BrainMap

Augustin Madalan

Dr.

Associate Professor - UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Researcher | Teaching staff

Curriculum Vitae (13/04/2024)

Expertise & keywords

BRINGING TOGETHER QUANTUM SIEVING PROCESS AND NEW METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS SYNTHESIS TO DEVELOP A NEW HYDROGEN ISOTOPE SEPARATION TECHNOLOGY Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2079 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE ORGANICĂ ŞI SUPRAMOLECULARĂ "COSTIN D.NENIŢESCU" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII CRIOGENICE SI IZOTOPICE - I.C.S.I. RAMNICU VALCEA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/anorganica/HYSO-MOF/HYSO-MOF.pdf

Abstract:

Development of new cost-effective, non-polluting technology for isotopologue sieving using metal-organic framework (MOF) as adsorbent by careful selection of the constituting building blocks is highly desirable in modern material science. Recently, MOFs have been investigated for their H2/D2 separation ability, based on a chemical quantum sieving (CAQS) mechanism. In contrast to the vast majority of porous coordination polymers reported so far, the 3D MOF structure assembled in our group starting from binuclear Cu2O2 nodes, hexamethylenetetramine and carboxylate linkers, 3∞[Cu2(mand)2(hmt)]·H2O, involved classical reaction conditions and cheap materials. Moreover, this structure exhibits permanent porosity, thermal stability and due to its texture, good capability of H2 capturing and storage. Taking into consideration these important properties, we propose our MOF compound as candidate for starting to develop an efficient hydrogen isotope separtation technology. In quantum sieving, the pore size plays indeed an important role in determining the diffusion kinetics and thereby overall separation. In this regard, we will first scrutinize the ability of Zn(II) metal ion to effectively separate the hydrogen isotopes in isostructural MOF architecture. Secondly, the fine tuning of pore size and thermal stability will be accomplished by screening of the organic components in order to develop families of MOFs with structures and properties that can be predicted a priori. Ultimately, we propose to develop an innovative hydrogen isotope separation technology for the most efficient permanent porous MOF material (TRL 4) using in-house assembled cryogenic (down to 20 K) thermal desorption mass spectrometer, unique in Romania existing only at ICSI Rm. Valcea.

Functionalized hierachical structures on graphene exhibiting magnetic, adsorption and catalytic properties Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0088 2018 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://www.chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/anorganica/PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0088/PCCF_M%20Andruh_2022.pdf

Abstract:

The present research proposal aims to develop a series of directions which are less or non-explored to date in the chemistry of graphene. Its objectives rely on the experience of the four participants in organic synthesis, organometallic chemistry, molecular magnetism and catalysis. The project will stimulate not only the enhancement of the value of previously synthesized compounds by the partners, but also the development of an original chemistry. The hierarchical organization of organometallic – classical transition metal complexes on graphene surface is a step forward in materials science. The design of 3-D frameworks incorporating graphene is original and opens interesting perspectives for applications. The grafting of magnetic and luminescent complexes on graphene could bring an important added value in molecular magnetism. The catalytic processes to be investigated are carefully selected, in order to address important problems in organic synthesis, environmental protection and energy. The project will focus on the following major objectives: (i) design of networks by covalent connections between the decorated graphene sheets; (ii) design of graphene-based hybrid materials with appropriate organometallic/metalloid units as ligands for transition metals; (iii) single molecule magnets and luminescent molecules grafted on graphene; (iv) functionalization of graphene with macrocycles, cryptands and rotaxanes for organocatalytic reactions; (v) development of multifunctional catalysts for controlled cascade reactions; (v) applications in catalysis (the valorization of the CO2 emissions; the hydrogenation of nitro-alkenes and mixtures of acetylene-ethylene; C-C and C-N coupling reactions) and gas sorption. A special attention in these studies will be addressed to the investigation of the catalytic mechanisms.

