L. Erzinkyan and F. Sarukhanyan - 120th anniversary of the birth of outstanding microbiologists of Armenia
30.05.2026
This year marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of outstanding Armenian scientists and microbiologists, Levon Erzinkyan and Farandzem Sarukhanyan, a married couple with biological sciences and professors whose names are associated with the development of general, agricultural, and technical microbiology in Armenia.
Professor Levon Erzinkyan (1906–1991) belonged to a rare generation of scientists who considered it their sacred duty to serve science and contribute to the preservation of human health. He was a distinguished microbiologist, inventor, Doctor of Biological Sciences, professor, and above all, a remarkable human being whose work transformed the field of microbiology.
His scientific journey began in 1928 and continued for decades with unwavering devotion. Throughout this path, he was supported by his wife, Parandzem Sarukhanyan — Honored Scientist of the Armenian SSR and Doctor of Biological Sciences. Together, they laid the foundations for the establishment and development of general, agricultural, and technical microbiology in Armenia.
In 1934, Levon Erzinkyan initiated groundbreaking research aimed at isolating local strains of lactic acid bacteria. The results were extraordinary: the Armenian strains surpassed analogous bacteria discovered in other countries in their morphological, biochemical, and therapeutic properties.
Through these pioneering discoveries, Professor Erzinkyan became the founder of the probiotic era. He later combined the highly active acidophilic cultures he had isolated with his innovative method of acidophilotherapy, achieving remarkable success in the treatment of acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases — often without the use of additional medications.
A milestone in medical microbiology was reached in 1949, when Professor Levon Erzinkyan developed the unique probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus Er. 317/402 and named it «Narine» in honor of his granddaughter. Narine herself became the first infant to receive the probiotic as a substitute for breast milk. At a time when infant mortality caused by inflammatory and gastrointestinal diseases remained alarmingly high, she grew up free from intestinal disorders and major health complications.
In 1964, the State Committee for Inventions and Discoveries of the USSR officially recognized this breakthrough by issuing Copyright Certificate No. 163573 to Levon Erzinkyan for the invention of the bacterial strain L. acidophilus n.v. Er. 317/402.
Professor Erzinkyan received countless letters of gratitude from around the world from people whose lives had been transformed by his unique invention. Dozens of scientific and popular articles highlighting the exceptional properties of «Narine» and his other discoveries were published in periodicals across numerous international cities.
Japanese scientists later discovered that «Narine» stimulates the production of α-, β-, and especially γ-interferon in the body, strengthening the immune system and helping prevent the development of cancer and numerous other diseases.
Erzinkyan`s family,
Margarita Harutyunyan,
Microbiologist, MSc in Biotechnology,
Food Safety, R&D and Regulatory Affairs Specialist,
Karine Harutyunyan, PhD microbiologist