DEPARTMENT OF INFECTIOUS MICROBIOLOGY

Head: Professor Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS

Tel.: +359 2 979 31 61

E-mail: hnajdenski@abv.bg, hnajdenski@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 


 

LABORATORIES:

BACTERIAL VIRULENCE, RESISTANCE AND NEW ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS

Head: Prof. Hristo M. Najdenski Corresponding member

Tel.: +359 2 979 31 61

E-mail: hnajdenski@abv.bg, hnajdenski@gmail.com

 

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF MICOBACTERIA

Head: Assoc. Prof. d-r Violeta Valcheva

Tel.: +359 2 979 31 61

E-mail: vvalcheva@microbio.bas.bg

 

CYTOTOXICITY AND SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION

Responsible head: Prof. d-r Maya M. Zaharieva

Tel.: +359 2 979 31 35

E-mail: zaharieva26@gmail.com

 

ECOLOGY OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

Responsible head: Assist. Prof. Zvezdomira Tsvetanova, PhD

Tel.: +359 879 499 172

E-mail: tsvetanovazv@dir.bg, zvezdimira@yahoo.com

 

 

 

ONGOING PROJECTS:

NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMS

  • Grant ID: DSD-3/19.02.2019, Ministry of Education and Science. Topic: “Healthy foods for a strong bioeconomy and quality of life”. Coordinator: Prof. Vladislav Popov, PhD (Agricultural University – Plovdiv, Bulgaria). Responsible for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS as a Partner Organization: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS. Participants: Assoc. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD; Assist. Prof. Yana Ilieva, PhD; Part-time doctoral student Maya Angelovska.

Information: http://www.nnp-food.au-plovdiv.bg/

The total value of the project is 277 028 BGN, as for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS – 90 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: February 2019 – February 2023.

The National Research Program aims to conduct fundamental and applied research for establishing adapted models and technologies for production of healthy foods for a strong regional bio-economy and for improving the quality of life of the population of Republic of Bulgaria.

 

  • Grant ID: DO1-217/30.11.2018, Ministry of Education and Science. Topic: “Innovative low-toxic biologically active compounds for precision medicine” BioActiveMed. Leading organization: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Responsible for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS and Manager of Work Package 3: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS. Participants: Assoc. Prof. Vesselin Kussovski, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD (Manager of Task 3.2 from The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS); Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD (Manager of Task 3.1 from The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS); Assist. Prof. Yana Ilieva, PhD; Microbiologist Iva Tsvetkova.

Information: http://bioactivemed-nrp.com/         

The total value for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS as a Partner Organization 3: 481 250 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: November 2018 – November 2023.

The aim of the National Research Program BioActiveMed is to develop new low-toxic biologically active agents and systems containing extracts from Bulgarian natural sources of plant or animal origin for prevention and therapy support of certain diseases, as well as for overcoming multidrug resistance. The Department of Infectious Microbiology aims to determine the antibacterial activity of biologically active agents/systems containing extracts from natural sources on Gram (+) and Gram (-) reference pathogens with colonizing potential and varying degrees of resistance, causing skin, food and uro-infections, according to the established international standards. The pharmacodynamics of the active components in pathogenic bacterial strains will be studied; incl. biochemical characteristics analyzed and presented using modern mathematical approaches, effects on the vitality and structure of bacteria in biofilms, in vitro toxicity of selected components.

 

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMS

  • Grant ID: Clean&Circle BG05M2OP001-1.002-00, Ministry of Education and Science, Republic of Bulgaria and European union, European structural and investment funds. Topic: “Clean technologies for sustainable environment – water, waste, energy for circular economy”. Coordinator: Prof. Yana Topalova, DSc (Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”). Coordinator and lead researcher from The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS. Participants: Assoc. Prof. Vesselin Kussovski, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD; Assist. Prof. Zvezdimira Tsvetanova, PhD; Assist. Prof. Mila Kaleva, PhD, DVM; Microbiologist Iva Tsvetkova.

Information: http://www.clean-circle.eu/

The total value of the project is 23 667 925, 86 BGN, as for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS – 1 235 098, 18 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: March 2018 – November 2023.

