BrainMap

Ana-Maria Seciu-Grama

- INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Other affiliations

- UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (Romania)

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://publons.com/researcher/4553941/ana-maria-seciu/

Curriculum Vitae (18/08/2023)

Expertise & keywords

INNOVATIVE NANOSTRUCTURED NUTRACEUTICALS WITH SYNERGISTIC BIOACTIVITIES FOR HEPATO-DIGESTIVE PROTECTION Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1788 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU VITICULTURA SI VINIFICATIE MURFATLAR (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://univovidius.wixsite.com/nutrasinpro

Abstract:

The project entitled “INNOVATIVE NANOSTRUCTURED NUTRACEUTICALS WITH SYNERGISTIC BIOACTIVITIES FOR HEPATO-DIGESTIVE PROTECTION (NUTRASINPRO)” falls in the priority research domain of the present competition call, Bioeconomy, Subdomain Biotechnology. The general objective is obtaining of controlled nanostructure delivery systems based on natural raw materials mixtures as fluid fruits extracts of bitter cherry (Prunus avium var. sylvestris L.) and blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L.) as by-product of grape winemaking encapsulated into a hybrid silica–barley germs mass (Hordeum vulgare as prebiotics) nanomatrix enriched with Lactobacillus sp. strains as probiotic. The main objectives of the project are design of new nutraceuticals formula obtained from high functional food-grade bioactive agents (anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonols, flavones, vitamins, lipids, oligominerals) present in vegetal extracts encapsulated within a hybrid silica matrix-barley germs biomass nanostructure in different ratio; obtaining an innovative series of nutraceuticals delivery nanosystems exhibiting synbiotic action of prebiotics–probiotics constituents with synergistic therapeutically action; controlled delivery systems by nanoscale targeted level, with synergistic bioactivities, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato-digestive protection and development of new technologies to obtain nutraceuticals nano-formulations conditioned as orodispersible tablets, controlled release tablets and lyophilized powder for oral use, protected by property rights. The envisaged end products: 1. Patenting the optimal variant nanostructured nutraceutical formulas of the new nanostructured target delivery system and issued in improving oral bioavailability for all ages group; 2. Technological process development for widely implementation of nanostructured nutraceutical formulations, used without risk on human, animal or environment health.

Phytonutrients based on phytocomplecs enriched in phytoestrogens with potential for use in the management of metabolic diseases Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1185 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.incdsb.ro/p/Phyto-ESM/

Abstract:

Nowadays, obesity and diabetes mellitus are two major nutritional disorders due to their frequent association with major cardiovascular risk factors, responsible for increasing mortality. Recent studies have shown that phytoestrogens have various beneficial effects on health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes and different form of cancers.

This project aim is technology for obtaining phytonutrients based on phytocomplexes concentrated in phytoestrogenic compounds from Trigonella foenum-graecum, Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea and evaluation of their effect on key enzyme linked to type-2 diabetes and obesity and also testing the biological effects using in vitro cell culture. The project technological development will foresee: a) Protocols for optimum extraction process, using modern extraction technologies: microwave assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and accelerated solvent extraction of phytoestrogenic compounds; b) Achievement and validation of innovative laboratory technology based on selective separation processes (microfiltration/ultrafiltration for preconcentration and nanofiltration for phytoestrogens concentration); c) Analytical characterization and testing the biological effects of phytocomplexes enriched in phytoestrogens.

Involving a brand company in the domestic and foreign market in medicinal plants processing will lead to increasing the potential of the private company to get involved at performance level in scientific and technical and to develop new nutraceuticals, herbal drugs or food products for prevent of metabolic diseases.

The original results on the laboratory technology will be patented for transfer to the partner SME.

