BrainMap

Andrada Serafim

PhD. Eng.

Researcher - UNIVERSITATEA NAȚIONALĂ DE ȘTIINȚĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREȘTI

Researcher

Curriculum Vitae (09/09/2021)

Expertise & keywords

Smart click-chemistry approach to design innovative thiol containing polymers for high performance dental materials Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1423 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://dentsmart.weebly.com/

Abstract:

Currently used dental restoratives, including the newest generation, are still limited in practical use due to several drawbacks related both with the organic (polymeric matrix) and the inorganic component (filler nanoparticles). Concerning the polymeric matrix, the main objective of the current project proposal is to develop several innovative strategies using click-chemistry techniques. Ternary thiol/methacrylate/epoxy systems dual cured using a combination of both radical and ionic mechanisms are therefore considered. This approach of using multiple curing methods could offer synergistic properties in the resultant material. Therefore new materials with potential applications as dental restoratives will be obtained with improved features like low shrinkage stress and desirable mechanical properties such as high Tg and strength. Moreover, considering the high masticatory stresses generated in the mouth and thereby on dental restorations, various reinforcing nanofillers will be used.

Rational design and synthesis of smart bioactive scaffolds for personalized treatment of acute and chronic cutaneous wounds (ZETTAskin) Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0816 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA"

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE-I.N.C.D.T.P. BUCURESTI SUCURSALA BUCURESTI INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE PIELARIE - INCALTAMINTE I.C.P.I. (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO); LMS PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIQUE SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.clinicazetta.ro/presa/cercetare-stiintifica/

Abstract:

ZETTAskin proposes a novel personalized wound healing treatment developed by Romanian plastic and aesthetic surgeons and healthcare providers with the support of biologists and materials scientists: full protocol for wound healing using skin constructs and personalized surgical acts for wound initial treatment, harvesting of autologous cellular material and its loading in personalized scaffolds, followed by application and follow-up of wound healing. The scaffolds and the preparative protocols for predefined personalized needs (e.g. shape, dimension) will be also delivered. The driving force behind the high performance of the novel skin grafts comes from the innovative strategy based on synergistic effects of (i) scaffolds with predefined chemical, physical and mechanical properties providing initial structural support to guide tissue formation and (ii) use of autologous cellular content to provide the best possible healing outcome. Additionally, these bioengineered products will be cost efficient, easy to produce, to sterilize, and to handle by the surgeon. In addition to the novelty of the approach, ZETTAskin has major claims to exclusivity in Romania since this research has not been yet developed by other Romanian scientists. The polymer scaffolds will be based on multicomponent systems including collagen, alginate and hyaluronan; the matrices will be processed as loose networks with progressive porosity, decreasing from bottom (larger pores) to top (denser layer) to mimic the natural architecture. The scaffolds design will cover aspects at macro-, micro- and molecular level, for optimum hosting of autologous cells and fat tissue. Control of the concerted effect of the synthesis and processing parameters on the overall functionality and architecture of the scaffold is recognized as a challenge with managed risks. ZETTAskin delivers 3D scaffolds as solid sheets with thickness-progressive porosity and functionality. The main advance of ZETTAskin products is the induction of optimum healing of wounds impossible to manage through existing or conventional therapies, due to the use of patients' own cells and fat tissue. Personalization of the bioengineered constructs simultaneously comes from: 1) predefined size, thickness and controlled properties of the scaffold to suit each clinical need and 2) loading with patient's own cells. Our strategy surpass existing products/therapies due to significantly lower cost, large availability, improved performances. Zettaskin offers hope for clinical situations nowadays without solution. The pluridisciplinarity and complementarity of the Consortium provide necessary scientific/technical experiences to ensure a successful achievement. This will lead to important progress in skingineering. This action will not duplicate efforts supported by other funding bodies and will complement existing projects. ZETTAskin will strengthen the collaboration between Romanian teams significantly contributing to a more structured and coherent intra-EU research arena with all derived benefits: competitive high-skilled multi- and inter-disciplinary scientists, transfer of knowledge, high-level science transferred into academic curricula. Our strategic objectives relate directly to this call, which aims the consolidation of R&D through the development of solutions for socio-economic relevant problems leading to innovative technologies/products, to increase the competitiveness of the Romanian economy. The proposal is perfectly integrated in the national and European strategies with respect to Biotechnology for improved health and life quality.