The aim of the project is to build effective infrastructure and research capacity to develop innovations in the circular economy focusing on water, energy and waste management. The Department of Infectious Microbiology develops new methods for control of microbiological contamination, as well as conducts diagnostics of purification processes.

 

  • Grant ID: 4000126327/18/NL/SC-09.01.2019, European Space Agency. Topic: “Technology model for microbial degradation of cellulose containing wastes in life support system for manned space flights”. Project leader: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS. Participants: Assoc. Prof. Vesselin Kussovski, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD.

The total value of the project is 193 970,4 BGN, as for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS – 162 339,45 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: January 2019 – December 2020.

The aim of the project is the development of a laboratory model for anaerobic microbial degradation of cellulose-rich organic materials (hygienic towels and plant wastes) in terms of future use in life-support for manned space flights (compatible with the Compartment 1 of MELiSSA).

  • International Nucleome Consortium COST Action CA18127 (European Cooperation for Science and Technology). Participant: Assoc. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD.

Deadline for implementation: 2019 – 2023.

Information: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA18127/#tabs|Name:management-committee

  • International Research Consortium on Tuberculosis and other Mycobacterial Diseases, Faight Against Tuberculosis in Central and Eastern Europe (FATE). Participant: Assoc. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD.

Deadline for implementation: 2019 – 2023.

Information: https://www.fate-consortium.org/partners/university-of-warsaw/

 

NATIONAL FUND FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

  • Grant Incoming № КP-06-PN-41/8. Topic: “New derivatives of ethambutol and isoniazid as potential antituberculous drug candidates”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD. Participants: Assist. Prof. Mila Kaleva, PhD.

The total value of the project is 168 918 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: November 2020 – November 2023.

The aim of this project is to study active and new synthesized chemical compounds, analogues of ethambutol and isoniazid (hit compounds), to select those with the lowest toxicity, combined with their ability to reduce the number of live bacteria in the organs of experimental animals and to have the ability to control the oxidative processes in the infected body. By applying molecular docking and in silico methods, the structure-activity relationship will be traced, which would influence the future design of new antituberculosis candidates with improved efficacy, selectivity and pharmacological parameters. This will be a key factor in the alternative replacement of existing TB drugs with new potential candidates (selection of lead compounds) to be proposed for further preclinical and clinical trials.

 

  • Grant ID: KP-06-N31/20-19.12.2019. Topic: “Antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in Bulgarian natural waters and waters under anthropogenic impact”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Zvezdimira Tsvetanova, PhD. Participants: Assoc. Prof. Vesselin Kussovski, PhD; Assist. Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, PhD; Technician, chemist Vanya Slaveva; Biologist, microbiologist, Part-time doctoral student Maya Angelovska. Consultant: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS.

The total value of the project is 98 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2019 – December 2022.

The aim of the project is to study the distribution of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria and representatives of the environmental microflora, as well as resistance genes in Bulgarian natural and anthropogenically affected waters. The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of the microbiome in selected water objects will be clarified by assessing the prevalence of resistant bacteria (incl. Escherichia coli, coliforms and enterococci), the phenotypic resistance profile and the genetic determinants of AMR. The AMR in drinking water and the impact of purification processes and water supply systems will be assessed. The AMR of microbial species isolated from untreated wastewater and the effect of treatment processes on the bacterial vectors of AMR will be studied.

 

  • Grant ID: КP-06-N36/17-17.12.2019. Topic: “Biological activities of Bulgarian rose oils and approach to the waste valorisation, generated during their production”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Milka Mileva, PhD (Laboratory of Biological Response Modifiers and Pathogenesis of Viral Infections, The Stephan Angloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS). Participants: Assoc. Prof. Vesselin Kussovski, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD; Assist. Prof. Yana Ilieva, PhD.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2019 – December 2022.

The aim of the project is to develop an approach for valorization of waste products from water-steam distillation of oil-bearing Bulgarian roses Rosa alba L., R. damascena Mill., R. gallica L. and R. scentifolia L. A wide-ranging comparative analysis will be conducted of the composition and biological activities of essential oils and waste products from their production. The targets of the study are both essential oils and hydrosols, as well as wastewater, lyophilizates thereof and methanol extracts from already used rose flowers. It is planned to conduct fundamental research in selected in vitro model systems using a set of cytogenetic, microbiological, virological and biochemical approaches. Gas chromatographic analysis (GC/MS) will establish the phytochemical profile of the products. The strategic goal for the valorization of distillation waste products is to prove their valuable biological activities.