Technologies for preparation of some natural products with immunostimulatory properties Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2118 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); HOFIGAL EXPORT IMPORT SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: https://unibuc.ro/cercetare/promovarea-rezultatelor-cercetarii/proiecte-de-cercetare/proiecte-cu-finantare-nationala/imunostim/ si https://unibuc.ro/cercetare/promovarea-rezultatelor-cercetarii/proiecte-de-cercetare/proiecte-cu-finantare-nationala/imunosti

Abstract:

The project scope proposal is the development of specific technologies for preparation of some vegetal extracts with immunostimulatory properties, which will be used in formulation of a food supplement for body invigoration. The novelties of this proposal are: a new own product, a combination of active principles with immunostimulatory properties; specific method of obtaining active principles with immunostimulatory properties; confirmation of non-aggressive effect of the nonconventional extraction techniques on the stability of extracted active principles.

The optimal plant extracts obtained by conventional and unconventional extraction methods will be selected. The optimal extracts contains the active principles from Hedera helix L. leaves and are obtained with the best possible extraction yield, without changing the structure of the extracted bioactive compounds. In all extraction stages, ecofriendly solvents (water, ethanol) will be used. Methods for analyzing and quantifying of selected bioactive compounds triterpene saponins, polyhydroxyalcohol-aldehyde (2-C-hydroxy-methyl-D-ribitol) , as well as corresponding standard compounds will be developed. Bioactive compounds of interest (from extracts and standard ones) will be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by spectroscopic methods ( 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR, UV-Vis, HPLC / LC / MS / MS). The structure of the selected bioactive compounds will be highlighted by modeling methods and X-ray diffraction studies, to confirm their immunostimulatory properties. The bioactive compounds selected from the extracts and the standard ones will be tested by specific methods to highlight the immunostimulatory properties. The technology of obtaining the final product, dietary supplement, for the body's invigoration will be developed, with clinical impact.

Functional food with emergent properties to support hypocaloric diet Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3805 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); SANTO RAPHAEL SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/sinergem/

Abstract:

SINERGEM Project aims to develop a functional food as a protein bar used as adjuvant for hypocaloric diet, based on a combination with emergent properties of polyphenols and polysaccharides from forest fruits pomace (by-product resulting from obtaining the fruit juice at the economic agent partner) and chia seeds. The commercial opportunity is clearly established – the market for functional foods is increasing, driven by the requirement for healthier diets. The potential of forest fruits pomace as an affordable and sustainable source of polyphenol and polysaccharides is confirmed. Project objectives are (i) to select the synergistic composition of polyphenols and polysaccharides; (ii) to prepare a gastro-resistant nanoformulation of the synergic composition and (iii) to include the nanoformulated composition in a protein bar, verifying the preservation of emerging properties. The expected results of the project are: a mixture of polyphenols and polysaccharides (extracted from forest fruit pomace) and chia seeds, selected by a combination of high-throughput techniques and encapsulated into a gastro-resistant liposomal nanoformulation, which is included in a protein bar. Our proposed activities are intended to reach objectives related to: optimization of product composition (synergic composition); integration of product components into the demonstration model (nanoliposomes in a protein bar) and testing and validate its biological activity (as antioxidant, prebiotic and -amylase inhibitor) on laboratory level, on model systems. After the project implementation the economic agent partner will expand the range of functional foods that it can produce and sell.

Novel biotehnologies of plant by-products complex valorisation for prevention and control of pathogens in agro-ecosystems Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3561 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); HOFIGAL EXPORT IMPORT SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/hydropest/

Abstract:

Nowadays, one of the major challenges for the R&D sector is to develop an efficient conversion of agro-food waste or by-products into innovative products, within circular bioeconomy. In this context, our project proposes valorisation of aromatic plants by-products in the form of hydrosols through novel biotechnologies in order to develop active products against various pathogens found in agro-ecosystems. Within the project, the multidisciplinary R&D and SME partnership will develop a new formula of biopesticides with functional properties and it will establish treatment protocols in experimental cultures, validating in vitro and in vivo their efficiency and safety in the labs of both partners. The project will start at TRL2 formulating the technological concept of plant hydrosols as waste products and will advance at TRL3 obtaining experimental variants of hydrosols with pesticide potential and it will end with TRL4 achieving validated formula in seedlings and plant model systems, which will be patented. High-throughput techniques (HPLC, GC, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, mathematic modelling, PCR, microbial and cell culture experimental models, etc) will be used for the chemical and biological screening of hydrosols, to select functional models of biopesticides. The exploitation of aromatic plant by-products as biopesticides in crop pest management could open new opportunities in ecological agriculture, promoting natural, safer and autochthonous products. Furthermore, the partnership between R&D and industry sector will be strengthen in order to apply to future European calls regarding plant waste recycling and food security.

