BrainMap

Francisc Vasile Dulf

- UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Researcher | Teaching staff | PhD supervisor

Expertise & keywords

Innovative solid-state fermentation system for enhancing the nutraceutical content of agrifood by-products Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0750 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://pce0750.wixsite.com/website

Abstract:

Nutraceuticals (NLs) are biomolecules (carbohydrate derivatives, polyphenolics and fatty acids/structural lipids, carotenoids) that have health-promoting, disease-preventing, or medicinal properties. NLs are found in small amounts in dietary sources, thus it is necessary to develop procedures to increase their concentration and extractability. The agri-food by-products could be appropriate for using them as raw materials in the production of these industrially relevant bioactive compounds under solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions. The aim of the present project is to develop, for the first time in the field, improved SSF processes using encapsulated fungal spores (individual and mixed-cultures), with different functions/ properties/ biosynthesis mechanisms to enrich simultaneously some abundant agro-industrial by-products (brewer's spent grain and grape pomaces) with valuable hydrophilic (polyphenolics) and lipophilic (polyunsaturated fatty acids and β-carotene) biomolecules.

Nanostrategies for enhancing zeaxanthin stability and bioaccessibility Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1172 2021 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/usamvcluj.ro/nanocar/home/

Abstract:

Carotenoids are a class of lipophilic compounds with important functions in humans. The xanthophylls Lutein (Lut) and zeaxanthin (Zea), also known as macular pigments, are associated with a reduced risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration and improved cognitive function in the elderly and infants. The usual dietary ratio of Lut:Zea is approximately 5:1; a lower zeaxanthin to lutein ratio is reported as a risk factor for AMD. The health impact of carotenoids is strongly influenced by their reduced stability and by a low bioavailability, compared to other food phytochemicals. The design of carotenoid formulations compatible with food or pharmaceutical applications represents an important strategy for improvement of the stability and bioaccessibility of carotenoids. The goals of the present proposal are: (i) to determine the relationship between the type of lipid (chain lenght, unsaturation degree) and the bioaccessibility of Zeaxanthin, in model systems (pure compounds) and food systems (sea buckthorn, goji, spirulina, eggs); (ii) understanding the effect of carotenoid lipophilicity (nonesterified, esterified) on the bioaccessibility and uptake/transport of Zea using a static in vitro digestion model, intestinal cells (Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-culture) and Raman mapping; (iii) designing novel O/W emulsions/nanoemulsions (including coating with biocompatible polymers) as stable and efficient carriers of zeaxanthin for further food or nutraceutical applications.

Bio-system for cereal waste-derived vanillin production Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1748 2021 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://bio-wanilla.weebly.com

Abstract:

The world market demand for flavors and fragrances, which are widely used in the food and feed as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, is continuously increasing. Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) is the second most important and widely used flavors in the food industry and is the main component of vanilla. Vanilla planifolia is the botanical source of natural vanillin and can only supply less than 1% of the annual market demand .

Alternative natural sources for flavours production are needed and fermentation is, by far, the most attractive field of exploration.

The mission of BIO-WANILA is to move forward the knowledge in this field by using modern integrated pretreatments (physicochemical) for increased bio-accessibility of wheat bran ferulic acid, and solid-state fermentation by free and immobilized co-cultures as ONE-STEP approach in bio-vanillin production. Therefore, selected enzyme-producing strains for ferulic acid release inside wheat bran, coupled with immobilized co-cultures for bioconversion of ferulic acid into vanillin, optimized by a fractional-order mathematical model, will be designed in a novel BIO-SYSTEM.

The specific objectives of the projects are as follows:

Q1: Increased bio-accessibility of wheat bran ferulic acid via modern integrated pre-treatments

Q2: Enzyme-producing strains for ferulic acid release inside wheat bran via SSF

Q3: ONE-STEP approach via Free and Immobilized Co-cultures and SSF for controlled bioconversion of ferulic acid into vanillin

Q4:Optimization of the bio-vanillin production conditions process using a fractional-order mathematical model

BIO-WANILA will bring numerous benefits such as moving forward the knowledge in the field; reduction of the environmental impact of cereal waste and disposal costs; promising food and flavor markets for the naturally-derived vanillin and growth of the business; generation of IPR (know-how and patents); strengthening independent research team activity.

