BrainMap

Mrs. Alexandrina Nan

Senior Researcher I

Senior Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: not public

Curriculum Vitae (13/07/2020)

Expertise & keywords

Industrial wastes as filler in bituminous materials for sealing of joints in roads pavement: towards circular economy Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1821 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); INSTITUTULUI DE CERCETARI PENTRU ECHIPAMENTE SI TEHNOLOGII IN CONSTRUCTII – ICECON S.A. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/fillroads/

Abstract:

In search of solutions for the transition to an efficient circular economy in the construction materials sector that would reduce the use of natural resources and the impact of waste on the environment, we propose the development of a demonstration model for a bituminous mastic material as an alternative to the one currently used for sealing joints and cracks in road maintenance. The starting point of the project is the recent results of the implementation team in obtaining a composite based on industrial waste which can be used as a substitute for the mineral filler in the composition of bituminous mastic. The sealing compounds must have a certain density, water and frost resistance, good adhesion to the asphalt material surface and adequate elasticity. In order to preserve the physical and mechanical properties of the bituminous mastic, the proposed composite will gradually replace the initial concentration of the filler. The materials obtained will be evaluated in terms of physico-chemical properties and interaction with bitumen in a feedback loop to optimize the initial recipe. Furthermore they will be tested at laboratory level in relation to the corresponding standards in the field of bituminous products currently used on the market. In order to validate the expected performances and functionalities in the laboratory for this type of material evaluation of its behavior under simulation of relevant operating conditions and of the external environmental factors will be performed. To the knowledge of the members of the research team, combining this waste and incorporating them into the bitumen-based material to obtain a new product used in the road construction industry is a new idea both nationally and internationally. The results of this project proposal can generate many economic and environmental benefits by mitigating waste effects on the environment and reducing the consumption of materials from non-renewable sources.

Preclinical validation of the prevention of the intrastent restenosis by the cumulative effect of functionalized magnetoresponsive nanocomposite particles and magnetic stent Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2049 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA

Project partners: ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); ROSEAL SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://helicalbypass.ro/home/proiect-ped615-2022/

Abstract:

Rapid endothelialization and healing are critical for successful blood vessel reconstruction following vascular injury (stent placement). Our recent research efforts have demonstrated the ability of our novel technologies, including magnetic stents and PEG-coated magnetic nanoparticles, to enable magnetic targeting and retention of injected particles to diseased artery segments. This approach promotes rapid healing after implantation and may alleviate the need for long-term dual antiplatelet therapy and improve long-term patency. The present proposal focuses on (1) demonstrating the feasibility of functionalized magnetic nanocluster, to controllably delivered and maintained at the site of stent implantation (both on the surface of the implanted magnetic/non-magnetic stent and the surrounding arterial wall); (2) facilitated stented arterial wall endothelialization to mitigate thrombosis and restenosis, as well as signiﬁcantly, reduce or eliminate the need for long-term dual antiplatelet therapy. The project novelty consists in (i) Synthesis and comprehensive characterization of ten PEGylated SPIONs samples with different crystal sizes and PEG lengths; (ii) EX_ VIVO investigations (Seeding efficacy will be studied in the presence and the absence of a magnetic field by placing a magnet (single or array) near the implanted stent (magnetic and non-magnetic stent) in the umbilical artery; (iii) Construction of phantom sets for experimental investigations (made of glass and transparent silicone to highlight the effect of wall roughness for particle deposition); special attention will be paid to the Nanoparticle agglomeration which is a factor with solid adverse consequences in vivo; computational fluid dynamics can model and clarify the entire process of drug administration and drug delivery from the injection site to absorption site in terms of nanoparticles volume fraction, magnetization, artery–magnet distance, size and shape of the coated nanoparticles.

Anticancer effects induced by magnetic nanoparticles linked with doxorubicin exposed to an alternative magnetic field Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0498 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU"

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://crissiac.wixsite.com/pn-iii-te22-baldea

Abstract:

Mortality rates in cancer are still high, despite important advances in oncology, while the existing therapies often cause side effects or even lead to treatment interruption. However, the combination of magnetic hyperthermia (MH) with chemotherapy through one single versatile nano-platform represents a really promising technology in the treatment of cancer. In this project we propose to further extend the very recent advancements in both preparation and application of magnetic nanocluster (MNC) to cancer treatment with the precise goal of elaborating biofunctionalized hybrid MNC capable to be easily directed to the tumor site by magnetic field gradients thus increasing the drug concentration at the tumor site and decreasing the toxic side effects. Moreover, these hybrid MNC have a huge potential for synergistically increasing the antitumor activity of the chemotherapy by sensitizing the tumor cells through MH. The hybrid MNC will be prepared by employing solvothermal method where polydopamine analogues will be used as coating agent, which offer the possibility to easily attach doxorubicin (DOX) through non-covalent interactions. The intrinsic toxicity of DOX-MNC will be assessed by means of multiple complementary types of viability assays on different types of normal and cancer cells. In the final phase of the project, we will evaluate the magneto-chemotherapeutic antitumor effects of DOX-MNC using experimental models like cell pellets, tumor spheroids and “tumor on a chip”.

Polydopamine analogues as fluorescent coating for magnetic nanoparticles Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0048 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/bright-surf/ro/home-romana/

Abstract:

The development of nanocomposites based on magnetic nanoparticles and fluorescent molecules is a fast growing research field in nanotechnology. These types of materials, however, possess some difficulties and challenges that need to be overcome, such as the quenching of the fluorescent entity by the magnetic core. That is why the coating systems have received a special importance by changing the hydrophilicity related with good dispensability or improving biocompatibility. As a coating, polydopamine fulfills these qualities being heavily investigated through both, in vivo and in vitro studies for many biomedical applications. But in terms of fluorescence this it is a breach of exploitation which is focused more on oxidation approached, degradation, conjugation, and carbonization of dopamine/polydopamine. In this project we propose a different approach by synthesizing new polydopamine analogues with extra heteroatoms in their structure. For this type of synthetic analogues we will systematically study the polymerization mechanism, adherence, and how the presence of N-type heteroatoms improves their fluorescence property. Coating the fluorescent new materials onto uniformly sized magnetic nanoparticles, fluorescent-magnetic nanocomposites will be engineered, which can serve as an all-in-one diagnostic and therapeutic tools with the additional advantage of being easy to control and monitor by fluorescent microscopy.

Neoteric polymers with tunable thermal conductivity Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1595 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/polyteco/

Abstract:

Polymers have infiltrated almost every field of modern technology. The study of the thermal conductivity of polymeric materials is a very important issue nowadays, in order to meet the criteria for application in electronic industries. The main objective of this project is an extensive study of the influence of synthesis parameters of neoteric polymers on the thermal conductivity. The project is focused on the complex field of Synthetic Chemistry and Materials: Materials synthesis, structure-properties relations, functional and advanced materials. Through this project we will try to influence the thermal conductivity of “green” polymers developed by the project leader in the previous young research team project, namely: poly(benzofuran-co-arylacetic acid), polytartaric acid and poly(tartronic-co-glycolic acid), by different chemical modification as tuned synthesis, crosslinking reactions, copolymerization reactions and polymer composites formation by embedding inorganic particles in the polymer network or in the crosslinked polymer network. Such polymer materials are interesting from two points of view: fundamental contribution to the understanding of the physical processes and phenomena associated with these new hybrid polymeric materials, specific intermolecular interactions, interface effects, phase transitions on the one hand and possible application in technology on the other hand.

The development in oncology of novel radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear techniques for diagnostic imaging and personalized treatment at molecular level Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0769 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MEDICO-MILITARA „CANTACUZINO” (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE IN DOMENIUL PATOLOGIEI SI STIINTELOR BIOMEDICALE "VICTOR BABES" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); INSTITUTUL CLINIC FUNDENI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.nipne.ro/proiecte/pn3/9-proiecte.html

Abstract:

The ONCORAD project and the associated technological platform in Radiobiology, is built on the concepts of translational medicine and has as main objective the development of innovative targeted radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear medicine techniques for diagnostic imaging and improved radiotherapy in cancer. ONCORAD is based on the unique expertise of the coordinator (IFIN Horia Hulubei, Magurele) ) in the field of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, complemented by the exquisite know how of partner institutions in the field of biomedical research (INCD Victor Babes, Cantacuzino National Research Institute and Biochemistry Institute, Bucharest) and clinics (Fundeni Clinical Institute and Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest), along with the expertise of INCD for Isotopic and molecular Techniques, Cluj-Napoca in nanotechnologies/nanomedicine. The multidisciplinary effort is focused in 4 interconnected research projects in the field of oncology and nuclear medicine. Additionally, the ONCORAD project will sustain the development of the partner institutions by supporting new jobs for young researchers and their extensive training, infrastructure development, and transfer of knowhow, technologies and good laboratory practices among partners and towards interested third parties. ONCORAD will build an organizational structure for enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of radiobiology, in the benefit of research, patients and oncologists. The project is a premise for future participation of the consortium in large-scale projects and in European networks/platforms in the field of nuclear medicine and nanomedicine, enlarge the research services and technological transfer for clinical applications.