Biotechnology for a new biomimetic composite hydrogel based on extracellular matrix components and Si-bioceramics enriched with small molecules (flavonoids) for osteochondral regeneration Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-1714 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); CHEMI CERAMIC F SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: https://www.incdsb.ro/p/biosicon/

Abstract:

Osteochondral defects are caused by severe trauma, accidental and sport-related injuries or diseases (osteoarthritis), which lead to pain and joint deformity. In 2012, it was estimated that 31 million people suffered from osteoarthritis in USA, among them 9.2% having osteochondral defects.

This project proposal aims the development of an innovative strategy for osteochondral regeneration by creating a novel biodegradable cross-linked composite hydrogel based on natural polypeptides (gelatin), natural polysaccharidic components (glycosaminoglycans) and silica-bioceramics (hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate enriched with silica and akermanite) containing small molecules (flavonoids).

A key aspect is represented by Si-bioceramics use, as a better alternative to conventional bioceramics. The enrichment of the composite hydrogel with flavonoids (icariin and quercetin), as substitutes of growth factors will improve the healing of bone and cartilage. The physico-chemical and structural analysis of composite hydrogel will be performed by spectrometry, SEM-EDX, X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, ion chromatography and mathematical modeling of the cristallization process. The validation of biomimetic system functionality and utility will be performed by analysis of genotoxicity, antimicrobial and antiinflamatory activity, the capacity of stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into osteoblasts and chondrocytes in the presence of composite hydrogel and angiogenesis in a co-culture of stem cells/HUVEC. In vitro biological activity will be demonstrated by experimental/demonstrative models in cell cultures using flow-cytometry, RT-PCR, ELISA, spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy. The original results regarding product and lab technology will be patented in view of transfer to the partner SME. The interdisciplinary public-private partnership will ease the development of new products that will bring benefits for people’s health and the access to European funds.

Functionalized mesoporous bioglass based 3D scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-0598 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2019/BIOSCAFTIS/index.html

Abstract:

The project proposal “Functionalized mesoporous bioglass based 3D scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration“, aims to improve the well-being of people by treating them with new biomaterials. The objective of the project is to restore and improve the function of hard tissue by using functional bioactive scaffolds. These scaffolds will provide good mechanical properties in a suitable environment for tissue regeneration and repair. Sodium free mesoporous bioglasses (MBGs) doped with cerium will be used for scaffold manufacture using a combination of structure-directing agents and a polymer foam replication method. The BIOSCAFTIS project is based on our early results demonstrating that MBGs doped with cerium have good bioactivity and biocompatibility properties. In order to improve the growth and remodelling of bone tissue the surface of the scaffold will be functionalized with vitamin D3. The properties of the scaffolds e.g. bioactivity, mechanical strength, antimicrobial activity and drug delivery profile will be evaluated using adequate characterization techniques. The performance integration of 3D scaffolds to native tissues will be investigated using in vitro experimental models mimicking interaction with osteoblast cells. As a result of the research the project aims to disrupt the area of biomaterials by developing a new class of materials for medical applications.