Dezvoltarea unui sistem eco-sustenabil de valorificare a subproduselor industriei berii Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3622 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://ancafarcas.wixsite.com/ecos-food-innovation

Abstract:

One of the current development trends of the food industry is focused on diversifying the range of functional products in order to improve the general health of the population. In this sense, current research focuses on identifying sustainable sources of natural active biological compounds, respectively on the recovery of by-products generated by the agri-food industry. Brewers spent grain (BSG) is the insoluble residue generated from the production of wort in the brewing industry. It is estimated that worldwide the annual output is around 30 million tons, about 200 tons of wet spent grain being produced per 10,000 hl of produced beer. This plant-derived by-product is known to contain significant amounts of valuable components, which remain unexploited in the brewing processes. In this sense, the project is focused on developing two functional food products fortified with restructured BSG.

The proposed project aims in a first stage the initial characterization of the selected biomass and the application of treatments to increase the bioavailability of the biologically active compounds. Based on the restructured biomass, two fortified functional food products will be developed and optimized, which will be analyzed from the nutritional, psycho-sensory, microbiological and production costs. Correlations will also be made between product characteristics and total production costs in order to establish the degree of feasibility of new functional foods.

Structural and thermo-oxidative behavior of lipids structured by different mechanisms in process dynamics of several food products and thereof techno-functionality Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-2212 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://vladmuresan3.wixsite.com/optimogel

Abstract:

The conversion of edible liquid oil (> 90% w) into a gelled structure (i.e., oleogelation) by the means of structurants molecules, without changing the chemical properties of the oil, is receiving a great interest from food researchers in the last few years . This is due to the fact in order to minimise the intake of industrial artificial trans-fat, European commission banned very recently (24 April 2019) the trans-fat content in food by Regulation (UE) 2019/649 and US FDA released its’ final determination on the same issue. Several gelation mechanisms were proposed in the last years, and almost all available vegetable oils were randomly tested for oleogels formulation. However, the limitations of current approaches are related to the fact that the majority of available published papers in Oleogel topic advanced the knowledge mainly by developing and deeply characterizing (microscopic morphology, calorimetry, rheology, texture, etc) the structured lipids obtained while comparing the new oleogels, ONLY with similar reference fats aimed to be replaced (e.g., butter, margarine, animal fat, etc.), and concluding that oleogels match/ do not match desired properties. Although no clear efficient substitution of conventional saturated fat was reported to present, several researchers had randomly selected oleogels formulation and synergic /hybrid combinations for partial or full replacement of regular fat in different food products (margarine, pastry, meat, dairy & confectionery), encouraging results being reported. However, most available literature on the topic, characterize solely oleogels and final products techno-functionalities, being very difficult to optimize the products by deeply understanding oleogels behavior in process dynamics. Consequently, this project aims to systematically assess the structural and thermo-oxidative behavior of lipids structured by different mechanisms in process dynamics of several food products and thereof techno-functionality.

Obtaining succinic acid from waste cooking oil with the help of oleophilic yeasts Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0679 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://lauramitrea4.wixsite.com/succinyst

Abstract:

Waste cooking oils represent an ecological issue with wide negative effects when it is not stored and recycled properly. These oils are a type of biomass that can be valorized through biotechnological processes in order to obtain valuable organic compounds. The residual cooking oil is a rich source of free fatty acids that can be metabolized by oleophilic microorganisms and bioconverted into different organic acids. The 'SuccinYst' project aims to use the waste cooking oil for the biosynthesis of succinic acid. Succinic acid is an organic compound with wide applicability in various industries (e.g. foods, pharmaceutics, biodegradable materials development), which can be biosynthesized by oleophilic yeasts, such as Candida zeylanoides. Within the 'SuccinYst' project, we target the sustainable use of the waste cooking oil to reduce the massive pollution of the environment (especially of the drinking water supplies), by the bioconversion of this residual biomass into valuable organic compounds such as succinic acid.

