BrainMap

Mrs. Ioana Silvia Hosu

Pd.D.

Scientific Researcher II - Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Other affiliations

PhD student - University of Lille + Institut d'Electronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie (France)

Researcher | Teaching staff

Web of Science ResearcherID: not public

Expertise & keywords

Formulations of protective cosmetic products obtained by applying integrated and sustainable bioeconomy approaches Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0273 2022 - 2024

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); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/bioprotect_ro/

Abstract:

Fruit processing industries contribute more than 0.5 billion tons of

waste worldwide, and grape crops and its industrial products are one of

the main agro-economic activities in the world, with more than 60

million tons produced globally every year. The grape industry,

specifically the wine industry, is generating by-products rich in

nutrients, which are underutilized and often end up being polluters of

the environment. After grape juice extraction, the remaining materials

are currently not valued as highly profitable waste, being mainly

discarded in open areas, potentially causing environmental problems.

Chronic exposure of human skin to solar UV radiation is widely

recognized as the key factor responsible for photo-ageing. For these

reasons, the role of photoprotection is critical to avoid skin cancer and

others undesired effects.

In this context, the general objective of the project “Formulations of

protective cosmetic products obtained by applying integrated and

sustainable bioeconomy approaches - BioProtect” is to propose the use

of nanomaterials both as active ingredient and delivery system of

bioactive compounds (mixtures of phenolic compounds-rutin and

quercitin) recovered from grape by-products for development of UV

blocking cosmetic products. Target molecules obtained through green

technologies from grapes by-products can be used as potential active

UV blockers in cosmetic formulations being delivered by substituted

hydroxyapatite (with Fe - FeHAP). The use of FeHAP has a double role:

active ingredient with UV protection properties and delivery system for

the bioactive molecules.

The project starts from TRL 2 and aims to the validation at laboratory

scale of the technology (TRL 4). Validation of the proposed technical

solution will be performed by third parties.

Innovative multifunctional composites for the protection of cultural heritage objects Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0627 2022 - 2024

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); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/inheritage_ro/

Abstract:

In the last decades, new perspectives have emerged among both specialists, and the general public, regarding the preservation and enhancement of the cultural heritage. Conservation-restoration contribute to the safeguarding and understanding of the cultural property that benefits present and future generations, in its historical and aesthetic sense, in its physical integrity, its context and its uses. In the last years, the specialists in the field of materials science proposed a series of innovative materials and methodologies, applied in different areas, including the diagnosis and conservation state monitoring or preventive measures, implemented in order to reduce the need for interventions. However, as the degradation processes of cultural heritage objects remain inevitable, the continuous development of advanced materials able to counteract specific degradation processes is also necessary. Thus, are needed thorough scientific studies in order to develop tailored formulation, in order to protect, preserve, and restore cultural heritage objects, and this represents a continuous challenge for the scientists, aiming to replace the current rather serendipitous approaches in restoration. In this context, the project “Innovative multifunctional composites for the protection of cultural heritage objects” (INHERITAGE) aims to develop novel multi-layer composite materials with multiple functions (consolidation, self-cleaning and anti-microbial) applicable for the conservation of different inorganic substrates.

Strigolactone mimics as the active ingredient of a multifunctional plant biostimulant Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2866 2022 - 2024

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); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); ENPRO SOCTECH COM SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/rhizostim/

Abstract:

The RhizoSTIM project aims to develop a multifunctional next-generation plant biostimulant product based on strigolactones mimics. This product will act both as a modulator of the rhizomicrobiome and as a regulator of plant response to stress. Strigolactones (SL) are both in-planta and ex-planta signals. These compounds are plant hormones, endogenous molecules that regulate plant response to stress, ecomones/semiochemicals, and exogenous signals involved in plants communication in the rhizosphere. The project objectives are: (i) to design and to develop new strigolactones mimics acting on rhizosphere microorganisms and on plant internal regulating cascade; (ii) to understand the effect of strigolactones mimics on rhizosphere microorganisms and model plants (iii) to test the strigolactone mimics on model systems. The expected results of the project are: (i) QSAR / SAR analysis of SLs mimics by predicting their biological activity as plant biostimulants, useful to guide the synthesis of the new strigolactone mimics; (ii) new chemically synthesized SL mimics, (iii) selected SL mimics with specific activities on beneficial microorganisms from the rhizosphere, others than AMF fungi, substantiated by (iv) in silico identification of the strigolactones putative receptors from rhizosphere microorganisms; (v) demonstration of strigolactone mimics effects on plant and rhizosphere microorganisms which should substantiate the claims for a (vi) multifunctional next-generation plant biostimulant. The RhizoStim project main novelties are related to: (i) synthesis of SL mimics according to a QSAR / SAR analysis, (putative) fungal receptor identification, and atom economy concept, and (ii) multifunctionality, related to effects on plant internal regulating cascade and to effects on microorganisms from the rhizosphere.

