Oliver Bogojevic

Science has always had an imprisoning effect on me. As long as I can remember, I have had a huge interest in understanding how the world we live in today was created and formed. As I grew up, I found myself more and more fascinated by the chemistry behind the evolution of the world, which eventually lead me into Biotechnology. I have recently graduated from Lund University with a degree in Master of Science in Engineering, Biotechnology, focusing on Molecular Biotechnology. My passion for science has grown even stronger during my academic career. In parallel with my studies, I worked both in industry and on a service/teaching-oriented level in Alfa Laval, AstraZeneca and Universeum Science Center. I initiated my journey at the European Spallation Source (ESS) when I started my master thesis work in January 2018 and I have been a part of the organisation ever since. I currently work as a Junior Engineer at ESS. Every day is a learning experience and the exchange I have on a daily basis with my talented colleagues is truly a privilege. I am currently a part of the DEMAX-team, working on the synthesis of deuterated molecules. Among other things, I am looking into alternative routes for the synthesis of novel and complex molecules. I hope to be able to contribute with my expertise and I am really looking forward to seeing the progress and development of this project in the future.

My involvement in BrightnESS² is linked to Work Package 2. I am currently focusing on research for the synthesis of deuterated structured lipids, and more specifically phospholipids. My main task consists of finding and developing new methods using immobilised enzymes for the synthesis of new deuterated molecules. Initially trying to establish a platform with working conditions and settings for the synthesis of non-deuterated phospholipids, to later being able to translate and apply this to deuterated systems. Compared to conventional chemistry, enzymes have the advantage that they can be used with rather mild conditions and do not acquire any toxic or harsh chemicals. They are often known to have rather high specificity and once immobilised, they are reusable. By using regioselective sn-1,3 and sn-2 specific enzymes, I hope to accomplish the synthesis of these complex, structured deuterated lipids and phospholipids. The production of these molecules will be highly beneficial for the neutron community, since it is a hot topic in research of soft matter science.