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The results of a study of the structure and phase composition of epitaxial layers of silicon carbide (SiC) formed on silicon substrate with orientation (100) under rapid vacuum thermal processing are presented. Planar-view transmission electron microscopy investigation revealed the formation of epitaxial layers of cubic polytype SiC (3C-SiC) on silicon in the process of carbidisation at 1100 °C during 30 s, using a gas mixture of propane (10 %) and argon (90 %) as a carbon source. The formation of a monocrystalline 3C-SiC with polycrystalline inclusions and twins on all possible planes {111} was found. A rather narrow band of 793 cm–1 transverse optical phonon mode SiC on Raman spectra confirms the formation of a cubic polytype SiC. It is noted that the presence of a 180 cm–1 spectral line and a 793 cm–1 half-width band on Raman spectra indicate the presence of deformation defects in SiC.

TEM investigation revealed that the rapid vacuum-thermal carbidization of silicon at 1100C leads to the formation of cubic silicon carbide (SiC) layers. The band of the IR transmission spectrum at 798 cm–1 corresponding to the stretching vibration of Si-C and the maximum of Raman spectrum at 793 cm–1 relating to transverse optical phonon mode of SiC confirm the formation of a layer of the cubic SiC politype. The absorption band of Si-O-Si (1100 cm–1) was found using the IR-spectroscopy. The dependence of the transmission coefficient on the wavenumber was determined.

The possibility of the synthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles by strains of fungi of Phanerochaete, Penicillium and Fusarium has been tested. Cultures that were capable of forming nanoparticles have been identified. As a result of the experiments 4 cultures were selected (Ph. chrysosporium БИМ F-110, P. decumbens ЛФ F-1, F. oxysporum ЛФ F-1, F. oxysporum БИМ F-447), capable of extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles, characterized by stability during 5–6 days.

Microbial contamination and enzymatic activity of beans and seedlings of mung bean (Vigna radiate) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) as well as the derived proteinrich concentrates were estimated. Using germinated legume feedstock, test samples of dry concentrates for beverages were produced and stability of their microbiological parameters in the course of storage at diverse temperature regimes was demonstrated. The obtained data may find use in elaboration of technology for manufacturing concentrated proteinaceous products from leguminous substrates to be further incorporated into novel healthy foodstuff formulas.

Samples of nanomaterials were obtained: nanostructured graphite and gold nanoparticles. Their influence on the properties of glucose oxidase in the receptor layer of test strips for detecting glucose in blood was studied. It has been shown that the use of these nanomaterials makes it possible to increase the sensitivity and accuracy of measurements of glucose in solution and human blood, to shorten the response time, and to ensure the stability of the test strip parameters for 18 months.

Ability of actinobacteria Rhodococcus opacus 1CP to survive under unfavorable conditions and retain its biodegradation activity was assessed. The morphological and ultrastructural features of R. opacus 1CP cells degrading benzoate in the presence of oxidants and stress-protecting agents were investigated. The cells of R. opacus 1CP were resistant to oxidative stress caused by up to 100 mM H2O2 or up to 25 μM juglone (5-oxy-1,4-naphthoquinone). After 2 h of stress impact, changes in the fatty acid composition, increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, and changes in cell morphology and ultrastructure were observed. The strain retained its ability to degrade benzoate. Quercetin had a protective effect on benzoate-degrading cells of R. opacus 1CP. The strategy for cells survival under unfavorable conditions was formulated, which included decreased cell size/volume and formation of densely-packed cell conglomerates, in which the cells are embedded into a common matrix. Formation of conglomerates may probably be considered as a means for protecting the cells against aggressive environmental factors. The multicellular conglomerate structure and the matrix material impede the penetration of toxic substances into the conglomerates, promoting survival of the cells located inside.