Bioactive Injectable Macroporous Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0885 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE CANTACUZINO (RO); METAV - CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE S.R.L. (RO); MEDICAL ORTOVIT S.R.L. (RO); SPITALUL CLINIC "COLENTINA" BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.tsocm.pub.ro/en/cercetare/SmartBIMBBone/index.htm

Abstract:

Osteoporosis, bone degeneration in aging population as well as a multitude of traumatic and pathological bone defects justify the request for improved orthopaedic therapeutic products. The main aim of this project is to generate a novel concept of smart biomaterials for bone regeneration. The complex biomaterials developed in this project will present porous architectures typical to trabecular bone, self-assembling properties, eventually self-setting, and built-in bioactivity to promote angio- and osteo-genesis, additionally to injectability, controlled biodegradability, and sterilizability. Because these materials will be developed as injectable formulations, their application by minimally invasive surgery represents an important advantage for the comfort of patients. The new injectable smart biomaterials will be synthesized following different stages, and characterized with respect to their chemical and phase composition, micro- and nanostructure, chemical, mechanical, rheological properties, 3D porosity post-application, biodegradability and, when needed, in vitro and in vivo behavior. Rational criteria will be used to select the best scaffolds during an iterative approach. From all points of view these biomaterials will be advantageous alternatives to autologous bone grafts mainly due to their large availability and controlled fabrication and properties. Moreover, they will represent enhanced alternatives to the existing commercially available injectable products for bone repair/filling. The consortium has all necessary complementary competences to achieve this goal: obtaining of smart injectable scaffolds providing in situ nanostructured porous constructs with enhanced bioactivity. It is expected that this project will stimulate the production of biomaterials in Romania.

Bioactive injectable macroporous biomaterials for bone regeneration Call name:
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0885 2012 - 2015

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

STUDY OF THE BIOMIMETIC MINERALIZATION USING SPECIFICALLY FUNCTIONALIZED 3D HYDROGELS Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2010 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2010-0080 2010 - 2013

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://biomcas.weebly.com/

Abstract:

The design elements deciding the occurence of the biomimetic mineralization of hydrogels will be studied. The innovation consists in the additivity of the 3 elements of influence on the mineralization: chemical compozition, architecture and structure/morphology. The architectural approach sets-up a first limitation in the choice of the primary matrix; hydrogels are preferred since they have intrinsec 3d structure, permeability and may be easily prepared as porous substrate. At this level gelatin, sodium alginate and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (co)polymers are selected. The interconnected porosity will be obtained by freeze-drying; the porosity and interconnection may be changed by the water amount used in the preparative step. The 3d nature of the hydrogels will be added with multiple functional domeins similar to those of matrix proteins involved in hydroxyapatite (ha) formation; based on this analogy, species with calcium ions affinity will be introduced in the organic scaffold: 1) casein (cas) presenting phosphate and nh2, 2) polyaminoamide dendrimers – pamam -cooh or –nh2-terminal and 3) -cooh / -nh2 functionalized gold nanoparticules (aunps). Aunps will be obtained inside the polymers by the reduction of chloroauric acid with nabh4; the functionalization will be made with carboxyl- or amino- terminal thiols. A wide range of porous materials will be prepared; they will be characterized and their mineralization capacity will be in vitro tested. In vitro tests will be done in abiotic media with ionic composition nearly equal to that of human plasma (SBF). The results will allow the validation of new 3d functional and nanostructured models leading to a better understanding and control over biomineralization. This will lead to substantial progress in the fundamental research in the field of orthopaedic biomaterials.

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