COMPLEX VALORISATION OF BLACK SEA REGION BIORESOURCES BY DEVELOPING AND APPLYING INNOVATIVE AND EMERGING BIOTECHNOLOGIES Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0701 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINĂ "GRIGORE ANTIPA"-I.N.C.D.M. CONSTANŢA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU VITICULTURA SI VINIFICATIE MURFATLAR (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: https://univovidius.wixsite.com/inobiomar

Abstract:

Natural products from marine species are increasingly studied as their functional properties are discovered. These properties have benefits for human health while depending on their geographical region of origin. As abundant marine resources with insufficiently exploited therapeutic potential exist, the present proposal aims to harness the Black Sea bioresources through developing innovative technologies for obtaining biorenewable pharmaceutics preparations. The membrane/bioadhesive disks preparations consist of bioactive compounds from marine extracts encapsulated into mesoporous functionalized silica matrices and have controlled release. The Black Sea bioresources valorization will be improved by using the residual biomass from technological flux as biofertilizer for vineyards. New technologies for efficient extraction and preservation of active ingredients, encapsulation in pharmaceutical and nanostructured silica matrices, obtaining modern, therapeutically/cosmetic efficient formulations tested in vitro, will be developed. The project will be completed by a multidisciplinary consortium composed of UOC, INCDM, UPB, INCDSB, having a new research center with personnel deficit (Romanian Academy-ICF) and a relaunching center- SCDVV Murtfatlar, which will develop and use the common infrastructure, existing and newly created human resources, both through the project implementation and future collaborations, while strengthening the partners’ institutional capacity through improving their services offers. The project will achieve TRL 5. The main goal of the complex project can be achieved through the complementarity of the 5 component projects, having 6 patent applications and developing new fabrication technologies for 3 pharmaceutical formulations with synergetic action as deliverables, which can be translated to economic beneficiaries.

Closing the bioeconomy value chains by manufacturing market demanded innovative bioproducts Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0569 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA AUREL VLAICU ARAD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://icechim-rezultate.ro/proiect.php?id=51&lang=ro

Abstract:

Agriculture and food industry in Romania generates large amounts of co/by-products, which are not used and turn into wastes, with negative impacts. The approach of the project PRO-SPER is to develop integrated processes, flexible and interconnected, to transform a number of agro-food by-products in bio-products, with market demand. This approach facilitates the achievement of project goals, complex-coordination and linking of the research organizations that are members of the Consortium, INCDCP-ICMPP, UDJ, ICECHIM, INCDSB and UAV, for improving their institutional performance in the field of nano-and bio-technologies of their application into bioeconomy.

The overall objective of the project PRO-SPER is to increase the impact of research and development activities and innovation of the RDI institutions, by developing and harnessing innovative technological solutions for bio-nano-processing of several by-products from the bioeconomy value chains, for recovering and/or formation of value-added components and their use in order to obtain products with high added value.

Expected results through the implementation of the project (21 new jobs, 23 national patent applications and international patent applications 6 EPO/WIPO; 10 technologies/new products resulting from the project, at a level of technological maturity to enable taking over by the operators, 5 services research and technological research services 10 cheques, 10 experiments cheques services

80 internship of young researchers from and within partner institutions, 50 visits for developing new techniques for working jointly in the Consortium, 30 training internships for new employees, 28scientific papers, 1 joint program CDI, in line with the development plan of institutional partners) have a significant impact on the capacity-building of the partners in the Consortium.

High performance technology for the development of novel 3D stem cells-matrix systems for guided tissue regeneration of complex oral tissues lesions Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0715 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://stematech-62-2017.unibuc.ro/

Abstract:

High number of scientific studies indicates the immediate need for new solutions in the treatment of damaged connective tissues from periodontium, since guided tissue regeneration market products showed variable efficacy, depending on the shape and size of the defect. A major issue in application of mesenchymal stem cells is their low rate of survival after implantation. In this context, STEMATECH project aims to develop a high performance technology for obtaining novel 3D cell culture systems based on spheroids from dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) cultivated in a biomimetic matrix engineered from extracellular matrix components, intended for regeneration of complex oral tissues lesions. The specific objectives target improvement of DPSC spheroids morphological and functional characteristics, investigation of complex interaction stem cells-matrix and 3D system functionality testing in several experimental models of inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue regeneration. The impact of this interdisciplinary project refers to added knowledge in regeneration mechanisms after data integration from complementary activities of preparation, characterization and testing. The elements of originality and innovation contain a thoroughly study of DPSC properties in correlation with patient age and cell cryopreservation. A comparative study of spheroids versus stem cell cultivation in a 3D biomimetic matrix will be performed for the first time, giving insights for novel tissue engineering strategies. An important outcome of this project will be results dissemination in journals with high visibility in the field and a patent demand. The project proposes optimization of a large variety of techniques, light and electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, in order to assess the efficiency of DPSC-matrix systems for treatment of complex oral tissues lesions.

