BrainMap

Mr. Antonio Marian Radoi

PhD

Researcher/CS I - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: C-5820-2011

Expertise & keywords

Nano-crystalline graphite disposable electrodes for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons sensing Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0768 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/NCGHySe/

Abstract:

This project has the objective to develop electrochemical sensors for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), based on nano-crystalline graphite (NCG) films deposited via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) on different insulating substrates. The design of these electrochemical sensors includes the growth of the NCG material in a 3D nanoarchitecture as graphite nanowalls (GNW) onto the substrates of choice, increasing the active surface area in order to enhance the sensitivity towards PAHs. Carbon-based electrodes have already been employed in applications as electrochemical sensors as they allow wider working potential windows and lower noise, compared to those of metal electrodes (e.g., Au, Pt). Using PECVD as the preparation method of the NCG films, we aim to obtain 3D doped nano-crystalline graphite films with excellent electrochemical performance for the detection of PAHs.

Wearable BIOsensor based on ISOthermal nucleic acid amplification for PAThogen detection from skin wounds Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0580 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); SPITALUL UNIVERSITAR DE URGENTA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/BioIsoPat

Abstract:

Point-of-care (POC) biosensors enable the on-site detection of various analytes from a single specimen in resource-constrained settings, in a timely manner, allowing immediate clinical management decisions. Of utter importance is to detect pathogens related to severe infections, such as those generated from skin wounds. In this respect, various DNA amplification strategies were implemented on solid supports for the genomic identification of the infectious agents.

Owing to the flexible platform technologies which are thin, light, flexible and inexpensive, skin based wearables have been developed for monitoring heart rate, body temperature, pH etc. Despite the aforementioned advances in wearable POC devices, the development of wearable devices for nucleic acids detection is just at the beggining.

In Bio-Iso-Pat, the teams from Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology (LN-IMT) from the Institute of Microtechnologies Bucharest (IMT) and Molecular Pathology Laboratory from Emergency University Hospital Bucharest (Spitalul Universitar de Urgenta Bucuresti – SUUB) aim to develop an eco-friendly, flexible, patch-like biosensor coupled with a microfluidic system for the isothermal amplification of gene fragments specific to various pathogens found in skin lesions. Briefly, the wearable sensor will be made of a flexible, eco- and skin-friendly support onto which specific primers will be attached. The flexible support will be sealed with a PDMS microfluidic structure for creating the reaction chambers necessary for the isothermal amplification. DNA extraction-free solutions for nucleic acid amplification will be explored. The primers existing in solution will be fluorescently labelled and the detection will be carried using laser beams at corresponding wavelengths.

The biosensor will be tested under laboratory conditions, placing this project at TRL4 level.

Nanocrystalline Graphene e-Tongue for Extra-Virgin Olive Oils Testing Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2256 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); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/NAGET/rezultate.php

Abstract:

Olive oil is one of the most valuable foods due to its unique organoleptic properties, its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (70-80%) and its antioxidant properties given by the presence of lipophilic phenols (tocopherols) and hydrophilic phenols (hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleacein, vanillic acid) in the composition of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is traded at higher prices than other vegetable oils due to its exceptional properties such as nutritional value, aroma and excellent taste and is therefore subject to fraudulent activities. Therefore, the present project proposal aims to develop an electrochemical tongue sensor paired with chemometrics targeting the adulteration of extra-virgin olive oils. The proposed analytical approach being developed will be validated in relation to a standardised method used to determine the authenticity of extra virgin olive oils. The electrochemical tool will benefit from the knowledge already acquired by the consortium members. The e-tongue will consist of a suitable conductive material as the sensing interface (i.e. nanocrystalline graphene (NCG) based electrodes), the surface of the transducers will be modified with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to chemically tailor the surface, increase the electroactive area and improve the sensitivity. The electrochemically recorded data will be processed and analysed using established and new chemometrics tools to train and validate a method for classifying olive and vegetable oils and another for predicting the concentrations of selected markers associated with olive oil adulteration.

