BrainMap

Mrs. Bianca - Maria Tihauan

PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow in Cellular and Molecular Biology - UNIVERSITATEA NAȚIONALĂ DE ȘTIINȚĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREȘTI

Other affiliations

Research scientist - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIORESURSE ALIMENTARE - IBA BUCURESTI (Romania)

Postdoctoral Fellow - UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (Romania)

Researcher

Postdoctoral researcher with a BSc in Biochemistry, MSc in Microbiology and Immunology, and a PhD in Biology.

Web of Science ResearcherID: GPX-6044-2022

Curriculum Vitae (29/10/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Innovative multifunctional, bioactive topical formulation for the management of malignant wounds Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2193 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: https://bios.unibuc.ro/Proiecte/proiect-pn-iii-p2-2-1-ped-2021-2193.html

Abstract:

Malignant fungating wounds (MFW) are incurable, severe, and debilitating conditions normally occurring in the last (six) months of oncologic patient’ life, affecting the overall quality of life and requiring appropriate palliative care to alleviate pain and suffering. MFW’s microbiome may influence the development and severity of wound symptoms, causing foul odors, peri-wound skin damage, inflammation, and ultimately, delays in the healing proliferative phase. ARGOS project is implemented by a consortium of two research institutions and one company with previous experience in developing collagen-based pharmaco-cosmeceutic products and is aiming to develop an innovative multi-purpose, bioactive topical formulation to assist the physical management of malignant fungating wounds, by addressing the microbiome-related symptoms such as pain, odor, and exudate. The proposed solution is based on collagen and inorganic - gold, silver and magnetic – nanoparticles functionalized with plant-derived bioactive compounds (such as polyphenols contained in Chelidonium majus L. and Tamarix gallica extracts, with previously demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, antiviral and immunomodulatory activity). Therefore, the main novelty of the proposed solution is that it provides not only a wide antimicrobial effect, but also anti-cancer activity and pro-healing properties on the site of malignant wounds. The physico-chemical, mechanical and biological properties of the collagen-based optimized product will be validated by standard protocols and the technological scaling documentation and argumentation of the investments required for in vivo tests will be elaborated (TRL4).

Installation for the automated control of the reproducibility of collagen gel batches for biomedical and cosmeceutical applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2021-0429 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L.

Project partners: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO); INOE 2000 - FILIALA INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI PENTRU HIDRAULICA SI PNEUMATICA BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: https://www.sanimed.ro/proiect-remedial_37.html

Abstract:

The project aims to significantly improve the performance of the pilot plant for the production of highly purified fluid, semi-solid and solid collagen forms, which operates in the company S.C. Sanimed International Impex S.R.L., using elements of technological process quality engineering. In concrete terms, the improvement will aim at ensuring the reproducibility of the batches and the traceability of the processing of the material being processed, by developing an automated control system of the technological and operating parameters of the pilot plant. Reproducibility will be improved by replacing the manual control with the automated one, and the traceability of the operation will be implemented by sampling in real time and storing in integrum and ad tempus indefinitum the numerical data provided by the sensors which will be added to the installation, as well as their subsequent processing.

The overall objective of the REMEDIAL project is to (i) bring the pilot plant to the functional parameters required by the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) provisions in the field of production of biomaterials and medical devices of IIb and III classes, (ii) to prepare the plant for production certification, according to European regulations for the CE mark and (iii) increase the productivity of the installation, by eliminating unproductive times, repeated processing and fraction of tissue debris and residues resulting from incomplete processing of the raw material (horse or cattle tendons).

The project will ensure the transfer of know-how and constructive-applicative solutions from the National Institute of Hydraulics and Pneumatics Bucharest, to the Sanimed company. The object of the transfer is the concrete realization of the system for the control and automation of the operation of the pilot installation for obtaining the highly purified collagen forms, in operation in the productive spaces of the company.

SYNERGICSTIC ACTIVES SYSTEMS FOR REGENERATIVE COSMETICS Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2021-0303 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L.

Project partners: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: https://www.sanimed.ro/proiect-grace_36.html

Abstract:

The GRACE project aims to obtain and characterize a range of integrative products, designed to regenerate the epidermis affected by superficial lesions, solar radiation, radiation therapy, or bedsores, using specifically functionalized hydrogels with complexes of inclusion of active ingredients in host molecules. These supramolecular complexes will represent the innovative component in the formulation of a new range of products with applications in the field of regenerative cosmetics. In concrete terms, the GRACE project aims to obtain a range of 3 products: single-dose hydrogel (for superficial lesions), cream gel (for skin affected by radiation) and cleansing gel (for gentle debris removal and cleaning of superficial lesions). In this sense, the project will stimulate the investment in research - technological development from the beneficiary company, as well as the consolidation of the company's potential actor on the domestic and international market, highly competitive, of dermato-cosmetic products. In the alternative, the project will develop the company's traditional partnerships with scientific research institutions, in order to connect Romanian applied research to the requirements of the national and European socio-economic environment.