Technology for protective biofortification with selenium of cruciferous crops for production of functional food with a constant and sure content of chemopreventives compounds. Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0267 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); TESO SPEC SRL (RO); ECO FRUCT SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "SPIRU HARET" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/Safesel/index.html

Abstract:

Selenium (Se) is an important element for human and animal nutrition because of its function in a number of physiological processes. Cultivation of the selenium biofortified plants can be an effective way of producing functional foods, which determine benefits to human health.

The project aims to develop a biotechnology of obtaining safe functional food, with an optimal content of chemopreventive compounds, by selenium protective biofortification of cruciferous crops. Biofortification of the food chain through treatments applied to plants (agronomic biofortification) have the advantage of a supplementation with controlled levels of seleno-compounds with a high bioavailability, widely available to different categories of people exposed to risks of chronic diseases. Selenium, (although it is not recognized as an essential trace element for plants) stimulates their growth and plays a role in protecting plants from phytopathogenic agents, oxidative stress and hydro-stress. Treatment of plants with selenium also has an effect of improving the resistance of plants to drought, in which water stress is combined with the oxidative one.

The originality of the project is resulting from the integrated approach, which focus on both safe and effective supplementation with selenium of the food chain, and cruciferous plants protection against abiotic stress (lack of water, high temperature, excessive solar radiation) and biotic stress (pests and diseases).

The project proposes the development and application of some products as new inputs in the selenium protective biofortification of cruciferous plants, by which to re-balance the sulfur metabolism, maintaining the formation of the optimal level of chemopreventive selenocompounds.

The project objectives are: development of new means of technological intervention (spraying adjuvants, products with controlled release of betaine, nitric oxide inductors in plant tissues), testing and identifying the best solutions for the integration of new technological means of intervention in cruciferous crop technology, proving the character of safe functional food.

The main activities foreseen to be achieved in the project are: obtaining and testing of spraying adjuvants and betaine-based products, obtaining and testing inducers of nitric oxide in plant tissues; simultaneous application of new inputs and treatments with selenium; integrating new technologies of biofortification with sustainable cruciferous cultivation practices; development and validation of 3R tests to prove the functional food character; results dissemination and exploitation.

The end products of the project are: (i) a technology for biofortification of cruciferous crops, which includes new innovative products / agricultural inputs, intended to maximize the protective effects of selenium and accumulation of chemopreventive selenocompounds constant levels, and methods of their application; (ii) selenium biofortified functional foods, affordable, with reproducible biological effects and maximum safety for human health.

The expected result following the practical implementation of this project is a safe, effective and affordable way of food chain selenium supplementation.

The project is proposed to be achieved within an interdisciplinary consortium including partners with complementary and synergistic role: a national research and development institute (NIRDBS), an university (USH), and two SMEs (Teso Spec and Ecofruct). Partners representing all disciplines have the necessary infrastructure for the development of biofortification protective technologies with selenium of cruciferous crops and for characterization of the resulted vegetable products as safe and efficient functional foods.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FOR SAFE AND BIOENHANCED FUNCTIONAL FOOD FROM NEWLY CULTIVATED PLANTS IN ROMANIA Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0995 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); HOFIGAL EXPORT IMPORT SA (RO); CHEMI CERAMIC F SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://produse.multifunctionale.icechim.ro

Abstract:

Thematic area of the project proposal is in the field of functional foods destinated to maintain human health in concordance with research theme 5.1.6. Functional foods to maintain human health and prevent diseases, Domain 5. Agriculture, food safety and security.