Innovative probe system for electrophysiological guidance in functional neurosurgery Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3775 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); TERMOBIT PROD SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/brain-guide

Abstract:

The overall goal of the joint BRAIN-GUIDE project is to demonstrate and validate in laboratory - starting from TRL-2 level - a new generation of brain electrode probes that significantly enhance the functional capabilities of the probes that are currently used intraoperatively in the acute stage of the functional neurosurgery (DBS) protocol for accurate determination of the anatomical target. The acute probe system to be developed is designed to allow intraoperative wireless electrophysiological guidance through recording of bioelectrical activity from deep brain structures and selective electrical stimulation using a set of segmented macroelectrodes realized from conductive carbon.

In the context of the slow innovation pace related to the electrophysiological guidance probes our new “segmented carbon + wireless headstage” design brings several advantageous features for the DBS surgical procedure, enabling multichannel recording of high-quality local field potentials and more efficient and directionally selective stimulation, while avoiding the need for connection cables that clutter the surgical theatre, pick up motion artifacts and attenuate the signal. The proposed solution is cost-effective and relies on a pre-submitted patent application authored by members of two project partners (CO and P1).

The project leverages both the ideal complementary expertise and starting grounds, available in the consortium. Project coordination and electrode probe realization is ensured by the IMT Bucharest team (CO) specialized in R&D for functional materials and micro-nano technologies. The wireless headstage system will be developed by the Termobit Prod SRL team (P1), that has a proved expertise in electrophysiology and development of electrophysiological equipment. The project will benefit from the rich, specific, expertise of the UMF-CD team (P2) for optimal starting specifications and in-vivo evaluation of the planned prototype.

Multi-celled electrochemical STOrage DEvices Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4146 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/mstode/

Abstract:

The project is aiming at the development of electrochemical storage devices, namely multi-celled supercapacitors (SCs), made of double porosified silicon (Si) 4 inch wafers conformally coated with graphene, enabling simultaneous energy management (i.e. storage and delivery) through integration of batteries and SCs to deliver a hybrid energy storage unit. The developed supercapacitor will be able to tackle energy density > 20 Wh·kg-1, and will push the available window potential towards 3.2 V combined with an enhanced life cycle ascribed to reduced formation of solid electrolyte interfaces (SEI) due to the graphene conformal coating.

Advanced techniques and increasing performance in the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Soluţii - 2020 - 1
PN-III-P2-2.1-SOL-2020-0090 2020 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); SPITALUL UNIVERSITAR DE URGENTA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/kit-SARS-CoV-2/

Abstract:

This project proposes to obtain and validate "Point-of-Care" (POC) methods and kits for early diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim is to develop original solutions for: viral RNA detection kit using LAMP isothermal amplification, anti-SARS CoV 2 antibody detection kit, viral antigen detection kit and a rapid test kit by multiplexing the system (for schools, institutions, points border). The kits will be of the "sample-to-answer" type, a plastic cartridge that supports a microfluidic system on paper. The proposed methods are cheap (3-4 Euro / piece), fast and precise (the LAMP method of isothermal amplification of nucleic acids is qualitative at the level of the "golden method" - rtPCR). Nasopharyngeal exudate and saliva (recently approved by the FDA) will be used as biological samples. Validation will be done on clinical trials by reference to the classical rtPCR method. By implementing the viral RNA detection kit for the saliva sample, Romania can become the first country in the world to introduce pandemic testing at home. The proposed solution may have a decisive effect in reducing SARS CoV2 infection, but also with a media effect in the international press and the scientific community.

Nanostructured carbon based materials for advanced industrial applications Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0619 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/nanocarbon+/

Abstract:

Our proposal (NANOCARBON+) is focused on a highly technologically relevant unifying topic: the exploitation of the recently demonstrated extreme properties of a specific class of carbon nanomaterials - nanostructured graphene, used in specific morphologies and compositional categories - towards the development of innovative technologies for essential eco-industrial areas (failure monitoring, pollutant detection/decontamination in air/water, green energy). The proposal is split in four composing projects, all of them aiming at exploring the use of these unique nanomaterials for the development of innovative and/or improved sensing devices in a range of applications with strong industrial impact.

The consortium behind this proposal has a good regional coverage and suitable research and development resources, both in terms of researchers and appropriate equipment. The consortium comprises of four National R&D Institutes and two Universities, distributed in three adminstrative regions.