 

  • Grant ID: КP-06-N36/7-13.12.2019. Topic: “Prevalence and characterization of antibiotic-resistant food pathogens isolated from pigs, lagoons, wastewater and fertilized soils in Bulgaria”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD. Coordinator: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS. Participants: Assoc. Prof. Vesselin Kussovski, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Zvezdimira Tsvetanova, PhD; Assist. Prof. Mila Kaleva, PhD, DVM; Assist. Prof. Yana Ilieva, PhD; Microbiologist Iva Tsvetkova; Part-time doctoral student Maya Angelovska. Consultants: Prof. Marc Heyndrickx, PhD (Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO), Belgium); Dr. Geertrui Rasschaert, PhD (ILVO, Belgium); Dr. Els Daeseleire, PhD (ILVO, Belgium); Dr. Lieve Herman, PhD (ILVO, Belgium); Vivi Miriagou, PhD (Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece); Stathis Kotsakis, PhD (Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece).

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2019 – December 2022.

The aim of the project is to identify and characterize the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in four pig-breeding complexes in Bulgaria with respect to food pathogens of the genera Salmonella and Yersinia, as well as Escherichia coli from pig faeces, lagoons, wastewater and soils close to the farms. The results of the study will provide data for the possible generation and transfer of genetic determinants for AMR. This will contribute to the development of effective measures for limitation and control the use of antibiotics, which is a key point in the WHO’s action plan against AMR aimed at delaying the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens between animals and the environment.

 

  • Grant ID: КP-06-N37-12/2019. Topic: “Innovative constructions of photobioreactors based on integrated concept for CO2 utilization and production of algal biomass metabolites with high biological and immunostimulatory activities”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Alexander Kroumov, PhD, chemical engineer (Laboratory of Bioconversion and Biosynthesis of Metabolites, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS). Participants: Assoc. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Yana Ilieva, PhD. Consultant: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2019 – December 2022.

The aim of the project is to develop “green” technologies based on innovative photobioreactors (PBRs) using as platform a multifunctional algology laboratory. The main procedures are considered to minimize global warming caused by CO2, a waste product in the energy sector. In this regard, microalgae are particularly important worldwide due to their huge potential for the synthesis of high value-added products, as well as their ability to utilize high concentrations of CO2 from waste gases (flue gases from organic materials, CO2 from natural gas combustion, fermentation waste gases, etc.). Based on an integrated optimal regime in closed PBRs, the mentioned environmental problems can be solved, as well as such related to human health. The extraction and identification of biologically active substances with antimicrobial, biostimulating and antioxidant activities are also objectives of the project.

 

  • Grant ID: КP-06-PN-39/7-09.12.2019. Topic: “Preparation of innovative antimicrobial and antitumor electrospun materials from mucoadhesive and biocompatible polymers and chelating agents from the 8-quinolinol group”. Project leader: Prof. Nevenka Manolova, PhD, DSc (Institute of Polymers – BAS). Participant: Assoc. Prof. Nadya Markova, PhD.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2019 – December 2022.

The aim of the project is to find original approaches for the creation of innovative electrospun materials with improved design and purposely tailored properties containing low-molecular-weight compounds (LmCs) with chelating properties and biological activity that are potential candidates for future applications in the biomedical field to fight with some of the causes of bacterial and fungal infections or of cancer diseases.

 

  • Grant ID: КP-06-PN-31/26- Topic: “Tracing genomic evolution of C. glabrata population strains and the development of drug resistance and virulence during infection”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Dilnora Gouliamova, PhD (Laboratory of Microbial Genetics, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS). Participant: Assoc. Prof. Nadya Markova, PhD.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2019 – December 2022.

The aim of the project is to follow the genomic evolution of strains from the population of C. glabrata and the development of drug resistance and virulence during infection.

