BelSU Chemistry Program Students Complete Internship with Industrial Partners

At the Biruch Innovation Centre, students gained invaluable insights into the operations of various departments, including enzyme production, chromatographic purification, and the pure culture museum. They engaged in hands-on activities in research laboratories and pilot line sections, where they learned about biosynthesis processes, electrophoresis, and microscopy techniques for contamination control. The students also prepared nutrient media for microorganisms, practiced seeding, and filtered and purified target biosynthesized products.

In the laboratory and pilot fermenter sections, future chemists examined the fermentation process of oleaginous yeast through all its stages. Their target product aims to replace cocoa butter, which is known for its seasonal cultivation and high resource costs. Students mastered techniques for preparing nutrient media, seeding with microorganisms, and conducting live and stained microscopy of cultures during fermentation. Under the guidance of their mentors, they determined the content of sweet proteins in samples using gel electrophoresis. According to the interns, their experience at the Biruch centre was exceptional, highlighting its status as an innovative research and production complex.

The internship at the VLADMIVA Pilot Production Plant was equally enriching. This large holding company specializes in developing and producing dental materials, and students had the opportunity to contribute to its work. Their focus was on synthesizing functional inorganic materials, specifically colloidal calcium hydroxyapatite – a biocompatible substance widely used in medicine for bone implants and dental applications. Olga Lebedeva, head of the BelSU General Chemistry Department, noted that students worked on optimizing the synthesis of colloidal hydroxyapatite to ensure particle stability and nanosize. This involved adjusting reagent concentrations, feed rates, temperatures, and pH levels.

“The work was carried out alongside company technologists, allowing students to master numerous techniques and acquire valuable skills. Many recognized this enterprise as a promising place for future employment and career advancement,” commented Olga Lebedeva.

The chemical and technological practice at the Belgorod branch of the All-Russian Research Institute of Animal Health also marked a significant milestone in the students’ professional development. Here, they focused on determining trace elements crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural products. The chemistry students delved deeply into atomic absorption spectrometry, learning the operational principles of the equipment and mastering calibration intricacies. They paid particular attention to sample preparation using high-pressure mineralization, a method that guarantees complete decomposition of organic matrices. This high-precision process heightened their sense of responsibility and safety awareness. The internship equipped them with essential skills in using modern analytical equipment, identifying potential sources of error, and competently analysing obtained data.

Overall, these internships have provided BelSU chemistry students with a comprehensive foundation in industrial practices, enhancing their readiness for future careers in chemistry and technology.

“The experience will enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge with greater confidence in their future professional activities within analytical chemistry and quality control. Such internships are essential for training highly qualified specialists who are in demand in the fields of food safety and agriculture,” concluded Olga Lebedeva.