The central objective of this complex proposal is an efficient integration of the scientific expertise and experimental capabilities, complementarities and synergies of the six consortium member organizations, towards augmenting their overall organizational performance.

The objectives of the proposal go well beyond the academic research; from the very begining of the execution, we aim at achieving a very good connection with SMEs and other industrial partners in order to understand market requirements and to be able to transfer suitable innovatibe technologies and further support the development of new products. Developing new technologies and services is one part of the expected output, contributing to the development of the partner's capabilities by opening new research areas; in addition, a special attention is devoted to the increase and development of the human resources involved in research. In this respect, the consortium does commit to creating 11 new research positions.

New methods of pregnancy monitoring and prenatal diagnosis Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0820 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); INSTITUTUL CLINIC FUNDENI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL PENTRU SANATATEA MAMEI SI COPILULUI "ALESSANDRESCU-RUSESCU" BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/mimosa/

Abstract:

The Complex Project „ New methods of pregnancy monitoring and prenatal diagnosis” proposes to define and develop new biomedical devices for pregnant women and foetus monitoring, with the purpose to avoid life-threating complications for both the mother and the child.

It will be developed through four Component Projects:

1. Prenatal non-invasive screening, using cell free fetal DNA, extracted from the mother’s blood. It will develop a chip for the non-invasive detection of the SRY gene, together with a working protocol for a new type of non-invasive analysis for the early prenatal diagnosis.

2. Non-invasive microsensors for continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy – proposes the technology development for a non-invasive glucose sensor to measure the glucose level in saliva. The project will support the continuous monitoring of pregnant women, avoiding dangers effects coming from the invasive methods (inflammations, infections).

3. Evaluation of premature birth risks due to the HPV-EVA-RINA infection. The project will develop clinical studies related to the HPC infection involvement in triggering premature birth, using genotyping microarray-type structures;

4. Wireless multi-sensor system for foetal activity and uterine contractions monitoring and classification during pregnancy – aims to develop an intelligent system, containing a wireless network of wearable sensors and a main unit for signal processing and analysis.

The complex project description includes the novelty elements, detailed activities description, the working procedures within the consortium, expected results and deliverables. The deliverables has an average TRL 5, which means all four component projects will have a high technological level and the result’s maturity will reach at least successful laboratory testing.

Challenges and issues in engineering nano-systems based on graphene-like materials for supercapacitors - EnGraMS Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0618 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/engrams/

Abstract:

The EnGraMS project aims the design and fabrication of novel engineering nano-systems based on graphene-like materials, including reduced graphene oxide (rGO), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), using micro-nanotechnologies for miniaturized supercapacitors development, with potential applications in several priority domains, like portable electronics or implantable medical devices industry. The charge storage mechanism in supercapacitor electrodes based on these nanomaterials is still unclear, either when they are alone or even more when they are interacting with one other. Moreover, a systematic study to give the driving principles for optimizing electrode architectures is not yet realized, especially for hybrid systems based on different graphene-like materials, where both pseudocapacitance and electrical double layer capacitance are interplaying. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the electrode structure and supercapacitive performances remains a major challenge and, at the same time, a promising strategy for the next improvements.

The specific objectives result from the proposed research plan and include:

O1. Development of new types of novel engineered hybrid nano-systems based on graphene-like materials with improved supercapacitive properties; exploring of their interface phenomena and corresponding charge transfer mechanisms.

O2. Development of new chemical methods for appropriate surface functionalization, and nanotechnologies for reliable utilization of different types of graphene-like nanomaterials.

O3. Design and fabrication of 3D architectures as current collector/electrode/electrolyte assembly;

O4. Investigation of how the architecture of the device modifies the charge storage mechanisms; select the suitable assembly to realize a new system, with improved technical performances.

Microscale hybrid energy storage devices for integrated portable electronics - MiStorE Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0974 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/mistore/rezultate.php

Abstract:

Development of clean and renewable energy systems, either for conversion or storage of energy devices, represents a legitimate technological trend, in accordance with the needs of the energy foreground program. In this regard, the electrochemical energy production/storage devices represent a valuable alternative and include batteries, fuel cells and electrochemical capacitors. In this very context, the present project proposes a novel research approach for miniaturized supercapacitors. Thus, the MiStorE project realizes a connection of researches from micro/nanotechnologies and advanced materials areas to the integrated portable electronics requirements aiming the development of a novel energy storage device as a hybrid nanosystems assembly.