 

  • Grant ID: КP-06-N39/7-2019. Topic: “Detection of new drug candidates through synthetic modifications of natural shikimic acid“. Project leader: Prof. Vladimir Dimitrov, DSc (Institute of Organic Chemistry with Center for Phytochemistry – BAS). Responsible for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Assoc. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN, as for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS – 36 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2019 – December 2022.

The aim of the project is to obtain new synthetic derivatives of shikimic acid with expected antitubercular and antibacterial activities.

 

  • Grant ID: КP-06-N29/11-18.12.2018. Topic: “Phthalocyanine photosensitizers against microbial resistance”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Vanya Mantareva, PhD (Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry – BAS). Responsible for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS as a Partner Organization 1: Assoc. Prof. Vesselin Kussovski, PhD. Participants: Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD; Microbiologist Iva Tsvetkova.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN, as for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS – 30 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2018 – December 2021.

The aim of the project is to develop a new generation of selective photoactive compounds (photosensitizers) based on the phthalocyanine molecule, designed for photodynamic therapy. The proposed photosensitizers are conjugates with biologically active molecular fragments such as amino acids, sugars and sterol molecules. The developed new structures will be obtained as complexes with traditional ions for phthalocyanine chemistry, metal complexes of zinc, silicon, palladium and others, as well as monomolecular complexes with lanthanide ions. The new derivatives will be tested as phototherapeutics against resistant pathogenic microorganisms.

 

  • Grant ID: DN19/16-20.12.2017. Topic: “Study of the chemical composition, antiviral and antibacterial activity of extracts from the plant Graptopetalum paraguayense Walther (Crassulaceae)”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Nadya Markova, PhD (Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry – BAS). Participant: Assist. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD. Consultant: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2017 – December 2020.

The aim of the project is to select biologically active fractions from aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the plant Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther and to determine their chemical composition. Additionally, algorithms for antibacterial and antiviral studies of total extract, active fractions and natural compounds isolated thereof will be developed and optimized. An integrated set of experimental and theoretical methods for clarification the structure of isolated compounds from the active fractions of G. paraguayense E. Walther extracts will be created and developed. The project will contribute to increasing the knowledge about medicinal plants, which are of interest for the ethnopharmacology, classical and alternative medicine.

 

  • Grant ID: DN16/12-20.12.2017. Topic: “Genetic diversity and population structure of Mycobacterium bovis strains isolated from cattle from different regions of Bulgaria“. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Magdalena Bonovska, PhD, DVM. Participant: Assist. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD. Consultant: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: January 2017 – January 2021.

The aim of the project is a molecular genetic study on the genetic diversity of the Mycobacterium bovis strains circulating in Bulgaria, which will support the development of molecular epidemiology in veterinary medicine.

 

  • Grant ID: DN19/4-10.12.2017. Topic: “Green approaches for the utilization of green wealth – natural deep-eutectic solvents for extraction of biologically active substances from natural sites”. Project leader: Prof. Vassya Bankova, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS (Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry – BAS). Participants: Assoc. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD; Microbiologist Iva Tsvetkova. Consultant: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS.

The total value of the project is 119 200 BGN, as for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS – 23 840 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2017 – December 2020.

The aim of the project is to study, create and develop a practically applicable “green” innovative approach for extraction of biologically active compounds (BAC) from Bulgarian natural raw materials – propolis, Mursal tea (Sideritis scardica) and plantain (Plantago major) using environmentally friendly non-toxic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). New data will be obtained about the effects of NADES on the biological activity of the BAC dissolved therein – antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and anti-aging effect. The results will be used for introduction of modern high-performance technologies in the production of food supplements, functional foods and cosmetics, as well as for environmental protection.

 

  • Grant ID: DN03/3-16.12.2016. Topic: “New possibilities for targeting protein kinase B and nuclear factor kappa B in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD. Participants: Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD; Assist. Prof. Yana Ilieva, PhD; Microbiologist Iva Tsvetkova. Consultant: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2016 – April 2021.

