The Laboratory for Radiation Chemistry and Physics "Gamma" – 030 is a multidisciplinary scientific laboratory engaged in fundamental and applied research and development in chemistry and materials physics, as well as providing services in the area of radiation technologies. The scientific research activities of the "Gamma" Laboratory are conducted in various fields, including carbon-based and functional nanomaterials, optical materials and spectroscopy, photocatalytic materials, radiation physics and chemistry of polymers, polymer nanocomposites, and radiation nanotechnology engineering of polymers. Since 1978, the "Gamma" Laboratory has been unique in the Republic of Serbia for housing a Radiation Unit that uses cobalt-60 as a gamma radiation source for various applications, including sterilization, decontamination, and material modification.

Commercial Activities

The Radiation Unit, part of the Laboratory for Radiation Chemistry and Physics "Gamma" 030, is unique and well-recognized in the Republic of Serbia and the region. It uses a cobalt-60 gamma radiation source—an isotope that emits electromagnetic energy through gamma rays. Gamma irradiation treatment is characterized by complete penetration through the material, effectively destroying germs and microorganisms throughout the product and its packaging, without leaving any residues. A uniform sterilization dose is ensured across the entire volume of the material. Experts from the Vinča Institute monitor the process and have no harmful effects on humans or the environment.

Advantages of Gamma Treatment:

• No use of high temperatures, moisture, or hazardous gases
• Does not degrade or damage materials
• Short cycle time
• Affordable cost

Figure 1. Gamma Irradiation Process

• Sterilization of medical equipment and single-use supplies: gauze and cotton-based medical items, sterile program products, calico and elastic bandages, plastic medical devices, packaging materials, and laboratory equipment;
• Sterilization of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products (medications, vaccines, biological samples) to extend shelf life;

Figure 2. Sterilization

• Preservation of food products – a method of cold pasteurization that eliminates pathogenic microorganisms while preserving nutritional value and taste, and significantly extending shelf life (spices, teas, dried fruits and vegetables, dried mushrooms, cereals, homogenized dietary supplements, essential food additives, and dietetic foods, etc.);
• Prevention of sprouting in potatoes, onions, and ginger;

Figure 3. Preservation of Food Products

Preservation of cultural heritage and museum artifacts that are highly susceptible to degradation due to the presence of mold, fungi, insects, and bacteria (paintings, works of art, textile and wooden objects, books, etc.);

Figure 4. Preservation of Tesla's Gloves

Environmental problem solving – safe and efficient degradation of toxic waste materials and wastewater;

Figure 5. Degradation of Toxic Waste Materials

• Sterilization of packaging, caps, and wine corks
• Treatment of microbiological fertilizers
• Polymer crosslinking (particularly in the cable industry)
• Testing the effects of gamma treatment on materials and products
• Irradiation of samples for scientific research purposes

Figure 6. Application of Gamma Radiation for Scientific Research Purposes

Clients
We collaborate with and provide sterilization and preservation services to over 70 clients. Some of the notable companies and organizations include:
Niva Company, Uniplast D.O.O., Dunavplast Korp D.O.O., Samplast D.O.O., Project Pharmacy, Biofor System D.O.O., BMD D.O.O. Arilje, Min-Commerce/Gurman, House of Health Blagovesti, Spiridon Agency – Lebane, Balint Beekeeping, OKP-Priroda, Katić Agricultural Household, and many others.

Licenses, Certificates, and Permits:

https://www.vin.bg.ac.rs/privreda/licence

https://www.vin.bg.ac.rs/privreda/sertifikati-resenja-i-ovlascenja

• Directorate for Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Security (SRB):
  Decision on the issuance of a license for performing high-risk radiation activities: sterilization and preservation of food and general-use items, medical supplies, pharmaceutical raw materials, and finished products using sealed radioactive sources of Category I and II.
• Directorate for Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Security of Serbia:
  Decision on the issuance of a license for conducting high-risk radiation activities in education, science, and research – scientific research using sealed radioactive sources of Category I and II.
• Directorate for Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Security of Serbia:
  Decision approving the performance of moderate-risk radiation activities, specifically scientific research using sealed sources.
• SRPS ISO 9001:2015 Certificate:
  Confirms that the quality management system related to scientific research activities, teaching activities, and the application of ionizing radiation in industry has been reviewed and found to be in compliance with the requirements of the SRPS ISO 9001:2015 quality standard.
• SRPS ISO 13485:2017 Certificate: Confirms that the quality management system related to the treatment of medical equipment and health protection products using gamma radiation for sterilization has been reviewed and found to comply with the requirements of the following quality standards: SRPS ISO 11137-1:2016, SRPS ISO 11137-2:2016, SRPS ISO 11137-3:2017.

Organizational Unit Name: Laboratory for Radiation Chemistry and Physics “Gamma”
Unit Number: 030
Head of Unit: Dr. Vesna Lazić, Principal Research Fellow
Email: gamma@vin.bg.ac.rs, office.030@vin.bg.ac.rs, vesna.lazic@vin.bg.ac.rs
Phone: +381 11 3408 307, +381 63 8260 878

Website OJ: https://vin.bg.ac.rs/istrazivanja/laboratorije-i-centri/laboratorija-za-radijacionu-hemiju-i-fiziku