The general project objective is to develop multifunctional and innovative products for protection of nutraceutical plants newly introduced in Romania (Momordica charantia and Passiflora incarnata) and to stimulate concomitantly formation of biologically-active compounds in these plants, at stable levels and with reproducible biological effects. The specific innovative project objectives are: 1. development of multifunctional for treatments of soil and in vegetation, based on: (a) consortia of Trichoderma strains; (b) porous ceramics with high bioavailability of silica; (c) essential oils included in mesoporous silica; 2. Testing products, developing methods of application and integrating them with the sustainable cultural technology of nutraceutical plants; 3. characterization of functional foods through in vitro alternative tests on human cell cultures and highlighting the biological role of silica forms accumulated in treated plants in animal cells; 4. results exploitation by protection of intellectual innovative solutions after techno-economical analysis and opportunities of results exploitation.

Products based on consortia of Trichoderma strains and essential oils have multiple actions as: plant protection agents towards biotic stresses (phytopathogens, pests), elicitors of plant defence response, limiting agents for the negative effects of ethylene on roots and growth promotor of plant nutrition, mainly with nitrogen.

Porous ceramics containing silicaxerogel, applied as soil treatment, work as a matrix for controlled release of nutrients with high bioavailability and have role to compensate losses of plant metabolic energy due to the synthesis of secondary metabolites and to supply orthosilicates with high bioavailability.

Silicon with high bioavailability supplies also mesoporous silica as a carrying for controlled release of essential oils. The silicon’s role as an important element for plants is to activate and balance - concomitantly and non-antagonistically – the different ways of plant defence system and of stress hormones biosynthesis (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene/abscisic acid) in plant pathosystems.

This project proposes for the first time to study interaction of silicon, Trichoderma and essential oils treatments, protection agents with multiple roles, which activates simultaneously plant defence response. It is the first proposal aiming the development of some products with applicability directly into practice, in which silicon is controlled released from supports, having concomitantly the functional role as a matrix, from which nutrients and volatile oils are smart-delivered, in this why pointing out the possibility of practical use of silicon in order to balance the main signalling pathways in plant defence response, integrated with elicitors for obtaining high productions with raised phytonutrients level.

The highlight of silicon’s role in animal and plant organisms (having into account the unity in diversity of the life world), the (meso)porous silica forms as a support for controlled release of some active ingredients and of bioavailable silicon, compatibility of the Trichoderma consortia with the other products for the directed activation of plant resistance, will be the coagulation axis of this trans-disciplinary approach, revealing - also - the existence of synergies between partners in the frame of MAIA Project.

Bio-produse dermato-cosmetice pe baza de uleiuri vegetale si fitocomplecsi cu actiune anti-acneica Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1761 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO); HOFIGAL EXPORT IMPORT SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://org1.chim.pub.ro/i_lacatusu/PN-II_PCCA_Phytocosmetics_LacatusuI.htm

Abstract:

Worldwide consumers are nowadays interested in using health products that ensure the desired health benefits and in the same time satisfy the required safety aspects. The natural bio-active compounds including vegetable oils and extracts isolated from various local vegetal raw materials may constitute the basis for the development of a large range of safer medical products, by comparing with those obtained from synthetic substances.

The project entitled "Safe bio-cosmeceuticals based on vegetable oils and phytochemicals for acne treatment" (Acronym PHYTO-COSMETIC) has a strong relevance for the “Biotechnology research field” (section 6), thematic area 6.1.1. „Design and development of new drugs with maximum efficiency and minimal secondary effects” and it will be developed by a multidisciplinary consortium between University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest (CO), National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences Bucharest (P1), National Institute for Chemical-Pharmaceutical Research and Development Bucharest (P2) and the co-financing company Hofigal S.A., Bucharest (P3).