The proposal refers to in vitro investigations of basically new therapeutic modalities for targeted inhibition of signal transduction pathways involved in the carcinogenesis of CTCL. The study will focus on the activity of nanosized systems loaded with synergistic combinations between antineoplastic and antimicrobial agents rationally selected according to their mode of action. Two of them, miltefosine and erufosine, are synthetically derived alkylphosphocholines which exhibit strong antineoplastic activity in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines. The third compound is the natural substance curcumin, a well known proteasome inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB) with anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effect. Miltefosine and curcumin, possess in vitro antimicrobial activity against the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus related to the pathogenesis of CTCL, whereas the antimicrobial potential of erufosine remains to be elucidated. The influence of staphylococcal virulence factors on the signalling pathways modified by the selected compounds will also be studied.

 

  • Grant ID: N03/9-2017. Topic: “Profile of γδ T lymphocytes in normal pregnancy and in placentobiome of BCG vaccinated pregnant women”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Tanya Dimova, PhD (Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction “Acad. Kiril Bratanov” – BAS). Participants: Assoc. Prof. Nadya Markova, PhD; Laboratory assistant Albena Cherneva.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: 2017 – 2020.

The aim of the project is to acquire new knowledge about the immunological side of implantation in order to achieve a successful pregnancy in women. Unconventional gamma-delta (γδ) T cells during pregnancy and their role in the placentobioma will be studied, as well placental microbiome studies will be performed.

 

  • Grant ID: DN09/18-17.12.2016. Topic: “Dеsign of novel mesoporous nanocomposite drug delivery systems for antineoplastic and multi-drug resistance-reversal agents”. Project leader: Prof. Margarita Popova, PhD (Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry – BAS). Participant: Assist. Prof. Yana Ilieva, PhD.

The total value of the project is 120 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2016  – September 2020.

The aim of the project is the preparation of new mesoporous nanocomposites for the development of drug delivery systems, which ensure the targeted release of antineoplastic and multi-drug resistance-reversal agents. As a result of the successful implementation of the project, new drug delivery systems will be obtained for controlled and selective release of synthetic and natural drug substances in tumor tissues. They are expected to be characterized by significantly lower toxicity and the ability to overcome the cellular mechanisms of multiple drug resistance in tumor cells, which will lead to the optimization of antitumor chemotherapy.

 

  • Grant ID: DN07/25-15.12.2016. Topic: “Complex analysis of antitumor metabolites of unexplored species of the Bulgarian flora and certified foreign hybrids of the genus Juniperus. (Cupressaceae) through modern research technologies”. Project leader: Prof. Alexander Tashev, PhD (University of Forestry, Sofia). Participant: Assist. Prof. Yana Ilieva, PhD.

The total value of the project is 118 000 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2016 – February 2021.

The aim of the project is to conduct a systematic study of Bulgarian plant species in comparison with foreign hybrids of the genus Juniperus, in order to detect those with the highest antiproliferative and antioxidant activities. Species and hybrids of the genus Juniperus with strong cytotoxic effect on leukemia cell line NB4 were selected. Podophyllotoxin has been identified as an active substance. The active extracts have the potential for clinical trials in combination with other anti-cancer agents for the purpose of acting synergistically.

 

  • Grant ID: КP-06-М26/5-01.12.2018, Financing of fundamental scientific research of young scientists and postdoctoral researchers. Topic: “Innovative two-stage system for generation of hydrogen and methane using immobilized microbial anaerobic community”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Venelin Hubenov, PhD (Laboratory Bioremediation and Biofuels, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS). Participant: Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD.

The total value of the project is 19 800 BGN.

Deadline for implementation: December 2018 – December 2020.

The aim of the project is to study the main kinetic parameters of a biotechnological process for the production of methane and hydrogen in an innovative integrated system of two laboratory bioreactors such as substrate uptake rate, accumulation of important intermediate metabolites, residence time, both periodic and semi-continuous cultivation regime, metagenomic analysis of the microbial community. The data, that are expected to be obtained during the project, are directly related to the ecology and environmental protection, to the utilization of organic waste and to the inclusion of renewable energy sources to improve the energy balance of the country.

 

BILATERAL GRANTS

  • Grant ID: 80-10-10/18.03.2020, Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. Topic: „Pathomorphological evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxic effect of ethyl acetate extract from aerial parts of the plant Geum urbanum on human gingival fibroblasts”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Lilia Tserovska, PhD (Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”). Participants: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS; Assoc. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD.