Demonstration models for meat analogues and confectionery products based on extractive products from conventional and alternative oilseeds and their blends - Development and Lab validation Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-5346 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://vladmuresan3.wixsite.com/fagaceae

Abstract:

More and more people combat the extensive farming of livestocks for milk and meat production, soy derived and highly processed ingredients consumption, which nowadays are the global pillars of protein supplying, and from various ethical, cultural, religious and ideological hindrances refuse to consume these types of products. Consequently, global demand for new protein sources has focused mainly on different sources oilseeds. The aim of this project is to develop, characterize and validate in a laboratory environment, demonstration models for meat analogues and confectionery products based on extractive products from conventional and alternative oilseeds and their blends. This novel approach to the processing and utilization of whole sunflower and Fagaceae seeds (acorn and beech seeds) will be accomplished by: O.1 Formulation of different food compositions for laboratory experimental demonstrators – thereof technology and advanced characterization (phytochemicals, structure, colloidal stability, rheology), respectively O.2 Validation at laboratory level the optimal developed experimental demonstrators by assessing their process-ability, sensory, microbial alteration, phytochemicals degradation and oxidative stability. The transition to more reliable food models – similar as those from current project proposal demonstration models – will give way to the functional, nutritionally complex and sustainable prospected resources and raw products, to be part of every person daily diet.

Functional collaboration model between public research organisations and the private sector for high-level scientific and technological services in the bio economy field Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0056 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE -DEZVOLTARE AGRICOLA TURDA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://sweetconomy.com

Abstract:

The aim of the project is to develop a functional collaboration model between public research organizations and the economic environment in order to provide high-level scientific and technological services in the field of bioeconomics. The objectives of the project are: O1: Creation of a consortium between public research organizations (USAMV, SCDA TURDA, UBB, UTCN) and the economic environment; O2: Increasing institutional capacity through scientific and technological services, through human resources expertise to improve institutional performance; O3: Increasing the institutional capacity to capitalize on the results of the research, by the functioning of the technological transfer component to the economic environment, by publishing and invention patents; O4: Reduction of 30% sugar addition in fermented foods and obtaining a consortium of atomized lactic bacteria. These general objectives are based on the following scientific objectives: Os1: Cultivation of 3 soybean varieties in 3 systems of soil cultivation and characterization of soybean chemical profile; Os2: Evaluation of the toxicological impact of nanoparticles in soybean and the development of a biosensor to identify titanium, zinc and gold nanoparticles accumulated in the plant and grain; Os3: Selection of lactic bacteria and optimization of fermentative processes on soybean and wheat substrate, by mathematical modeling, for the production of polyols to reduce sugar addition in food; Os4: Microinjection of the consortium of lactic bacteria by atomization, envelope aseptic packaging for industrialization; Os5: Educational program on nutrition with soy products, based in the community.The main impact of this proposal is reflected by the creation of new jobs for researchers, sustainable and after the completion of the project, by expertise the human resources and by training the young researchers in modern techniques for the re-launch of SCDA Turda.

Development of advanced platforms for the analysis and modeling of complex biological systems Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0046 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://www.incemc.ro/index.php?page=AZ/PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0046.html

Abstract:

The complex project 'Development of advanced platforms for the analysis and modeling of complex biological systems' (TEHNOBIOSIST) coordinated by INCEMC Timisoara, in collaboration with IBAR Bucuresti, USAMV Cluj-Napoca and ICCF Bucuresti consists of 3 projects with the following objectives: 1. designing and functionalization of a bioanalytical platform in multiplex system for microfluidics-mass spectrometry coupling and its applications in modern glycoproteomics; 2. development of proteomic methods employing microfluidic and bioinformatic technologies for pharmacological assays; 3. implementation of these advanced systems for authenticity and quality assessment of Romanian vegetal oils.

The platforms designed within TEHNOBIOSIST will provide a major technical-economical and bioeconomical input derived from: i) complete automatization; ii) reducing the working time, sample consumption and analysis costs; iii) increase in the reproducibility, sensitivity of the experiment and accuracy of generated data; iv) development and updating of the existing databases with the newly identified biomarkers.

