BrainMap

Ana Maria Raluca Gherman

phD

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

Other affiliations

PhD student - UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI ()

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: U-7908-2019

Curriculum Vitae (09/06/2023)

Expertise & keywords

High-throughput nanoscreening platform for SERS monitoring of latest generation antibiotics’ activity on antibiotic-resistant pathogens at single-cell level Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-0910 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

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://sites.google.com/view/antibresissers/

Abstract:

We propose an alternative to traditional diagnosis of infections based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) which involves collecting a sample from the patient, which is further put in contact with a silver spot laser induced, resulting in scattering and recording the spectral fingerprint of the pathogen, if present. By comparing the obtained fingerprint with standard spectral fingerprints from existing databases, the pathogens may be identified at strain level within minutes. Obtaining an antibiogram is the final step, which can be assessed in maximum of a couple of hours. This method may enable an effective and targeted infection treatment, and may reduce significantly the mortality rate, especially in infants, given by the increasingly number of aggressive strains.

The proposed nanoscreening platform offers a unique approach that is different from other medical techniques utilized nowadays for the screening of pathogens in routine clinical work. It combines SERS for the ultrasensitive molecular fingerprinting of pathogens with microfluidics for their isolation. Moreover, we intend to comprehensively implement additional computational tools in order to achieve a full understanding of the pathogens’ mechanism of resistance. This issue will be pursued by using optimized, in-house developed statistical model for identification, discrimination and classification of pathogens and quantum chemistry molecular modelling tools. The main advantages of the proposed SERS-based nanoscreening platform are that it is rapid, label free (no use of antigens, receptors, dyes or other specific labels is required), cost-effective, reliable, portable and ultrasensitive.

Once we succeed to tackle the connection between the resistance behavior of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and their spectral fingerprint monitored in real time by using our proposed methodology, we will be able to move forward and to influence point-of-care routines for sepsis.

Increasing technological and knowledge transfer capacity of INCDTIM Cluj in the field of bioeconomics Call name:
POC 18/2016 2016 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

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/poc/ttc/

Abstract:

Development of a microfluidic portable device for pathogen’s rapid SERS detection Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0983 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

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); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (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/mifsers/

Abstract:

In this project we aim to develop and validate an experimental demonstrator for the label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of pathogens within less than 15 minutes.

Thus, we propose a demonstrator, comprising a microfluidic flow-cell coupled to a flow system, and a portable/handheld Raman spectrometer for SERS detection of pathogens immobilized in the flow cell. This will lead to a rapid, ready-to-use system of detection that will provide rapid, high sensitivity and culture-free analysis of real biological samples.

We propose a label-free SERS–based alternative approach for detecting pathogens in a practical manner, by developing an experimental demonstrator that is based on the in situ silver NPs preparation in a microfluidic flow-cell and the handheld Raman spectrometer as detection tool. This innovative methodology is sustained by the research background of the candidate (specialized in vibrational spectroscopic techniques, mainly SERS and its analytical chemistry and biomedical applications), the partner's expertise, and the latest generation equipment. Eventually, the team members will be able to validate the developed detection methodology by using the handheld Raman spectrometer on real biological samples, in laboratory conditions.

The objectives of the project are developing the experimental setup, optimizing and validating the SERS detection methodology by using the developed device and finally, validating the experimental demonstrator and apply for a patent registration. As a final step of the development of the detection system, the analysis time will be reduced to less than 15 min.

The pathogens we will test are most common Gram-negative uropathogens, foodborne pathogens, Gram-positive enterococci, skin pathogens, and pathogenic fungi which cause complications in immunosuppressed patients.

Thus, after project implementation the TRL will reach a level of 4 on the TRL scale.

Pathogenic microorganisms’ rapid detection and identification using high sensitive Raman spectroscopy Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0862 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

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/ru381/

Abstract:

The bio-sensing for bacteria detection is currently explored by using various sensing materials and approaches but it is still a challenge to find an alternative to the conventional protocols, based on microorganisms’ cultivation. This project proposal provides an ultrasensitive and selective, but simple, rapid and inexpensive bacteria detection and identification method by using a receptor-free and innovative immobilization principle of the biomass. Raman spectroscopy, which combines the selectivity of the method with the sensitivity of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect (SERS), is used in correlation with Principle Component Analysis (PCA) in order to develop biosensors for pathogenic microorganisms. Most common pathogenic bacteria will be tested by applying an original immobilization protocol and the in situ synthesis method of the SERS-active nanostructures. The specific molecular information gathered from the spectroscopic data will be uploaded and analyzed by means of advanced statistical methods, with the final goal of creating an appropriate protocol which will be used on complex biological samples. The rapid pathogens identification and differentiation between multiple species, down to strain level will be carried out by means of SERS-PCA bio-sensing. Furthermore, the efficiency of multiple classes of antibiotics on bacteria viability will be investigated by SERS in order to obtain rapid and precise diagnostic and targeted treatment.

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