Ruslan GryaznovPhD Student

About me

I received a Bachelor´s degree in 2020 in Chemistry and a Master´s degree in Physical Chemistry in 2022 at the Branch of Lomonosov MSU in Baku, Azerbaijan. The topic of my bachelor´s work was related to the study of the properties of metal-zeolite catalysts in the production of biofuels from bioethanol. During my master´s degree I worked on the study of ozonation processes. 

The topic of my project as a PhD student in SUSMATCHEM group is based on the study of the interaction of lignin nanoparticles with proteins, from fundamental understanding to engineering materials. This project is being led by Assistant Professor Mika Sipponen and it is a part of the WWSC (Wallenberg Wood Science Center) 

 

Lignin is the central component of lignocellulosic biomass that gives wood its structural rigidity. Proteins are complex organic molecules composed of amino acids that serve as building materials for an organism's cells, essential for tissue growth and maintenance of vital body functions.  At the moment, the interactions of lignin with proteins are attracting more and more attention. Despite this, the mechanism of interaction between lignin and proteins at the molecular level is still not fully investigated. In our project, we attempt to fulfill this gap.

Understanding the interaction between lignin and proteins opens up new opportunities for the development of various biomaterials from food packaging films to eco-friendly and bio-based adhesives for industrial applications, which significantly reduces the negative environmental impact.