Set by the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the objectives of effectively integrating science into production are clearly reflected in research work of scientists at the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan.
Undertaking efforts as part of the 2021-2025 Comprehensive Development Program for Chemical Science and Technology, the scientific research institution is making an indispensable contribution to the local medical industry.
On January 1, 2021, the Institute of Chemistry became the country’s first research institution to start operating on an economically self-supporting basis.Thus, all of its subdivisions have made a transition to a financially self-sustaining organizational scheme with their revenues now coming from the fulfillment of orders and provision of services.
At present, the scientists are working to develop antiseptics in an effort to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in the country.Seeking to produce a wider selection of effective disinfectants from locally available raw materials, the specialists have presented a copper sulfate-based technique.
They used residues of copper, sulfuric acid and ammonium nitrate left after production processes at Turkmenhimiya State Concern.The Public Health and Nutrition Center of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service has carried out research studies on antifungal and antibacterial properties of the solution containing different concentrations of copper sulfate.
The studies show that solutions containing 0.75 percent (and more) of copper sulfate fight off several types of bacteria.Copper sulfate with technical requirements and procedures, designed by the Institute of Chemistry is now being produced by individual enterprise Sahy Doganlar.
It is hard to overestimate the importance of copper sulfate nowadays.A team of researchers at the University of Southampton (the UK) have proved that copper ions are effective against the Influenza A virus and the H1N1 virus.
Specialists from Denmark and Russia have also been studying antimicrobial properties of copper.Turkmen scientists note that copper sulfate is eco-friendly and mainly used in agriculture, construction and pharmacology.
It is inexpensive and highly effective against fungus infections.Copper sulfate can be used for disinfection of hard-to-reach surfaces and its solution does not lose its effectiveness for 25-30 days.
Modern scientific research plays a crucial role in rational natural resources management, environmental conservation and creation of eco-friendly, non-waste technologies.The synthesis of isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol-2), an organic compound, from by-products of wine-making and sugar production can be cited as an illustrative example.
To synthesize isopropyl alcohol, the Turkmen chemical scientists have used locally sourced raw materials, fusel oils, obtained at domestic wineries as a by-product of the distillation process.Isopropyl alcohol has powerful antiseptic properties and is an effective alternative to ethanol.
It is used in medicine, cosmetology, household chemistry, etc.According to the specialists at the Institute, a few useful chemical compounds can be synthesized during fusel oil distillation as powerful disinfectants and good substitutions for chlorine.
Modern-day science has proved the effectiveness of the ancient practice of burning stems and leaves of Harmala (yüzärlik) indoors as a fumigant.The plant is known scientifically as Peganum Harmala, and its biological characteristics, chemical components and applications are described in detail in the encyclopedic work “Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan” authored by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
As evidenced by facts, fumigation with Peganum Harmala helps to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.The plant contains alkaloids, complex natural compounds produced in its tissues and high amounts of bioactive compounds.
It exerts a powerful effect on the body.This is precisely why the scientists at the Institute of Chemistry have developed a new method for compacting Harmala plants into briquettes, which is protected by Patent No. 831 “Methods for Compacting Pengamin Harmala into Briquettes” issued by the State Intellectual Property Service of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan.
Iodomal, an antiseptic preparation, is among antiseptics and disinfectants synthesized by the chemical experts from locally sourced raw materials.Produced by dissolving edible potato starch, this high-molecular compound rivals the properties of polyvinyl alcohol.
Research studies conducted at the Public Health and Nutrition Center of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service under the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry have shown that Iodomal and Iodinol are effective in fighting airborne, intestinal and opportunistic infections and have antiseptic and antifungal properties.
The antiseptic preparation synthesized by the Turkmen specialists helps to extend antiseptic effects of iodine and does not cause skin irritation.Exploring alternative waste-free and cleaner production practices, the Turkmen scientists are making a significant contribution to the development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry and creating new pharmaceutical products from locally produced raw materials to reduce imports and to make the most of export possibilities.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and Ashgabat’s 140th anniversary, the staff of the Institute of Chemistry is preparing a monograph dedicated to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s green diplomacy whose success is seen in the country’s ecological wellbeing and safety as an integral part of public health protection and the country’s socio-economic progress.