Deadline for implementation: March 2020 – March 2021.

The aim of the project is to study the in vitro cytotoxic effects of ethyl acetate extract from aerial parts of the plant G. urbanum L. on the human gingival fibroblasts cell line HGF. It includes pathomorphological characterization of cell culture preparations after preliminary evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxic effect of the extract on the proliferation and clonogenicity of the cells. Induction of apoptosis and/or autophagy depending on the applied concentration is also an objective of the study. As fas as this plant is used according to ethnopharmacological data as astringent in gingivitis this study will contribute to the determination: 1) of the safe in vitro non-toxic concentration range and 2) of the dose range that should be tested in vivo experiments.

 

  • Grant ID: 2.37/01.10.2019 г., National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute “Prof. Dr. G. Pavlov” (NDRVMI). Topic: “Study of pathogenic for fish Flavobacterium”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Petya Orozova (NDRVMI). Participants: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD.

Deadline for implementation: October2019 – November2022.

The aim of the project is to make a collection of Flavobacterium spp. clinical isolates, some of which cause gill ulcers in trout species. It is planned isolates to be identified, characterized and determined for antibiotic susceptibility to a wide range of antimicrobial agents used in clinical practice. It is also important to study their virulence factors, mechanisms and the role of biofilm formation. Schemes for rapid laboratory diagnosis of F. columnare, F. branchiophilum and F. psychrophilum are expected to be developed, as well as effective probiotics as a way to prevent flavobacteriosis.

 

  • Grant ID: 19-1500028/2019, Russian Science Foundation. Topic: “Development of new effective compounds against drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, according to the population structure of the pathogen”. Coordinator: Senior Researcher Anna Vyazovaya, PhD (St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Russia). Responsible for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Assoc. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD. Responsible for Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry – BAS: Assoc. Prof. Georgi Dobrikov, PhD.

Deadline for implementation: April 2019 – December 2021.

The aim of the project is to select active derivatives of 2-aminobutanol with high antimycobacterial activity, to be further studied against various genotypes and resistance strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, circulating in a country with high morbidity of tuberculosis – Russia.

 

 

