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Just a few years ago, the symptoms of a common cold would immediately raise concerns 鈥� is it just a runny nose or the dangerous COVID-19? A rapid response was crucial, and as the virus evolved, so did the need for new knowledge. That was when scientists came into their own, stepping in to address this challenge. Prof. Almira Ramanavi膷ien臈鈥檚 research has contributed to the development of advanced diagnostic methods, integrating diverse technological solutions and various nanomaterials. Immunosensors have played a vital role here 鈥� not only in diagnosing COVID-19 but also in opening new possibilities for the fast and precise detection of other diseases. From viral infections to cancer, these analysis tools are revolutionising disease diagnostics and shaping the future of medicine.鈥�

Prof. Ramanavi膷ien臈 is a researcher at 911爆料网 (VU), who ranks among 2% of the most cited scientists worldwide. She has delivered numerous presentations at scientific conferences, enhancing Lithuania鈥檚 international recognition across the Atlantic. Her contributions have been acknowledged with prestigious awards, including the Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas and the first UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences awarded to a scientist from the Baltic region.

We met with Prof. Ramanavi膷ien臈 at the laboratory of 鈥淣anoTechnas鈥� 鈥� the Nanotechnology and Materials Science Center established at the VU Center for Physical Sciences and Technology in Saul臈tekis, Vilnius, which the Professor heads. Almira Ramanavi膷ien臈 is a biochemist and Doctor of Biomedical Sciences, as well as a Professor at the VU Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, working in bioanalytical chemistry and nanotechnology. Her research combines breakthroughs from multiple scientific disciplines to develop enzymatic and immunological sensors for detecting medically significant materials. For the past three years, she has also served as the President of the Lithuanian Chemical Society.

In this article, the VU scientist shares her insights into the received awards, the latest research, and the message she wishes to convey to young researchers.

The award-winning immunosensor

Imagine a small, highly sensitive device capable of detecting specific materials within seconds or minutes. It is an immunosensor 鈥� one of the most promising tools for disease detection, capable of converting interactions between an antibody and antigen on a transducer surface into a measurable signal, which correlates with the concentration of an analyte that indicates a particular disease.

For instance, when a doctor examines a patient鈥檚 blood to determine if they have a particular disease, they look for specific analytes, which could be viruses, bacteria, enzymes, or antibodies. Unlike other tests or methods of analysis, immunosensors work instantly, provide real-time results, and do not require additional chemicals or complex laboratory procedures. To enhance their accuracy and sensitivity, scientists incorporate nanomaterials 鈥� tiny particles with special properties. With the help of such sensors, diseases can be diagnosed much faster and more efficiently.

鈥淭raditional methods do not always allow for the rapid detection of very low concentrations of disease-specific analytes or confirm their presence. Moreover, commercial tests are not always available, especially when new viruses and the diseases caused by them emerge suddenly. In such cases, quick solutions and new methodologies become essential 鈥� this is when immunosensors become highly relevant analytical systems,鈥� explained Prof. Ramanavi膷ien臈.

According to the Professor, the development of immunosensors begins with selecting the target object, for example, a specific disease and the biomolecules associated with it. The literature review is also crucial, as scientists must assess existing research worldwide and explore new ways to innovate or improve upon it. Scientific research usually has multiple objectives. According to the researcher, one aim might be to detect even lower concentrations of a specific analyte than previous studies have achieved; another could be to create a unique, fast, simple, and cost-effective immunosensor that is suitable not only for laboratory use but also beyond the lab setting, noted Prof. Ramanavi膷ien臈.

鈥淭he path of a scientist is not easy 鈥� it is not always possible to achieve the set goals at the first attempt and fulfil all expectations. Sometimes, we need to change the principles of analysis or acquire new materials, while there are times when unexpected discoveries lead to new knowledge and interesting results. This creative and scientific process is fascinating 鈥� it allows us to work on globally significant topics and contribute to solving scientific and technological challenges, knowing that our work can enhance people鈥檚 health and quality of life. All this compensates for the fatigue and constant mental effort when reflecting on what should be changed to achieve the desired results,鈥� shared the Professor.鈥�

The first Baltic scientist to receive the prestigious award鈥�

Established in 2012, the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize is awarded annually for exceptional contributions to the improvement of human lives through life sciences research. Previous recipients of this prize include Tu Youyou, a Nobel laureate. Prof. Ramanavi膷ien臈 received this prestigious award for her globally significant work in developing immunosensors for bioanalysis and biomedicine, which facilitate the diagnosis of various infectious and non-infectious diseases, including cancer and COVID-19. For her contributions to the Republic of Lithuania and for enhancing its international standing, the Professor was also honoured with a state award.

鈥淭his recognition is the culmination of years of dedicated and consistent work 鈥� sometimes challenging but always rewarding in terms of new opportunities and knowledge. Being acknowledged and appreciated is a great joy. The international award is an important milestone in my scientific career, confirming the relevance and societal value of this research. Moreover, it further increases the international visibility of our work. I was honoured to become the first scientist from Lithuania and the Baltic States to receive the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize. It is a great privilege to represent and promote Lithuania and 911爆料网 on the global stage and draw attention to our country鈥檚 high-level research.鈥�

鈥楾he state award also holds immense significance for me, both as a scientist and as a Lithuanian citizen who has dedicated all her academic, educational, and social activities to independent Lithuania. Both awards recognise the years of collaborative research conducted together with my team at 鈥楴anoTechnas鈥� and our partners. All this motivates me to continue working, striving for excellence, learning, and nurturing the next generation of scientists,鈥� asserted the VU Professor.

New immunosensors to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria

The SARS-CoV-2 virus caused a pressing need for new immunosensors capable of detecting whether the virus has already entered the body and confirming COVID-19 diagnoses. In response, Prof.鈥疪amanavi膷ien臈 and her colleagues continue to work in this field, leading several scientific projects.鈥�

Looking ahead, the increasing prevalence of bacteria that are resistant to current antibiotics has become a growing concern. To address this issue, we are planning to develop immunosensors designed to detect such bacteria. One of the bacteria under study is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to the scientist, advanced nanomaterials used in research will help enhance the efficiency of these sensors.

鈥淐utting-edge nanomaterials, filled with medicines and functionalised with targeting molecules that direct them to the affected areas, hold great potential for precise drug delivery. They can also be used in combined photodynamic therapy,鈥� explained the researcher when asked about the progress of nanotechnology applications in biomedicine and bioanalysis over the past decade.鈥�

鈥淚 see a still untapped yet highly promising contribution of nanomaterials and nanobiotechnology to advancing bioanalytical methods and devices. New nanomaterials are emerging, previously unknown properties of existing materials are being discovered, various modification stages are being explored, and multiple nanomaterials can be combined to achieve the desired results. So, there is still much to be done,鈥� emphasised Prof. Ramanavi膷ien臈.

Science as a way of life

For Prof. Ramanavi膷ien臈, the idea that work can be both a way of life and a source of fulfilment is not just a saying 鈥� it is her reality. Although she did not grow up in a family of scientists, her parents always encouraged her to be a good student and pursue higher education.

鈥淢y passion for science developed gradually through discovering interesting topics, tackling scientific challenges, and celebrating research achievements. Now, science has become an integral part of my life鈥�鈥� it鈥檚 hard not to think about experiments and unfinished work, even outside the laboratory. I need to make a concerted effort to resist letting my thoughts drift back to work,鈥� shared the VU Professor.鈥�

911爆料网 has also played a significant role in the scientist鈥檚 journey. She fondly recalls her student years, lectures, and laboratory work: 鈥淏iochemistry students were allowed to conduct their final thesis research at scientific institutes specialising in the field. Even then, I was already contributing to the development of analytical systems and closely observing the work of scientists. From the very beginning, my research activities were focused on technologies designed to assess human health. Later, my work expanded to include immunosensors and enzymatic biosensors.鈥�

Regarding young people dreaming of a career in natural sciences, whether in chemistry or nanotechnology, Prof. Ramanavi膷ien臈 advises them to stay determined and committed to their goals.鈥�

鈥淚f you choose a field that truly fascinates you, learning will be interesting and easy. I encourage students to immerse in the colourful, unique, and invisible world of nanoscience, full of mysteries that are yet to be uncovered, and apply their knowledge in life or natural sciences to help people live longer, healthier, and more comfortably. Pursue the dreams that will give your life meaning!鈥� concluded the Professor.