Fluorescent materials based on fluorescein platform Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0442 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://www.chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/anorganica/FluoMat/FluoMat.pdf

Abstract:

The current proposal is devoted to the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel fluorescent materials based on fluorescein platform. Three types of materials are targeted: i) discrete coordination compounds containing 3d or/and 4f metal ions and functionalized fluorescein based ligands; ii) coordination polymers containing 3d or/and 4f metal ions and fluorescein derivatives; and iii) hybrid organic solids constructed from functionalized fluorescein derivatives and other organic species through specific supramolecular interactions.

The project involves the following specific objectives:

1.Design and synthesis of functionalized fluorescein based ligands able to coordinate specifically to 3d and/or 4f metal ions; structural characterization of these ligands; investigation of the luminescent properties of the ligands; exploration of the sensing abilities of the functionalized fluorescein based ligands towards various metal ions.

2.Synthesis and structural characterization of mono- and binuclear complexes of the functionalized fluorescein based ligands with 3d metal ions and/or lanthanides ions; investigation of the luminescent and magnetic properties of the metallocomplexes.

3.Synthesis and structural characterization of coordination polymers using as building blocks mono- and binuclear complexes of the functionalized fluorescein based ligands with 3d metal ions and/or lanthanides(III) and various neutral and anionic spacers; synthesis and structural characterization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with carboxylate derivatives of the fluorescein as spacers.

4.Investigation of the luminescent and magnetic properties of the coordination polymers.

5.Synthesis of hybrid organic solids by co-crystallization of functionalized fluorescein derivatives and other organic species using specific supramolecular interactions and investigation of the luminescent properties.

Identification of new modulators of calcium-regulated processes using genomic and chemogenomic screens in yeast Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0291 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

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

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.calchemgen.ro/

Abstract:

Calcium ions are used by virtually all eukaryotic cells to signal information about the environment and the physiological state of the cell, or to regulate various cellular processes such as initiation of gene expression, alterations in cell shape, membrane fusion, or programmed cell death. Excessive or unregulated levels of calcium induce a variety of drastic defects, such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, aberrant cell morphology, or cell death, leading to disruption of normal metabolism and initiation of various diseases. The versatility of calcium-mediated regulation of key physiological processes requires extensive research to identify the interplay between calcium signaling, mechanisms of diseases and discovery of new drugs.

The aim of this project is to utilize Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to unravel new insights into the calcium-regulated cell mechanisms and to investigate the applicability of in house newly-synthesized chemicals as novel therapeutic and imaging agents, selected through interactions with the calcium-dependent pathway components. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a unicellular eukaryotic organism extensively used for the study of conserved processes and for getting information that can be further extrapolated to complex organisms like humans. The current proposal was initiated by highly-promising preliminary results obtained in the laboratories of the coordinating group. These results are based on novel and spectacular cell modifications which mimic aberrations in fundamental processes such as cell shape, cell polarity, and cell proliferation, representing the center of a complex network of research which will be established by the project.

The project will imply systemic investigations such as genomic profilings paralleled by chemo-genomic screens designed to identify new interactions between small molecules and calcium-related biologic processes. The proposed work will provide an unprecedented coverage on structure-function information, facilitating the analysis of synergistic and antagonistic interactions between molecular components of calcium-related metabolism. The project is multidisciplinary, involving a plethora of aspects related to cell and molecular biology, genetics, chemical synthesis and analysis, high-throughput screening, bioinformatics and imaging.

This project will be carried out by a consortium of four partner groups with relevant research and innovation expertise: University of Bucharest (as coordinating organization, CO), Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy (Partner P1), National Institute of Research and Development for Microtechnology (Partner P2), and a small enterprise, Apel Laser (Partner P3). The consortium was established based on the state-of-the-art infrastructure already existent in the implementing institutions and on the strong complementarities between the research and market expertise of the partner groups.

