gel method. The praseodymium-doping and calcium- and titanium-substitution effects in these mixed-metal garnets have been investigated. For the first time, a calcium-niobium-lithium-gallium garnet (Ca₃Nb_1.775Li_0.275Ga_2.95O₁₂) was synthesised using an aqueous sol-gel method, in which the citric acid was used as a complexing agent. The monophasic synthesis product was obtained by a calcination gel precursor at 800^oC. The bismuth iron garnet (Bi₃Fe₅O₁₂; BIG) nanocrystals were obtained using a non-thermodynamical approach. The hydrothermal synthesis of BIG was performed on the yttrium gallium garnet (Y₃Ga₅O₁₂; YGG) substrate. The obtained results clearly showed that the garnet Bi₃Fe₅O₁₂ crystalline phase has formed.
Main publications:
1. G. Inkrataite, A. Pakalniskis, S. Pazylbek, D. Vistorskaja, R. Skaudzius, A. Kareiva. Sol-gel synthesis and characterization of praseodymium-doped and calcium-, titanium-substituted yttrium aluminium garnets Pr:Y_3-xCa_xAl_5-yTi_yO₁₂. Mater. Sci. Eng. B. 285 (2022) 115963.
2. G. Inkrataite, A. Pakalniskis, D. Vistorskaja, R. Skaudzius, A. Kareiva. A novel sol-gel synthesis of Ca₃Nb_1.775Li_0.275Ga_2.95O₁₂ garnet. Mater. Lett. 316 (2022) 131990.
3. A. Pakalniskis, M. Skapas, I. Grigoraviciute-Puroniene, R. Ramanauskas, R. Skaudzius, A. Kareiva. A Novel Synthetic Approach for the Preparation of Bulk Bi₃Fe₅O₁₂ on the Y₃Ga₅O₁₂ Core. Integrated Ferroelectrics. 220 (2021) 71-79.

Ion-Substituted Calcium Phosphates via Phase Transformation Processes. (09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0069). National Grant from the Research Council of Lithuania for Postdoctoral studies. Supervisor: Prof. A. Kareiva. 2020–2022.
A comprehensive study was performed to compare the effects of different organic solvents on the hydrolysis of α-TCP and its conversion to CDHA under different solvothermal conditions. Methyl alcohol and ethylene glycol had a stronger inhibitory effect on α-TCP hydrolysis than ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and butyl alcohol. This was especially notable under milder solvothermal conditions. The morphology of the obtained samples varied from plate-shaped to rod-shaped. Samples containing some rods were obtained by applying certain ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol proportions, albeit plate-like structures still prevailed. The use of water-methyl alcohol and water-butyl alcohol mixtures leads to the formation of more rods in addition to the long and narrow plates. Ethylene glycol had the highest impact on the sample morphology from all the solvents analysed. Under certain water-to-ethylene glycol ratios and solvothermal conditions, samples containing a significant fraction of rods were obtained.
Main publication:
1. R. Karalkeviciene, E. Raudonyte-Svirbutaviciene, J. Gaidukevic, A. Zarkov, A. Kareiva, Solvothermal synthesis of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite via hydrolysis of α-tricalcium phosphate in different aqueous-organic media. Crystals. 12 (2022) 253.

Simultaneous One-Step Synthesis of Highly Oriented Substituted Hydroxyapatite for the Effective Remediation of Emerging Water Contaminants. (No. 09.3.3- LMT-K712-23-0070). National Grant from the Research Council of Lithuania for Postdoctoral studies. Supervisor: Prof. A. Kareiva. 2021-2023
The main objective of this project is to synthesise novel highly oriented substituted phosphate-based materials via simultaneous one-step synthesis for the effective remediation of emerging water contaminants. Hydrothermal syntheses of HAp using organic solvents, anionic/cationic surfactants, and smaller and bigger metal ions as controlling agents were performed. The reaction products were characterised using XRD, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, BET, and ICP-OES analysis. The effects of the nature of the controlling agent and its concentration were investigated.
Main publications:
1. Griesiute, D., Raudonyte-Svirbutaviciene, E., Kareiva, A., Zarkov, A. The influence of annealing conditions on the Ca/P ratio and phase transformations in bulk calcium phosphates. CrystEngComm., 24(6) (2022) 1166-1170.
2. Karalkeviciene, R., Raudonyte-Svirbutaviciene, E., Gaidukevic, J., Zarkov, A., Kareiva, A. Solvothermal Synthesis of Calcium-Deficient Hydroxyapatite via Hydrolysis of α-Tricalcium Phosphate in Different Aqueous-Organic Media. Crystals, 12(2) (2022) 253.

Novel Bulk and NanoComposite Materials – A Way Towards Superior Multiferoic Properties (BUNACOMP). (No. S-MIP-19-9). National Grant from the Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. A. Beganskienė. 2019–2022.
The sol-gel (low-temperature) synthesis method was first successfully applied to the synthesis of perovskite-structured bismuth compounds, yttrium, gadolinium, lanthanide ferrites and manganites. It has been found that the sol-gel synthesis method can be used not only for synthesising single-phase compounds in powder form but can also be successfully applied to coatings, layers on different substrates or nanostructures. Synthesised bismuth manganite composites and yttrium manganites show paramagnetic properties and can be proposed for use in the development of magnetic sensors, memory, and other device technologies.
Main publication:
1. Norkus, Mantas; Laurikėnas, Andrius; Vištorskaja, Diana; Mažeika, Kęstutis; Baltrūnas, Dalis Antanas; Skaudžius, Ramūnas; Beganskienė, Aldona; Kareiva, Aivaras. Investigation of substitution effects of the first four lanthanides (La, Ce, Pr and Nd) in yttrium iron garnet. Journal of alloys and compounds, 903 (2022) 163978.

The Effect of Ion Substitution on Radiaton-Induced Defect Formation in Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials: Brushite, Monetite and Calcium Pyrophosphate. (P-PD-22-018) National Grant from the Research Council of Lithuania for Postdoctoral studies. Andris Antuzevics. Prof. A. Beganskiene. 2022–2024.
The objective of the project is to characterise the formation, structure, and properties of radiation-induced point defects in brushite (CaHPO₄·2H₂O), monetite (CaHPO₄) and calcium pyrophosphate (Ca₂P₂O₇) polymorphs. The synthesis of different-ion substituted calcium phosphate materials will be conducted, as well as the irradiation of the materials with X-rays and/or γ-rays; analysis of the formed defects by advanced optical and resonance spectroscopy techniques will be conducted.

MOCVD Growth and Investigations of New Generation Transparent Conducting Oxides. (S-MIP-19-45). National Grant from the Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Dr V. Plaušinaitienė. 2019/05–2022/03.
The main research object of this project is BaSnO₃ and SrSnO₃ layers doped with lanthanum grown by pulsed injection MOCVD (PI-MOCVD) method. The results of this project show that the successful selection of MO precursors such as Sn(thd)₂, La (thd)₃*monoglyme, Ba(thd)₂*triglyme, and the optimisation of deposition conditions allowed to obtain the desired properties of perovskite stannate layers: smooth surfaces (Ra ≤ 2 nm), specific resistivity ≤ 10-4 Ωcm and high charge carrier mobility ≥ 100 cm2V-1s-1.
Main publications:
1. Murauskas, Tomas; Kubilius, Virgaudas; Talaikis, Martynas; Abrutis, Adulfas; Raudonis, Rimantas; Niaura, Gediminas; Plaušinaitienė, Valentina. Precise composition control and cation nonstoichiometry in La-doped BaSnO₃ thin films grown by MOCVD. Journal of alloys and compounds, 898 (2022) 162843.
2. Murauskas, Tomas; Kubilius, Virgaudas; Raudonis, Rimantas; Skapas, Martynas; Plaušinaitienė, Valentina. Structure modification, evolution, and compositional changes of highly conductive La:BaSnO₃ thin films annealed in vacuum and air atmosphere. Nanomaterials, 12 (2022) 2408.

The Formation of Thin Films Electrodes from Graphene-Based Materials and Applications to (Bio)Sensors. (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0050). National Grant from the Research Council of Lithuania for Postdoctoral studies. Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Gaidukevič. Supervisor: Prof. Dr R. Pauliukaitė. 2020–2022.
This project aimed to study and develop effective thin film electrodes of graphene-based materials and to provide a scalable process to yield nanostructured graphene and its related materials for biosensor applications.
Main publication:
1. J. Gaidukevič, R. Aukštakojytė, J. Barkauskas, G. Niaura, T. Murauskas, R. Pauliukaitė, A novel electrochemical sensor based on thermally reduced graphene oxide for the sensitive determination of dopamine. Applied Surface Science, 592 (2022) 153257.

New Calcium Phosphates With Whitlockite Structure for Regenerative Medicine Purposes: Advanced Synthesis and Fabrication of Ceramics (WHITCERAM). (No. S-LJB-22-1). National Grant from the Research Council of Lithuania. Dr A. Žarkov. One of the project executors: Assoc. Prof. Dr Inga Grigoravičiūtė. 2022–2024.
The main objective of this project considers the synthesis of multifunctional CPs with WH structure (Ca₁₈M₂(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₁₂, where M = Mg^₂₊, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺) and the fabrication of ceramics for biomedical application. The project will focus on two main aspects. The first involves a low-temperature synthesis of new multifunctional CPs with WH structure via a dissolution-precipitation process from other less stable CPs. An in-depth investigation of the structural, morphological, biological and physicochemical properties of materials will accompany this part. The employed synthetic approach will allow to obtain WH structure compounds containing different amounts of TM ions, which will provide antibacterial (Cu), magnetic (Fe) and optical properties (Mn) to the synthesised products. The second aspect concerns an investigation of the thermal behaviour and stability of synthesised WH powders under different conditions, as well as a study of the sintering characteristics and densification of powders for the fabrication of bulk ceramics and an investigation of mechanical properties.
Main publications:
1. Afonina, A. Kizalaite, A. Zarkov, A. Drabavicius, T. Goto, T. Sekino, A. Kareiva, I. Grigoraviciute-Puroniene, Synthesis of whitlockite nanopowders with different magnesium content. Ceramics International, 48(21) (2022) 32125-32130.
2. Kizalaite, V. Klimavicius, J. Versockiene, E. Lastauskiene, T. Murauskas, R. Skaudzius, T. Yokoi, M. Kawashita, T. Goto, T. Sekino, A. Zarkov, Peculiarities of the formation, structural and morphological properties of zinc whitlockite (Ca18Zn2(HPO4)2(PO4)12) synthesized via a phase transformation process under hydrothermal conditions. CrystEngComm, 24(28) (2022) 5068-5079.

Development of New Persistent Luminescent Materials With Superior Qualities. (Project No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0119). National Grant from the Research Council of Lithuania for Postdoctoral studies. Dr M. Misevičius. 2020-2022.
Terbium-doped strontium aluminate SrAl₄O₇ samples were synthesised using the solid-state synthesis method. X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were applied for sample characterisation. They all exhibited yellowish-green emissions with the highest peak at 542 nm attributable to ⁵D4 →⁷F5 transition. The highest emission intensity was observed in the Sr^_0.98Al₄O₇:Tb_0.02 sample, while higher doping levels resulted in a decrease in the PL intensities due to concentration quenching. Samples with additional IA group ions for charge compensation were also prepared, and their PL properties were measured.
Main publication:
1. M. Misevicius, A. Harnik, R. Ramanauskas, „Luminescence properties of Tb-doped SrAl₄O₇“. Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 312 (2022) 123251.

Crystal Structure Refinement by Rietveld Method of Undoped and Europium-Doped Sodium Aluminum Germinate. (No. P-SV-22-169). The Research Council of Lithuania. The project aims to improve the development of the competencies of scientists, other researchers, and students through practical research activities, the development of students’ abilities to conduct R&D activities, and the sub-activities of the development of students’ abilities by conducting research during a project during the semester. Supervisor: Dr M. Misevičius; Student: M. Dzvinka. 2022/07/01–2022/08/31.
Undoped and Eu-doped NaAlGeO₄ samples were prepared by solid-state synthesis method. XRD measurements revealed that all obtained samples were monophasic. Structural refinement by the Rietveld method was employed for detailed XRD data analysis. The results showed that the increment of dopant concentration increases unit cell parameters. The luminescent properties of Eu-doped samples were also investigated.

International Research Projects
TransFerr: Transition Metal Oxides With Metastable Phases: A Way Towards Superior Ferroic Properties. HORIZON 2020 MSCA-RISE-2017: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) project. Prof. Dr A. Kareiva. 2017-2022.
The structural state and crystal structure of the Lu_1-xSc_xFeO₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) compounds prepared by a new chemical route based on the sol-gel method have been investigated using the X-ray diffraction technique, Raman spectroscopy, as well as scanning electron microscopy methods. It was observed that chemical doping with Sc ions leads to the structural phase transition from the orthorhombic structure to the hexagonal structure via a wide two-phase concentration region of 0.1 < x < 0.45; increase in scandium content above 80 mol. % leads to the stabilisation of the non-perovskite bixbyite phase specific for compound ScFeO3. X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, XPS, EDS/EDX experiments and piezoresponse force microscopy were used to study the structural transitions from the polar active rhombohedral phase to the anti-polar orthorhombic phase, and then to the non-polar orthorhombic phase, observed in the Bi_1-xSm_xFeO₃ compounds within the concentration range of 0.08 ≤ x ≤ 0.2. The results obtained by microscopic techniques testify that the compounds in the range of 0.12 ≤ x ≤ 0.15 are characterised by a two-phase structural state formed by a coexistence of the rhombohedral and the anti-polar orthorhombic phases; the two-phase structural state observed in the compounds with 0.15 < x < 0.18 is associated with the coexistence of the anti-polar orthorhombic and the non-polar orthorhombic phases.
Main publications:
1. Pakalniskis, D. O. Alikin, A. P. Turygin, A. L. Zhaludkevich, M. V. Silibin, D. V. Zhaludkevich, G. Niaura, A. Zarkov, R. Skaudzius, D. V. Karpinsky, A. Kareiva. Crystal structure and concentration driven phase transitions in Lu1-xScxFeO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) prepared by sol-gel method. Materials. 15 (2022) 1048.
2. Pakalniškis, R. Skaudžius, V. Sikolenko, D.V. Zhaludkevich, M.Silibin, K. Mažeika, D. Baltrūnas, G. Niaura, M. Talaikis, D.V. Karpinsky, A. Kareiva. Pressure induced phase transitions in Sm-doped BiFeO3 in the morphotropic phase boundary. Mater. Chem. Phys. 277 (2022) 125458.