High performance phytosynthesized nanostructures as biosensor platforms for detecting pathogenic microorganism from food matrixe Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0042 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://nanobiopat.chimie.upb.ro

Abstract:

Present project proposal “High performance phytosynthesized

nanostructures as biosensor platforms for detecting pathogenic

microorganism from food matrixes” is based on a modern and “green ”

method of obtaining mono and bi metallic nanostructures (mono and

bimetallic gold, silver copper nanoparticles) with the help of natural

extracts from cruciferous vegetables, in order to obtain sensing

platforms with high selectivity and specificity able to detect microbial

pathogens from food matrixes. The absolute novelty of the proposed

solutions and the foreseen results allows us to hope that potential

stakeholders (identified during the project) will be eager to take over

and implement these technologies, leading to social and economic

benefits, together with an important contribution to the increase of life

quality. The formulated concept of the product (related to the obtaining

of mono and bimetallic phytosinthesized nanostructures) and the

technology (the development of the sensing platform for detecting

pathogenic microorganism from food matrixes) will be the basis of the

project development. In the project will take place the analytical and

experimental characterisation of the product and technology that will

be developed (referring to the obtaining of innovative nanostructures -

TRL 3), the project being finished with the validation of the proposed

technologies at laboratory scale, through analyses performed via

third-parties laboratories (TRL 4). After the project implementation

period and protection of the technologies through patents, the

consortium aims at large scale prototypes and demonstration of the

functionality of the proposed solutions in real-life systems (TRL 6).

Screening and designing biostimulants using electrochemical sensors and fluorescent bioassay: filling the gap between industry and science. Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală - PD-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2021-0798 2022 - 2024

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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/bioscreen_en/

Abstract:

The empirical industrial development of the biostimulants created a gap between the positive results obtained in plant breeding/productivity and the scientific knowledge of the mode/mechanism of action of these biostimulants to favor plant or crop breeding/productivity. The study of Plant Biostimulants (PBs) is an emergent field, in contrast with different biostimulant being already used on the industrial market. Nowadays, formulation/optimization of PBs is by hazard, not by design and scientific and socio-economical community does not benefit of the best formulation of biostimulants. The lack of such strategy to design biostimulants must be considered by the scientific community. Biochemical priming is one of the proposed mechanisms and it involves increased tolerance to reactive oxygen/nitrogen species such as peroxynitrite (PON) in abiotic stress conditions. Studying and screening the scavenging effect of such species of different plants mixtures (such as seaweed extracts, protein hydrolysates or different biopolymers) could lead the way to a faster, more efficient development of PBs, in accordance with bioeconomy and climate change mitigation. This project proposes to use PON selective biosensors to screen and choose between different statistically designed formulations, and to confirm the selected biostimulants with bioassay (mainly fluorescent) on plants, followed by the validation (studying on plants: resistance to salts, biomass/ secondary metabolites accumulation).

Integrated use of the next generation plant biostimulants for an enhanced sustainability of field vegetable high residue farming systems Call name: EEA Grants - Proiecte Colaborative de Cercetare
RO-NO-2019-0540 2020 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

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); Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); Norgenotech AS (NO); ENPRO SOCTECH COM SRL (RO); AMIA INTERNATIONAL IMPORT EXPORT S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/stim4plus-en/

Abstract:

The project addresses mainly the thematic area of Biotechnology, more exactly the key topic Biotechnology for agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and biomass production. The biotechnological solutions which STIM4+ project proposes to develop are intended to compensate the negative effects of the low-input, high-residue sustainable vegetable production systems. These proposed biotechnological solutions are related to the use of the next generation plant biostimulants. Plant biostimulants represent an emerging class of agricultural input, which protect plants against abiotic stress, enhance / benefits nutrients uptake and improve yield quality . The proposed plant biostimulants to be used for an enhanced sustainability of field vegetables grown in a high residue system are including into all classes / subclasses mentioned in the new EU Regulation 1009/2019. The multi-functional Trichoderma strains-based plant biostimulants (a microbial plant biostimulants) will be included into a glycodinameric, chitosan based bioactive (micro)hydrogel formulation. Decoration of microgels with anchor peptides will be used as a (micro)hydrogel tackifier on the plant residues. The bioactive hydrogel is based on an organic plant biostimulants (chitosan), which will be used to generate a biocompatible 3D porous structure, thermo- and pH-responsive and with a hydrophilic – hydrophobic segregation feature. This hydrophilic – hydrophobic segregation (micro)hydrogels will be used for embedding hydrophobic mimetic strigolactones. Propper application technologies of such smart formulated hydrophobic molecules will be developed, to exploit strigolactones both functions, as exo-signals for a better harnessing of beneficial microbiome and as cue for deleterious organisms (e.g. to induce suicidal germination of parasitic plants). The smart formulated bioproducts / agricultural inputs and the agricultural practices intended to exploit their specific features of such bioproducts are an example of biotechnologies for agriculture. The natural strigolactones mimics will be a part of the microbial standardized extract, which we intend to produce from microalgae culture and which is another example of organic plant biostimulant. This microbial standardized extract will include natural strigolactones, polyamines and betaines. Both strigolactones and polyamines are exo- and endo-signals. As exo-signals, both strigolactones and polyamines have been demonstrated to enhance mycorrhizae hyphal branching and root colonization. As endo-signals, both strigolactones and polyamines are involved in plant stress responses. Betaine also supports plant response to stress, especially to drought. Strigolactone mimics used for laboratory screening will be synthetized based on a rational bio-design. The inorganic plant biostimulants are represented by selenium, as zerovalent nano-selenium. A large body of evidence demonstrates that selenium acts as a plant biostimulant. Selenium protects plants against abiotic stress, especially drought, enhances / benefits nutrient uptake and improves edible yield quality. Nanoselenium (zerovalent) particles show a much lower environmental impact and an improved efficiency compared to other selenium species. Application of selenium nanoparticles reduces the risk of accumulation of polyamines in the edible yield. From a food safety point-of-view, accumulation of polyamines in vegetables grown into HV mulch could have some carcinogenic effects, because polyamines were found to support proliferation of various tumor cells.

The project is an interdisciplinary one and address also other key topics as Environmental impact and risk assessment of the modern, new and emerging technologies and products. Safety and environmental impact of the new developed products will be determined by a state-of-art 3R techniques, by Norway partners. The project contributes to the objectives and the priorities of the call. It supports research cooperation between Romania and Norway and consolidate a strategic partnership.

Better harnessing of Trichoderma biotechnological potential for biorefinery and as plant biostimulants by controlled development and biosynthesis Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2780 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/total

Abstract:

Project TOTAL aims to investigate and integrate abiotic modulation and epigenetic control of Trichoderma strains within the context of Trichoderma interactions with biomass and living matter, for better harnessing of Trichoderma biotechnological potential. The specific objectives of the project are: (i) To establish and optimize the combined effects of light and nutrients on expression of proteins acting on plant cell walls and spore formation by Trichoderma strains; (ii) To optimize the deconstruction of plant cell walls by Trichoderma secreted proteins; (iii) To synergize the plant biostimulants effects of Trichoderma chlamydospores. The current approaches targeted the optimization of Trichoderma utilization either in agriculture or in biorefinery. The optimization of culture conditions have been in general focused either on improving sporulation to be used in biopesticides formulations or on the enzyme production for biomass deconstruction. Secondary products have been usually disregarded and discarded. An integrative technology to benefit from both advantages that Trichoderma offers has not been established. We plan to integrate the investigation of the fundamental aspects of Trichoderma development (light-, nutrient- and stress- mediated chlamydospore formation; cell signaling pathways; epigenetic effects) with its growth optimization for the use in both biomass valorization and plant biostimulant formulations.

MANUFACTURING OF A PORTABLE SYSTEM FOR NITRITE MONITORING IN SOIL BASED ON AN INNOVATIVE SENSOR Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-MANUNET-NITRISENS 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

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); ECONIRV SRL (RO); EPI-SISTEM S.R.L. (RO); Metrohm Dropsens, S.L. (ES)

Affiliation:

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

Abstract:

The NITRISENS project aims to develop a method for manufacturing of a portable system for nitrite monitoring in soil based on an innovative electrochemical sensor inserted in a 3D printed soil solution extractor.