By the foreseen results, TEHNOBIOSIST has a marked bioeconomical impact: innovation in the analytical field which will enhance a thorough study of complex biological systems; hiring of young researchers; reorganization of R&D national system on modern and high performance bases; innovation, development and upgrading of the research infrastructure existing at the institutions involved in the project and last, but not least, providing (after patenting/publication) the pharmaceutical companies, the analytical system producers, bioclinical laboratories and the economical agents in charge with the control of food product quality with new and efficient techniques, optimized for a broad range of analyses and of new scientific results based on which they can focus their activity, their own research and production in the sense of improving the quality of life and products in Romania.

NOvel Natural Antimicrobial CoaTings for food production chain Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-MANUNET III-NON-ACT-2 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://nonact2.weebly.com

Abstract:

The innovative idea of NONACT is the development of a spryable polyvinyl alcohol (PVAP) polymeric matrix composed by food additives and loaded with natural compounds having both antimicrobial and nutraceutical properties derived from various plants, animals and microorganisms as natural antimicrobial coating for food industry and packaging. The development of natural surface treatments for preventing microbial contamination across the supply and production chain in the food industry, especially in the food processing and packaging, satisfies both the needs for reducing outbreaks of foodborne diseases, due to pathogencontaminated food, and consumer demand for foods containing reduced levels of chemicallysynthesized food additives. Food antimicrobial coating market in nonhealthcare markets is about US$225 million going on to reach US$500 million by the 2022. NONACT consortium covers all the requested competences to fulfill the project goals (up to TRL6). In fact, it integrates knowledge from academic partners, with relevant track records on materials development and decades of experience in food analysis, processing and packaging from agrifood SMEs.

SusTainable explOitation of toMATO proCessing industrY by-produCts Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-MANUNET II -TOMATOCYCLe (1) 2017 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://tomatocycle.weebly.com

Abstract:

The objective of this project is the holistic approach for the utilization of tomato processing byproducts.

These wastes could be considered valuable by-products if the appropriate technical means, in

terms of economic impact, is used and if the value of the subsequent products is expected to exceed the cost of reprocessing. The cultivation and processing of tomatoes is the largest agricultural business in Southern European countries. Every year millions of tons of tomatoes are used and large amounts of tomato byproducts are treated as waste. These waste quantities from tomato processing industry constitute an important ecological and also financial problem. The current applying practices, regarding the treatment of tomato processing by-products, include mainly the usage as animal feed and / or disposal. However, being a rich source of natural bioactive compounds, tomato waste will be utilizing to produce high value-added products for food, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical applications along with new food formulations and improved animal feed and organic fertilizers.

Anthocyanins pure extracts and their involvement in biological studies: potential bioactive ingredients in nutraceuticals Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1002 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://anthoextract.com/

Abstract:

The proposed project brings a new approach to a very common problem in Biotechnology today.

Anthocyanins, natural plants pigments found in very significant amount in edible berries and many vegetables, showed to have high antioxidant activity. Having antioxidant potential, anthocyanins have been highly investigated regarding their health benefits for humans. Unfortunately it is not clear how exactly anthocyanins act at cell level, but their properties seem to be closely related to their antioxidant activity. Even if many researchers are investigating their potential health benefits, almost all bioassays on anthocyanin-rich commodities have been performed using crude anthocyanin extracts from fruits and vegetables, without eliminating other potentially bioactive impurities. These impurities consist mostly of other phenolic compounds and are very likely to have biological effects and may greatly influence biological assays. Based on the fact that anthocyanins are responsible for all potential health benefits the proposed project aimed to develop a low cost method that will allow the obtaining of high purity (>90%) anthocyanin pure extract. Other types of compounds like phenolic acids and flavonoids will be individually separated and recovered from the crude extract. Starting from these pure extracts, comparative tests on cell lines will be performed in order to prove that the benefits of anthocyanin rich materials are due to the anthocyanins themselves or due to other compounds present in those extracts, or even due to the interaction between anthocyanins and other compounds in the crude extracts. The project will offer a complete overview of how much is the real contribution of anthocyanins to the health benefits from anthocyanin-rich materials. Moreover based on the laboratory results, the low cost purification method will be a starting point for industry application offering basic ingredients for next generation of nutraceutical products.

