Bachelor of Biomedical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (2011);
Master of Science in Biology, Eurasian State University after L Gumilyov, Astana, Kazakhstan (2015);
PhD in Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan (2021).
RESEARCH INTERESTS
regenerative medicine, bioengineering, stem cell research, bone, in vivo research
18
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Synthesis, Structure and Cytoprotective Activity of New Derivatives of 4-Aryl-3-Aminopyridin-2(1H)-One Zarina Shulgau, Irina Palamarchuk, Egor Dezhko, Shynggys Sergazy, Assel Urazbayeva, et al. Molecules, 2025 As a continuation of our research on the synthesis and study of biological properties of new derivatives of 3-aminopyridin-2(1H)-ones, we investigated the Leuckart–Wallach and Eschweiler–Clarke reactions with selected 3-aminopyridin-2(1H)-ones and 3-(arylmethyl)pyridin-2(1H)-ones. It was found that under the conditions of the Leuckart–Wallach reaction with aromatic aldehydes in formic acid, mainly formamides of the indicated 3-aminopyridones are formed. The Eschweiler–Clarke reaction of 3-aminopyridin-2(1H)-ones and 3-(arylmethyl)pyridin-2(1H)-ones with an aqueous solution of formaldehyde result in the formation of tertiary N–benzyl(methyl)amino)-pyridin-2(1H)-ones in almost quantitative yield. The 3-aminopyridin-2(1H)-ones derivatives synthesized by us were used for the biological screening of cytoprotective activity in the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test to determine the viability of fibroblast cells isolated from the NIH/Swiss mouse embryo (NIH/3T3, Gibco). It was found that many of the studied compounds under the conditions of our experiment exhibited significant cytoprotective effects, thereby enhancing cell survival.
Functional Assessment of Microplasma-Sprayed Hydroxyapatite-Zirconium Bilayer Coatings: Mechanical and Biological Perspectives Sergii Voinarovych, Serhiy Maksimov, Sergii Kaliuzhnyi, Oleksandr Kyslytsia, Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), et al. Materials, 2025 Hydroxyapatite (HA) has become a widely used material for bone grafting and surface modification of titanium-based orthopedic implants due to its excellent biocompatibility. Among various coating techniques, microplasma spraying (MPS) has gained significant industrial relevance. However, the clinical success of HA coatings also depends on their adhesion to the implant substrate. Achieving durable fixation and reliable biological integration of orthopedic implants remains a major challenge due to insufficient coating adhesion and limited osseointegration. This study addresses challenges in dental and orthopedic implantology by evaluating the microstructure, mechanical properties, and biological behavior of bilayer coatings composed of a zirconium (Zr) sublayer and an HA top layer, applied via MPS onto titanium alloy. Surface roughness, porosity, and adhesion were characterized, and pull-off and shear tests were used to assess mechanical performance. In vitro biocompatibility was tested using rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to model osteointegration. The results showed that the MPS-fabricated Zr–HA bilayer coatings achieved a pull-off strength of 28.0 ± 4.2 MPa and a shear strength of 32.3 ± 3.2 MPa, exceeding standard requirements. Biologically, the HA top layer promoted a 45% increase in MSC proliferation over three days compared to the uncoated titanium substrate. Antibacterial testing also revealed suppression of E. coli growth after 14 h. These findings support the potential of MPS-applied Zr-HA coatings to enhance both the mechanical integrity and biological performance of titanium-based orthopedic implants.
Improving Corrosion and Wear Resistance of 316L Stainless Steel via In Situ Pure Ti and Ti6Al4V Coatings: Tribocorrosion and Electrochemical Analysis Darya Alontseva, Hasan İsmail Yavuz, Bagdat Azamatov, Fuad Khoshnaw, Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), et al. Materials, 2025 This study aims to achieve in situ-formed pure Ti and Ti6Al4V coatings on 316L stainless steel through hot pressing and examine their wear and corrosion properties thoroughly in two simulated body fluids: physiological serum (0.9% NaCl) and Hanks’ solution. The sintering and diffusion bonding process was conducted at 1050 °C under a uniaxial pressure of 40 MPa for 30 min in a vacuum environment of 10−4 mbar. Following sintering, in situ-formed pure Ti and Ti6Al4V coatings, approximately 1000 µm thick, were produced on 316L substrates approximately 3000 µm in thickness. The mean hardness of 316L substrates, pure Ti, and Ti6Al4V coatings are around 165 HV, 170 HV, and 420 HV, respectively. The interface of the stainless steel substrate and the pure Ti and Ti6Al4V coatings exhibited no microstructural defects, while the interface exhibited significantly higher hardness values (ranging from 600 to 700 HV). The coatings improved corrosion resistance in both electrolytes compared to the 316L substrate. Wet wear tests revealed reduced friction coefficients in 0.9% NaCl relative to Hanks’ solution, highlighting the chemical interactions between the material surface and the electrolyte type and the significance of tribocorrosion in biocoatings.
Magnetron Sputtering of Antibacterial and Antifungal Tantalum-Copper and Niobium-Copper Coatings on Three Dimensional-Printed Porous Titanium Alloy Scaffolds: Part I Bagdat Azamatov, Alexandr Borisov, Bauyrzhan Maratuly, Dmitry Dogadkin, Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), et al. Johnson Matthey Technology Review, 2025 This two-part study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of tantalum-copper and niobium-copper coatings, applied via magnetron sputtering (MS) on three dimensional (3D) printed porous Ti6Al4V (Ti-64) alloy scaffolds and gas-abrasive treated Ti-64 alloy, against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis verified the application of coatings with 25 wt% copper, at thicknesses of 2 μm and 10 μm, to scaffolds (72% porosity) and roughened Ti-64 alloy (mean areal roughness of 4.6 ± 1 μm). The findings support the potential of these coatings in developing endoprosthesis implants with enhanced antimicrobial properties. Part I introduces the background research and describes the materials, methods and rationale for the present work.
Magnetron Sputtering of Antibacterial and Antifungal Tantalum-Copper and Niobium-Copper Coatings on Three Dimensional-Printed Porous Titanium Alloy Scaffolds: Part II Bagdat Azamatov, Dmitry Dogadkin, Bauyrzhan Maratuly, Alexandr Borisov, Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), et al. Johnson Matthey Technology Review, 2025 This is Part II of a study on the antimicrobial efficacy of tantalum-copper and niobium-copper coatings, applied via magnetron sputtering (MS) on three dimensional (3D) printed porous Ti6Al4V alloy scaffolds and gas-abrasive treated Ti6Al4V alloy, against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Thicker coatings were found to show superior antimicrobial activity; however, thin niobium-copper coatings and uncoated alloy did not exhibit inhibitory effects. The release dynamics of copper ions from tantalum-copper coatings into physiological solution, analysed over ten days via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, matched the inhibition zone growth. These findings support the potential of these coatings in developing endoprosthesis implants with enhanced antimicrobial properties.
Microplasma-Sprayed Titanium and Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Ti6Al4V Alloy: in vitro Biocompatibility and Corrosion Resistance: Part II Darya Alontsev, Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), Sergii Voinarovych, Aleksei Obrosov, Ridvan Yamanoglu, et al. Johnson Matthey Technology Review, 2025 Part II presents the results which show that HA coatings significantly enhance MSC proliferation by 13% compared to the titanium alloy base, while titanium coatings also exhibit an 11% increase. Porosity inversely affects CP-Ti’s elasticity. Coatings with lower porosity demonstrate better corrosion resistance. HA coatings promote osteogenic activity and angiogenesis, which is crucial for implant integration.
Microplasma-Sprayed Titanium and Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Ti6Al4V Alloy: in vitro Biocompatibility and Corrosion Resistance: Part I Darya Alontseva, Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), Sergii Voinarovych, Aleksei Obrosov, Ridvan Yamanoglu, et al. Johnson Matthey Technology Review, 2025 This two-part paper investigates the bioactivity and mechanical properties of coatings applied to Ti6Al4V, a common titanium alloy used in endoprosthetic implants. Coatings made from hydroxyapatite (HA) powder and commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) wires were applied using microplasma spraying. The study focuses on the responses of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are essential for bone healing, to these coatings. Part I shows how adjusting the microplasma spraying process allows coatings with varying porosity and surface roughness to be achieved.