DESIGN OF ORGANIC SPACERS FOR CONSTRUCTING METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS (MOFs) – TOWARDS A BETTER CONTROL OF THE POROUS ARCHITECTURE AND ACTIVE CATALYTIC SITES Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0050 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: University of Bucharest

Project partners: University of Bucharest (RO); University of Bucharest (RO); Babes Bolyai University (RO); Babes Bolyai University (RO)

Affiliation: University of Bucharest (RO)

Project website: http://www.chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/anorganica/PCCE_M%20Andruh.pdf

Abstract:

The project aims to obtain a new generation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using novel families of made-by-design spacers (Cyclophane and cyclophane-like spacers with pre-formed cavities; C3-symmetry cryptand-based ligands; Tetrahedral synthons; Organometallic spacers featuring robust metal-carbon bonds, e. g. Organometallic halides, with appropriate organic groups attached to the metal centre to provide stability of the organometallic unit and/or potential to develop 3D architectures. The efforts will be concentrated towards compounds with the metal in lower oxidation state bearing a lone pair of electrons and thus higher reactivity). The construction of MOFs using organometallic tectons is a field largely unexplored. A special emphasis will be given to the post-synthesis processing of the MOFs (removal of solvent and weakly coordinated ligands; functionalization of selected MOFs by nanoconfinement with metal nanoparticles and functionalization for generation of acidic and basic sites). The sorption of various gases (H2, CO2, C2H2, etc.) as well the catalytic properties of the newly synthesized MOFs will be investigated. Enantioselective organic reactions catalyzed by chiral MOFs will be studied as well. In this scope MOFs functionalized with acid and base functions will be investigated in the asymmetric aldol reaction between representative ketones with various aromatic aldehydes under solvent-free conditions. The luminescence properties of some MOFs as well as the influence of the host molecules on the luminescence (especially for those containing lanthanide cations) will be investigated. The ability of the new MOFs for decontamination processes will be tested - more specifically, MOFs will be used as adsorbents for the molecules resulted from the degradation of pharmaceutical compounds via either liquid phase catalytic oxidation or plasma.

Molecular and Supramolecular Heterotrimetallic Systems: towards a new generation of molecular magnetic materials Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0126 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Academia Romana, Institutul de Chimie Fizica Ilie Murgulescu Bucuresti

Project partners: Academia Romana, Institutul de Chimie Fizica Ilie Murgulescu Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2011/Visnescu_TE_english_version.ppt

Abstract:

The present proposal focuses on designing of a new generation of (supra)molecular heterotrimetallic magnetic materials. The main objectives of the project are:(i)obtaining of new heterotrimetallic molecular-based materials with modulated magneto-optical properties; (ii)achieving new physical properties which are intermediate between molecules and nanomaterials: these materials mark a crucial transition between molecular and nano-level;(iii) obtaining revolutionary multifunctional heterotrimetallic materials;(iv)developing of new theoretical models for understanding the magnetic properties of the obtained heterotrimetallic systems.The general method for the synthesis of complexes carrying three different metal ions is the self-assembly process between of pre-formed 3d-3d' and 3d-4f heterobimetallic units and suitable diamagnetic or paramagnetic metalloligands. The obtained compounds will be characterized by means of X-ray diffraction techniques on single-crystal and powder,magnetic measurements,various spectroscopic techniques according to their properties(FTIR, NIR-UV-Vis, fluorescence and circular dichroism) and elemental analysis.The project could be almost completely carried out in Romania due to the existent infrastructure.

Metallo-complexes with functionalised tripodal ligands as molecular recognition devices Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0252 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Universitatea din Bucuresti

Project partners: Universitatea din Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation: Universitatea din Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: http://www.chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/anorganica/te0252/

Abstract:

The current proposal is devoted to:

- the design, synthesis and investigation of chemical and physical properties of complexes of 3d metal ions and/or lanthanides(III)with tripodal ligands bearing functional groups (amino, carboxylato, -OH) or biological residues, such as amino-acids, oligopeptides, urea or guanidinium fragments;

- the investigation of the luminescent and magnetic properties of the metallocomplexes;

- the investigation of the ability of the metallocomplexes with one or two functionalised tripodal coordination sites in molecular recognition of different chemical species (anions, cations, small biological molecules);

- the synthesis and structural characterization of “molecular tweezers” based on bicompartmental ligands derived from o-vanillin, for specific recognition by hydrogen bonding of complexes with octahedral stereochemistry and two water or two ammonia ligands coordinated in trans position.

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