Efficient utilization of biodiesel crude glycerol in the production of L-lactic acid Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1237 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://biofitped.weebly.com

Abstract:

Biodiesel represents an alternative for the substitution of fossil fuels but generates a huge amount of crude glycerol which causing the environmental problems regarding the management of this waste. A solution to reduce the negative environmental problems and the cost of biodiesel is to use crude glycerol as a carbon source for Rhizopus oryzae growth in order to produce L-lactic acid. The project aims are to develop and validate the improvement production of L-lactic acid using crude glycerol as a substrate, immobilized spores, and inhibitors for alcohol dehydrogenase of R. oryzae in discontinuous and semicontinuous fermentation processes in order to make the process more efficient.Our preliminary results, generated (Vodnar et al., 2013) sustainable opportunities for L (+) lactic acid production via pelletized R. oryzae NRRL 395 fermentation on biodiesel crude glycerol.The objectives are well - correlated with the outcome of the projects and are as follows:O1: Immobilization of R.oryzae spores in polyvinyl alcohol cryogel O2: ADH inhibited R.oryzae capacity to produce L-lactic acid from crude glycerol during discontinuous fermentation (flask and small bioreactor) O3: ADH inhibited R.oryzae capacity to produce L-lactic acid from crude glycerol during semicontinuous fermentation (flask and small bioreactor) O4: Optimization of the L-lactic acid production conditions using a fractional order mathematical model. The BioFit system proposed starts from TRL 3 where the previous experiments demonstrated the concept functionality through significant results, and will move to TRL 4, more precise to the validation of the improvements added to the existing system using mathematic model. The use of crude glycerol from biodiesel production present a great opportunity for lactic acid production in order to defray the production cost of biodiesel and to promote the biodiesel industrialization on a large scale.

Innovative structuring technologies for cold pressed vegetable oils: "Omega(ω)-rina" – spreadable food product rich in polyunsaturated lipids and plant antioxidants Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Cecuri de inovare
PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2017-0037 2017 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: TAF PRESOIL SRL

Project partners: TAF PRESOIL SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://vladmuresan3.wixsite.com/go-omega

Abstract:

The objectives proposed in this project meet the needs identified at beneficiary company (www.lunasolai.ro), by (1) evaluating the oxidative stability of cold pressed vegetable oils and (2) the development of innovative technologies for structuring cold pressed vegetable oils. To achieve the first objective it is aimed to optimize the storage conditions (storage temperature and time), including an inert atmosphere packaging and adding spices extracts to enhance stability while maintaining products bioactives. Sensory analysis, major oil quality parameters (acidity, iodine value), primary and secondary oxidation indices (hydroperoxides, conjugated triene, para-anisidine, TBARS) will be monitored periodically for all cold-pressed oils of the beneficiary (sunflower, pumpkin, flax, walnuts, canola and hemp oils). Additionally, for walnut oil (the most susceptible to oxidative degradation), for samples stored under controlled conditions, volatiles markers of oxidation will be identified and quantified by GC-MS, the infrared fingerprint while calibration models coupled with chemometrics will be developed. Regarding the second objective, to control and better understand the phenomena of gelling cold-pressed "LunaSolai" oils, phase diagrams, microstructure and techno-functional properties will be studied by infrared spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal and advanced rheological characterization. Moreover, the incorporation of spices or essential oils and extracts in the developed oleogels, will emphasize the innovative character of this service. The intellectual property for the new spreadable fat product rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and plant antioxidants will be protected by filing a patent.

BIOCONVERSION OF AGRO-FOOD WASTES INTO VALUE-ADDED FUNGAL METABOLITES Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1255 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://evadulf.wix.com/pn-ii-ru-te-15

Abstract:

The worldwide agricultural and food industries produce annually large amounts of wastes, which cause serious environmental problems by direct disposal of these by-products to soil or in a landfill. In recent years, the researchers are making significant efforts to reduce the volume of these wastes by finding alternative uses. Because of the sugars- rich composition, which due to their organic nature are easily assimilated by the microorganisms, the agro-food wastes could be appropriate for using them as raw materials in the production of industrially relevant compounds under solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions. The main purpose of this project is to convert by SSF of some low cost/ abundant Romanian agro-industrial residues (apples and grapes) into value-added fungal metabolites, such as taxol (natural anticancer drug), and single-cell oils enriched with gama-linolenic acid (GLA) and carotenoids with individual and mixed cultures of an endophytic taxol-producing fungus (Colletotrichum capsici) and a fungus of the order Mucorales (for GLA and β-carotene). Moreover, the project has also proposed to determine the in vitro total antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities of the obtained microbial products.