Contractual Research
„Layer Pharma“, UAB (Lithuania)
Thermo Fisher Scientific, UAB (Lithuania)

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw (Poland)
Nanoceramics Spolka Akcyjna, Wroclaw (Poland)
Kyushu University, Fukuoka (Japan)
National Taipei University of Technology (Taiwan)
Taipei Medical University (Taiwan)
Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius (Lithuania)
University of Aveiro, Aveiro (Portugal)
Semiconductor Electronic Department, Lviv Polytechnic National University (Ukraine)
Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Ukraine)
AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow (Poland)
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr A. Kareiva
• member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. https://www.lma.lt/members-of-the-academy
• Deputy Editor of Lithuanian Journal “Chemija” (Chemistry). https://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/index.php/chemija
• editorial board member of “Materials Science” (Medžiagotyra). https://matsc.ktu.lt/index.php/MatSc/about/editorialTeam
• editorial board member of the Eurasian Journal of Physics and Functional Materials. https://www.ephys.kz/jour/pages/view/EditorialC
• editorial board member of the Coatings. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/coatings/editors?page_no=7
• editorial board member of the Materials. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/editors?page_no=17
• Member of scientific committee of international conference“Functional Inorganic Materials 2022” (FIM), https://www.fim.chgf.vu.lt/
• Member of scientific committee of 1st International Conference on Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications, AMBRA 2022.
• Member of scientific committee of international conference „Ignacy Domeyko and the Intellectual Environment of Vilnius at the Beginning of the 19th Century“. https://www.chgf.vu.lt/files/doc/pdf/i._domeikos_konferencijos_pranesimai.pdf
Prof. Dr A. Beganskienė
• Member of scientific committee of international conference “Functional Inorganic Materials 2022” (FIM), https://www.fim.chgf.vu.lt/
• Member of scientific committee of national student‘s conference “Chemistry and Chemical Technology 2022”. http://www.cct-students2022.chgf.vu.lt/
Dr J. Gaidukevič
• Guest editor for the special issue Advanced Technologies in Graphene-Based Materials of the Crystals (2022–2023). https://www.mdpi.com/journal/crystals/special_issues/W1R774G0I1
• Member of organizing committee of international conference “Functional Inorganic Materials 2022” (FIM), https://www.fim.chgf.vu.lt/
Prof. Dr J. Barkauskas
• Guest editor for the special issue Advanced Technologies in Graphene-Based Materials of the Crystals (2022–2023). https://www.mdpi.com/journal/crystals/special_issues/W1R774G0I1
Dr Eva Raudonytė-Svirbutavičienė
• Member of organizing committee of international conference “Functional Inorganic Materials 2022” (FIM), https://www.fim.chgf.vu.lt/
Dr Andrius Laurikėnas
• Member of organizing committee of international conference “Functional Inorganic Materials 2022” (FIM), https://www.fim.chgf.vu.lt/

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Kareiva, A. Marsalka, V. Balevicius, R. Skaudzius, A. Pakalniskis, A. Zarkov. New insights in the sol-gel synthesis of garnet structure compounds. International Conference “SolGel 2022”. Lyon, France, July 24-29, (2022) P001.
2. Raudonytė-Svirbutavičienė, E., Beganskienė, A., Žarkov, A., Kareiva, A. The effect of smaller and larger ions on the hydrothermal synthesis of doped hydroxyapatite. Poster. Junior Euromat 2022, Coimbra, Portugal, 19-22 July 2022
3. Justina Gaidukevic, Ruta Aukstakojyte, Andrzej Bobrowski, Agnieszka Krolicka, Rasa Pauliukaite, Electrochemical Uric Acid Sensor Based on P-doped Graphene Oxide, ISE Regional Meeting in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic, 15th – 19th of August, 2022, p. s4-004.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
Prof. Dr A. Beganskienė
• Member of the Lithuanian Science Awards Commission (Lithuanian Government) (2022-2025). https://lrv.lt/uploads/main/meetings/docs/2791906_imp_65809f0de2d5a02f35dadc43b0390d3b.pdf

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Dr Eva Raudonytė-Svirbutavičienė
• Comments on the pollution on the tv show “To save the Baltic Sea”. Episodes 1-4. Info TV.
Dr Giedrė Gaidamavičienė
• Lithuanian student school’s laboratory practices (“Jaunųjų chemikų laboratorija”). https://www.chgf.vu.lt/paslaugos/jaunuju-chemiku-laboratorija
prof. A. Kareiva
1. Gave lectures titled "The Wonderful World of Chemical Elements" to schoolchildren in Alytus, Palanga, Lazdijai, Pakruojis, Žeimeliai, Visaginas, Panevėžys, and Vilnius.
https://www.dzukijostv.lt/svietimas/n/15598-vu-chemijos-ir-geomokslu-fakulteto-profesorius-aivaras-kareiva-alytaus-svietimo-bendruomenei-pristate-nauja-knyga-nuostabusis-cheminiu-elementu-pasaulis-2022-02-24
2. Participation in the discussion “From a Cell to a Living Organ: Tissue Engineering = Future of Medicine?”. The conversation was broadcasted on Zoom, Youtube, and Facebook channels.
3. Gave report titled „Profesorius Kazys Daukšas – chemikas iš Sakalų“. for Pakruojo community during event "The day of Pakruojo district in LMA". https://www.lma.lt/index.php/1676/67/Pakruojo-rajono-diena-Lietuvos-mokslu-akademijoje?page=news/1676/67/Pakruojo-rajono-diena-Lietuvos-mokslu-akademijoje
4. Gave lecture titled "World of Medicinal Chemistry" to the Alytus community during the event "Day of the LMA in Alytus". https://www.lma.lt/uploads/news/id1704/2022-10-26%20kvietimas._01pdf.pdf
5. Gave comments about the fire danger and pollution on LRT television. The Information Program "Laba diena, Lietuva". https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000230689/po-gaisro-zalvario-imoneje-nerimas-del-tarsos-eksperto-teigimu-jokiu-atlieku-negalima-laikyti-dideliais-kiekiais

 

DEPARTMENT OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3192, 223 4528
E-mail:
Head - Prof. Dr Edvinas Orentas

STAFF
Professors: Dr V. Masevičius, Dr E. Orentas (part-time), Dr Habil. S. Tumkevičius (part-time), Dr A. Žilinskas.
Professor Emeritus: Dr Habil. P. Vainilavičius.
Associate professors: Dr A. Brukštus, Dr J. Dodonova-Vaitkūnienė, Dr V. Jakubkienė, Dr R. Vaitkus, Dr I. Žutautė
Assistant professors: Dr D. Sokol.
Lecturer: Dr S. Višniakova.
Researchers: Dr R. Bukšnaitienė, Dr E. Orentas (part-time), Dr Habil. S. Tumkevičius (part-time), Dr G. Petraitytė.
Doctoral students: P. Kaziukonytė, I. Misiūnaitė, M. Malikėnas, I. Fiodorova, A. A. Jankūnaitė, D. Naruševičius, D. Valčeckas

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Metal-catalysed organic reactions
• Heterocyclic chemistry
• Design, synthesis, and transformations of novel nitrogen, oxygen, and/or sulphur heterocycles, their functional derivatives, and the structural analogues of natural compounds
• Design, synthesis, and characterisation of AdoMet analogues
• Enantioselective synthesis of polycyclic molecules
• Chiroptical properties
• Functional supramolecular systems
• Photochemistry
• Self-assembly of organic molecules
• Synthesis of supramolecular structures based on chiral bicyclic frameworks fused with heteroaromatic fragments
• Light-emitting organic materials
• Charge-transporting organic materials
• Biological activity of organic compounds
• Crystal engineering
• X-ray diffraction
• NMR, FTIR, Raman, UV, CD spectroscopy of organic compounds
• Quantum chemical methods

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Development and Investigation of Functional Heteroaromatic Materials. Prof. S. Tumkevičius, Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Dodonova-Vaitkūnienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Jakubkienė, I. Fiodorova. 2014–2022.
Synthesis of a series of novel pyrimidine-carbazole emitters and their photophysical characterisation in view of the substituent effect in the pyrimidine ring and modification of carbazole unit on their TADF properties was carried out. Efficient green electroluminescence with an EQE of 18.3% was achieved in OLED devices with the optimised compound in the emissive layer.
Synthesis of new compounds in which a hydroxamic acid residue is attached to differently substituted pyrimidine ring via a methylene group bridge of varying length as potential inhibitors of HDAC4 and HDAC8 isoforms was developed.
Main publications:
1. Fiodorova, T. Serevičius, R. Skaisgiris, S. Juršėnas, S. Tumkevicius. Substituent effect on TADF properties of 2-modified 4,6-bis(3,6-di-tert-butyl-9-carbazolyl)-5-methylpyrimidines. Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2022, 18, 497–507.
2. R. Skaisgiris, T. Serevičius, J. Dodonova, D. Banevičius, K. Kazlauskas, S. Tumkevičius, S. Juršėnas. Tuning of HOMO-LUMO localization for achieving thermally activated delayed fluorescence. Journal of Luminescence, 2022, 241, art. no. 118473.
3. V. Jakubkiene, G. E. Valiulis, M. Schweipert, A. Zubriene, D. Matulis, F.-J. Meyer-Almes, S. Tumkevicius. Synthesis and HDAC inhibitory activity of pyrimidine-based hydroxamic acids. Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2022, 18, 837–844.

Synthesis of Functionalized Propargylic Substrates and their Application in Construction of Heterocyclic Structures. Dr I. Žutautė, Dr R. Bukšnaitienė, PhD student I. Misiūnaitė.
Our research focuses on the intramolecular electrophile-initiated nucleophilic cyclisation reactions of imidazol-2-yl alkynes. The investigation includes the optimisation of cyclisation reaction conditions and research on compatible electrophiles for the synthesis of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazines and imidazo[2,1-c][1,4]thiazepines. These new heterocycles showed potential activity inhibiting enzyme aggregation, which is under further investigation in collaboration with the Amyloid Research Group at the Life Sciences Center, VU.
Main publication:
I. Misiūnaitė, R. Bukšnaitienė, J. Pošiūnas, A. Brukštus, I. Žutautė Study on halogen promoted cyclization of 2-alkynylthiobenzimidazoles, J. Het. Chem. 2022, 59, 10, 1712-1722.

Synthesis of 4,6-Disubstituted Benzene-1,3-Dioles as Potential Hsp90 (Heat Shock Protein) Inhibitors. Assoc. Prof. A. Brukštus, P. Kaziukonytė.
Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) belongs to the family of chaperones. Recent data showed that the amount of this chaperone significantly increases in cancerous cells; therefore, it was concluded that Hsp90 is necessary for the growth of malignant cells. Treatment for these types of diseases is expected to be found by inhibiting the protein. In earlier works, we demonstrated that compounds carrying 2-alkylbenzene-1,5-diol moiety are crucial for inhibiting Hsp90. Based on these results, our ongoing research concentrates on synthesising new 4-(1-aryl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-6-alkylbenzene-1,3-dioles as possible inhibitors of Hsp90 chaperone.

Nucleic Acids Tagging Technologies. Prof. V. Masevičius, Dr G. Petraitytė, M. Malikėnas.
Synthesis and enhanced functionalities of AdoMet analogues for nucleic acids labelling biological methylation is a methyl group transfer from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) onto N-, C-, O- or S-nucleophiles in DNA, RNA, proteins or small biomolecules. The reaction is catalysed by enzymes called AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases (MTases).
To expand the practical utility of this important enzymatic reaction, cofactors containing sulfonium-bound side-chains with various functional or signal groups instead of methyl groups were synthesised. These AdoMet analogues serve as cofactors for a variety of wild-type and mutant DNA, RNA or protein MTases, enabling covalent attachment of these chains to their target sites in DNA, RNA or proteins (the approach named methyltransferase-directed Transfer of Activated Groups, mTAG).
Compounds containing sulfonium-bound propargyl moiety have proved efficient alkylating agents for labelling DNA and RNA. While DNA MTases, and even engineered ones like E119H M.HhaI, efficiently use AdoMet analogues with only medium size side-chains, some RNA MTazes, e.g. Hen1, can even use as cofactors large signal groups (Biotin, Cy3) possessing AdoMet analogues.
Main publications:
1. V. Stankevičius, P. Gibas, B. Masiulionytė, L. Gasiulė, V. Masevičius, S. Klimašauskas, G. Vilkaitis, Molecular Cell, 2022, 82, 1053-1065. e8
2. J. Ličytė, K. Kvederavičiūtė, A. Rukšėnaitė, E. Godliauskaitė, P. Gibas, V. Tomkutė, G. Petraitytė, V. Masevičius, S. Klimašauskas, E. Kriukienė, Open Biology, 2022, 12, 210302.