We previously explored the transport properties of GQDs, and the conductivity of the carbon based screen-printed electrodes modified with MoS2 nano-flakes and GQDs, and we revealed the GQD charge storage capacity and the improvement of the electrochemical response, which place us at the TRL 2 value at this moment. To the best of our knowledge, there is no literature on the the supercapacitive properties of the GQDs-MoS2 nano-assembly. Due to the scarcity of the results we believe to find an opportunity to exploit our previous findings, for realizing hybrid MSC based on GQDs and MoS2 nano-assemblies aiming improving the energy density while maintaining high power density.

The following components will be realized: (i) original heterostructures with supercapacitive properties, which provide high delivered specific capacitance and low equivalent series resistance; (ii) all solid state flexible planar microscale supercapacitor system (MSC). The laboratory-scale testing of the hybrid MSC performances corresponds to the TRL 4 value.

GRAPHENE COMPOSITES FOR ENHANCING ELECTRIC AND THERMAL PERFORMANCES Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0025 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); RENAULT TECHNOLOGIE ROUMANIE SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/graphenecar/

Abstract:

One of the dominant factor in improving CO2 emissions and fuel consumption is the reducing the weight of the car. By subtracting 50kg from total mass of the car ones could obtain a reduction of 5g CO2/km and 0,1 l/100km in fuel consumption. A reduction of 100kg of car mass allows the reach of 100km/h speed faster by 1 second. Having these coordinates it is obvious that the future cars must be lighter, and to obtain this kind of mass reduction it is necessary to use new materials.

Therefore, the project is dedicated to two demonstrators starting from TRL 2 and reaching TRL 4 to be developed with Renalut Technologies Romania (RTR) having the following aims (i) on demonstrator is graphene-polymer composite for replacing cooper in the car with very light cables (ii) a thermal isolator and fire retard nanomaterial based on graphene-nanocellulose composites.Overall, TRT estimates that 50 % of weight of the cables and thermal isolation will be reduced in this way. Intensive electromagnetic, electrical, and thermal tests will be made using these demonstrators. The final test will be done at RTR automotive testing center of cars.

Hybrid flexible interface for energy purposes Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1095 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/hyflep/

Abstract:

The driving motivation of this project proposal dwells in the development and investigation of graphene based materials (Gbm) suitable to be integrated in novel types of photovoltaic devices (PV) based on Gbm/Silicon heterostructures. Distinct from the already existing technologies based on graphene films and flakes that are very popular nowadays, the accent will be on graphene quantum dots (GQD), appealing in terms of energy level alignment, thus allowing probing new horizons in PV technology. Silicon heterojunctions formed with carbon based materials represent a solution because they can be considered as active photogeneration sites, percolated network for charge transport and charge carriers collection. Since the efficiency of a PV solar cell mainly depends on the ability of incident photons absorption and equally generated carriers collection, a targeted approach envisaging the development of a nanostructurated hybrid photovoltaic (PV) device, relaying on the use of flexible nanopatterned substrate (nanoSi) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is herein proposed.

Multiplexed platform for HPV genotyping – MultiplexGen Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1434 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); GENETIC LAB S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/multiplexgen/index.php

Abstract:

MultiplexGen project addresses a current problem in medical diagnosis, detection in an accurate and specific way of Human papillomavirus (HPV) and sets out to explore specific solutions from micro- nanotechnology to overcome the limitations of the conventional tests, which are not quantitative and exclude multiplexing. The aim of the project is to develop a high sensitivity multiplexed platform which consists of different functional levels, and as a consequence is generic named “multilevel system”. It is based on hybrid organic-inorganic / bio-nonbiological assemblies able to enhance diagnostic capabilities by exploiting the bridge between bio-systems and micro-nanotechnologies, thus overcoming many of the limitations of the existing methods for Human papillomavirus (HPV) detection and genotyping.