NEW METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND TECHNOLOGIC SOLUTIONS BASED ON NANOMATERIALS AND BIOMATERIALS Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0062 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE IN DOMENIUL PATOLOGIEI SI STIINTELOR BIOMEDICALE "VICTOR BABES" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/sanomat/

Abstract:

The project will develop novel conceptual and functional solutions of biomedical devices for treatment, reinforcement/repair/replacement (of human tissues) and diagnosis based on nanostructured and/or biocompatible materials, with high attractivity and certain potential for technology transfer to industry. The experience of the interdisciplinary consortium will allow a passage from concepts of nanomaterials and biomaterials with extended and/or complementary functional features to implementation to new biomedical applications of great interest: (i) antitumoral therapeutic systems (by localized magnetic hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy and drug delivery); (ii) biocompatible compounds with enhanced antimicrobial efficacy; (iii) stent or vein/arterial filters implants based on ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys (with the advantage of repositioning without the need of new invasive interventions); (iv) personalized bone regenerative implants (i.e. porous ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering; dental implants with rapid osseointegration); (v) (bio)sensors for monitoring the bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds and detecting the reactive oxygen species and their biologic effect; and (vi) correlation of physico-chemical properties with clinical investigations for two types of aerosols (salt particles and essential oils), and their prospective coupling with possible synergistic effects. The synergic development of the institutional capacity of the project partners will be achieved by: creating new jobs and purchasing new equipment and software, providing technical/scientific assistance to the emerging institutions, initiating and fostering collaborations with partners from industry in view of technology transfer, and increasing the international visibility of the involved institutions by capitalizing on the obtained research results. The project will create the core of the first national cluster in the field of healthcare technologies.

Recyclable multilayer magnetic biocatalyst for synthesis of natural esters Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0168 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.chim.upt.ro/ro/cercetare/proiecte-de-cercetare/247-pn-iii-p2-2-1-ped-2016-0168

Abstract:

The main scope of the project is to develop a demonstration model by an innovative multilayer technology for a new biocatalyst containing a designed magnetic core and hybrid layers (organic and silica) that allow the immobilization of enzymes. The validation of the model will be accomplished through the effectiveness of the product in a specific reaction, to demonstrate that such a biocatalyst is stable, reproducible, recyclable and able to synthesize esters that are accepted as naturals according to the EC regulations. The key objective is a comprehensive evaluation of the magnetic manipulation efficiency of enzyme functionalized magnetic nanocomposites obtained by applying cost-effective preparation procedures and manifold advanced characterization and testing techniques. The chemical composition, structure, size distribution, magneto- responsiveness, as well as the enzyme loading capability will be designed to fulfill the requirements for efficient biocatalysis and easy recovery of the enzyme even from viscous media, avoiding the contamination of the product and allowing its recognition as “food-grade”. The immobilization of lipase on magnetic nanoparticles will be combined with stabilization of the hybrid composite through a sol-gel silica shell. The magnetic properties of the product will allow the easy separation and recycling of the biocatalyst, avoiding the contamination of the product with enzyme protein. The magnetically recovered catalyst will be reused in several consecutive cycles. The Technology Readiness Level at the beginning of the project is TRL 2. After the implementation of this project TRL 3 level will be achieved, meaning that the obtained demonstration model will prove how all knowledge available at the beginning of the project can be combined in a single functional concept. The demonstrator will consist of gram quantities of this product and confirmation of its efficency in laboratory-scale synthesis of several aroma esters.

Unprecedented polyesters as coating for solid surfaces with application in medicine and nanotechnology Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0654 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru319/

Abstract:

The main goal of the project is to develop new hybrid materials based on polyesters of α-hydroxy carboxylic acids (PAHCA) functionalized with molecules having different application in magnetic separation, biomedicine and chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The project focused on a complex research field, polymers, nanosciences and nanotechnologies, situated in the actual orientation for the development of functional hybrid nanostructured materials. Polyesters of α-hydroxy carboxylic acids, such as polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid have found widespread application in materials field, medicine and nanotechnology, but have also several limitations due to lack of reactive groups for linkage, and because of their easiness of biodegradation in environment and in biological medium. The project aims to overcome these obstacles and extends potential application of these polymers by preparing new functionalized PAHCA by polymerization reaction of new functionalized lactides synthesized in the project. The resulting composite materials attract fundamental interest by contributing to the understanding of physical processes and phenomena associated with nanostructures, intermolecular specific interactions, interface effects, phase transitions and applicative interest for medicine and nanotechnology.