Synthesis of Polycyclic Scaffolds Fused with Heteroaromatic Metal Coordinating Units. Prof. A. Žilinskas, Dr S. Višniakova.
Vegetables as biocatalysts were screened for the stereoselective biotransformation of racemic bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol diacetate. The best results were obtained using the roots of carrot (Daucus carota) and parsnip (Pastinaca saliva) and the rootstocks of ginger (Zingiber officinale). During the biotransformation of racemic bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol diacetate, enzymatic hydrolysis occurred. Under different reaction conditions, i.e. the reaction temperature and time, and using different plant material as biocatalyst, (1R,2R,5R,6R)-(+)-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol monoacetate or (1S,2S,5S,6S)-(-)-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol monoacetate were obtained as reaction products. (-)- Enantiomer with an optical purity of 29.3% was obtained at 25°C using parsnip as a biocatalyst for two days, and (+)- enantiomer with an optical purity of 44.1% was obtained at 30°C using carrot as a biocatalyst for three days.

Dynamic Supramolecular Systems. Prof. E. Orentas, D. Naruševičius, D. Valčeckas
Water-soluble cavitands with hydrophobic cavities were synthesised and tested as scavengers of industrial organic pollutants. The geometry of the complexed guest was interrogated by using advanced NMR techniques. Remarkably strained conformations of the alkyl chains within the cavity, never observed before in solution, were shown to be stabilised within the cavities of cavitand receptors.
Main publication:
1. R. Liang, D. Bu, X. Su, X. Wei, E. Orentas, J. Rebek, Jr. and Q. Shi "Organic pollutants in water-soluble cavitands and capsules: contortions of molecules in nanospace" Org. Chem. Front. 2022, 9, 1890.

National Research Projects
Development of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials via Smart Molecular Engineering. (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-718-01-0026, Prof. S. Juršėnas). The Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. S. Tumkevičius, I. Fiodorova.
Novel organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) compounds consisting of [1,2,4]-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine and [1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidine skeletons as electron-withdrawing units were designed and process of their preparation developed. The use of TADF compounds for OLED and light-emitting applications to generate fluorescence spectra corresponding to emission colour at the range 2.36 – 2.91 eV was demonstrated.
Main publication:
1. S. Tumkevičius, T. Serevičius, I. Fiodorova, P. Adomėnas, R. Skaisgiris, S. Juršėnas. [1,2,4]-Triazolo[a]pyrimidine derivatives as thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters and process of preparation thereof. No. EP22182177, submitted 30 June, 2022.

Next Generation Fluorescent Viscosity Sensors (No-S-MIP-19-6, Dr A. Vyšniauskas).Research Council of Lithuania. Vilnius University - partner of CPST (FTMC), Assoc. Prof. J. Dodonova-Vaitkūnienė.

Novel β-substituted meso-phenyl-BODIPYs possessing a red emission were designed, synthesised and investigated as lifetime-based microviscosity sensors. It was demonstrated that the red fluorescent probe BP-Vinyl-NO₂ is suitable for sensing microviscosity in rigid environments of over 100 000 cP viscosities. A study of the ability to detect the microviscosity of both live and fixed MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells by using BDP-NO₂ and BDP-H molecular rotors revealed that molecular rotor BDP-H can be successfully applied to measure microviscosity in the lipid droplets of living cells.
Main publications:
1. K. Maleckaitė, J. Dodonova-Vaitkūnienė, R. Žilėnaitė, S. Tumkevičius, A. Vyšniauskas. Red-Fluorescent BODIPY Molecular Rotor for High Microviscosity Environments. Methods and Applications in Fluorescence, 2022, 10, art.no. 034008.
2. D. Jurgutis, G. Jarockyte, V. Poderys, J. Dodonova-Vaitkuniene, S. Tumkevicius,
A. Vysniauskas, R. Rotomskis, V. Karabanovas. Exploring BODIPY-Based Sensor for Imaging of Intracellular Microviscosity in Human Breast Cancer Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022, 23, art.no. 5687
3. K. Maleckaite, D. Narkevicius, R. Žilenaite, J. Dodonova-Vaitkuniene, S. Toliautas, S. Tumkevicius, A. Vyšniauskas. Give or Take: Effects of Electron-Accepting/-Withdrawing Groups in Red-Fluorescent BODIPY Molecular Rotors. Molecules, 2022, 27(1), art. no. 23.

Advancing the Molecular Engineering of Efficient TADF Emitters in Solid-state (SolidTADF). (S-MIP-22-39). The Research Council of Lithuania. Assoc. Prof. J. Dodonova-Vaitkūnienė.
Molecular structures of D-A-D and A-D-A architecture with definite geometry and electronic parameters have been designed using quantum chemical methods. A synthesis of donor and acceptor components for the construction of novel TADF emitters with pronounced fluorescence properties has been carried out.

Molecular Chirality: New Approaches and Applications (CHIROS). (S-MIP-22-69). The Research Council of Lithuania. (Prof. E. Orentas). I. Žutautė, I. Misiūnaitė, D. Naruševičius, A. Jankūnaitė.
The central role of chirality in the molecular world is evidenced by a vast number of bioactive natural products or essential life molecules found in nature in one mirror form. The interaction of two enantiomers (mirror images) with our bodies is different. Thus, it is of primary importance to be able to produce and investigate both molecular antipodes in their pure form. Moreover, by controlling the molecular packing of asymmetric molecules, the impact of chirality can be amplified into meso- or macroscale. This project aims to apply conceptually new design principles for synthesising and separating enantiomers using geometrically confined and reagent-controlled chiral auxiliaries. The application of chiral building blocks in the total synthesis of natural products will be demonstrated and further extended towards the tailoring of optoelectronic properties of functional materials.
Main publications:
1. Jozeliūnaitė, A. Rahmanudin, S. Gražulis, E. Baudat, K. Sivula, D. Fazzi, E. Orentas, G. Sforazzini "Light-Responsive Oligothiophenes Incorporating Photochromic Torsional Switches (PTS)" Chem. Eur. J. 2022, DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202698

Triplet State Engineering in Organic Optoelectronics Compounds (09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0084, Dr K. Kazlauskas). Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. E. Orentas, Dr T. Javorskis, A. Jozeliūnaitė, V. Vaitkevičius.

An in-depth understanding of factors governing NIR-to-vis light upconversion processes has been acquired by investigating a collection of rubrene derivatives substituted with bulky groups. The record value of upconversion yield has been obtained using rationally modified emitters and applying new film preparation techniques.
A series of TADF emitters possessing naphthyridine acceptors have been designed and synthesised.
Main publications:
1. P. Baronas, G. Kreiza, L. Naimovičius, E. Radiunas, K. Kazlauskas, E. Orentas, and S. Juršėnas "Sweet Spot of Intermolecular Coupling in Crystalline Rubrene: Intermolecular Separation to Minimize Singlet Fission and Retain Triplet–Triplet Annihilation" J. Phys. Chem. C, 2022, 126, 15327.
2. E. Radiunas, L. Naimovičius, S. Raišys, A. Jozeliūnaitė, E. Orentas and K. Kazlauskas "Efficient NIR-to-vis photon upconversion in binary rubrene films deposited by simplified thermal evaporation" J. Mat. Chem. C. 2022, 10, 6314.
3. D. Banevičius, G. Kreiza, R. Klioštoraitis, S. Juršėnas, T. Javorskis, V. Vaitkevičius, E. Orentas and K. Kazlauskas "Enhanced blue TADF in a D–A–D type naphthyridine derivative with an asymmetric carbazole-donor motif" J. Mat. Chem. C. 2022, 10, 4813.

Characterization of SupramolecularAaggregates by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy (09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0022). Dr V. Klimavičius; supervisor Prof. E. Orentas.
Main publication:
A. Jozeliūnaitė, T. Javorskis, V. Vaitkevičius, V. Klimavičius and E. Orentas "Fully Supramolecular Chiral Hydrogen-Bonded Molecular Tweezer" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 8231.

International Research Projects
ERC grant Bridging the Gap in Our Understanding of Genomic Methylation (EpiTrack). Prof. S. Klimašauskas, Prof. V. Masevičius, G. Petraitytė, M. Malikėnas.

Contractual Research
Kosmetikos tyrimų centras, UAB (Lithuania)
Sanobiotec Novus, UAB (Lithuania)
Simna, UAB (Lithuania)

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

University of Oxford (UK)
University of Tokyo (Japan)
Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (Germany)
University of Lund (Sweden)
Nanjing Tech University (China)
University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
University of Applied Sciences (Germany
Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (Latvia)
Riga Technical University (Latvia)
UAB Sanobiotec
UAB DeltaBiosciences

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. E. Orentas
• member of Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences,
http://www.lma.lt/young-academy;
• chair of organizing committee of international conference Balticum Organicum Syntheticum (BOS); https://boschem.eu/bos2020/committees/.
Prof. S. Tumkevičius
• editorial board member of the journal Chemija, https://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/index.php/chemija/about.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
Prof. E. Orentas. Invited lecture, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
Prof. S. Tumkevičius. Juozas Matulis (chemistry) prize of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
ThermoFisher Scientific

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Prof. A. Žilinskas multiple appearance on radio and tv broadcasts:
• Žinių radijas (comment on 2022 comment on 2022 Nobel Prize) Info TV and LNK (comment on leaking gas in the Baltic Sea and its environmental impact)
• TV3 (interview on microplastics)
• LRT "Panorama" (comment on microplastics)

 

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3178
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Habil. Arūnas Ramanavičius

STAFF
Professors: Habil. Dr Arūnas Ramanavičius, Dr Henrikas Cesiulis, Dr Aušra Valiūnienė,
Associate professors: Dr Deivis Plaušinaitis, Dr Ieva Plikusienė, Dr Lina Mikoliūnaitė.
Assistants: Dr Urtė Samukaitė-Bubnienė, Dr Inga Gabriūnaitė
Junior Assistance: Povilas Virbickas, Simonas Ramanavičius, Vincentas Mindaugas Mačiulis, Šarūnas Žukauskas
Research fellow: Ramūnas Levinas, Vilma Ratautaitė, Natalija Tintaru
Doctoral students: Sigita Bendinskaitė, Gabija Kavaliauskaitė, Viktorija Liustrovaitė, Margarita Poderytė, Povilas Virbickas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Sensors
• Biosensors
• Biofuel cells
• Bioelectrochemistry
• Bioelectrochemical systems
• Conducing polymers
• Gas sensors
• Electrochromic materials
• Scanning electrochemical microscopy
• Ellipsometry
• Surface plasmon resonance
• Investigation of the electrodeposition and properties of obtained tungsten- and molybdenum-containing alloys
• Metals and alloys electrodeposition
• Corrosion of metals and alloys
• Template-assisted deposition
• Electrooxidation of cyanides
• Electrochemical treatment of titanium, tungsten
• Photoelectrochemistry
• Electrocatalysis
• Electrodeposition and corrosion behaviour of metals and alloys

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
National Research Projects
Glucose Fuel Cells (GlucoFuelCell). (No. S-MIP-20-18) funded by the Lithuanian Research Council. Project coordinator: Prof. Dr (HP) Arūnas Ramanavičius.
Main publications:
1. Poderyte, M; Ramanavicius, A; Valiuniene, A. Scanning electrochemical microscopy based irreversible destruction of living cells. 2022, Biosensors&Bioelectronics, 216, 114621, 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114621
2. N. German, A. Popov, A. Ramanavicius, A. Ramanaviciene. Development and Practical Application of Glucose Biosensor Based on Dendritic Gold Nanostructures Modified by Conducting Polymers. Biosensors 2022, 12, 641. https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12080641
3. M. Petruleviciene, J. Juodkazyte, I. Savickaja, R. Karpicz, I. Morkvenaite-Vilkonciene, A. Ramanavicius. BiVO4-based Coatings for Non-Enzymatic Photoelectrochemical Glucose Determination. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry 2022, 918, 116446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.116446
4. E. Andriukonis, V. Reinikovaite, A. Ramanavičius. Comparative Study of Polydopamine and Polypyrrole Modified Yeast Cells Applied in Biofuel Cell Design. Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 2022. DOI: 10.1039/D2SE00634K https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SE00634K
5. V. Ratautaite, E. Brazys, A. Ramanaviciene, A. Ramanavicius. Electrochemical Sensors based on L-Tryptophan Molecularly Imprinted Polypyrrole and Polyaniline. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry 2022, 917, 116389. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.116389
6. S. Ramanavicius, A. Ramanavicius, Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer based Phase Boundaries for Sensors Design (Review). Advances in Colloids and Interface Science 2022, 305, 102693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2022.102693
7. L. Sakalauskiene, A. Popov, A. Kausaite-Minkstimiene, A. Ramanavicius, A. Ramanaviciene. The impact of glucose oxidase immobilization on dendritic gold nanostructures on the performance of glucose biosensors. Biosensors 2022, 12, 320. https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12050320