The general objective of this proposal is to design and synthesize advanced and functional nanocarrier systems based on vegetable oils (e.g. Hemp oil, Linseed oil, Safﬂower oil, Wheat Germ oil) and co-loaded with selective natural extracts (e.g. Marigold extracts, Carrot extract, Aztec Marigold) and to explore their efficiency in developing safe bio-cosmetic products with multiple cosmetic and dermatological properties. The multiple co-encapsulations into appropriate bio-compatible nanocarriers and the testing of their applicability (with specific in vitro and in vivo tests) represent a significant progress in both research fields – bio-nanotechnology and cosmetic dermatology.

This general objective will be achieved by implementing the following specific objectives proposed for the five Workpackages of the project:

I. Rationale selection of bio-active vegetable oils for design of some bio-compatible lipid nanocarriers able to co-encapsulate phytochemicals.

II. Establishing the optimal synthesis conditions for an efficient co-encapsulation of two kinds of phytochemicals, based on a proper correlation between types of lipid core – surfactants mixture – bio-active vegetable oil.

III. Tailoring the bio-compatible lipid nanocarriers based on vegetable oils as host matrices for obtaining an appropriate sustained release of the natural compounds encountered in phytochemicals.

IV. Demonstrating the ability and functionality of the synthesized bio-compatible lipid nanocarriers co-encapsulated with various vegetable extracts to develop new bio-cosmetic prototypes, by in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the cosmetic and pharmaceutical efficiency.

V. Elaborating of bio-cosmetic prototypes for the treatment of different dermatological disorders.

VI. Implementing two safe and efficient bio-cosmeceutical products with simultaneous anti-acne, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities, on Romanian market, by research-technology transfer from laboratory to pilot scale.

VII. Elaborating the scientific and economic strategy for implementing on Romanian market.

The research results will lead to the development of 2 advanced bio-cosmetic products that possess a wide range of efficiency due to the high content of natural compounds encountered in the same particle, which can compensate and even improve the specific properties of synthetic drugs with reported side effects.

The whole research developed in this project starts from the complex aspect of bio-nano-technology used for processing local vegetable sources and covers multiple activities that cross through multidisciplinary scientific fields and achieve the target objective of "safe and effective bio-cosmetic products".

Antimicrobial bionanocomposites for medical applications Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0979 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); I.C.P.E. BISTRITA S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.icmpp.ro/intranet/grant_files/bionanomed/

Abstract:

BIONANOMED project aims both to obtain a new class of advanced materials, BIONANOCOMPOSITES based on mixtures of synthetic polymers with natural polymers, optimized with silver nanoparticles (antiallergenic effect), as well as the establishment of their processing technologies to obtain biocompatible, biodegradable, antimicrobial medical devices. In this context, our objectives are: bioactivation of biodegradable synthetic polymers (based on novel modified PLA, PVA, PU polymers synthetized during project development) with natural polymers (chitosan, starch, cellulose, elastin, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid) to increase their biocompatibility; obtaining silver nanoparticles with controlled sizes; optimization of bionanocomposites containing natural/synthetic polymers by imprinting antimicrobial properties; their physico-chemical and biological characterization to establish their domain of use; development of a technology for obtaining a biodegradable medical device with antimicrobial properties:"urinary drainage tube”-UDT. The selected natural polymers possess properties like biocompatibility, antimicrobial, hemostatic, fungistatic activity, have reactive hydroxyl groups available for further modification to impart required characteristics, are safe, non-toxic, exhibit regenerative effect on connective tissue, which are necessary to achieve the final purpose. New biological methods will be developed for in-depth characterization of new biomaterials which will assure their safe implementation in industrial and medical practice.

Based on optimized formulations and laboratory technology elaborated by research groups and also proved experience in obtaining traditional plastic medical devices, SME co-financing the project will realize the medical device – UDT which will be tested, packed and sterilized according to existing requirements for such products (Directive 93/42 CEE) and finally implemented in their production leading to diversify it, increased jobs and benefits

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