Development of novel scar healing hydrogels with active molecules encapsulated into lipid carriers Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală - PD-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2021-0748 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.hydroscar.com

Abstract:

Nowadays, research and development of dermato-cosmetic formulations is focused on creating controlled release transport systems. Several technological advances have been made in the development of new formulations that are able to control the kinetics of target release and the duration of therapeutic activity of actives. Hydrogel-based drug delivery systems are a promising novel approach nowadays for delivery of actives for an extended period of time. The main goal of HydroSCAR project is to obtain and characterize complexes formed by encapsulating bioactive ingredients (such as cannabidiol (CBD), hyaluronic acid (HA) into lipid or polymeric carriers (liposomes, micelles, biopolymers, etc.) and including them in a hydrogel formulation in order to obtain a novel, innovative scar-healing dermato-cosmetic formula. Using nano/microencapsulation processes we attempt to embed potent molecules such as CBD and HA into various carriers and develop actives with improved functionality for potential use as a scar-healing hydrogel. The product envisioned as an end result of this project aims to tackle the last two stages of the wound repair process (proliferation and remodeling); especially in the final stage, when the patients are no longer hospitalized and should be provided with appropriate self-care topical treatments to boost and assist the efficiency of internal treatment, thus regaining fast scar closure, skin elasticity, and improvement in overall appearance and texture.

FOODSAFETY4EU - MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PLATFORM FOR FOOD SAFETY IN EUROPE Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2020-0014 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIORESURSE ALIMENTARE - IBA BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIORESURSE ALIMENTARE - IBA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIORESURSE ALIMENTARE - IBA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://bioresurse.ro/blogs/proiecte/tagged/proiecte-nationale

Abstract:

FOODSAFETY4EU is a European project that aims to design, develop and launch a European Food Safety System (ESF) platform for food chain actors in this system, by structuring a participatory process which will support a system of their reaction and adaptation.

The platform will allow FSS actors to efficiently access resources and data, to synchronize research on food safety, strategies, etc. to exchange scientific knowledge, good practices and beneficial contributions for the future EU ESF. This will increase interactive cooperation within the system as well as with civil society, in order to increase public confidence in the food system, through dedicated tools.

Given the size of the FOODSAFETY4EU consortium, 22 partners, participation in such a project favours the development of institutional relations with other research institutions, which will contribute to the possibility of creating new consortia to participate in other European and international competitions for future calls. The main objective pursued by this funding application is to increase the visibility and international involvement of IBA Bucharest by participating in scientific events in order to promote the research activity of the institute.

PRotein and biOmolecules sources for nutritional security and biodiVersity of bakery products in a cIrcular fooD system Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-COREORGANIC&SUSFOOD-PROVIDE-1 2020 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIORESURSE ALIMENTARE - IBA BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIORESURSE ALIMENTARE - IBA BUCURESTI (RO); Technical University of Munich (DE); National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (IT); Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NO); Chouaib Doukkali University (MA)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIORESURSE ALIMENTARE - IBA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://bioresurse.ro/blogs/media/surse-de-proteine-%C8%99i-biomolecule-pentru-securitatea-nutri%C8%9Bionala-%C8%99i-biodiversitatea-produselor-de-panifica%C8%9Bie-intr-un-sistem-alimentar-circular-provide

Abstract:

The project focuses on valorisation of food transformation industry by-products for use in bakery production. This will be based on “green” innovation processes, which will use also material from organic products and the resulting new products can be marketed “organic”. With the aim to promote circularity in the agrifood systems, 4 specific objectives have been identified: identify by-products rich in nutrients and bioactives, valorise wastes and by-products, promote circular Food Systems, define strategies to put the new products into the market. After having mapped sources of proteins and bioactive compounds from agrifood processes by-products, byproducts from different food production chains (e.g.: dairy, oilseeds, brewery, meat, prickly pear cactus) will be valorised treating them with innovative “clean technologies” in pilot facilities to extract bioactive compounds (e.g. oils, waxes, fatty acids, carotenoids, polyphenols, tocopherols) and obtain defatted protein cakes to be used for producing new bakery products. 3 case studies will be implemented. Quality & safety of sources, intermediate-, end- and by-products, as well as the health enhancing properties of plant and by products extracts, will be assessed. The new products will be tested for consumers’ perception and acceptance and the technologies implemented at industrial scale.

Environmental and socio-economic sustainability will be assessed, and integrated traceability systems and innovative processes for human health and well-being developed. PROVIDE is designed to achieve a multi-sector impact (public authorities, market system, consumers/society, healthcare, environment, sustainability&circular economy), thus reflecting its multidisciplinary (anal. chemistry, (micro)biology and biotechnol., environm., food technologies, etc.), multi-actor and Pan-European (Scandinavia – Norway; Central Europe - Germany; South-East Europe – Romania; Southern Europe - Italy) & Northern African (Morocco) approach.