International Research Projects
Flow-Through System-Based Immunoanalytical Devices for the Diagnosis of Viral-Infections. (No S-LLT-21-3). Lithuanian-Latvian-Taiwanese project. The Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT). Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr (HP) Arūnas Ramanavičius.
Main publications:
1. M. Drobysh, V. Liustrovaite, A. Baradoke, R. Viter, C-F. Chen, A. Ramanavicius, A. Ramanaviciene. Determination of rSpike Protein by Specific Antibodies with Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode Modified by Electrodeposited Gold Nanostructures. Biosensors 2022, 12, 593. https://doi.org/10.3390/bios1208059
2. J. Dronina, D. Plaušinaitis, U. Samukaite Bubniene, A. Ramanavicius. Real-time label-free assessment of T7 DNA polymerase immobilization. Materials Today Nano 2022, 19, 100232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtnano.2022.100232
3. M. Drobysh, V. Liustrovaite, A. Baradoke, A. Rucinskiene, A. Ramanaviciene, V. Ratautaite, R. Viter, C.-F. Chen, I. Plikusiene, U. Samukaite-Bubniene, R. Slibinskas, E. Ciplys, M. Simanavicius, A. Zvirbliene, I. Kucinskaite-Kodze, A. Ramanavicius. Electrochemical determination of interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and specific antibodies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2022, 23, 6768. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23126768
4. V. Liustrovaite, M. Drobysh, A. Rucinskiene, A. Baradoke, A. Ramanaviciene, I. Plikusiene, U. Samukaite-Bubniene, R. Viter, C.-F. Chen, A. Ramanavicius. Towards an electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Journal of The Electrochemical Society 2022, https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac5d91.
5. I. Plikusiene, V. Maciulis, A. Ramanavicius, A. Ramanaviciene. Spectroscopic Ellipsometry and Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation for the Assessment of Polymer Layers and for the Application in Biosensing. Polymers 2022, 14, 1056. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14051056
6. S. Ramanavičius, I. Morkvėnaitė-Vilkončienė, U. Samukaitė-Bubnienė, V. Ratautaitė, I. Plikusienė, R. Viter, A. Ramanavičius. Electrochemically deposited molecularly imprinted polymer based sensors. Sensors 2022, 22, 1282. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22031282

Composite Materials for Immunosensors. (GILIBERT 2021 program agreement No. S-LZ-21-4). Lithuanian-French project under the Gilibert programme. Co-funded by Campus France Grant No. 46593RA (PHC GILIBERT 2021). The Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT). Project coordinator: Prof. Dr (HP) Arūnas Ramanavičius.
Main publications:
1. Sayegh, S; Abid, M; Tanos, F; Cretin, M; Lesage, G; Petit, E; Navarra, B; Iatsunskyi, I; Coy, E; Viter, R; Fedorenko, V; Ramanavicius, A; Razzouk, A; Stephan, J; Zaviska, F; Bechelany, M. N-doped TiO2 nanotubes synthesized by atomic layer deposition for acetaminophen degradation. 2022, Colloids and surfaces A – Physicochemical and engineering aspects, 55, 130213, 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.130213
2. Abid, M; Sayegh, S; Iatsunskyi, I; Coy, E; Lesage, G; Ramanavicius, A; Amara, AB; Bechelany, M. Design of halloysite-based nanocomposites by electrospinning for water treatment. 2022, Colloids and surfaces A – Physicochemical and engineering aspects, 651, 129696, 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.129696
3. V. Ratautaite, R. Boguzaite, E. Brazys, A. Ramanaviciene, E. Ciplys, M. Juozapaitis, R. Slibinskas, M. Bechelany, A. Ramanavicius. Molecularly Imprinted Polypyrrole based Sensor for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein. Electrochimica Acta 2022, 403, 139581. DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139581

Multiscaled Smart Metallic and Semiconductor Electrodes for Multiscaled Smart Metallic and Semiconductor Electrodes for Electrochemical Processing and Devices (SMARTELECTRODES). Project Supported by the HORIZON 2020 programme under Research and Innovation Staff Exchanges (RISE). Project coordinator: Prof. Dr Henrikas Cesiulis.
Demand for smart electrodes/systems has recently increased due to the significant role of various devices/equipment based on these electrodes that fulfil the urgent needs of present and forthcoming human activities. The multi- and interdisciplinary project SMARTELECTRODES is proposing the elaboration of advanced systems covered under the umbrella of smart electrodes, which will be involved in and play significant roles in several critical electrochemical/electrophysical applications as catalysis/electrocatalysis, sensors, thermoelectrics, electrowinning, electrochemical machining and electrospark alloying. The project's main target is the development of multiscale (from nano- to macro-; from nanodot to volumised 3D-) metallic and semiconductor electrodes and their integration into working systems/equipment.
The project SMARTELECTRODES is a highly innovative R&D training network which aims: to develop long-lasting collaborations between four academic institutions (Vilnius University, Lithuania; the Institute of Applied Physics, Moldova; Clarkson University, USA; the Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University (BSU), Belarus) and two companies (JSC ‘Topaz’, Moldova and JSC ‘Electronics Treatment Technologies’, EPT, Lithuania). The project also aims to develop new electrodes based on chalcogenides, iron group metals, and technological electrodes. It is anticipated that the project will improve the career prospects of each participant, allowing each member and the partnerships as a whole to benefit from the collaboration.
Main publication:
1. Levinas, R; Griguceviciene, A; Kubilius, T; Matijosius, A; Tamasauskaite-Tamasiunaite, L; Cesiulis, H; Norkus, E. Femtosecond Laser-Ablated Copper Surface as a Substrate for a MoS2-Based Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst, 2022, Materials, 15, 11, Article Number 3926, 10.3390/ma15113926.

Contractual Research
Femtika, UAB (Lithuania)
Optoman, UAB (Lithuania)

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Clarkson University (USA)
University Autonoma Barcelona (Spain)
Belarus State University (Belarus)
Institute of Applied Physics of MAS (Moldova)
Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
JSC Elektronikos Perdirbimo Technologijos (Lithuania)
Montpelier University (France)
Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University (Taivan)
Latvia University (Latvia)
Riga technical University (Latvia)
Poznan Adam Myzkevic University (Poland)
University of Tartu (Estonia)
Talin technological University (Estonia)
Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center (Lithuania)
Central Laboratory for Solar Energy and New Energy Sources, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Bulgaria)
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Dumlupınar University, TR-43100 Kütahya, (Turkey)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. H. Cesiulis
• Editorial board member of the journal “Surface Engineering and Applied Electrochemistry” (Springer’s journal) https://www.springer.com/journal/11987/editors
• Editorial board member of the journal “Corrosion Protection” (Poland)

Dr Lina Mikoliūnaitė
• Editor of the journals “Coatings” special issue “Fabrication of Plasmonic Thin Films and Their Characterization”
• Head of Organizing Committee of the international conference “Chemistry and Chemical technology 2023”
Prof. Aušra Valiūnienė
• Experience in reviewing academic publications in the following journals:
o Journal of Hazardous Materials
o Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
o Materials Today Communications
o The journal of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences “CHEMIJA”
o Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics
o Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry
o Ionics
o Biosensors and Bioelectronics
Prof. habil. Dr A. Ramanavičius
• Expert Evaluator in ERA-NET program.
• Expert Evaluator in National Science Centre, Poland (NCN).
• Editorial board member of the journal “Coatings” https://www.mdpi.com/journal/coatings/editors
• Editorial board member of the journal “Journal of Biomolecular Research & Therapeutics” https://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/biomolecular-research-therapeutics/editorial-board.html
• Editorial board member of the journal “Materials” https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/editors?search=Ramanavic
• Editorial board member of the journal “Sensors” https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors/editors?search=Ramanavic

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
Prof. Henrikas Cesiulis
• 2022: 12th International Advances in Applied Physics & Materials Science Congress & Exhibition, APMAS 2022, Oludeniz, Turkey, October 13-19, Invited
• 2022: 14th International Conference on Physics of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-14), 5-8 Sepetember, 2022, Dubrovnik, Croatia. Invited
Dr Ramūnas Levinas
• 2022: 14th International Conference on Physics of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-14), 5-8 Sepetember, 2022, Dubrovnik, Croatia. Invited
Dr Natalia Tintaru
• 2022: 12th International Advances in Applied Physics & Materials Science Congress & Exhibition, APMAS 2022, Oludeniz, Turkey, October 13-19, Invited
• 2022: 14th International Conference on Physics of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-14), 5-8 Sepetember, 2022, Dubrovnik, Croatia. Invited

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
• Doc. Dr Ieva Plikusienė – International Rising Talents award (UNESCO and Loreal Foundation);

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
Prof. habil. Dr A. Ramanavičius
• Member and Chairmen (from October 2019) of Council of technology committee in MITA (National Science and Technology Foundation).
Prof. Aušra Valiūnienė
• An expert/reviewer of several research proposals which were submitted to the National Science Centre Poland.
• An expert in the Committee ‘Nanotechnologies, Advanced materials, Biotechnology, Advanced manufacturing and processing’ of the Horizon 2020 program.
• An expert in the best dissertation competition.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

1. Inga Gabriūnaitė. An article in journal “Spectrum”: Biologiniai jutikliai - nuo vaistų testavimo iki elektros srovės generavimo. 2022-10.
2. Inga Gabriūnaitė. An interview in a TV Show “Labas rytas, Lietuva” 2022-10-24, LRT link: https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000239015/labas-rytas-lietuva?fbclid=IwAR22E_baNgP0NUvWBNMzXt42e-JDFydjiPvFB9l1HxlCr-T94IgD_WGW0og
3. Ieva Plikusienė. LNK News, interview in the Lab on the research conducted in the Faculty 2022-06-08 https://lnk.lt/zinios/Visi/167349?fbclid=IwAR2WIxNRipZj2HvkOQM9gPhDR5bKMcOJOGhQ5RmvU-mcBtyklSrdCNoUZXM
4. Ieva Plikusienė. Lithuania radio show 10-12, interview on LOREAL award and conducted Research in the Faculty 2022-06-08 https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000219526/10-12-lietuvei-mokslininkei-ievai-plikusienei-skirtas-tarptautiniu-kylanciu-talentu-apdovanojimas

 

DEPARTMENT OF POLYMER CHEMISTRY

24 Naugarduko, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3227
E-mail:
Head - Prof. Dr Ričardas Makuška

STAFF
Professors: Dr R. Makuška, Dr S. Budrienė.
Associate professors: Dr A. Vareikis, Dr T. Kochanė, Dr A. Bočkuvienė.
Assistant professors: Dr J. Jonikaitė-Švėgždienė, Dr V. Klimkevičius (part time), Dr M. Steponavičiūtė (part time).
Research fellows: Dr T. Krivorotova, Dr V. Klimkevičius (part time), Dr M. Steponavičiūtė (part time).
Doctoral students: M. Jurkūnas, L. Pastarnokienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Synthesis and modification of polymers
• Controlled radical polymerisation
• Amphiphilic and charge-carrying brush polymers
• Surface modification by polymeric nanostructures
• Polymeric carriers for bioactive compounds
• Immobilisation of biocatalysts onto polymeric carriers
• Encapsulation of hydrophilic and lipophilic materials within polymeric shells
• Synthesis and investigation of elastomers for artificial polymeric tissues
• Self-healing coatings for industrial applications
• Design and synthesis of polymer-inorganic hybrid optical nanomaterials for biomedical applications

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Biocompatible Brush Copolymers. Prof. Dr R. Makuška.
Gradient brush copolymers carrying PEO side chains and phosphoryl choline moieties were synthesised by RAFT copolymerisation of PEO macromonomer and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine. The copolymers were characterised by SEC, NMR, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Hydrophilicity, solution properties, and the aggregation of the copolymers were studied by the DLS.
Main publications:
1. Jurkūnas, M., Klimkevičius, V., Uscilaitė, A., Makuška, R. Synthesis of superhydrophilic gradient-like copolymers: kinetics of the RAFT copolymerization of methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine with PEO methacrylate. European Polymer Journal, 2022 (submitted).
2. Taha, A., Casanova, F., Šimonis, P., Jonikaitė-Švėgždienė, J., Jurkūnas, M., Gomaa A.E., M., Stirkė, A. Pulsed electric field-assisted glycation of bovine serum albumin/starch conjugates improved their emulsifying properties. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies 2022, 82, 103190-103201. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2022.103190.

Synthesis and Investigation of Elastomers for Artificial Polymeric Tissues. Prof. Dr S. Budrienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr T. Kochanė.
Poly(urethane urea) polymers were synthesised by two-step polyaddition reactions using poly(ethylene glycol) of different molecular weights, hexamethylene diisocyanate, bis-(hydroxyalkyl)-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, and glycidyl methacrylate. By adding various monomers as cross-linkers, the obtained poly(urethane urea) polymers were used to form UV-cured films. DSC, TGA, SEM and spectroscopic techniques were used to analyse PUU polymers and films.
Main publication:
1. Budrienė, S., Kochanė, T., Žurauskaitė N., Balčiūnas, E., Rinkūnaitė, I., Jonas, K., Širmenis, R., Bukelskienė, V., Baltriukienė, D. Synthesis of UV curable biocompatible hydrophilic copolymers containing siloxane units for tissue engineering applications. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 2022 (submitted).

Polymeric-Inorganic Hydrid Nanomaterials. Dr V. Klimkevičius.
The project involved synthesising and investigating functional non-linear polymeric materials and their application for surface modification of optically active nanoparticles and evaluating the temperature response properties of amphiphilic (co)polymers in aqueous solutions. The effect of the composition of the copolymers on conformational changes in aqueous solutions was investigated by measuring particle size by dynamic light scattering. The surface of optically active nanoparticles was modified by using amphiphilic copolymers. The effect of polymer architecture on particle surface potential and colloidal stability was investigated.
Main publications:
1. Kavaliauskaite, M.; Steponaviciute, M.; Kievisaite, J.; Katelnikovas, A.; Klimkevicius, V. Synthesis and study of thermoresponsive amphiphilic copolymers via RAFT polymerization. Polymers 2022, 14 (2), 229. DOI: 10.3390/polym14020229.
2. Klimkevičius V., Voronovic E., Jarockyte G., Skripka A., Vetrone F., Rotomskis R., Katelnikovas A., Karabanovas V. Polymer brush coated upconverting nanoparticles with improved colloidal stability and cellular labeling. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2022, 10, 625-636. DOI: 10.1039/D1TB01644J.
3. Katelnikovas, A., Steponaviciute, M., Ezerskyte, E., Drabavicius, A., Klimkevicius, V. Ultrasound-induced synthesis of all-inorganic lead perovskite QDs: fast, simple and highly reproducible. Materials Today Chemistry 2022, 26, 101163. DOI.: 10.1016/j.mtchem.2022.101163.

Microencapsulation of Active Compounds. Assoc. Prof. T. Kochanė.
The encapsulation of amine, imine, and isocyanate groups containing compounds was carried out using an emulsion-based method. The shell was formed from polyurea, poly(melamine formaldehyde), and poly(urea formaldehyde). The solvent evaporation technique was used for the shell formation from polycaprolactone or poly(methyl methacrylate). The effect of emulsifier type and concentration, mixing speed, ratio of core-to-shell, and the shell structure on the properties of the microcapsules were investigated. The amount of the core in microcapsules was determined by TGA. The successful encapsulation of active compounds was confirmed by FTIR spectra. The morphology of microcapsules was examined using optical and scanning electron microscopies.
Main publications:
1. Celitan, E., Gruskiene, R., Kavleiskaja, T., Sereikaite, J. beta-carotene-2-hydroxy-propyl-beta-cyclodextrin complexes coated with pectin. Food Hydrocolloids 2022, 133, 107990. DOI 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2022.107990
2. Straksys, A., Kavleiskaja, T., Gruskiene, R., Badokas, K., Sereikaite, J. New beta-carotene-xylan complexes: preparation and characterization. Cellulose 2022, 29(16) 8705-8718. DOI 10.1007/s10570-022-04804-2.
3. Strakšys, A., Gruškienė, R., Matulaitienė, I., Kavleiskaja, T. Preparation and investigation of β-carotene complex with natural polysaccharides. Food Chemistry, 2022 (submitted).

National Research Projects
Polyaspartic Coatings Without Volatile Organic Compounds for Wooden Surfaces. (No. 13.1.1-LVPA-K-856-01-0104). The Lithuanian Business Support Agency under the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of Lithuania. Prof. Dr R. Makuška, 2021–2023.
Three new closely related products will be developed during the implementation of the project: 1) polyaspartic coatings without volatile organic compounds (VOC) for wooden surfaces; 2) encapsulated active compounds providing self-healing for polymer coatings; and 3) self-healing polyaspartic coatings without VOC for wooden surfaces. Prototypes of the products will be prepared and improved, making them ready for industrial production.
Main publications:
1. Jonikaitė-Švėgždienė, J., Pastarnokienė, L., Juknevičiūtė, V., Makuška, R. Curing of epoxy resins by bio-based phenalkamines vs low-molecular-weight amines: study by DSC. Chemija, 2022, 33(2), 54-63.
2. Pastarnokienė, L., Jonikaitė-Švėgždienė, J., Lapinskaitė, N., Kulbokaitė, R., Bočkuvienė, A., Kochanė, T., Makuška, R. The effect of reactive diluents on curing of epoxy resins and properties of the cured epoxy coatings. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, 2022 (accepted).

International Research Projects
Biocompatible and Biodegradable Porous Silicon Nanostructures for Red Emission Enhancement by Upconverting Nanoparticles. (No. SI1893/33-1). Lithuanian-German project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Dr V. Klimkevičius, 2022–2023.
In the frame of this international bilateral initiative, the feasibility checks of upconverting nanoparticles integration with biocompatible and biodegradable silicon nanostructures and enchantment possibilities of the red emission of silicon nanoparticles due to the accumulation of the efficient UCNPs emission will be performed.

Contractual Research
UAB Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics. Dr V. Klimkevičius.
UAB Medicinos Linija. Dr V. Klimkevičius

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)
UAB Litnobiles (Lithuania)
Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Germany)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. R. Makuška
• member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
• editorial board member of the journal Chemija (Chemistry);

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
• A Lecture to teachers of Chemistry “Biofuels: an alternative to oil products?” 2022-02-24, Online lecture for 40 teachers.

 

INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCES

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8268
E-mail:
Director – Prof. Dr Petras Šinkūnas

DEPARTMENTS OF THE INSTITUTE
Department of Cartography and Geoinformatics
Department of Geography and Land Management
Department of Geology and Mineralogy
Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology
Department of Hydrology and Climatology

RESEARCH AREAS
• Geographical differentiation of Lithuania’s territory in terms of state development and territorial planning
• Changes in ecosystems and climate, conservation of the environment and the use of natural resources

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2022
D. Karlonienė. Change in potentially harmful elements in the beach sediments of a seacoast.
V. Samalavičius. The groundwater isotope-geochemistry anomalies formation features in the Baltic artesian basin.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2022
The 20th International Road Weather (SIRWEC) Conference, 14-16th of June, 2022, Druskininkai, Lithuania. https://sirwec2020.lt/
CartoCon – Science and technology conference "Spatial data and maps for a better future", 25th of November, 2022. https://cartocon.lt/
Forests in the context of climate change. Interdisciplinary conference, 20th of January, 2022, Vilnius, https://www.lgd.lt/content/miskai-klimato-kaitos-kontekste
Geography: science and education. X national conference "Current studies of Lithuanian landscape" 21st of October, 2022, Vilnius. https://www.chgf.vu.lt/apie-fakulteta/naujienos/2517-x-oji-nacionaline-konferencija-geografija-mokslas-ir-edukacija-3
National conference "Climate Protection Edges 2022". Vilnius University. Vilnius, 4th of November, 2022. https://www.chgf.vu.lt/apie-fakulteta/naujienos/2587-konferencija-klimatosaugos-briaunos-2022

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2022
J. Kilpys. (2022). Best Dissertation 2021 Award Winner.

 

DEPARTMENT OF CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOINFORMATICS

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. +370 85 239 8296
E-mail:
Head – prof. Dr habil. Algimantas Česnulevičius

STAFF
Professors: Dr G. Beconytė, Dr Habil. A.Česnulevičius.
Associate professors: Dr A. Bautrėnas Dr L. Bevainis.
Assistant professors: Dr A. Balčiūnas, Dr D. Ovodas, Dr K. Papšys (part-time).
Lecturers: N. Mačiulevičiūtė – Turlienė (part-time), L. Šutinienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: N. Mačiulevičiūtė – Turlienė, L. Šutinienė, R. Viliuvienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Methods of complex cartographic visualization.
Unmanned aircraft vehicles used for dynamic surface research.
History of Lithuanian cartography.
Mapping of natural, social, and economic phenomena of Lithuanian territory.
Investigation of symbols and emotions of children’s mental maps.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Development of ground-based topographic methods and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerial imagery methodologies to assess the condition and stability of river outcrops and dunes. Prof. A. Česnulevičius. 2021-2024.
The aim of the project is to develop a methodology for assessing the condition and stability of river outcrops and blow-out dunes based on ground-based topographic measurements and aerial imagery of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Surface topographic measurements are based on repeated surface measurements in blown dune repeated and river outcrops. Aerial image analysis is performed using achromatic and chromatic aerial photographs of unmanned aerial vehicles. Tasks include methodologies for planning the optimal flight routes of unmanned aircraft (optimal flight altitude, aerial photography overlay, selection of the spectrum of aerial photographs), development of methods for optimizing achromatic histograms of aerial photographs, methods of photogrammetric measurement of aerial photographs that allow. Accurately estimate surface changes. The purpose of river cover studies is to assess the rates of decay and possible changes in their position in the near future.

Investigation of symbols and emotions of children’s mental maps. Prof. G. Beconytė. 2019-2024.
Purpose of the investigation to assess how geographical reality is reflected in people’s consciousness. 2022 research focuses on a study of symbols and emotions in children’s consciousness maps.
Were examined 130 sources of information related to the analysis of symbols of mental maps. The structure of the performed source analysis is related to the consistent disclosure of mental map styles: the analysis of the concept of mental map styles, the importance of style, and the visualization of local place and space. Been formulated the methodology, which applied to the evaluation of mental maps and the analysis of individual functional criteria. The maps created by the children for the International Barbara Petchenik children's map competition (national selection stage) were digitized for the study of mental maps. Has been created a structured map database.

Contractual Research

The compilation, editing, and preparation for publication of Lithuania, the World, Europe, and Scandinavia maps. Contractual - Closed joint stock company Infoface.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
State enterprise GIS – center.
Closed joint stock company “Hnit- Baltic”.
International Cartographic Association.
Vienna University of Technology (Austria).
Dresden Technical University (Germany).
Warsaw University (Poland).
Jagiellonian University in Krakow (Poland).
Wroclaw University (Poland).

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
Dr Andrius Balčiūnas:
• President of Lithuanian Cartographic Society.
Dr A. Bautrėnas
• Member of the Board of the Lithuanian Cartographic Society.
Prof. G.Beconytė
• Member of AGILE International Conference on Geographic Information Science, Scientific committee.
• Member of the editorial board journal Kartographische Nachrichten (Germany).
• Member of the editorial board journal Geodesy and Cartography (Lithuania).
• Member of the scientific committee of international conferences “EuroCarto Central European Cartographic Conference”.
• Member of the editorial board international journal Journal of Maps.
Dr Linas Bevainis
• Member of the editorial board journal Surveying and Mapping Engineering (JSME).
Prof. A.Česnulevičius
• Member of the international editorial board journal Baltica (Lithuania).
• Member of the editorial board journal Geodesy and Cartography (Lithuania).
• Member of the editorial board journal Polish Cartographical Review (Poland).

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
• Beconytė G. Member of the Baltic Section of the United Nations Geographical Names Expert Group.
• Bevainis L. Chairman of the Digital Geographic Information Technical Committee of the Lithuanian Standardization Department.
• Česnulevičius A. Member of the Baltic Section of the United Nations Geographical Names Expert Group.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Agriculture
Lithuanian Geography Teachers Association
National Land Service.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
Two consultations for Lithuanian Radio.
Three consultations for the website Delfi.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
5 interviews, radio, and TV broadcasts.
13 public lectures.

 

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND LAND MANAGEMENT

1/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8288
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Darijus Veteikis

STAFF
Professors: Dr D. Veteikis, Dr D. Krupickaitė, Dr J. Mačiulytė (part time), Dr D. Burneika (part time), Dr hab. P. Kavaliauskas (emeritus).
Associate professors: Dr R. Prapiestienė, Dr F. Kavoliutė, Dr R. Šimanauskienė, Dr R. Tučas, Dr R. Skorupskas, Dr J. Volungevičius
Assistant professors: Dr L. Jukna, Dr G. Godienė (part-time), Dr I. Misiūnė (part-time, post-doc), Dr S. Šabanovas (part-time), Dr M. Jankauskaitė (part-time), E. L. Dvilevičius (part-time)
Lecturers: Viktorija Baranauskienė (part time)
Doctoral students: A. Jasinavičiūtė, G. Kurmilavičienė, E. Piškinaitė

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Remote sensing and spatial analysis of landscape, ecosystems and soils
• Physical geography
• GIS modelling
• History and monitoring of landscapes
• Landscape and Land management policy
• Landscape aesthetics
• Land use/land cover change analysis
• Spatial analysis of political, social, and economical processes
• Prognosis of spatial changes of society
• Urban geography
• Migration studies
• Rural geography
• Regional studies
• Ecosystem services and their social demand
• Geographical groundings of regional policy
• Medical and health geography
• Political and electoral geography
• Mapping and visualization of geographical processes

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Landscape anthropogenization and justification of the need for ecosystem services. Prof. D. Veteikis.
The aim of the project is to assess the extent, direction and impact of landscape change on the quality and need for ecosystem services. There are several parallel studies carried on within the scope of the project. One is to evaluate the influence of landscape instability caused by anthropogenic disturbances on the quality of ecosystem services on a national level. The classification of the landscapes under anthropogenic impact at the local level is being created in order to get the knowledge on landscape variety in the country. The trajectories of landscape structure change starting from the middle of the 19th century is being under evaluation using the historical maps.
Main publications:
1. Misiune, I., Depellegrin, D., Egarter Vigl, L (Eds.). (2022) Human-nature interactions. Exploring nature’s values across landscapes. Springer Nature book, London. Open access: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-01980-7
2. Jasinavičiūtė A., Veteikis D. (2022). Assessing Landscape Instability through Land-Cover Change Based on the Hemeroby Index (Lithuanian Example). Land 11(7): 1056. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11071056
3. Piškinaitė E., Veteikis D. (2022). Methodologies and prospects of historical land use/land cover studies in Lithuania. Baltica. 35 (1), 60-70. https://doi.org/10.5200/baltica.2022.1.5

Changes in soil properties and their impact on landscape structure and rational use. Assoc. prof. J. Volungevičius.
The aim of the research is to determine the tendencies of changes in Lithuanian soil properties under the conditions of their different use. The identification of trends is relevant to assess the sustainability of the use of soil resources and to predict changes in their quality. This is relevant when substantiating agro-ecosystem spatial planning measures and recommendations for use intensity. It is important to study not only the soils of agricultural areas, but also the soils in protected areas in order to compare how the properties of the soil change with its use. During the study, changes in soil profile morphology, chemical, physical properties and moisture regime were analyzed. Intensive use of soil in agriculture has been found to cause loss of soil organic carbon, deterioration of its structure and disruption of the hydrothermal regime. A colleague of the research group (L. Jukna) also cooperated with the Nature Research Centre while investigating nearshore sandbars.
Main publications:
1. Janušaitė, R.; Jarmalavičius,˙D.; Jukna, L.; Žilinskas, G.; Pupienis, D. 2022. Analysis of Interannual and Seasonal Nearshore Bar Behaviour Observed from Decadal Optical Satellite Data in the Curonian Spit, Baltic Sea. Remote Sens. 2022, 14, 3423.https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14143423 (Q1/Q2, 2021: IF- 5.349)
2. Šimanauskienė, R., Linkevičienė, R., Povilanskas, R., Satkūnas, J. Veteikis, D., Baubinienė, A.; Taminskas, J. (2022). Curonian Spit Coastal Dunes Landscape: Climate Driven Change Calls for the Management Optimization. Land 2022, 11, 877. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11060877

Ecological living as a strategy for the survival of regions. Prof. D. Krupickaitė.
The objective of the project is to explore the potential of ecological lifestyles for sustainable regional development. Among the other tasks developed by the project team were (1) the problem of territorial integration of gated communities in Lithuania, (2) territorial processes of residents in Lithuania, (3) optimization of the network of electoral territories (constituencies and wards); (4) evaluation of condition of heritage objects in protected areas; (5) city image studies.
Main publications:
1. Tučas, R., Kanapka, G. (2022). Gal jau metas keisti Seimo rinkimų tvarką? [Maybe it's time to change the order of the Seimas elections] Politologija, T. 107, Nr. 3, 120-157.
2. Geographical research of Lithuanian countryside in the context of European socio - economic changes. Prof. J. Mačiulytė.

