Irina Buchovec

Dr. Irina Buchovec is a Researcher at Vilnius University's Faculty of Physics, working within the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology (IPN). Her research focuses on the application of light-based technologies for antimicrobial purposes, with particular emphasis on sustainable approaches to combat pathogens in biomedical and food safety contexts.

Dr. Buchovec's primary research interests include:

• Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy using natural photosensitizers like chlorophyllin and riboflavin
• Development of sustainable, ecologically friendly antibacterial technologies
• Inactivation mechanisms of opportunistic and foodborne pathogens
• Control of bacterial biofilms through light-based approaches
• Application of photoactive coatings and packaging for food preservation

Over the past decade, Dr. Buchovec has developed expertise in using natural photosensitizers to combat a range of pathogens including Acinetobacter baumannii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Salmonella enterica, and various biofilm-forming bacteria. Her work spans from fundamental mechanisms of photoinactivation to practical applications in food safety and space microbiology, demonstrating how light-based antimicrobial technologies can serve as alternatives to traditional antibiotics and chemical disinfectants.

Dr. Buchovec has secured research funding through Vilnius University's science promotion fund for projects including "Synergistic antibiotic-photodynamic therapy combination in inactivation of opportunistic pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia" and "Inactivation of Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy."

She serves as academic supervisor for bachelor students in light technology science, high-tech physics and business, molecular biology and biochemistry, and supervises master's students in molecular biology and biophysics. Additionally, she chairs the academic ethics commission of FF, demonstrating leadership in academic governance.

Her research has important applications in food safety, hospital infection control, and space mission microbiology, where controlling microbial growth in confined environments is critical for mission success and crew health.