BrainMap

Mrs. Elena Iulia Oprita

PhD

Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: F-7830-2011

Curriculum Vitae (24/09/2021)

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.

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.

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.

Multifunctional products obtained from colostrum fermented by kefir grains Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Proiecte EUREKA Tradiţional (Network), EUREKA-Cluster, Eurostars
PN-III-P3-3.5-EUK-2017-02-0026 2018 - 2020

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: LABORATOARELE MEDICA S.R.L.

Project partners: LABORATOARELE MEDICA S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

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

Project website: http://info.pro-natura.ro/eureka-3biotic/

Abstract:

The 3-Biotic+ project aims to develop a complex, multifunctional 3-biotic product (having a pre-, pro- and post-biotic effect), standardized on bioactive peptides, by controlled fermentation of colostrum with an enhanced kefir bacterial consortium. From this product, a new range of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals will be further developed in the experimental development phase. The project objectives are: (i) to select enhanced kefir bacterial consortium, able to generate bioactive peptides and additional bioactive compounds into colostrum by fermentation; (ii) to optimize the fermentation process and to formulate the resulted product for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications; (iii) to demonstrate the functionalities of the products obtained from colostrum fermented by enhanced kefir bacterial consortium. One innovative approach is focused on bioactive peptides, as key component for standardization of the complex, 3-biotic product. Other innovation is the holistic approach of the complex multifunctional product, corresponding to the actual trend toward integrated and personalized health treatment. Also, it is envisaged the researches coordination and activities correlation between the project partners (one SME, an university and a R&D institute from Romania and one SME from Norway). Project starts from TRL3 technological level and the implementation phase (experimental development) of the project will scale-up the level to TRL7/TRL8. The main result is a multifunctional, 3-biotic product, standardized in bioactive peptides. This 3-biotic product will be further included into specific receipts of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals and patented by the project partners. SME market position will be consolidated by the diversification of its innovative products range.

Bioactive composite dressing for superficial wounds Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Cecuri de inovare
PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2018-1452 2018 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: LABORATOARELE MEDICA S.R.L.

Project partners: LABORATOARELE MEDICA S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/Pancos/Pancos.html

Abstract:

The project aims to develop an optimized composition designed to heal superficial wound, product characterization, specification of technical conditions needed to scale-up the manufacturing process and protection of intellectual property rights. The project proposes a new composition based on bacterial nanocellulose, collagen and bio-silica nanoparticles, for application on superficial wounds. It has been demonstrated that, in case of superficial wound healing, composites based on bacterial nanocellulose and collagen have superior flexibility and strength and silica-containing materials act as barriers that protect the wound against infections and result in faster and more effective scarring. Such a composition has not been achieved so far. The innovative approach relates to the novelty of the composition and the use of a symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeasts SCOBY/Kombucha to release biogenic silica nanoparticles from the extracellular matrix of plant material (rice husk and Equisetum arvense aerial parts). Research and innovation services to be provided include the following activities: optimizing the process of releasing bio-silica nanoparticles from the plant material; establishing a composition with synergic components ratios by laboratory bioassays using cell cultures; realization and characterization of the innovative composite dressing based on the synergistic composition; study for the manufacture of the product and support for intellectual property rights. The technological risk for obtaining this product and the commercial risk are reduced. The service provider (NIRDBS) has appropriate and necessary expertise and infrastructure for product development.

DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF AN INNOVATIVE FERMENTATIVE TECHNOLOGY OF BEES POLLEN FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TRI-BIOTICS Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Transfer de cunoaștere la agentul economic „Bridge Grant”
PN-III-P2-2.1-BG-2016-0051 2016 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); MEDICA FARMIMPEX S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.usamv.ro/dgpcsa-cdi/dezvoltarea-si-optimizarea-tehnologiei-de-fermentare-inovativa-polenului-de-albine-pentru-realizarea-de-produse-tri-biotice-3-biotic/

Abstract:

The tribiotic products represent a new trend in the field of functional food, being products which combine prebiotic compounds, with beneficial microbial probiotics and postbiotic metabolites as final products of the probiotic microorganisms. The targeted company, Medica, has acquired a modern technological line for the cultivation of symbiotic bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and has developed an innovative technology to ferment the micronized pollen, in order to increase the bio-availability of the bioactive compounds of pollen. Targeting the increase of its performance and competitiveness on the nutraceutical market, the economic agent desires to optimize the existent technology to obtain a product with tribiotic complex activity, complementary to the phytonutrients of increased bio-availability from the pollen and SCOBY bioactive compounds.

The technology's optimization requires the interconnected expertise of USAMVB in the field of probiotic microorganisms, their molecular characterization and bacteriocins production, as well as the expertise of INCDSB in vitro evaluation of biological activity in cell cultures. The research partners will also contribute to the development of the quality assurance of the final product by inter-comparative laboratory tests. Meanwhile, it will be assured an efficient framework for the masters and doctoral internships ongoing.

Based on the published results it will be lay down the notification files for the nutritive supplement, which will include the marketing/communication strategy to the consumer regarding the demonstrated beneficial effects of the innovative tribiotic product. The economic agent already has pre-orders for the product developed with bee pollen and SCOBY. Based on these pre-orders it is estimated a turnover increase with 500 thousands euro in the first production year, with a perspective of doubling/tripling in the next two years.

Product for the maintenance and/or rebalacing of the vaginal microflora Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Cecuri de inovare
PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2017-0298 2017 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: LABORATOARELE MEDICA S.R.L.

Project partners: LABORATOARELE MEDICA S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

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

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/ReStart/ReStart.html

Abstract:

The project aims to develop an optimized composition for maintaining and/or re-balancing the vaginal microflora, product characterization, specification of technical conditions needed to scale-up of the manufacturing process and protection of intellectual property rights. The project is proposing a new composition that includes volatile oils, a new generation of polyphenolic prebiotics and postbiotic compounds, designed to protect and stimulate local populations of vaginal lactobacilli. It has been demonstrated that lactobacilli are protected against different types of stress by the new generation of prebiotics (e.g., polyphenols) and that their development is stimulated by post-biotic compounds resulted from prebiotics fibers fermentation. Such a composition has not been achieved until now. The innovative approach concerns the novelty of the composition and its conditioning form. The formulation is an adhesive gel, which responds to temperature variations (solid gel at room temperature and fluid gel at body temperature) and has the following advantages: reducing the loss of volatile oils during storage at room temperature, easiness of solid gel application, better mucoadhesive and viscosity characteristics after application. Research and innovation service to be provided includes the following activities: selecting the ingredients of a composition conditioned as a gel designed for the maintenance and/or re-balancing of the vaginal microflora; optimizing the composition by laboratory tests on lactobacilli strains and epithelial cell cultures; characterization of optimized composition included in a vaginal applicator; study for the manufacture of the product, support for intellectual property rights. The technological risk for obtaining this product and the commercial risk are reduced. The service provider (INCDSB) has appropriate and necessary expertise and infrastructure for product development.

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.

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