Since 1990, Lithuanian rural society has been undergoing profound economic and social changes. The aim of the research is to analyze the development of Lithuanian rural areas and the current dynamics based on the diversification of social and economic functions in the EU context. The study uses statistical data (demographic, socio-economic) that allow to assess the functions and development of the territory.
Main publications:
1. Dedeire M., Mačiulytė J. (2021). Teritoriniai resursai ir lokalinė plėtra: vietos teritorinio identiteto paieškos (Žagarės vyšnios atvejo analizė), (Territorial resources and local developments: search for local territorial identity (case analysis of Žagarė cherry)). Geografijos metraštis, 54, pp. 71-81.
2. Lipavičiūtė K., Mačiulytė J. (2022). Geografinės aplinkos ir paauglių savijautos ryšys Raudondvario seniūnijos pavyzdžiu, (Connection between geographical environment and teenagers well being by the example of Raudondvaris eldership). Geografija ir edukacija: mokslo almanachas (10), pp. 26-39.
3. Balčiūnas D., Mačiulytė J. (2022). Gyventojų ir gyvenviečių tinklo raida XX a. pab. – XXI a. per. Biržų rajono savivaldybėse, (Development of the network of population and settlements at the end of the 20th century–beginning of the 21st century in Biržai district municipality). Geografija ir edukacija: mokslo almanachas (10), pp. 9-25.

National Research Projects
Quality assessment of urban public green spaces: ecological value and visit attraction (2021 September – 2023 September). Postdoctoral project. Funding scheme: Postdoctoral funding call at Research Council of Lithuania, grant agreement No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0174 20. I. Misiūnė (supervisor D. Veteikis).

I-FESMAR: Integrated Framework for Ecosystem Services based analysis of MARitime sectors (2022 April – 2025 March) Funding scheme: Researcher Groups projects, Research Council of Lithuania, grant agreement No. S -MIP-22-88. D. Depellegrin, I. Misiune, D. Veteikis, J. Kažys.

International Research Projects
ALGEA Servise for LIFE (ALGAE – ECONOMY BASED ECOLOGICAL SERVICE OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS LIFE17 ENV/LT/000407), 2017-2022. R. Skorupskas.
Aerial photography of sample water bodies, image data analysis initiation.

I.Misiūnė, G. Godienė, experts of BiodiverCities project 2020-2022. Project funded by a grant of the European Parliament under pilot project 07 02 77 51 ‘Encouraging civil society to share knowledge and best practices in connection with green cities and green urban environments’.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Lithuanian Social Research Centre (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Ruhr University Bochum (Germany)
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig (Germany)
Montpellier III University (France)
Bamberg University (Germany)
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)
Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany)
Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
University of Latvia
Texas State University (US)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
Prof. D. Veteikis
• editorial board member of the journal The Geographical Yearbook
• editorial board member of Administration Locorum series of the Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
• guest editor for Land special issue "State-of-the-Art on Landscape research—an Interdisciplinary Approach"
Prof. D. Krupickaitė
• deputy editor of the journal The Geographical Yearbook
• a member of Scientific Committee of EUGEO in Prague 2021 https://www.eugeo2021.eu/committees/ ;
Assoc. prof. R. Šimanauskienė
• editorial board member for The Geographical Yearbook
• Guest Editor for Remote Sensing Special Issue "Applications of Remote Sensing in Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation", 2022
Dr I. Misiūnė
• invited editor for the SPRINGER NATURE book edition entitled “Exploring the Multiple Values of Nature - Connecting Ecosystems and People across Landscapes”
• Research fellow at Earth System Governance partnership: https://www.earthsystemgovernance.org/person/ieva-misiune/

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Piškinaitė E., Veteikis D. Reconstructing Lithuanian land cover of the 19th century. International Geographic Union Congress (IGU 2022). Paris, 18-22 July, 2022.
2. Misiune, I. (2022) “Measuring human-nature interactions: comprehensive tool for urban green spaces assessment” at 4th ESP Europe Conference “Ecosystem services empowering people and societies in times of crises”, 10-14 October 2022, Heraklion, Greece.
3. Volungevičius J., Vaisvalavičius R., Amalevičiūtė-Volungė K. 2022 The problem of Cambisols identification in Lithuania: Landscape evolution approach. Soil Classification & Education 2. Torun, Poland 12-14 10 2022.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES

Prof. D. Veteikis

• A chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Senate of Vilnius University.
Prof. D. Krupickaitė (chairwoman), Prof. D. Veteikis, Prof. D. Burneika.

• Members of the commission for preparation of Descriptor of the study fields of physical and human geography (Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education).
Prof. D. Krupickaitė.

• An expert at Research Council of Lithuanian; an expert at National Science Centre (Narodowe Centrum Nauki, Poland); an expert at Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre (Latvia).
Prof. J. Mačiulytė.

• Expert in international scientific database Lituanistika of bibliographic records, abstracts and full-text documents; an associate member of the Centre for Russian, Caucasian and Central European Studies of the School of Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences in France and the scientific laboratory UMR 5281 ART-Dev of Montpellier III at the Paul Valéry University.
Assoc. prof. R. Skorupskas, assoc. prof. J. Volungevičius.

• Experts for evaluation of the solutions (landscape, environmental, protected areas, soil, agriculture and forestry parts) offered in the Comprehensive Plan of the Republic of Lithuania (Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania).
Assoc. Prof. J. Volungevičius.

• An expert in The Decarbonation Task Force, dedicated to updating the National Energy and Climate Plan (Ministry of Environment of Republic of Lithuania);

• expert in a Working group on the draft action plan for sustainable soil use (Ministry of Agriculture of Republic of Lithuania);

• a consultant for Agriculture, food, rural development and fisheries development programs 2021-2030.
Assoc. prof. R. Tučas.

• An independent expert for Working Group of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania on the Review of Electoral Systems.
• An independent expert for The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania in the assessment of changes in electoral districts boundaries.
Assoc. Prof. R. Skorupskas
• A member of national expert groups National Landscape policy amendment group (Ministry of Environment of LR)
• A member Landscape and Protected areas sectorial group of the Process of National Forest agreement (Ministry of Environment of LR);
• Vilnius City municipality street infrastructure standard. Expert - content consultant. Municipality of Vilnius.
• Consultation activities in development of Methodological guidelines for determining and calculating the greenery index. Expert - content consultant. Ministry of Environment of LR.
Assist. prof. G. Godienė.

• A member of national expert groups National Landscape policy amendment group (Ministry of Environment of LR) and Landscape and Protected areas sectorial group of the Process of National Forest agreement (Ministry of Environment of LR);

• consultation activities in National project “Kurk Lietuvai [Create for Lithuania]”;

• official public consultations on legal acts of the Ministry of Environment of LR;

• a member of organisational committees of the 10th National geographical conference “Geography: science and education” (Vilnius university, Lithuanian geographical society) and National school geography competition of prof. Č. Kudaba;

• Vice President of Lithuanian Geographical Society (3 global meetings (IGU, EUGEO) per year);

• National contact person of international EUGEO platform of geographical events “Geography night”; Tutor of Young Geographers School;

• Citizens science and participatory interactive Geographical activity “Lithuania - Land of the Nemunas river 2020-04-09”.
Assist. prof. S. Šabanovas.

• A member of General Education Council at Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and a member of General Education Curriculum Implementation Research Group at National Agency for Education
Assist. prof. I. Misiūnė

• External expert in a project „Sustainable future cities“ developed by MB Bluma, June-December, 2022, Vilnius, Lietuva.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
7 popular media publications and media posts
17 interviews, radio and TV broadcasts
11 public lectures
5 excursions for public

 

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8292
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Andrej Spiridonov

STAFF
Professors: Dr S. Radzevičius, Dr A. Spiridonov, Dr P. Šinkūnas,.
Associate professors: Dr D. Kaminskas, Dr G. Skridlaitė (part-time), Associate professor of practice Dr A. Kleišmantas (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr L.Balakauskas, Dr A. Čečys, Dr N. Dobrotin (part-time), Dr J. Lazauskienė (part-time), Dr D. Michelevičius (part-time).
Researchers: Dr G. Vaikutienė, Dr S. Bekeraitė.
Professor emeritus: Dr Gediminas Motuza-Matuzevičius.
Assoc. prof. emeritus: Dr Antanas Brazauskas.
In research projects: Dr E. Rudnickaitė.
Doctoral students: Ž. Stankevičius, V. Kirkliauskaitė, M. Grendaitė, A. Zans, T. Gečas, R. Stankevič, S. Rinkevičiūtė, L. Daumantas, J. Putnaitė, M. Paškevičiūtė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Geology of Precambrian crystalline basement:
• Petrology, chronology, tectonic structure and evolution of Precambrian crystalline crust
• Origin and prospectivity of the ore deposits in the Precambrian Crystalline basement
• Palaeontology, stratigraphy, and sedimentology:
• Taxonomy, evolutionary dynamics, macroecology and stratigraphy of early Paleozoic graptolite, ostracods and brachiopods, conodonts and other vertebrates
• Global patterns of macroevolutionary change
• Relation of plate tectonics and palaeobiogeography
• Geochemistry and sedimentology of Silurian deposits of the Silurian Baltic Basin
• Late Permian vertebrate palaeontology and sedimentology of the north-eastern Zechstein basin
• Devonian conodonts and biotic events
• Cretaceous extinction events and geobiological perturbations
• Late Glacial and Holocene pollen and diatom taxonomy and stratigraphy, vegetation and climatic changes and quantitative reconstructions
• Stratigraphy of Quaternary sequence based on lithological, sedimentological and geochronological data
• History of geology and geological heritage.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Impact of the Earth System on Evolutionary Radiation, Species Extinction and Ecosystem Reorganization. Prof. A. Spiridonov. 2019–2024.
The main task of the project is the comprehensive understanding of the scaling of the biotal evolution in connection to the tectonic and climatic processes. The main time periods which will be analysed are the Permian and Cretaceous. The diversity dynamics of fossil fishes, and the first crabs were analysed.

The Later Silurian Bioevents. Prof. Dr Sigitas Radzevičius. 2019–2024.
δ¹³C data supplement other stratigraphic proxies, allowing the subdivision of geological sections and more precise correlation. We give new δ¹³C data from the Silurian section of the Jočionys-299 borehole, which is located in eastern Lithuania. Based on δ¹³C variability, the Ireviken, the Šlilalė, and the Valgu carbon isotope excursion have been identified. The Valgu CIE is linked to the lower part of the Švenčionys Formation. The Ireviken CIE is linked to the upper parts of the Švenčionys and the Paprieniai formations, the Jočionys Formation (moderately stable δ13Ccarb values) and the Verknė Formation (fall in δ¹³C values). A small negative δ¹³C shift is documented in the Pabradė Formation.
Main publications:
1. Grendaitė, M., Michelevičius, D., Radzevičius, S. Insights into the structural geology and sedimentary succession of the Baltic Basin, Western Lithuania. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2022, 106009.
2. Želvys, T., Brazauskas, A., Spiridonov, A., Balčiūnas, M., Garbaras, A., Radzevičius, S. 2022. Stable carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Silurian in the Jočionys-299 borehole (eastern Lithuania). Estonian journal of earth sciences, 71(3): 127–134.

The Lower Paleozoic Carbonate Systems of the Baltic Sedimentary Basin. Assoc. Prof. D. Kaminskas. 2019–2024.
The main goal of the project is to study the peculiarities of carbonate sedimentation and diagenesis of the Baltic Silurian Basin. The carbonate analysis was applied for 399 samples. The carbonate content (calcite and dolomite) was determined for bulk samples. It was suggested that the increase in carbonate content, and also increase in variability of carbonate content, as well as decrease in LOI and magnetic susceptibility is associated with the Klonk excursion. The variation of carbonate content vs terrigenous material was established in Milaičiai 103 well. The lithological along with the carbonate analysis of probable relative depth changes revealed a long term shallowing trend, which was related to the final phases of the development of the Silurian Baltic Basin.

Mesoproterozoic Igneous and Ore Complexes in the Crystalline Base of Lithuania and Surrounding Regions. Assoc Prof. Gražina Skridlaitė. 2019–2024.
Rocks of the Varena Iron Ore deposits (VIOD) and their surrounding have been investigated for sulphide, Rare Earth Element (REE) and Radioactive Element (RE) mineralizations in the rock layers, veins and other structures. Age estimation of the mineralizations were of prime importance. In the Varen 982 and Dzukija 8 drillings, monazite, baddelyite and zircon grains are intergrown or surrounded by magnetite therefore were suitable for age determination. Their age was determined by means of Laser Ablation ICP-MS at the Lund university. Suprisingly enough, all three minerals yielded a similar ca. 1.71 Ga age.
Main publication:
1. Šatavičė, E., Skridlaitė, G., Grigoravičiūtė-Puronienė, I., Kareiva, A., Selskiene, A., Suzdalev, S., Žalūudienė, G., Taraškevičius, R. Corded Ware and Contemporary Hunter-Gatherer Pottery from Southeast Lithuania: Technological Insights through Geochemical and Mineralogical Approaches. Minerals, 2022. 12, 1006.

