From Lab to Factory: BelSU Researchers Optimise Disinfectants for Industrial Partners

Master’s students from the Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biology at Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) are working on applied projects commissioned by an industrial partner, aiming to improve the effectiveness of disinfectants and provide actionable recommendations for production.

Led by Ulyana Krut, a young scientist and PhD candidate in Biology who heads BelSU’s Professional School of Natural Sciences, the researchers are focused on optimising the composition and production technologies of disinfectants. Rather than offering abstract hypotheses, they are developing concrete, scientifically sound recommendations for implementation. The research is conducted at the Innovative Solutions Biological Educational and Scientific Complex.

In the first project, the team is conducting a comparative analysis of a disinfectant based on polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG GC) against a similar competitor product. They are evaluating bactericidal and algicidal activity, shelf stability, washability from plastic surfaces, and the impact of water hardness on effectiveness.

The second project involves auditing the production technology of a sodium hypochlorite‑based disinfectant. The young researchers are analysing the current manufacturing process, identifying causes of quality inconsistencies, developing an incoming raw material inspection system, and proposing options for formula optimisation.

Laboratory testing is ongoing, with data collection and processing under way, and draft technical documentation being prepared. Upon completion, the client will receive not just ideas but ready‑to‑implement production solutions.

“Our work with the industrial partner is an example of how fundamental knowledge gained at the university is being transformed into real technological solutions,” said Ulyana Krut. “We are still in the process, but we can already see where the bottlenecks are and which changes will have the greatest impact. We are continuing our work to offer our partners not just hypotheses, but proven, ready‑to‑use recommendations.”

Thanks to the support of the management of Nebel‑House LLC, a local Belgorod business that produces disinfectants, young BelSU scientists have the opportunity to interact directly with production and test their developments in real‑world conditions.