Security paper with imbedded magnetic nanoparticles Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0560 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA

Project partners: ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA (RO); CEPROHART S.A. (RO); ROSEAL S.A. (RO); DATRONIC-NCIP S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://vsocoliuc.wordpress.com/projects/nanomagsecuritypaper/

Abstract:

Document forgery is a criminal activity that causes billion dollar losses each year worldwide. Security paper is among the most important ingredients used in the fight against the forgery of private or public documents. The continuous diversification and sophistication of the paper securing techniques is one of the most important ways to erect fences against forgery attempts. The NanoMagSecurityPaper project aims to expand the diversity of high tech means for paper securing. The project’s strategic objective is to bring magnetic security paper on the security paper market. It is estimated that the Romanian security paper market alone will demand for tens of tons of magnetic security paper each year.

NanoMagSecurityPaper brings in the idea to obtain magnetic security paper by dispersing superparamagnetic nanoparticles in the wet cellulose pulp. The superparamagnetic paper thus obtained gets the functionality of security paper only together with appropriate validation methods and instruments. In order to meet this goal, joint applied research from the following three fields is necessary: 1. paper making, 2. magnetic nanoparticle/composite synthesis, and 3. magnetic sensing and validation. In order to meet the highest security standards, the authenticity checking procedures should make possible both a fast, handy and reliable first instance validation, and a sophisticated, albeit laborious, high security level validation. The NanoMagSecurityPaper will elaborate and test methods to produce high security level magnetic paper, by embedding in the paper composition magnetic nanoparticles and, for white color paper, magnetic composites. A handy and high sensitivity first instance validation method and instrument will be developed.

NanoMagSecurityPaper will achieve its objectives by transferring fundamental and applied knowledge on magnetometry, magnetogranulometry, magnetic sensing and magnetic nanoparticle/composite synthesis, from three Romanian academic institutions to three Romanian industrial partners: SC CEPROHART SA - security paper producer, SC ROSEAL SA - magnetic nanoparticle/composite producer, and SC DATRONIC-NCIP SRL – electronic equipment producer. NanoMagSecurityPaper will provide high-tech added value to the product portfolio of the consortium industrial partners, as well as a deeper scientific knowledge transfer expertise to the academic institutions of the consortium.

NanoMagSecurityPaper will also open means for the development of securitization techniques for a wide range of diamagnetic materials like paints, textiles, polymeric composites, and others.

Magnetic nanofluid sealing system for high peripheral speed Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0948 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: ROSEAL S.A.

Project partners: ROSEAL S.A. (RO); ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE TURBOMOTOARE - COMOTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.roseal.eu/HiSpeedNanoMagSeal/

Abstract:

Roseal Co. is a SME specialized in manufacturing sealing systems aiming permanently to meet the market requirements. The primary concern regarding to the technology impact on the ambient environment leads for developing new, innovative and environment-friendly products through research. In this context stands the topic of the project – leakage-free sealing system for high peripheral speeds to be used in gas turbocompressors used in petroleum refining and chemical fertilizer industry.

Turbocompressors have large diameters and operates at high rotational speeds, having a high peripheral speed, approx. 30 - 70 m/s in the sealing area. Currently, mechanical seals with barrier fluid or non-contacting mechanical seals with inert gas are used, which don’t ensure hermetic sealing. Moreover, using seals with barrier fluid can contaminate the product, catalyst, etc. On the other hand, inert gas seals require special source supply of clean inert gas and rigouros control of the pressure difference. The maintenance of these seals requires periodical (~ 2 years) change of the rotating active components, a very expensive operation due to the fact that these spare parts must be processed with submicronic precission.

The project proposes the development of new magnetic nanofluid (MNF) seals which has significant advantages compared to conventional mechanical seals: hermetic sealing, exceptionally long lasting operation without intervention (~ 5 years), minimal wear (only viscous friction), virtually zero contamination, optimal torque transmission, wide operating range (10^-8 mbar - 10 bar), relatively simple and cost efficient execution.

