The project "Atomic and electronic structure of zinc ions in lipid layers as models of biological membrane permeability: X-ray spectral nanodiagnostics and computer modeling" is being implemented on the basis of the Department of Nanosystem Physics and Spectroscopy of the Faculty of Physics of the Southern Federal University.

Scientists are particularly interested in the study of ordered lipid layers due to the fact that in their composition and morphology, these systems represent an adequate model of biological membranes. Biological membranes are molecular "shells" that separate the contents of cells from the external environment. They perform not only a barrier function, but also a transport function for the interaction of the cell with the external environment, and are also the environment for many biochemical processes.

Studies of the permeability processes of model cell membranes at the molecular level can be effectively used to solve a wide range of problems related to biomedical diagnostics and biophysical research.

So, for a long time it was believed that the most significant biochemical functions in the body are performed by sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which make up 99% of all metal atoms in the human body. However, in recent years, more and more attention of researchers is attracted by the so-called trace elements (iron, molybdenum, cobalt, copper and zinc), which are contained in the body in trace amounts, but play a crucial role in biological systems.

The project will be implemented, among other things, with the help of an experimental X-ray spectral technique for studying monolayers using synchrotron radiation, which is currently being developed jointly with the Kurchatov Institute Research Center and the Russian Academy of Sciences ' FRC of Biotechnology by Maria Kremennaya and her supervisor, Professor Galina Yalovega.

The team also includes young researchers of all levels-graduate students, master's and bachelor's students.