Founded in October, 1925 in Kharkiv as Ukrainian Biochemical Institute. In 1931 the Institute was included in the Academy of Sciences of UkrSSR and moved to Kyiv. Institute’s founder Acad. O. V. Palladin was its unchallenged leader till February, 1969. Later the Institute was headed by professors: V.O. Belitser (1969-1972), M. F. Guly (1972-1977), V. K. Lishko (1977-1992), S. V. Komisarenko (1989-1992), G. V. Donchenko (1993-1998). Since 1998 the Institute has been headed by Serhiy V. Komisarenko, academician of NAS and AMS.
The principal research trends of the Institute are:
studying the structure, physical and chemical properties and biological functions of complex protein and supramolecular systems; biochemical mechanisms of metabolism regulation by low-molecular substances (vitamins, coenzymes, peptides, metal ions etc.); developing state-of-the-art biotechnologies (novel methods of production and practical application of biologically active substances and diagnostica in medical and veterinary practice, as well as biosensors for medicine, industry, agriculture and ecology).
The Institute has made a significant contribution to biochemistry. Achievements of outstanding scientists O. V. Palladin, D. L. Ferdman, R. V. Chagovets, M. F. Guly, V. O. Belitser, V. P. Vendt et al. have become the national asset, their relevance still persists. Hundreds of monographs, paper collections, manuals, thousands of reviews, papers, encyclopaedic references have been published. Over 300 authors’ certificates and patents for inventions have been secured, in particular for: a preparation to stop hemorrhages and accelerate healing of wounds (VIKASOL), BK-8 protein blood substitutes and protein preparations of blood coagulation system (factors VIII and IX), MEBIPHON anti-tumor preparation, MEDIKHRONAL anti-alcohol preparation, KALMIVID vitamin-mineral preparation to treat osteoporosis, VIDEIN vitamin D3 preparation and water-soluble vitamin D3 preparation for babies, compositions of effective fodder additives for farm animals etc. Major results have been obtained, facilitating the development of new biotechnologies, of a new generation of analytical biosensor tools, methods of chemical modification of natural biologically active substances. Lately Institute's scholars have created a unique collection of hybridomas - producers of monoclonal antibodies for diagnostics and treatment of various pathological processes.
The Institute also serves a scientific base for the Biotechnology Branch of Biochemistry Department of T. Shevchenko Kyiv National University, for the Centre of Shared Use of Research Facilities, Center for Analytical Research of Proteins and Peptides, Biological Testing Center. Numerous researchers from Kyiv and others cities attend Institute’s academic library, containing 82 thousand periodicals and books. O.V. Palladin Memorial Museum was set up in 1973 and has been the center of studying the history of Ukrainian biochemistry.
'Ukrainskiy Biokhimichny Zhurnal' (Ukrainian Biochemical Journal) is the first biochemical periodical publication since 1926 in the former USSR. A new 'Biotekhnologia' (Biotechnology) periodical has been started. The Institute hosts the Ukrainian Biochemical Society, is a member of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) and the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB).
OLEKSANDR VOLODYMYROVYCH PALLADIN ( 1885-1972 )
Academician O.V. Palladin with scientists of the Institute of Biochemistry in the laboratory of Ufa Vitamin Plant, Ufa, 1942
Delegation of biochemists from the USA at the Institute of Biochemistry. In the front row from the left to the right: A. Cornberg, O.V. Palladin, G. Carter, R. Block, A. Leninger; in the second row: V.Z. Gorkin, D.L. Ferdman, Ya. V. Belik, V.O. Belitser. Kyiv, 1960.
Leading scientists of the Institute of Biochemistry at the 1st Ukrainian Biochemical Meeting. From the right to the left: O.V. Palladin, S. I. Baluev, V.O. Belitser, R.V. Chagovets, M. F. Guly. Chernivtsi, 1965
Participants of the FEBS Advanced Courses " Modern Methods of Molecular Immunology" on the basis of the Palladin Institute of Biochemistry. The 1st line from the left to the right, lecturers are sitting: prof. S.V. Komisarenko, Ukraine; Michael Sela, Israel; Klaus Rajewski, USA; Ulf Hellman, Sweden; Dr. Pauline Rudd, Great Britain; prof. O.I.Kornelyuk, Ukraine; Raimond Mernaugh, USA. Kyiv 2003.