Ikerbasque researcher: Radmila Tomovska
To make a name in a scientific environment is not question on gender
To what extent are the photochemistry researches significant to give more clues to our existence?
The study of UV light interaction with materials is part of photochemistry, which is actually concerned with reactions initiated by absorption of light. Maybe we did not pay attention, but the photochemistry is basic to the world we live in, and very probably it was the driving force for developing complex organic molecules and the life at Earth itself, in first photochemical reactions that occurred billions of years ago.
Thus, the first elementary photosynthetic unit that absorbed the first quanta of light and released molecular oxygen, made the path for development of all higher life. Even now, a number of photoinitiated natural phenomena, such as photosynthesis, vision, controlling the ozone concentration, the control of plants grow etc., are everyday occurrence around us. With very probability, all this was an inspiration for the first photo-chemist in the middle of last century, who started to use artificial sources of light in variety of application, starting from synthesis of novel materials, through formation of coatings, to application in sterilization processes.
How does it work UV light application on the materials?
How does it work? To induce photochemical changes in material it is necessary that the material itself absorbs a light with certain wavelength. This is one of the points in which physics and chemistry closely meet each other, because after light absorption some physical changes are induced in the molecules, such as changes in energy and electronic structure, resulting in photochemical changes and production of new entities. After absorption of photon (discrete particle of light), from ground state molecules (overall energy of molecule is the lowest possible), they come into electronically excited state (higher overall energy of the molecules), which is the starting point for subsequent reactions, that are actually light initiated reactions: (i) organic synthesis (many chemicals were produced by means of photochemistry and some of them could not be produced in dark reactions), (ii) photopolymerization (photography, lithography and manufacture of printed circuits for electronic industry) (iii) photostabilizers (stabilize the colors into textiles and plastic materials), (iv) photo chromic materials (change color reversible after exposing at light, glasses for example), (v) conversion and storage of solar energy, (vi) lasers in surgery, cutting metals etc. and many others applications. The importance of photochemistry is not only for human history, but also nowadays, and mainly it is the result of wide range of applications that photochemistry offers.I work in the area of photopolymerization, and preparation of new materials, mainly composite materials composed from organic part, usually some polymer, and inorganic nanoparticles that are introduced into polymer matrix. In this way build, the new material could have interesting properties, brought from both phases into the system, but very often quite new and unexpected. The carefully investigation of these properties will show the possible application for these new class of materials. For example, in this moment I’m involved in the research of dental materials, and we are making attempts to improve dental restorative composite composition, in order to improve their mechanical properties and longevity.
Could you tell us more about the importance of this new dental restorative composite composition?
The current restorative composites have several properties that are needed to be improved: low wear resistant, polymerization shrinkage (the main reason for development of contraction stresses of dental composites and often leads to bond failure, microleakage and recurrent caries), and not-complete double bond conversion (allergic reaction, growing of bacteria around the restoration, reduction of mechanical strength, reduction of adhesion to filler particles), which are responsible for shorter lifetimes of these composites than amalgams. At the same time, these negativities are the driving force for the research in this field. We are trying to introduce some changes into the composition of the current restoratives and in the same time to address all of the mentioned problems, starting from introduction of precursors for inorganic moieties into co-monomers mixture, and throughout investigation of alternative filler materials and their surface modification, to ensure quite better mechanical and thermal properties, as well as improved wear resistance and, on the end, longevity. It is not an easy task, because, quite often improvement of chemical and physical properties of these restorative composites will lead to reduction of other important properties for dental application (as biocompatibility for example).
If our investigation will be successful, not that it would be some revolutionary discovery. However, it could be beneficiary for all interested sides: dental companies will offer new improved products, dental doctors will obtain products that would be easier to work with and patients will get improved quality restorations of their teeth.
You are a woman investigating in an area traditionally reserved for men; Have you find it difficult to make a name of yourself in a men world?
I’m not quite sure that the mention area of investigation is dominating by men, actually I have a feeling that, men and women are equally represented. Anyway, to make a name in a scientific environment is not question on gender. It would depend only on how much someone is good in his/her work and how much effort is investing in the work. In my opinion, the only brake career for women is mother occupation, which becomes concurrently to the scientific career on all levels. But, it could only slow down the career, and sooner or later even the women with more children will reach the deserved position.
What is it the main contribution that you and your research line has provided to the Basque System of Science and to Ikerbasque?
Concerning me and my work, maybe it is too early to speak about some significant contribution, since I’m starting with relatively a new area of investigation in a new environment. However, my decision is to continue my career here in the Basque Country, bringing some previous experience, a new line of investigation and new ideas. And I hope that my continuous efforts will bring results in a while. To be a part of Ikerbasque for me is great honor and great support, but in the same time great challenge. They have consider me because of my previously results, and my present and future work should be a confirmation that I deserve this opportunity. To make a contribution to the development of Basque System of Science my occupation will be persistently.
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