Specific objectives of the project are:

- To manufacture of a new cost-effective and robust SPE sensor integrated in a 3Dprinted soil solution extraction system for nitrite determination in soil

- To design and manufacture of an wireless portable detector for nitrite determination in soil using the new nitrite sensors

- To demonstrate the functionality of the nitrite monitoring system for the fast and precise monitoring of nitrite in soil, as well as the soil nitrification process

The integrated platform for on-field measuring of nitrite directly in soil responds to the urgent need of a tool for soil nitrification monitoring and controlling in real-time.

Benefits and market impact: real-time monitoring of soil pollution; reducing of amount of N-fertilizers; potential to introduce on the market of cost effective tools for precision agriculture strategies; widening the range of products of the SMEs involved in project; increasing of the international collaboration in ERA.

Sequential processes of closing the side streams from bioeconomy and innovative (bio)products resulting from it Call name:
2016 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

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 ()

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti ()

Project website: http://secvent.ro/

Abstract:

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: Key expert

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 Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (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.

Production of ferulic acid, 2,3 Butanediole and microbial plant biostimulants from lignocellulosic biomass by a two-step cascading process Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-FACCE-SURPLUS-DEBUT 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

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); ENPRO SOCTECH COM SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://icechim-rezultate.ro/proiect.php?id=46&lang=ro

Abstract:

The DEBUT project aims to develop a small biorefinery process, with two steps: 1) biomass pre-treatment with natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES); and 2) one pot production of a versatile chemical, 2,3 butanediol (2,3-BD), from NaDES pre-treated lignocellulose biomass, by simultaneous saccarification and fermentation (SSF), performed by a plant biostimulant microbial consortia. The main biochemicals resulting from the biorefinery process are phenolic acids, specially ferulic acid, and 2,3-BD. Phenolic acids address mainly health and wellness-related industries, whereas 2,3-BD is a versatile chemical, with a fast-growing market. The proposed biorefinery process produces also agricultural inputs such as lignin, minerals and microbial plant biostimulants. A first project novelty is related to the use of a plant biostimulant microbial consortium for simultaneous saccarification and fermentation of lignocellulose. According to our knowledge such approach has not been done yet. On such process there are no by-products – recalcitrant lignocellulose, not converted to 2-3 BD, together with embedded microbial biostimulants biomass, is a useful agricultural input - a microbial plant biostimulant. Process up-scale to TRL5 is done also in an innovative manner, through adaptation of the already known equipment to newly developed technology. For NaDES extraction we propose to use the continuous operated reconfigurable columns systems, applied for decades for various types of extraction (e.g. for extraction of soluble from coffee). For SSF with microbial plant biostimulant consortium we propose the use of vacuum operated ploughshare mixer. This approach will ensure not only a better recovery of volatile 2,3 BD, but also a higher specificity of the fermentation medium, due to micro-aerobic conditions. The DEBUT project proposes a new approach of small scale biorefinery, compatible with a farm facility, which valorises agricultural side streams, with recovery of minerals and lignin (main precursor of soil organic matter) for agricultural use, and production of an innovative agricultural input, a microbial plant biostimulant. The project proposes a biotechnological two step cascading process, which converts excess lignocellulosic biomass into biochemicals (phenolic acids, 2,3 B-D), with added-value and fast-growing market. The main innovative solutions, NaDES and microbial plant biostimulant, are investigated for their potential adverse effects by a battery of state-of-the art techniques, in an trans-national partnership, to ensure that they do not affect natural ecosystem productivity.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FOR SAFE AND BIOENHANCED FUNCTIONAL FOOD FROM NEWLY CULTIVATED PLANTS IN ROMANIA Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0995 2014 - 2017

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 NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); HOFIGAL EXPORT IMPORT SA (RO); CHEMI CERAMIC F SRL (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: http://produse.multifunctionale.icechim.ro

Abstract:

Thematic area of the project proposal is in the field of functional foods destinated to maintain human health in concordance with research theme 5.1.6. Functional foods to maintain human health and prevent diseases, Domain 5. Agriculture, food safety and security.

The general project objective is to develop multifunctional and innovative products for protection of nutraceutical plants newly introduced in Romania (Momordica charantia and Passiflora incarnata) and to stimulate concomitantly formation of biologically-active compounds in these plants, at stable levels and with reproducible biological effects. The specific innovative project objectives are: 1. development of multifunctional for treatments of soil and in vegetation, based on: (a) consortia of Trichoderma strains; (b) porous ceramics with high bioavailability of silica; (c) essential oils included in mesoporous silica; 2. Testing products, developing methods of application and integrating them with the sustainable cultural technology of nutraceutical plants; 3. characterization of functional foods through in vitro alternative tests on human cell cultures and highlighting the biological role of silica forms accumulated in treated plants in animal cells; 4. results exploitation by protection of intellectual innovative solutions after techno-economical analysis and opportunities of results exploitation.