The objectives and expected results give a very high degree of complexity and absolute novelty to the project by creating an entirely new generation of leakage-free seal system for high peripheral speeds (30 – 70 m/s) at experimental scale and developing new generation MNF with high temperature resistance up to 140 °C - 180 °C (generated in such type of seals).

The work plan includes tasks in order to achieve the final goal: the synthesis of surfactants for stable magnetic nanoparticles at high temperatures, components of MNFs; synthesis and production of MNF, stable at high temperatures; design, development and manufacturing experimental models of hermetic seals, testing and performance evaluation of experimental models of sealing systems.

Success of the project is assured by the exclusive character of the partnership: CO – ROSEAL is the only manufacturer of seals and producer of MNF with saturation magnetization up to 1450 G for seals in Romania and in Central and East Europe. Worldwide there are less than 10 MNF producers, however they don’t commercialize MNF with saturation magnetization over 600 G; P1 – ARFT, Laboratory of Magnetic Fluids - leader of the international community of magnetic fluids, the only research unit in Romania with well-defined profile in the field of synthesis and characterization of MNFs, being expert in magneto-optical investigation of the influence of magnetic field on the structure of magnetic fluids; P2 – INCDTIM with expertise and equipment in accordance to the European standards for synthesis and characterization of surfactants, characterization of MNF with specific analytical methods, P3 – UPT, RCESCF – expert in rheological, magnetorheological and magnetic characterization of MNFs; P4 – COMOTI – expert in gas turbocompressors with competence for testing at high peripheral speeds. The project implementation responds to SME strategy to develop new, innovative and environment-friendly products by using advanced materials and technologies, thus increasing the turnover and the net profit due to the demand for leakage-free seals in gas turbocompressors on national and international market. Developing a new generation of high temperature resistant MNF opens opportunities for new fascinating applications, as well.

Novel organocatalytic magnetic core-shell nanoparticles and their application Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0130 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare (RO)

Project website: http://itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru100/

Abstract:

The project aim is to create a new generation of organocatalytic magnetic core-shell nanoparticles as a recyclable organocatalyst with a great applicative potential, by combining an inorganic magnetic core and an organic polymer coating functionalized by a catalytic moiety. The project focused on a new and complex research field, nanosciences and nanotechnologies, situated in the actual orientation for the development of functional nanostructured materials from the molecular scale to devices for applications by controlling physical and chemical processes and methods. In order to target the project main objective magnetic core-shell nanoparticles having organocatalytic moieties covalently linked with high organocatalytic performance will be prepare. The advantage of this magnetic organocatalyst over the classical catalysts, consist in an easy removal from reaction media due to the magnetic separation. This methodology saves resources, reduces wastes and toxic hazards and thus contributes to the sustainable development. Such magnetic material also attract fundamental interest by contributing to the understanding of physical processes and phenomena associated with nanostructures, intermolecular specific interactions, interface effects, phase transitions and applicative interest for organocatalysis.

Surface and Interface Science: Physics, chemistry, biology, applications. Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2008 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2008-0076 2010 - 2013

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR

Project partners: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CAROL DAVILA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE VICTOR BABES TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/siinta-suprafetelor-si-interfetelor-fizica-chimie-biologie-aplicatii

Abstract:

This project intends to provide a financial background for developing the community of Surface Science in Romania. Thematics from physics and chemistry of surfaces will be tackled together with applications of surface science in biology and in technology; also new standards will be proposed for consistent data interpretation. The Project clusterizes the most important Romanian teams with preoccupations in surface science, namely all X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy teams with most of the community of thin film deposition, cluster and nanoparticle physics, surface reactivity, surface chemistry and photochemistry, multilayer physics and applications, magnetic fluids, functionalization of surfaces, cell attachment, studies of cellular membrane. The research teams belong to highly prominent Universities and Research Institutes from practically all geographical areas of the country. The Consortium disposes of infrastructure exceeding 10 million euros, of more than one hundreed highly qualified scientists which have generated during the past years more than 3 % of the national scientific visibility. The research will concentrate into four main areas: (i) magnetic properties of surfaces and low-dimensional systems; (ii) electrical properties of surfaces and heterostructures; (iii) surface chemistry; (iv) application of surface science in functionalized systems and in biology, together with (v) an area concentrating on standardization in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and related techniques. Each area is divided into several thematics; each thematic has at least one in-charge scientist. This Project will foster the surface science community in Romania and will contribute strongly to the development of high-technological industrial preoccupation in all geographical areas concerned. Several cutting-edge applications are also foreseen by pursuing the fundamental research proposed.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects