Laboratory of Experimental Morphology

Laboratory of Experimental Morphology is one of the leading centers clinical and

experimental studies of connective tissue morphology and pathology. The priorities in research

activity of the Lab are innovative basic technologies in medicine and regenerative medicine. The

Laboratory focuses at morphological validation of new diagnostic approaches and methods of

treatment of socially significant diseases, as well as at creation and standardization of new

medical products.

Design of new biomaterials, with a special attention to collagen-based structures, is the

main field of applied research of the Laboratory. There is a significant, internationally

recognized experience in evaluation of biocompatibility/bio-resorption and analysis of the

functional properties of implantable or injectable materials and devices, including tissue-derived

composites, natural and synthetic polymers, metals, various hybrid constructions and

nanomaterials. Significant part of these researches is formed by studies in the field of tissue

engineering, including implantation of tissue engineered structures and laser-induced tissue

regeneration.

The important direction of our research is development of low-invasive morphological

diagnostic approaches like “optical biopsy” and digital pathology methods by the means of new

bioimaging technologies and application of reporting nanomaterials (upconverting

nanophosphors, iron oxide nanoparticles etc.).

Basic studies are centered at the general and specific mechanisms of connective tissue

behavior in various pathological processes of inflammatory, fibrotic, degenerative and dysplastic

nature are performed. In particular, the emphasis is placed at complications of wound healing,

systemic and local inflammation and dysplasia of connective tissue elements of musculoskeletal

system and pelvic organs, as well as on development of adhesions and strictures of the internal

organs.

The most notable achievements of the Laboratory include contribution into the

development of such a new and unique methods in medicine as collagenoplastics (reconstruction

of damaged tissues with use of collagenous materials and devices), therapy of inflammatory,

fibrotic and degenerative diseases with use of exogenous gas nitric oxide (NOx-therapy), laser

chondroplastics and laser-induced regeneration of cartilage.

Laboratory staff provides pathology consulting to patients and medical practitioners (biopsies of

the joints, skin and other tissues); collaborates with other researchers and clinical specialists in

organization and performing of pathomorphological components of experimental and clinical

trials and performs mentoring of graduate students.