This proposal has evolve as a result of numerous discussions initiated by researchers from the clinical laboratory - SME – GeneticLab with their colleagues from Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology - IMT (LN-IMT) about various specific issues they encountered in their activity related to HPV genotyping by capillary electrophoresis kit, which are identified as primary technical and scientific barriers that will be lifted by carrying out the present project. The long time collaboration encouraged them to believe that IMT will find a technological answer to the problem posed by the classical diagnosis method, and furthermore, Centre of Applied and Organic Chemistry - UB (CAOC) will provide a theoretical understanding of the processes and phenomena taking place in HPV genotyping.

The issues supposed to be solved related to the mentioned thematic area, which represents the secondary objectives of the project, are encompassing the fundamental and technological knowledge and are parts of our functional model demonstration, as following: (i) to obtain a microarray based technology for accurate HPV genotyping; (ii) to improve the up to now reported results in terms of sensitivity / selectivity by connecting the biochip to a microfluidic system; (iii) to indicate the optimum design for biochip to allow parallel detection and in this way confirmation of results; (iv) to propose a heterogeneous technology for integration and 3D packaging and correpondingly a functional hybrid assembly of all these modules for a further disposable system developing.

Therefore, an extensive investigation and optimization of the benefits that our knowledge in genetics, microfluidic technology, microarray technology, surface biofunctionalization, as well as opto-electrical read-out signal analyses are able to bring a valuable tool to a medical diagnostic laboratory, a chip class of devices, with important specific HPV detection / genotyping application. For example, combining the fields of microfluidics and DNA microarrays, the advantages of both directions can be exploited simultaneously, mediated by valuable new knowledge about biointeractions and biohybrid assembling.

Besides the envisaged final outcome of this project, the functional model of hybrid multilevel system for HPV genotyping, the modules and even more, each specific technology improvement are of high value by themselves each of them being independently used thenceforth. State-of-the-art scientific results in all of the disciplines involved will be the direct project outcomes, which will be proven by the publications on microfluidics, on-chip sample preparation, and on clinical comparison of HPV detection technologies in international journals and at international conferences.

Improved production methods to minimize metallic nanoparticles’ toxicity – less classic, more green Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1780 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); AGHORAS INVENT SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/lesmorenano/

Abstract:

The demand for engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) comes from the great promise for major advances in different areas of applications, practically all fields of knowledge being in some way or another related with nanomaterials. Among the different kinds of ENPs, the special properties of metallic NPs (MeNPs) make them attractive for most of the domains, from opto-electronic industry to biomedicine. As a result of these applications, MeNPs exposure to the environment and humans is becoming increasingly widespread.

The present proposal lies in this very context of the nanotoxicology, and it has taken shape as a result of numerous discussions initiated by researchers from a small enterprise which develop and put on the market novel cosmetic products based on different types of nanoparticles – Aghoras Invent SRL – and consequently has a direct interest in analyzing their potential adverse effects.

The aim of this project is to provide a better understanding of MeNPs safety and a basis for health and risk assessment. Consequently, an intensive work on hazard characterization and impact assessment of selected nanoparticles and economically relevant products is proposed. In this context, the end-of-project results will be: (i) as technological development, from experimental point of view, different sizes/shapes of Au, Ag and PtNPs, relevant for skin care products’ development, will be obtained using both, conventional chemical reduction and eco-friendly methods. Stable and homogenous metallic nanoparticle colloidal dispersions with specific size ranges are aimed, using eco-friendly processes and the chemical reduction routes; appropriated surface functionalization will be also realized, since it provides stability, solubility and retention of optical properties in various media; (ii) as a nanoparticle properties’ study, advanced equipments for analytical characterization will be used and also, the up to date nanotoxicology specific in vitro tests will be used to accomplish the final proposed objective of this project, giving a strong support for a correct decision. Furthermore, this project aims to extend the use of existing ‚state of the art’ methods.

In summary, this project addresses: ¤ increased concern of national and international regulatory organizations; ¤ reticence of companies and manufacturers of developing NP based products and technologies in absence of clear safety standards; ¤ nanotoxicology emerging research field; ¤ assessing NP toxicology an extreme complex research effort due to a large multitude of NP variables; ¤ imperative necessity to find effective countermeasures to the potential hazards represented by NPs; ¤ green synthesis as a route for diminishing / elimination of NP adverse effects on health and environment.

It will provide our contribution to the common efforts of research community offering answers about the potential toxicological effects of three classes on MeNPs and also proposing fabrication alternative, to minimize the negative consequences as greener pathways to nanoproducts.

Immunoassay Lab-on-a-chip for cellular apoptosis study Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0052 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/cellimmunochip

Abstract:

The ambitious goal of this project is to combine fundamental research with complex applicative research in order to bring important scientific contributions both on the theoretical level and on the experimental one, in a high-end field: bio-nano-engineering, a new field in Romania and in expansion stage worldwide. Bio-nano-engineering assumes the integration of the physico-chemical processes with the biological ones by involving complex systems realized on the micro or nano scale, the applications of these systems being found in biomedicine The aim of this project is the development (design, fabrication and characterisation) of a versatile lab-on-a-chip integrated system, which is composed of a microfluidic platform, an interdigitated micro/nano-electrodes electrochemical biosensor and an array of spin valves for superparamagnetic nanoparticles - based immunoassay, and will be applied to the study of cellular apoptosis and detection of specific antigens as clinical diagnostics application. The screening reaction is based on a competitive immunoassay, enhanced by using functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles, prepared through a simple and reliable surface modification and protein conjugation process. The main advantage of this system is its re-usability. Also, its configuration can be changed easily so the user can try several electrode configurations with the same holder. Moreover, because the functionalized nanoparticles are magnetically trapped above the electrodes, the user can adjust the fluid flow rate to the kinetic parameters of chemical reactions under study to optimize detection. The superparamagnetic nanoparticles can be trapped by polarization of the spin valve array and can be released by blocking the magnetic field. We shall demonstrate how to take further advantage of the microfluidic system to determine enzyme activities or concentrations, as flow velocity can be adjusted to the rate of the reactions under study.

Graphene nanoelectronic devices for high frequency applications Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0071 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT Bucureşti

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT Bucureşti (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/grafenerf/

Abstract:

The project will explore the graphene devices for ultrafast communications beyond 60 GHz. Similar to the famous Moore law, the Edholm law states that the need for higher bandwidths in wireless communications will double every 18 months. Today, for the wireless LANs, the carrier frequencies are around 5 GHz and the data rates are 110-200 Mb/s. However, according to Edholm law, wireless data rates around 1-5 Gb/s are required in few years from now. This means that the carrier frequencies for wireless communications should become higher than 60 GHz. However, in this bandwidth the devices and circuits able to form a wireless link at room temperature are very scarce. This limitation is due to relative high charge scattering rate and relative low mobilities encountered in all semiconductors at room temperature. So, in few years the ever increasing demand for ultrafast wireless communications will not be fully satisfied using the existing semiconducting technologies. To solve this expected bottleneck , we propose a radical solution which consists in using other materials and circuit configurations to fulfill the clear tendencies indicated by Edholm law. More specifically, we intend to design, fabricate and test miniaturized devices which work beyond 40 GHz based on graphene. Why graphene? Graphene has mobilities which are greater by orders of magnitude compared to compound semiconductors and other important properties outperforming any known material.

Efficient electrochemical catalysis and regeneration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide at layer-by-layer self-assembled doped membranes Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2010 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2010-0044 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/NADH/

Abstract:

The need for an efficient catalysis and regeneration process involving the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is justified, by its economical weight as well as by its valuable applications in the biotechnology field. Nanostructured materials exhibit interesting properties which favour the electrochemical detection of NADH. Obstacles for the effective use of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide include the need of high overpotentials for direct oxidation or reduction of the cofactor, electrode fouling, dimerization of the cofactor, etc. Nevertheless, to promote economically efficient processes, the regeneration of the pyridine cofactor remains a key problem to solve. A platform for various dehydrogenase based bioassays should be obtained by developing an electrochemical probe based on layer-by-layer self-assembled doped metallic nanoparticles membranes. When using nanoparticles for catalysis two main issues are raising: the stabilization the particles while retaining sufficient catalytic activity and the problematic separation of the catalytic particles from the reaction product and unused reactants at the end of the reaction. One solution may be the immobilization of the nanoparticles in thin membranes, minimizing the mass transfer limitations. A generic platform offering a fast regeneration and an efficient catalysis of coenzyme is the goal of this proposal. The motivation, the goals, the team and the methodology are fully described in this research proposal.

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