COMPLETED PROJECTS:
  1. Grant ID: 80-10-13/09.04.2019, Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. Topic: “Pathomorphologic evaluation of the intestinal epithelium and adjacent lymph nodes after treatment with ethyl acetate extract of urbanum L.”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Lilia Tserovska, PhD (Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”). Participants from the Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS; Assoc. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD.
  2. Grant ID: 650/07.12.2018, Antibiotic Razgrad Ltd. Topic: “Biological evaluation of medical devices”. Project leader: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS.
  3. Grant ID: VI-1/29.06.2018, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS, Program “Strengthening the research capacity of The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – development of standards: microbiological, immunological and biotechnological”. Topic: “ISO 10390:2005- Soil quality – Determination of pH. 1.6.3. Biotechnology for the benefit of the environment, energy and health 1.6.5. Management and control of harmful and hazardous household and industrial waste”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Dilyana Simeonova (Laboratory Center Pasteur, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS). Participants from the Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD.
  4. Grant ID: VI-2/29.06.2018, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS, Program “Strengthening the research capacity of The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – development of standards: microbiological, immunological and biotechnological”. Topic: “Cosmetics. Microbiology. General instructions for microbiological examination (ISO 21148:2017); Cosmetics. Microbiology. Evaluation of the antimicrobial protection of a cosmetic product (ISO 11930:2012); Cosmetics. Microbiology. Enumeration and detection of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (ISO 21149:2017)”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Vesselin Kussovski, PhD.
  5. Grant ID: VI-7/29.06.2018, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS, Program “Strengthening the research capacity of The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – development of standards: microbiological, immunological and biotechnological”. Topic: “Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 5: Tests for in vitro cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5:2009)”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD.
  6. Grant ID: VI-03/31.05.2018, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS, Program “Strengthening the research capacity of The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – development of standards: microbiological, immunological and biotechnological”. Topic: „Development of a microbiological standard for quantitative determination of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria in drinking waters and surface waters“. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Zvezdimira Tsvetanova, PhD.
  7. Grant ID: 80-10-19/17.04.2018, Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. Topic: “Analysis of changes in liver cell populations and skin irritability after treatment with polyphenols-rich plant extracts”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Lilia Tserovska, PhD (Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”). Participants from the Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS; Assist. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD.
  8. Grant ID: 76-D/2018, Medical University – Sofia. Topic: “Saponin-mediated cytotoxicity of etoposide in a lymphoma cell line”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Reneta Gevrenova, PhD (Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia). Participants from the Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS; Assist. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD.
  9. Bilateral grant (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences – Vietnam Academy of Sciences and Technologies, 2017). Topic: “Search for new biologically active substances in Vietnamese propolis“. Project leader: Prof. Vassya Bankova, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS (Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry – BAS). Participants from the Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD.
  10. Grant ID: DFNP-17-143/01.08.2017, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Program for Supporting Young Scientists. Topic: “Effect of selected fractions from the aerial part of Geum urbanum on the biofilm formation by pathogenic strains from the genus Staphylococcus“. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova.
  11. Bilateral grant (Bulgaria – Russia) ID: DNTS/ Russia 01/04-23.06.2017, National Fund for Scientific Research, Republic of Bulgaria. Topic: “Development of technology for microbial degradation of cellulose-containing substrates for solving life-support tasks for piloted space flights“. Project leader from Bulgaria: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS.
  12. Medical University – Sofia, 2017. Topic: “ Synthesis, structural characterization, antimycobacterial activity and toxicity of new indole derivatives. Determination of their chemical stability by HPLC method“. Project leader: Assoc. prof. Violina Angelova, PhD (Agricultural University – Plovdiv, Bulgaria). Responsible for The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Assist. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD.
  13. Grant ID: DFNP-127/12.05.2016 г., Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Program for Supporting Young Scientists. Topic: “New analogues of (+) – camphor and (R) -2-aminobutanol with potential for antitubercular activity“. Supervisor: Assist. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD.
  14. Grant ID: DFNP-70/24.04.2016, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Program for Supporting Young Scientists. Topic: “Investigation of extracts and bioactive substances of Geum urbanum as drug candidates with antimicrobial and anti-neoplastic activity“. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova. Participant –Assist. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD.
  15. Grant ID: 2.32/1.01.2016, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute “Prof. Dr. G. Pavlov” (NDRVMI). A systematic study of presence paratuberculosis infection in cattle (positive or suspected in PPD tuberculin). Project leader: Assoc.Prof. Tanya Savova-Lalkovska. Participants from the Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Assoc. Prof. Magdalena Bonovska, PhD, DVM; Assist. Prof. Violeta Valcheva, PhD.
  16. Grant ID: 47/2016, Medical University – Sofia. Topic: “Evaluation of the chemical stability and biological activity of alpha-defensin 2 antimicrobial peptides”. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Ivanka Pencheva, PhD (Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia). Participants from the Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS; Assist. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD.
  17. Grant ID: 32/2015, Medical University – Sofia. Topic: “Antibacterial, radical-scavenging and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of plant species Solanum carense and Geigeria alata used in traditional Sudanese medicine”. Project leader: Prof. Georgi Momekov, PhD (Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia). Participants from the Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS; Assist. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD.
  18. Donation certificate: 3.4/V-8151/14038-04.11.2014, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Financing of equipment for alumni. Project: “Establishment of a laboratory “In vitro cytotoxicity and signal transduction” at The Stephan Sngeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS 2014-2019”. Project leader: Assist. Prof. Maya M. Zaharieva, PhD.
  19. Grant ID: DFNI-E02/13-12.12.2014, National Fund for Scientific Research, Republic of Bulgaria. Topic: “New ectotechnologies for biodegradation of organic waste with hydrogen and methane production“. Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Ivancho Simeonov, PhD (Laboratory “Bioremediation and Biofuels”, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS). Participants: Assoc. Prof. Vesselin Kussovski, PhD; Assist. Prof. Lyudmila Dimitrova, PhD. Consultant: Prof. Hristo Najdenski, DVM, DSc, Corresponding Member of BAS.