Products based on consortia of Trichoderma strains and essential oils have multiple actions as: plant protection agents towards biotic stresses (phytopathogens, pests), elicitors of plant defence response, limiting agents for the negative effects of ethylene on roots and growth promotor of plant nutrition, mainly with nitrogen.

Porous ceramics containing silicaxerogel, applied as soil treatment, work as a matrix for controlled release of nutrients with high bioavailability and have role to compensate losses of plant metabolic energy due to the synthesis of secondary metabolites and to supply orthosilicates with high bioavailability.

Silicon with high bioavailability supplies also mesoporous silica as a carrying for controlled release of essential oils. The silicon’s role as an important element for plants is to activate and balance - concomitantly and non-antagonistically – the different ways of plant defence system and of stress hormones biosynthesis (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene/abscisic acid) in plant pathosystems.

This project proposes for the first time to study interaction of silicon, Trichoderma and essential oils treatments, protection agents with multiple roles, which activates simultaneously plant defence response. It is the first proposal aiming the development of some products with applicability directly into practice, in which silicon is controlled released from supports, having concomitantly the functional role as a matrix, from which nutrients and volatile oils are smart-delivered, in this why pointing out the possibility of practical use of silicon in order to balance the main signalling pathways in plant defence response, integrated with elicitors for obtaining high productions with raised phytonutrients level.

The highlight of silicon’s role in animal and plant organisms (having into account the unity in diversity of the life world), the (meso)porous silica forms as a support for controlled release of some active ingredients and of bioavailable silicon, compatibility of the Trichoderma consortia with the other products for the directed activation of plant resistance, will be the coagulation axis of this trans-disciplinary approach, revealing - also - the existence of synergies between partners in the frame of MAIA Project.

Complex management of plant residues on conservative agricultural systems Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0846 2014 - 2017

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); UNIVERSITATEA SAPIENTIA (RO); CORAX-BIONER CEU S.A. (RO); TESO SPEC SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE AGRICOLĂ-FUNDULEA (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: http://www.proiect-ceres.ro

Abstract:

The project proposes solutions to some of the issues which represent barriers for the current stage of conservation agriculture (CA) development. CA systems provide more environmental services compared to the traditional ones, based on intensive soil cultivation, and reduce the necessary inputs for the same level of yield. However, the CA systems have also negative impacts: development of soil borne plant pathogen agents, weed infestation, reduced availability of the nutrients, less aerated structure on heavy soil, lower soil temperature and delaying on the initial development of the cultivated plants.

Many of these adverse impacts of CA systems are determined by the presence of large amounts of plant residues on topsoil. Project aim to compensate these negative effects of CA systems, through the development of a management system of plant residues, which should assure their controlled decomposition, promoting plant beneficial microbiome and enhancing weed control. Plant beneficial microbiome will act as antagonist toward plant pathogens, will stimulate development of cultivated plant in the early stages and will increase nutrients bioavailability. A better placement of plant residues and their increased mechanical resistance will improve weed management, in a manner complementary to that of beneficial plants microbiome.

The specific objectives of the project are:

(i) development of the new inputs (including (a) selected multifunctional microbial consortia, with complex activities (MCA): antagonist to plant pathogens and/or specifically deleterious to weeds, with plant and/or beneficial soil biota development promoting activities, resulted mainly from their ability to actively colonize and decompose crop residues, releasing a significant amount of active compounds and nutrients; (b) new bioproducts, based on MCA consortia; (c) new, bioenhanced organic amendments (BOA), resulted from plant materials (mushroom spent substrate, winter cover crop mulch), colonized by MCA and reinforced by a tackifier, hydrogelifying anionic polyacrylamide; (d) new synthetic strigolactones analogs) and cultivation practices;

(ii) testing of the new inputs and cultivation practices and integration of these into a conservation agricultural system;

(iii) dissemination and exploitation of the new inputs and cultivation practices and of their integrated utilization into conservation agriculture.