NEW GENERATION OF INNOVATIVE FUNCTIONAL BEVERAGES WITH IMPACT ON HUMAN GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0743 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); B.W.B. S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE - HEPATOLOGIE PROF. DR. OCTAVIAN FODOR CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); CENCIRA CENTRUL DE CERCETARE ȘI INOVARE AGROALIMENTARĂ SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

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

Abstract:

In the last decades consumer demands in the field of food production has changed considerably. Consumers more and more believe that foods contribute directly to their health. Functional foods represent one of the most interesting areas of research and innovation in the food industry.

The aim of FOOD-PROFIT is to develop a new generation of probiotic functional beverages using agro-food waste, microencapsulated/granulated bacteria, bottling into controlled release bottles. Microcapsules/granules containing probiotics bacteria will be stored into bottle cap until consumption of beverage, when consumer must to push the bottle cap and the beads with bacteria or bacteria granules will be released into the juice mass. In vivo clinical investigations will be carried out in order to evaluate the beverages functionality on healthy human subjects and patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Thus, will be designed innovative functional probiotics beverages with impact on gastrointestinal health, increasing the innovation rate in this area, stimulating new beverage opportunities and taking away barriers for the transfer of knowledge to real innovation.

The strategic objectives of FOOD PROFIT project are: (a)Characterization of agro-food waste (apple, sugar beet, orange and grape) using advanced techniques (HPLC-MS, GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis) and cultivation, granulation, microencapsulation of probiotic bacteria (L. casei, L. plantarum, B. infantis, B. breve), (b)Development of different variants of beverages with microcapsules containing bacteria/ granulated bacteria and the optimal ratio between agro-food wastes (c) In vivo clinical investigation of probiotic beverages functionality and their effects on human gastrointestinal diseases.

FOOD-PROFIT is considered to be a strategic project for development of new concepts and products that, once transferred to the industry, will enable the European food industry to compete and take back the lead in the highly competitive global market.

THE VALORIFICATION OF ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF SOME HYDROPHILIC AND LIPOPHILIC PHYTOCHEMICALS FROM AGRO-INDUSTRIAL ROMANIAN BIOPROCESSED WASTES Call name: Postdoctoral Research Projects - PD-2012 call
PN-II-RU-PD-2012-3-0245 2013 - 2015

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: PROPLANTA SRL

Project partners: PROPLANTA SRL (RO)

Affiliation: PROPLANTA SRL (RO)

Project website: http://evadulf.wix.com/pn-ii-ru-pd-2012-3

Abstract:

Canning and beverages industry wastes, which consist mainly of seeds and peels, have attracted considerable attention as potential sources of natural anti-oxidants such as phenolic compounds, tocopherols, carotenoids, and different class of lipids. The aim of this study is to obtain an overview of the health-beneficial ingredients remaining in the abundant and cheap residues of various solid-state pre-fermented (SSF) (with two fungal species, Aspergillus and Rhizopus) stone-fruit agro-industrial wastes (e.g. plum (Prunus domestica L.), apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)) and berry press residues (with special focus on sea buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides L., ssp. Carpatica) in order to determine the quantity and quality of their health-promoting antioxidant capacity. The project objectives are: determination of physical–chemical and microbiological characteristics of agro-food wastes as carriers in SSF; compositional analysis of oils; evaluation of phenolic compounds accumulation and total antioxidant capacity of both hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts from SS fermented stone fruit and berry wastes; mathematical modeling and optimization of fermentation/extraction processes in order to understand the mechanisms and relationships between substrates and strains and to simulate different scenarios.

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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
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