Unlocking Genome Editing: Advances and Obstacles in CRISPR/Cas Delivery Technologies Bibifatima Kaupbayeva, Andrey Tsoy, Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), Ainetta Nurmagambetova, Hironobu Murata, et al. Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 2024 CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with protein 9) was first identified as a component of the bacterial adaptive immune system and subsequently engineered into a genome-editing tool. The key breakthrough in this field came with the realization that CRISPR/Cas9 could be used in mammalian cells to enable transformative genetic editing. This technology has since become a vital tool for various genetic manipulations, including gene knockouts, knock-in point mutations, and gene regulation at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. CRISPR/Cas9 holds great potential in human medicine, particularly for curing genetic disorders. However, despite significant innovation and advancement in genome editing, the technology still possesses critical limitations, such as off-target effects, immunogenicity issues, ethical considerations, regulatory hurdles, and the need for efficient delivery methods. To overcome these obstacles, efforts have focused on creating more accurate and reliable Cas9 nucleases and exploring innovative delivery methods. Recently, functional biomaterials and synthetic carriers have shown great potential as effective delivery vehicles for CRISPR/Cas9 components. In this review, we attempt to provide a comprehensive survey of the existing CRISPR-Cas9 delivery strategies, including viral delivery, biomaterials-based delivery, synthetic carriers, and physical delivery techniques. We underscore the urgent need for effective delivery systems to fully unlock the power of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and realize a seamless transition from benchtop research to clinical applications.
Strontium- and Copper-Doped Ceramic Granules in Bone Regeneration-Associated Cellular Processes Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), Assem Nessipbekova, Aizhan Syzdykova, Farkhad Olzhayev, Bauyrzhan Umbayev, et al. Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 2024 Background: Pathological bone fracturing is an escalating problem driven by increasing aging and obesity. Bioceramics, particularly tricalcium-phosphate-based materials (TCP), are renowned for their exceptional biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and ability to promote biomineralization. In the present study, we designed and characterized TCP porous granules doped with strontium (Sr) and copper (Cu) (CuSr TCP). Sr2+ ions were selected as Sr plays a crucial role in early bone formation, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis; Cu2+ ions possess antibacterial properties. Materials: The synthesized CuSr TCP granules were characterized by X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation analyses’ assays were performed through the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and CCK-8 viability tests in rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). Hemolytic activity was carried out with human red blood cells (RBCs). Early and late osteogenesis were assessed with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S activity in human osteoblast progenitor cells and rat BM-MSCs. The influence of CuSr TCP on angiogenesis was investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results: We have demonstrated that media enriched with CuSr TCP in concentrations ranging from 0.1 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL were not cytotoxic and did not significantly affect cell proliferation rate motility. Moreover, a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL showed a 2.5-fold increase in the migration potential of BM-MSCs. We also found that CuSr TCP-enriched media slightly increased early osteogenesis. We also found that Sr and Cu substitutions in TCP particles significantly enhanced the measured angiogenic parameters compared to control and unsubstituted TCP granules. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that TCP porous granules doped with Sr and Cu are biocompatible, promote osteodifferentiation and angiogenesis, and could be recommended for further in vivo studies.
Biocompatibility and Corrosion of Microplasma-Sprayed Titanium and Tantalum Coatings versus Titanium Alloy Darya Alontseva, Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), Sergii Voinarovych, Aleksei Obrosov, Ridvan Yamanoglu, et al. Coatings, 2024 This study investigates the in vitro biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and adhesion strength of a gas abrasive-treated Ti6Al4V alloy, alongside microplasma-sprayed titanium and tantalum coatings. Employing a novel approach in selecting microplasma spray parameters, this study successfully engineers coatings with tailored porosity, roughness, and over 20% porosity with pore sizes up to 200 μm, aiming to enhance bone in-growth and implant integration. This study introduces an innovative methodology for quantifying surface roughness using laser electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, facilitating detailed morphological analysis of both the substrate and coatings. Extensive evaluations, including tests for in vitro biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and adhesive strength, revealed that all three materials are biocompatible, with tantalum coatings exhibiting superior cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, as well as the highest corrosion resistance. Titanium coatings followed closely, demonstrating favorable osteogenic properties and enhanced roughness, which is crucial for cell behavior and attachment. These coatings also displayed superior tensile adhesive strengths (27.6 ± 0.9 MPa for Ti and 28.0 ± 4.9 MPa for Ta), surpassing the ISO 13179-1 standard and indicating a robust bond with the substrate. Our findings offer significant advancements in biomaterials for medical implants, introducing microplasma spraying as a versatile tool for customizing implant coatings, particularly emphasizing the superior performance of tantalum coatings in terms of biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and corrosion resistance. This suggests that tantalum coatings are a promising alternative for enhancing the performance of metal implants, especially in applications demanding high biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.
