Young Researchers at Vilnius University Develop Alternative Antibacterial Strategies: From Medicine and the Food Industry to Space Research

Researchers at the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology of Vilnius University (VU) Faculty of Physics, including Dr Irina Buchovec and PhD student Gabrielė Vasiliauskaitė in collaboration with Master student Nojus Radzevičius from the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, are exploring how light-based technologies can help combat harmful microorganisms.

“In recent years, the overuse of antibiotics and broad-spectrum antibacterial agents has become one of the most pressing public health issues. This not only increases bacterial resistance but also poses risks to human health and the environment. That’s why it’s crucial to develop and study alternative antimicrobial strategies that are both effective and less likely to trigger microbial resistance,” explains Gabrielė Vasiliauskaitė, PhD student at the VU Faculty of Physics.

Gabrielė leads the project “Chemical Modification of Chlorophyllin and Nanoparticle Synthesis for Optimising Photosensitizer Properties “, which was awarded funding this spring by the VU Science Promotion Fund. This interdisciplinary project brings together expertise from the Faculty of Physics’ Lighting Research Group and the Supramolecular Chemistry Research Group of the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences.

The Lighting Research Group studies naturally derived light-sensitive materials known as photosensitizers and analyses their effectiveness in the antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms. According to the researchers, combining their competencies enables the development of an enhanced, environmentally friendly photodynamic inactivation technology and the optimisation of its effectiveness against pathogens.

“Our aim is to chemically modify the photosensitizer chlorophyllin, synthesize its nanoparticles, and investigate their photophysical properties. These modifications are designed to improve the antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation induced by chlorophyllin against a broad range of pathogenic microorganisms,” says G. Vasiliauskaitė.

This technology uses a combination of light, a photosensitizer, and oxygen to destroy harmful microorganisms. “The photosensitizer binds to, for example, a bacterial cell. When exposed to light – typically in the red or blue spectrum – it produces reactive oxygen species that damage microbial cells, ultimately causing their death. For instance, strawberries, cucumbers or tomatoes treated with this method could be more resistant to microbial spoilage, remain fresh longer, and appeal more to consumers,” explains Dr I. Buchovec.

To apply this technology across various fields, it is essential to use photosensitizers that are safe for humans and the environment. Natural compounds are non-toxic and sustainable. According to the researchers, bacteria have not yet developed resistance to this method.

“This modern technology could serve as an alternative to traditional disinfection methods in medicine, the food industry, and agriculture, and even has applications in the space sector. Our studied photosensitizer, chlorophyllin, is a naturally derived green pigment extracted from plants rich in chlorophyll. It has essential properties for photodynamic inactivation, such as absorbing red and blue wavelengths and producing reactive oxygen species in response,” G. Vasiliauskaitė explains.

“We want to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between faculties and integrate knowledge to address today’s complex problems,” she emphasises. With a background in microbiology, biotechnology and biophysics, Gabrielė applies her cross-disciplinary knowledge to ongoing research and fosters cooperation between different scientific domains. The young researcher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology and a Master’s degree in Biophysics from VU.

“The VU Science Promotion Fund competition is an excellent opportunity for early-career scientists, especially master’s and doctoral students, to take the lead in scientific projects and gain hands-on experience,” she adds.

This year, the Fund is supporting 20 projects led by young scientists, two of which are coordinated by researchers from the Faculty of Physics. The competition received 60 applications – over half were submitted by PhD candidates.