Palaeogeography of the Quaternary Period. Prof. P. Šinkūnas. 2019–2024.
The main research task is to determine the development of palaeogeographical environment during the Late Pleistocene - Early Holocene based on the study of deposit sequences. The research group studied sedimentary records in the south eastern Baltic Sea region to reconstruct the climatic fluctuations and the abiotic responses to them during the Lateglacial and Early Holocene. The results obtained contribute to a deeper understanding of how the local sediment sequences reveal the global climatic trends.
Main publication:
1. Piličiauskas, G., Simčenka, E., Lidén, K., Kozakaitė, J., Miliauskienė, Ž., Piličiauskienė, G., Kooijman, E., Šinkūnas, P., Robson. H.K., Strontium isotope analysis reveals prehistoric mobility patterns in the southeastern Baltic area. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2022, 14: 74, 21 p.

National Research Projects
Ecosystem Construction and Collapse in the Silurian – Survival of Biodiversity in the Extreme Climate. (No. S-MIP-19-15). Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Dr Sigitas Radzevičius, 2019–2022.
Silurian is one of the shortest and most dynamic periods in the history of the Earth. Although, this period was one of the shortest, it witnessed several large scale paleobiological, paleoclimatic and global carbon cycle perturbations. It can be argued that during the Silurian period the first modern marine ecosystems appeared with vertebrates as top predators. During this time interval vegetation started to actively spread on land. With the spread of terrestrial vegetation intensified weathering of rocks and the sequestration of the carbon dioxide in the earth's crust, this led to the global atmospheric compositional changes that have had an impact on the global climate. Three glacial episodes are recognised during the early Silurian. The direct evidence of glaciations in the Late Silurian were not recognized in the geological record. Though, sudden and cyclical sea level falls and the fluctuations in the stable carbon and oxygen isotopes point to their possible existence.
Main publications:
1. Whittingham, M., Spiridonov, A. and Radzevičius, S. Dynamic ecophenotypy in the Silurian Monograptidae (Graptolithina). Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. 2022, 29–38.
2. Rinkevičiūtė S., Stankevič R., Radzevičius S., Meidla T., Garbaras A., Spiridonov A. Dynamics of ostracod communities throughout the Mulde/lundgreni event: contrasting patterns of species richness and paleocommunity compositional change. Journal of the Geological Society, 2022. 179(1): jgs2021-039.

The Role of Spatial Structuring in Major Transitions in Macroevolution. (No S-MIP-21-9). Research Council of Lithuania. Prof. Dr Andrej Spiridonov, 2021–2024.
Evolutionary history of life on Earth is marked by a series of volatile environmentally mediated major transitions in individuality, modes of information transfer, and most importantly rates of macroevolution which determine innovation potential of the biota. Phanerozoic eon is the most recent half a billion years, which is characterized by the origination, and expansion of all modern complex multicellular plant and animal taxa. This largest scale evolution of the biota was characterized by multiple episodes of mass extinctions and evolutionary radiations that followed them. There is growing body of evidence that shows mass extinction episodes as the major transitions in the modes of macroevolution and diversity dynamics. Nevertheless, the spatial impact of macroevolution on the systemic changes in origination and extinction rates and their mutual coherence is almost completely unknown at the global scale.
Main publications:
1. Spiridonov, A., Balakauskas, L. and Lovejoy, S. Longitudinal expansion fitness of brachiopod genera controlled by the Wilson cycle. Global and Planetary Change. 2022, 216, 103926.
2. Spiridonov, A. and Lovejoy, S. Life rather than climate influences diversity at scales greater than 40 million years. Nature, 607(7918), 307-312.

International Research Projects
Ichnological and Sedimentological Evidence of Late Glacial and Holocene Environmental Changes in the Eastern Part of the European Sand Belt. Polish-Lithuanian collaboration group (DAINA) project. Prof. Andrej Spiridonov, 2018–2023.
The planned research is based on the field work. Special attention will be paid to humic horizons, including palaeosols, where the most abundant trace fossils and bioturbation structures are expected. Such studies will be accompanied by parallel sedimentological and stratigraphical analyses, with an application of optically stimulated luminescence and radiocarbon datings, georadar and statistical methods. This will allow presentation of the dynamics of the aeolian sediments in space and time and to integrate them with results from the ichnological research.
Main publication:
1. Daumantas, L., Šinkūnas, P., Rudnickaitė, E., Dobrotin, N., Kisielienė, D., and Spiridonov, A. Late Pleistocene to Middle Holocene record of sedimentation and carbonate content in the Zervynos paleolake-dune complex, Lithuania. Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences, 2022, 71, 4, 214–229.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Carleton University (Canada)
Geological Survey of Lithuania (Lithuania)
Geological Survey of Utah (USA)
Kansas University (USA)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
Krakow University (Poland)
McGhill University (Canada)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
University of Tartu (Estonia)
University of Wroclaw (Poland)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Prof. S. Radzevičius
• editorial board member of the international journal Geological Quarterly, https://gq.pgi.gov.pl/index;
• corresponding member of the International Subcommision on Silurian Stratigraphy, http://silurian.stratigraphy.org/;
• Head of the Lithuanian Commission on Stratigraphy.
Prof. P. Šinkūnas
• editorial board member of the journal Baltica, https://baltica.gamtc.lt/en
• editorial board member of the journal Geologijos akiračiai, http://www.lgeos.lt/web/GA.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Spiridonov A., Shaun Lovejoy. 2022. Scaling interactions of macroevolution and the megaclimate – searching for temporal domains of the Court Jester and the Red Queen. PAGES Agadir 2022, 6th open science meeting "Learning from past for sustainable future", Agadir, Morocco, 101 pp.
2. Spiridonov, A., Balaukauskas, L., and Lovejoy, S. 2022. Phanerozoic scale modulation of brachiopod longitudinal expansion fitness forced by plate tectonics, EGU General Assembly 2022, Vienna, Austria, 23–27 May 2022, EGU22-10150, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu22-10150
3. Radzevičius, S., Grendaitė, M., and Michelevičius, D. 2022. Large array of inselbergs and continuation of sub-Cambrian peneplain in the Baltic Basin based on interpretation of seismic data, Western Lithuania, EGU General Assembly 2022, Vienna, Austria, 23–27 May 2022, EGU22-7080.
4. Rinkevičiūtė S., Meidla T., Spiridonov A. 2022. Impact of Lau bioevent (Upper Silurian) on ostracods (Crustacea, Ostracoda). 6’th International Paleontological Congress (IPC’6), Khon Kaen, Thailand. The 4th Asian Ostracod Meeting (AOM4).

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
• Strategic session on the risks and opportunities of climate and environmental change for Lithuania (June 13th 2022). Strategy for Lithuania 2050.
• Assoc. Prof. Jurga Lazauskienė. Consulting Lithuanian government and EU strategic sectors in the Brussels on the strategic questions of geoscientific development.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
• Ministry of Environment
• Lithuanian Geological Survey
• Lithuanian Geography Teachers Association
• National Parks of Lithuania

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
• Organization of National and International Geoscience Olympiad 2022.
• Eugenija Rudnickaitė, more than 100 excursions in the Geology museum.
• Prof. Andrej Spiridonov – TV show “Mokslo sriuba” about geology in 6 episodes.
• Prof. Andrej Spiridonov – new podcast “Planet on the hand” created – 8 episodes.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROGEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 82 78
E-mail:
Head – Doc. Dr Gintaras Žaržojus

STAFF
Professors: Habil. Dr Robert Mokrik..
Associate professors: Dr S. Gadeikis, Dr S. Gadeikytė, Dr K. Jokšas (part-time), Dr G. Žaržojus.
Assistant professor: Dr Ž. Skuratovič (part-time), Dr M. Gregorauskas (part-time), dr V. Samalavičius (part-time).
Junior assistant: I. Lekstutytė (part-time), D. Gribulis (part-time);
Research fellows: Dr V. Jakimavičiūtė Maselienė (part-time).
Junior research fellows: D. Gribulis (part-time).
Lecturer: Dr J. Arustienė (part-time), dr, G. Domej (part-time)
Doctoral students: I. Lekstutytė, R. Kanopienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Assessment of groundwater resources of the Quaternary aquifer system;
• Baltic artesian basin groundwater flow formation;
• Regional mathematical flow modelling of pre-quaternary aquifer systems;
• Isotopes and geochemistry of the groundwater;
• Investigation of engineering geological conditions of urbanized territories and technogenic loading influence to the geo-environment;
• Geotechnical properties of natural and filled soils.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Research of the Geoenvironment Changes, Protection and Resources Use. Prof. R. Mokrik, Dr G. Žaržojus
Investigation of environmental isotopes and noble gases in groundwater of the Baltic Artesian Basin: determination of trace and major elements of groundwater using ICP spectrometric and ion chromatography methods; assessment of groundwater environmental isotopic ages by radioactive isotopes radiocarbon-14, tritium and noble gas isotope ratios of He 4. Modeling of groundwater flow and mass transport processes using MT3D codes GROUNDWATER VISTAS v 6. Solving heat conduction processes according to mesh less numerical scheme as a radial basic function. Engineering geological investigation of soil physical-mechanical properties by static loading, dynamical penetration tests and using laboratory and field tests methods.
Main publications:
1. Mokrik, Robert; Samalavičius, Vytautas. Interpretation of the anomalous groundwater chemistry and 234u/238u activity ratio disequilibrium in the northern part of the Baltic region. Lithuanian journal of physics. Vilnius: Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2022, vol. 62, no. 1, p. 21-43. DOI: 10.3952/physics.v62i1.4645.
2. Jakimavičiūtė Maselienė, Vaidotė; Samalavičius, Vytautas; Ašipauskaitė, Arina; Guščo, Adrian. Estimation of hydrogeological parameters of porous media in a radially convergent flow field in Kairėnai polygon, SE Lithuania. Baltica. Vilnius: Gamtos tyrimų centras. 2022, vol. 35, no. 2, p. 140-146. DOI: 10.5200/baltica.2022.2.4.
3. Mokrik, Robert; Samalavičius, Vytautas; Gregorauskas, Marius; Jakimavičiūtė Maselienė, Vaidotė; Arustienė, Jurga. Integrated studies of crustal permeability based on environmental isotopes, noble gases data and shallow - deep groundwater flow and mass-transport modeling in the surrounding area of Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP). Use of isotope hydrology to characterize groundwater systems in the vicinity of nuclear power plants. Results of a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) F33022, 2016–2020 : monograph. Kyiv : National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, 2022. p. 93-105.
4. Tamošiūnas, Tadas; Žaržojus, Gintaras; Skuodis, Šarūnas. Indirect determination of soil Young’s modulus in Lithuania using cone penetration test data. The Baltic journal of road and brodge engineering. Riga : Riga Technical University. 2022, vol. 17, iss. 2, p. 1-24. DOI: 10.7250/bjrbe.2022-17.558
5. Lekstutytė, Ieva; Žaržojus, Gintaras; Gadeikis, Saulius; Domej, Gisela; Skuodis, Šarūnas. Composition and strength of Middle Pleistocene till in Lithuania. A new era of metropolis and infrastructure developments in Hong Kong – challenges and opportunities to geotechnical engineering: proceedings of the 42nd annual seminar Geotechnical Division, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, 13 May 2022, Hong Kong. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. 2022. p. 302-315.
6. Lakirouhani, Ali; Bakhshi, Majid; Zohdi, Afshin; Medzvieckas, Jurgis; Gadeikis, Saulius. Physical and mechanical properties of sandstones from Southern Zanjan, north-western Iran. Baltica. Vilnius : Gamtos tyrimų centras. 2022, vol. 35, iss. 1, p. 23-36. DOI: 10.5200/baltica.

Disertation
Samalavičius, Vytautas. The groundwater isotope-geochemistry anomalies formation features in the Baltic Artesian Basin. Nacionalinė Lietuvos akademinė elektroninė biblioteka, 2022. 152 p. DOI: 10.15388/vu.thesis.291

Contractual Research
Contractual research of soil and ground geotechnical parameters for soil and rocks physical-mechanical properties of urbanistic sites with Limited stock companies Geotestus, Fugro Baltic, Geoinžinerija, Kelprojektas, Sweco Lietuva, Intelektualios investicijos, Gevalda.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
IAEA, Vienna (Austria)
Tallinn Technical University (Estonia)
Bern University (Swiss)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
Dr S. Gadeikis
• Editorial board member of the journal Geologijos akiračiai (Spheres of Geology).

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
Dr G. Žaržojus
• member of Lithuanian standards board, Technical committee 59, Geotechnics.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
1. Dr G. Žaržojus, D. Gribulis: Montuojamų filtracinių sistemų pagrindo zonoje esančio grunto tyrimai Jogėliškių g. 5-21, Vilniuje“. Sutartis su UAB “GEVALDA” (Nr. (1.57) 15600-INS-117). (Investigation of basement of infiltration systems at Jogeliskiu str. 5-15, Vilnius)
2. Dr G. Žaržojus, Dr V. Samalavičius, D. Gribulis: Infiltraciniai grunto tyrimai Vanaginės g. 37B, Didžiosios Riešės k., Riešės sen., Vilniaus raj. Mokslinio tyrimo sutartis su UAB “Gabija” (Nr. (1.57) 15600-INS-26). (Investigation of soil permeability in Dižioji Riešė village, Vilnius district).
3. Dr G. Žaržojus, I. Lekstutytė: Grunto bandinių tyrimai infiltracinėms talpoms projektuoti Šviesos skg. 1, Vievyje (Nr. (1.57) 15600-INS-158). (Investigation of soil permeability in Šviesos str. 1, Vievis).