In order to reach project objective was created a consortium which include: two National RD Institutes (INCDCP-ICECHIM, INCDA Fundulea), one university (Sapientia – FSUS) and two innovative SMEs (Corax Bioner CEU şi Teso Spec). ICECHIM and FSUS will co-operate for selection MCA consortia. For the development of new MCA bioproducts, CORAX will perform biosynthesis of the more resistant forms of microbes to formulation and will develop formulations where they have more expertise, micro-encapsulated proteobacteria. ICECHIM will focus on the innovative effervescent tablet and (micro)beads. Teso Spec will use their experience for synthesis of strigolactones analogs and on tailoring polyacrylamide for the enhancement of winter cover crop mulch. These new inputs are complementary to the microbial bioproducts developed by ICECHIM, FSUS and/or Corax. Strigolactones analogs will improve the management of beneficial plant microbiome proposed by this project. Screening of the biomimetic strigolactones will be done with the support of ICECHIM and INCDA. Tailored polyacrylamide will be used to increase survival of microbes applied on plant residues and to enhance the mechanical strength of the mulch. Agricultural practices development, testing new inputs on CA systems and their integration will be done by INCDA Fundulea, on their experimental platform for conservation farming management.

Peroxynitrite: Relevance for Food Safety and Novel Electrochemical Detection Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-1076 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

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)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: http://peroxynitrite.icechim.ro/

Abstract:

Considering this toxicity potential of peroxynitrite formation in meat with impact for food safety, it is proposed herein to develop advanced tools to quantify the presence of peroxynitrite in food: meat, in real-time in situ. While there are several detection methodsavailable for peroxynitrite (e.g. oxidation of fluorescent probes, EPR spectroscopy, probe nitration, chemiluminescence, immun-histochemistry) these tend to be more elaborate and difficult to apply for real-time quantification, due to their inherent complexity. The electrochemical detection of peroxynitrite would be a simpler and more convenient technique.

Based on initial results and specific knowhow, the team final goals are to develop electrochemical ONOO- sensitive in situ methods, based on new/improved (metalloporphyrins and conjugated polymers) nanocomposies, for detection its dynamics in foods such as meat-fish tissue and use the results to better understand ONOO− implications for food quality and safety. Once perfected as analytical tools, the peroxynitrite microprobes could be studied for possible use in pharmacology and toxicology.

Complex exploitation of aromatic plant by sequential extraction assited by ultrasounds and microwaves and susequent processing of extracted material Call name: Cecuri de Inovare 2013
PN-II-IN-CI-2013-1-0049 2013 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: PRIMOSAL S.R.L. (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Obiective: (i) Dezvoltarea procedeului de valorificare complexă a plantelor aromatice prin extracţie secvenţială; (ii) Caracterizarea produselor rezultate prin aplicarea procedeului; (iii) Protejarea drepturilor de proprietate intelectuală prin depunerea unei cereri de brevet la OSIM şi la EPO/WIPO.

Descrierea serviciului. Activităţile CD vor avea ca scop dezvoltarea unui procedeu de: (i) recuperare a pectinei, hemicelulozelor şi/sau a micro/nano-celulozei din materialul vegetal prin destructurarea matricei extracelulare vegetale cu lichide ionice şi ultra-sunete; (ii) optimizarea extracţiei secvenţiale a principiilor active expuse prin destructurarea matricei extracelulare, hidrofobe (uleiuri esenţiale) şi hidrofile (polifenoli), prin folosirea de micro-unde şi/sau ultasunete; prelucrarea hidro-termală, asistată de micro-unde, a lignocelulozei recalcitrante la (bio)cărbune. Se vor realiza şi servicii analitice de caracterizare a produselor rezultate din diferite etape. Va fi acordată asistenţă pentru protejarea drepturilor de proprietate intelectuală, la nivel naţional şi internaţional.

Necesitate. Prin procedeele uzuale se extrag specific din plantele aromatice fie fracţiile hidrofobe (uleiuri esenţiale), fie cele hidrofile (de ex. polifenolii anti-oxidanţi). Procedeele clasice implică consumuri energetice ridicate şi/sau de solvenţi organici. Noile procedee, ca de ex. extracţia cu fluide supercritice sau extracţia prin detentă controlată, extrag selectiv numai o categorie de principii active. Plantele aromatice conţin însă deseori compuşi activi din ambele categorii, fiind deci necesară dezvoltarea unor procedee de extracţie secvenţială, prin care să se recupereze toţi compuşii de interes, într-un timp cât mai scurt, cu randamente ridicate şi consumuri reduse de solvenţi şi energie. Pentru creşterea profitabilităţii este necesar şi un procedeu complementar, prin care din materialul vegetal să se recupereze şi alte bio-produse cu valoarea adăugată mare.

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