Innovative medical device for emergency and operational medicine Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3396 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE - INCDTP BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE - INCDTP BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MEDICO-MILITARA „CANTACUZINO” (RO); SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdtp.ro/cellmatrix.html

Abstract:

Wound healing is a multiphase and multifactorial physiological process. The complexity of this phenomenon makes the healing process very difficult and painful due to several abnormalities. As a response to this problematic issue, as primary or secondary dressing, a complex composite matrix for hemostasis and connective tissue regeneration will be design, developed and validated. The demonstrative model will consist in three layers, namely semi-adherent or a non-adherent layer, absorptive layer and bacterial barrier layer. For the first layer, different textile structures based on conventional and non-conventional technology will be developed. The textile structures will be made from synthetic, artificial and/or bioresorbable polymers (PGA, PLA) and will be design so that to ensure a pore diameter of 50 µm, considering as being enough to permit the free passage of exudates into the secondary absorbent layer but too small to allow the ingress of granulation tissue. The perforated structure prevents the dressing from adhering to the surface of the wound while the holes allow the passage of exudates to the absorbent layer. The second layer will comprise an absorbent material for absorbing exudates, blood, moisture and other fluid materials from the inner layer and maintains the wound in moist environment. A collagen or collagen cellulosic matrix containing a super-absorbent, e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose/ sodium polyacrylate etc., by electrospinning technologies deposition will be used for absorbent layer in the composite dressing. The third or outer layer comprises a bacterium-impermeable and air-permeable cover film. The cover film also consists of a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive in its peripheral. The bacterial barrier layer will comprise a flexible, waterproof and breathable material (e.g. polyurethane film of approximately 0.5–1.5 mm thickness, polypropylene or polyethylene such as a low-density, opaque polyethylene film).

New textiles for parietal defects Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-ERANET MANUNET III-PariTex 2019 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE - INCDTP BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE - INCDTP BUCURESTI (RO); SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO)

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

Abstract:

The role of medical devices is essential to the healthcare of citizens. The diversity and innovativeness of this sector contributes significantly to enhancing the safety, quality and efficacy of healthcare in the EU. The challenges related to R&D, emerging technologies and the green economy, as well as issues related to the EU’s trade and regulatory cooperation globally have became more intensive in recent years. SMEs in particular face challenges in this regard. The medical devices sector faces many challenges at national, European and international level, which may have an impact on their innovation capacity and overall competitiveness: Public Health Systems, Finding the balance between patient’s needs and financial sustainability, Competitiveness and innovation. The medical devices with high added value made from resorbable and nonresorbable biopolimers, processed by modern technology (knitting and electrospinning) with linear and spatial structure, functionalized with active agents will be obtained in PariTex project will be a contribution of R&D activity to give an answer for sustainable medical textile device sector. The PariTex project will develop new textiles materials for healing of the parietal abdominal defects, based fibers/ yarns made of nonabsorbable and resorbable polymers (biopolymers) obtained by classical and unconventional (electrospinning) technologies. Knitted and nonwoven fabrics characterized by mass, thickness, porosity,density, dimensions etc. are functionalized by incorporating or coating with substances that have the goal of: reducing adherence to human tissue, reducing the risk of infection, monitoring healing time by using controlled release systems based on natural polymers, reducing abdominal discomfort and associated pain. Will be assessed the level of biological performance, by the test of the mutagenic potential by using the micronucleus test on the hematogenic marrow of mice to determine the sensitizing potential, acute local tolerance, cytotoxicity and subacute toxicity.

The project will contribute to the initiation and consolidation of a value chain for the realization of functional textile structures based on partners' competencies, but also by attracting clusters of textiles and medicine for the application of the results.

Composite hydrogels based on inorganic nanoparticles and collagen with prolonged antimicrobial activity for the prevention of wound infections Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2016-0177 2016 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L.

Project partners: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Affiliation: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: http://nanocolagel.sanimed.ro/

Abstract:

Chronic wounds represent a good niche for biofilm development because the impaired immune response promotes infection susceptibility whilst necrotic tissue and debris favor bacterial attachment. Collagen hydrogels represent one of the most efficient treatments in case of both chronic and acute wounds due to their ability to maintain optimal humidity and aeration parameters. Currently, at a national level there is no production of collagen hydrogels aimed for the treatment of chronic wounds, hence these types of products are being imported. In this context, the present project proposal aims to design and obtain new types of multifunctional collagen hydrogels harboring antimicrobial properties in order to favor the healing process of chronic wounds. As a novelty element in comparison to products currently available on the international market, we will design and produce collagen hydrogels containing nanoparticles. Thus, Sanimed International Impex S.R.L will develop a simple and rapid technology to obtain hydrogels functionalized with metalic and oxidic nanoparticles (collagen hydrogels with Ag nanoparticles, collagen hydrogels with ZnO hydrogels and collagen hydrogels with SiO2@ZnO nanoparticles). The novel hydrogels will be tested for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties using in vitro and in vivo methods and also for the host response after hydrogel treatment on wounded cells and in vivo lesion murine models, for achieving market preparation.

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