 

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROLOGY AND CLIMATOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8292
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Egidijus Rimkus

STAFF
Professors: Dr A. Bukantis, Dr E. Rimkus, Dr E. Stonevičius
Associate professors: Dr J. Kažys, Dr D. Pupienis, Dr G. Stankūnavičius, Dr G. Valiuškevičius
Lecturer: Dr J. Liukaitytė-Kukienė (part-time)
Doctoral students: A. Dubikaltienė, D. Grendaitė, D. Karlonienė, L. Klimavičius, Y. Levachou, V. Mačiulytė, S. Pipiraitė-Januškienė

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Regional climate change, climate change impact on environment and economy, adaptation to climate change;
• Response of hydrosphere to the long-term climate fluctuations;
• Use of satellite information for the assessment of hydroclimatic resources and ecological status of lakes;
• Extreme and compound climate events;
• Large scale atmospheric circulation patterns;
• Change and modeling of deposits and morphology of sea shore;
• Applied meteorology, human biometeorology.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
Projects Supported by the University Budget
Use of Satellite Information for the Assessment of Hydroclimatic Resources. Prof. E. Rimkus. 2019-2024
The main research task is to develop new algorithms and methods to determine freshwater ice parameters, snow cover and soil moisture from Sentinel-1 SAR. The ground based freshwater ice, snow cover and soil moisture observations have declined in number over last decades. Satellite remote sensing with large spatial coverage and frequent revisit time might be the most robust replacement of in situ measurements of snow and freshwater ice cover parameters. Up to date satellite information provides new assessment capabilities for environment condition evaluation.
Main publication:
1. Stonevicius E, Uselis G, Grendaite D. Ice Detection with Sentinel-1 SAR Backscatter Threshold in Long Sections of Temperate Climate Rivers. Remote Sensing. 2022; 14(7):1627. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14071627

Another relative research to the above emphasized topic (as a result of our department participation in COST action ES1206) concerns the retrieval of water vapor data from GNSS satellites signals and their climatogical analysis.
Main publication:
1. Van Malderen R., Pottiaux E., Stankunavicius G., Beirle S., Wagner T., Brenot H., Bruyninx C., Jones J. (2022). Global Spatiotemporal Variability of Integrated Water Vapor Derived from GPS, GOME/SCIAMACHY and ERA-Interim: Annual Cycle, Frequency Distribution and Linear Trends. Remote Sensing, 14(4):1050. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14041050

Study of the Natural and Social Effects of Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Region. Prof. A. Bukantis. 2019-2024
The purpose of the present project was to investigate the potential impact of climate change on nutrient (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) loads from four large-scale river catchments in Lithuania. The impact on nitrogen and phosphorus was chosen because they are the main nutrients responsible for the eutrophication of surface waters including the Baltic Sea. The results indicate a decreasing trend in the stream flow and nutrient loads in most of the studied Lithuanian rivers under the projected climate change.
Also accuracy of air temperature and precipitation monthly and seasonal forecasts generated for the territory of Lithuania using the NOAA's Climate Forecast System were investigated.
Main publication:
1. Basharin D., Stankūnavičius G. (2022). European precipitation response to Indian ocean dipole events. Atmospheric research, 273, 106142. doi: 10.1016/j.atmosres.2022.106142

Investigations of the Effects of Environmental Change on Inland Water Systems. Assoc. Prof. Dr G. Valiuškevičius. 2019-2024
In 2022, the reasons for the dependence of river water levels on environmental indicators were studied. The formation of droughty periods in various Lithuanian basins was also examined. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) approach to flood protection in Europe was investigated. The research provide guidance connecting hydrology and soil science, on the one hand, and land use planning, social geography and economics, on the other. The paper was the result of our department participation in COST action CA16209 - LAND4FLOOD:

Main publication:
1. Solomun, M. K., Kaufmann, M., Keesstra, S., Keles, E., Kohnová, S., Pezzagno, M., Potočki, K., Rufat, S., Seifollahi-Aghmiuni, S., Schindelegger, A., Šraj, M., Stankūnavičius, G., Stolte, J., Stričević, R., Szolgay, J., Zupanc, V., Slavíková, L., Hartmann, T. (2022). Identifying barriers for nature-based solutions in flood risk management: An interdisciplinary overview using expert community approach. Journal of Environmental Management, 310(114725), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114725

Sea Coast Litho-Morpholgy Dynamic and Modeling. Assoc. Prof. Dr D. Pupienis. 2019-2024
Coastal geodynamic processes lead to beach sediment erosion or accumulation. The coast’s dynamic tendencies determine the changes in the volume of beach sediments; grain size; mineralogical; and geochemical composition of sediments. In addition to lithological and mineralogical analysis of sediments, geochemical analysis can provide valuable information about the local and regional patterns of sediment transport, distribution, provenance, and coasts’ conditions. The research aims to assess trace metals’ temporal and spatial distribution determined in the sandy beach sediments along the south-eastern Baltic Sea coast (Lithuania) during 2011–2018.
Main publication:
1. Karlonienė D., Pupienis D., Jarmalavičius D., Dubikaltienė A., Žilinskas G. 2022. Lithogolical and Geochemical Analysis of Mainland and Spit Sandy Beach Sediments: SE Baltic Sea (Lithuania). In Eds. Çiner A. et al. Recent Research on Geomorphology, Sedimentology, Marine Geosciences and Geochemistry. CAJG 2019. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development). Springer, Cham. pp 85-88. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72547-1_19

Lake Water Quality Parameters’ Assessment Using Satellite Data. PhD student D. Grendaitė, prof. Dr E. Stonevičius, 2018-2023
The dissertation is focused on using remote sensing data (mainly optical Sentinel-2 data) to create algorithms for water quality parameter retrieval in Lithuanian lakes and ponds. Machine learning algorithms are used to classify lakes based on their remote sensing spectra and to retrieve chlorophyll concentration.
Main publication:
1. Grendaitė, D., & Stonevičius, E. (2022). Machine Learning Algorithms for Biophysical Classification of Lithuanian Lakes Based on Remote Sensing Data. Water, 14(11), 1732. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w14111732

National projects
Automatic Algal Bloom Detection from Satellite Data. Research assistant D. Grendaitė, 2022
Algal and cyanobacterial blooms pose threats to ecosystems and to human health. Satellites can help for timely detection of these blooms. The aim of this project was to create a classification model that using satellite data separates the blooming waters from non-blooming waters and then quantitatively estimate the intensity of blooms using the derived chlorophyll-a concentration from satellite data. In the project data from three Baltic states: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were used for algorithm development and algal bloom dynamics and analysis of algal blooms in a wide variety of water bodies.

Integrated Framework for Ecosystem Services based analysis of MARitime sectors (I-FESMAR). Researcher Groups projects. Research Council of Lithuania.  Dr J. Kažys, 2022-2025.
The objective of I-FESMAR is to develop a conceptual framework for the analysis of maritime sectors using an ecosystem services oriented approach. The framework will allow to identify, assess and analyze coastal and marine ecosystem goods and services and their socioeconomic and environmental value for traditional maritime sectors (tourism, shipping, commercial fishery and Oil & Gas) and for new potential sectors (ocean energy, aquaculture) of the Lithuanian maritime economy. The framework will include (1) Structured review of maritime sectors and conceptual framework; (2) Database of environmental and socio-economic indicators development; (3) Geospatial stakeholder analysis of the maritime sectors; (4) Identification of effects of drivers of change on maritime sectors; (5) Coastal community engagement process through EU Living Labs and (6) Case study development for Lithuanian sea space.

Norway grants. LT Environmental Protection Agency. Supervision and testing of water quality data retrieval from satellite data system and its efficient management. Dr E. Stonevičius, research assistant D. Grendaitė. 2022-2023.

International Research Projects
Understanding and modeling compound climate and weather events. COST activity (CA17109). Dr E. Stonevičius. 2018-2022.
The tasks of activity are: to develop a common understanding of Compound Events; to create awareness in climate and climate impact communities about the inherent modelling challenges associated with Compound Events; to provide complementary training for Early Career Investigators (ECIs) in dynamical modelling, multivariate statistics, and extremes, all inherently relevant for studying Compound Events; to improve stakeholders' understanding of Compound Events and limitations to modelling these, enabling them to plan more targeted; to improve stakeholders’ awareness of the importance to document physical and/or monetary impacts of Compound Events to foster scientific progress.

The Human-Tech Nexus - Building a Safe Haven to cope with Climate Extremes (The HuT). 2021 call HORIZON project (HORIZON-CL3-2021-DRS-01-02) 2022 – 2026. Dr G. Stankūnavičius.
The HuT project will employ innovative disaster risk reduction solutions, accounting for the potential variations induced by climate change. This will involve integrating and leveraging best practices and successful multi-disciplinary experiences that have been recently developed within various territorial contexts by leading European research groups, institutions, and stakeholders, to deal with extreme climate events. The project’s main ambition beyond the state of the art is to promote the “best set” of trans-disciplinary risk management tools and approaches that could be adopted and used extensively across Europe, in as many situations as possible. The activities of the project will be developed considering the following main critical dimensions: trans-disciplinarity, systemic risk, co-production, crossfertilization, transferability, and long-term legacy. A set of ten demonstrators will constitute a multi-hazard arena wherein possible disastrous events associated with climate extremes will be dealt with jointly by representatives of the scientific and technical communities, practitioners, policy-makers and local communities. The events associated to climate extremes that will be considered in this project are: forest fires, including wildland urban interface fires; meteorological/hydrological/agricultural droughts, including associated water shortage; heatwaves; weather-induced landslides, including debris flows; fluvial and pluvial floods; storms, including heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms, and storm surges. The HuT will mainly focus on the prevention and preparedness phases of the disaster risk management cycle, explicitly considering climate change scenarios and integrating the proposed set of solutions, for the various events considered, over short- (from days to several months) and long-term (from years to decades) time horizons.

European network for Mediterranean cyclones in weather and climate. COST activity (CA19109).  Dr G. Stankūnavičius. 2020-2024.
Cyclones are the main weather modulators in the Mediterranean region and constitute a major environmental risk, often producing windstorms and heavy rainfall. Moreover, cyclones play a key role in the regional climate variability by controlling the oceanic circulation and regional water cycle, and by mobilizing and transporting large amounts of dust from North Africa.
Efficient networking between stakeholders, operational weather forecasters and researchers is timely and essential to address both challenges of research coordination and operational implementation of scientific results into weather and climate services. This Action coordinate the activities of researchers in meteorology and climatology and scientists from weather/climate services with the main aims to provide a deeper understanding of Mediterranean cyclones and to improve significantly the European capacity to predict their environmental and climate impacts. In this context, the network will identify, and involve in the network, relevant stakeholders with different backgrounds (e.g. civil protection, re-insurance companies) and co-develop cyclone prediction products tailored to their needs.

Cooperation partnerships in higher education. ERASMUS+ Programme. Mindfulness Practices for Students in Society, MP4s. Dr J. Kažys, 2021-2024.
The MP4s project aims to achieve the following objective: to support students to tackle their emotional difficulties through mindfulness practices and training, fostering compassionate care of self, others and the planet within higher education institutions, promoting soft skills competencies and accelerating the social and climate transition. Our project will provide an open access set of resources for students, teachers and faculties, to allow mindful practices and training to be weaved into any course, supporting students’ wellbeing and enabling them to act for and on behalf of the planet and others from a compassionate place. Students are tomorrow’s leaders and, consequently, the consortium feels it is crucial to provide them with awareness tools and resources. Mindfulness has shown efficacy in lowering anxiety, increasing resilience, improving academic performance, deepening one’s sense of connectedness to others and nature, and allowing one to act from a balanced state of awareness.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Energy Institute (Lithuania)
Temple University (USA)
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun (Poland)
Tartu University (Estonia)
University of Latvia (USA)
Institute for Environment and Sustainability (EC Joint Research Centre)
JSC “Road Maintenance” (Lithuania)
NGO “Lithuanian Fund for Nature” (Lithuania)
Tallinn University (Estonia)
Kherson State University (Ukraina)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire (USA)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
Prof. A. Bukantis
• editorial board member of the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management.
Dr E. Kažys
• editorial board member of the journal International Journal of Ecosystems and Ecology Science (IJEES);
• editorial board member of the journal The International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts and Responses;
• representative in Lithuania of The European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR).
Dr E. Stonevičius
• national Correspondent of Euromediterranean Network of Experimental and Representative Basins (ERB);
• topical advisory panel member of journal Water (MDPI).
Dr G. Valiuškevičius
• member of Nordic Association for Hydrology (NHF).
Dr D. Pupienis
• member of the elite International Sediment Club (ISC);

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
Prof. A. Bukantis
• Member of National Committee on Climate Change.
Prof. E. Rimkus 

• Member of the Interinstitutional Working Group on the Impact of Climate Change on Public Health.

• Expert member of STRATA in “Lithuania's Progress Strategy – Lithuania 2050”.
• The chairman of supervisory board of National Hydrometeorological service.
Dr J. Kažys.

• Member of the Climate Change Group of the National Forest Agreement

• Evaluator of ES H2020 CINEA HORIZON-MISS-2021-OCEAN-02-03-04-05 and HORIZON-MISS-2021-CLIMA-02 projects.
Dr G. Stankūnavičius

• National council member of Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
Ministry of Environment
Lithuanian Geography Teachers Association
Curonian Spit National Park
Seaside Regional Park
Klaipėda city municipality administration
Neringa city municipality administration

Consultations provided by the unit to the public or economic entities
Advising Lithuanian business leaders and media representative on climate change issues.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
More than 100 interviews, radio and TV broadcasts;
More than 40 public lectures;
More than 30 excursions to meteorological station at VU.