Sustainable Chemistry &
Engineering Research Group

We are the SUSCHEMENG - Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering research team at the Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology. 

Our research activities are focused on designing novel efficient, safe, and more environmentally benign chemicals and formulations. Our lines of research are being directed by principles of green chemistry and sustainability in the following fields.

 

Organic chemistry application includes development of cleaner organic synthesis methods towards surface-active ionic liquids, small molecules, and functional materials of potential importance for pharmaceutical of environmental applications.

Medicinal chemistry. We apply green and sustainable principles to ensure rational design of antidotes (reactivators of AChE inhibited by OP) and potenial anticancer agents development (novel VEGFR and PARP inhibitors). Drug candidates delivery via sustainable innovative formulations covers preparation and study of functionalized nanodiamonds and sustainable micro/nanoemulsions.

Biodegradability study facility (OECD 301D CBT) has been installed and extensively used by the team to identify low toxicity or mineralizable transformation products, to provide comprehensive “benign-by-design” approach.

Biomass valorisation is resulted in novel lignin-based surfactants and functional materials. We study novel formulation comprehensively and improve them to have tunable aggregation properties (micelles, gels, films, or emulsions) and antibacterial or antiviral activity.

Risk management of technogenic accidents and health emergency includes improvement of the antidotal and chemical decontamination formulations for the first responders and volunteers, ensuring sustainability of the kits needed in the case of technogenic event, as well as sysutainable disinfectant formulations, which remain at the surface and inactivate bacteria or viruses.

 

Students of all levels are extensively involved in the research work of our research group, including regular traineeships of bachelor, master, and doctoral students from abroad (Ukraine, India, Germany, and France), either on individual basis or within networking projects.