BrainMap

Irina Elisabeta Kacso

Dr

- INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: D-9552-2014

Curriculum Vitae (25/06/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Developing innovative solution for mitigation of drought effects Call name: PNCDI IV, PN4GENERIC-COFUND-2023
COFUND-WATER4ALL-DIME 2024 - 2027

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITY OF CUKUROVA (TR); Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research - ZIWR, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 8499000, ISRAEL (IL); Technical University of Moldova (MD); RAIT88 srl (IT)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The scarcity of water resources is expanding worldwide due to the continuous growth of the imbalance between the availability and utilization of freshwater. This motivates researchers to find new water-saving methodologies and water management tools responding to future demands. The general objective of this project consists of the development of novel and low-cost material based on alginate and biochar functionalized with metal oxides and its application for the treatment of contaminated water, to support the implementation of strategies for mitigation of hydro-climatic extreme events, especially droughts in the catchment of different sources of irrigation water. Also, the material will be investigated for water saving and soil fertilization. The influence of this new material on bean crops will be studied, bean being widely used food due to their high protein content and vitamins. The specific objectives of the research are: Preparation and characterization of cost-effective new superabsorbent materials based on alginate and biochar functionalized with metal oxides. Assessment of the efficiency of recycling and reusing the superabsorbent material. Evaluation of the removal efficiency of organic pollutants from polluted water using the superabsorbent material. Testing the attenuation of antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria by the new adsorbent from greywater effluents using established molecular methods (qPCR and c sequencing); Assessment of the impact of the superabsorbent material on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and its effects on growth-development, yield, and crop quality in agricultural plants under current and predicted climate change scenarios. The current project is pertinent to the work program topic, contributing to the management of water resources by adaptation and mitigation to hydroclimatic extreme events and management tools by preparation of new materials that will be used for water decontamination thus increasing the water reserve that can be used for irrigation. Also, these superabsorbent materials can be used to store and gradually release water during droughts. The project, by its objectives, fits the following topics of the call: Topic 1. Resilience, adaptation, and mitigation to hydroclimatic extreme events – by developing a mitigation strategy to cope with hydro-climatic extreme events, especially drought. Topic 2. Tools for water management - in the context of hydroclimatic extreme events – by developing tools (e.g. superabsorbent material, multi-risk approach) to support the design and implementation of strategies for mitigating droughts in a catchment to sea perspective. In addition, following the influence of the superabsorbent materials prepared in the project on bean cultivation under current and future climate change conditions of temperature and CO2 concentration in the atmosphere will provide knowledge on how the proposed solution will perform today and in the foreseeable future. (This is also addressed in Topic 2). Because the countries involved in the project (Romania, Italy, Moldova, Turkey, India) have different climates, it can also fit with Topic 3: Improved water governance in the context of hydroclimatic extreme events and international contexts - Addressing and encouraging international cooperation in the field of water, including management of transboundary water resources and contribution to Water Diplomacy. The novelty of the project: i) the material prepared; ii) 3 simultaneous applications of the same material: pollutants removal, swelling, and drought stress mitigation under current and predicted climate change scenarios for crop cultivation as model plant bean crop and soil improvement; iii) the application of the material prepared for solar desalination and the elimination of ARGs and ARBs.

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

Role in this project:

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

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

Affiliation:

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

Abstract:

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

Increasing technological and knowledge transfer capacity of INCDTIM Cluj in the field of bioeconomics Call name:
POC 18/2016 2016 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/poc/ttc/

Abstract:

Elaborating Complex Methodologies Regarding the Attribution and Authentication of Medieval and Early Modern Paintings Belonging to the National Cultural Heritage Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0812 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE ISTORIA ARTEI "G.OPRESCU"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE ISTORIA ARTEI "G.OPRESCU" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA CLUJ (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://idart.utcluj.ro/

Abstract:

The project aims to develop a multi-criteria method for the authentication and attribution of paintings (murals, on wood, on canvas) from the medieval and early modern periods belonging to the national cultural heritage. The proposed semi-automatic method is based on a decision-support system platform (IDART) developed within the project, which is built using a "convergent approach to truth" principle. The project relies on trans- and interdisciplinary tools: art historical, physical-chemical, iconographic and theological analysis, database, programming and image processing. The IDART platform consists of a database that includes metadata obtained from art documentation, photography -HDR, VIS, light grazing, IR, UV-, sampling and in-situ physical-chemical analysis of the support and ground layers as well as of the colors and the varnishes using XRF, FTIR, Raman, LC and GC-MS techniques. For each image that is to be authenticated we shall define several regions of interest (ROI) used for the automatic search in other artworks from the database which also share the common details defined in the ROI. The process of identifying the common elements of two or more paintings takes place in several stages using various filters which limits the target group so that in the final stage they can be analyzed by the art historian in order for her to finally be able to authenticate and attribute them. Image processing will use algorithms derived from the Cross Correlation method that can be also applied to photographs not belonging to the visible spectrum. For the development of the image processing algorithms we shall use signed paintings, while other works attributable to the same painters will be used for validation. The final result of the project will be suitable not only for academic use, but it can also be most valuable to the institutions responsible for the preserving and/or promoting our cultural heritage, private collectors and other professionals in the art market.

Revival of an old drug by crystal engineering: development of improved ketoconazole based antifungal products Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1521 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/ketcrys/index.htm

Abstract:

The goal of the proposed project is to assess the market potential of two co-crystal solid forms of ketoconazole (KET) with fumaric acid (FUM) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) coformers, as APIs with improved properties in terms of solubility / antifungal activity. The 100-fold increased solubility of KET-FUM compared with commercial KET indicates his pharmaceutical potential for oral drug therapy by reducing the administered dose. On the other hand, KET-PABA with only 10-fold increase solubility, increase antifungal activity and due to its sunscreen coformer has pharmaceutical potential for topical use, especially during summer time. The project results will complete the preliminary preformulation information of KET-FUM and KET-PABA already reported by our research group (protocol for co-crystallization process at small scale – milligrams, solubility and dissolution rate, thermal analysis, FT-IR and antifungal activity for both solid forms and structural characterization of KET-FUM) with common and specific studies/assessment (compatibility with pharmaceutical excipients for KET-FUM – oral therapy; crystal structure characterization for KET-PABA, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assessment for both crystalline forms). We will also develop protocol for co-crystallization process at large scale (grams) necessary in pharmaceutical industry for developing a successful industrial co-crystallization process. This research will raise the technology readiness level from TRL2 to TRL4 for KET-FUM and KET-PABA crystalline forms. For KET-PABA (targeted for topical therapy) we will initiate a patenting strategy.

Multidisciplinary evaluation of imperial gates of churches from the 15th to the 19th century for conservation and restoration using classical and digital methods, for ensuring community viability Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1882 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE ARTA SI DESIGN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); DANART IMPORT EXPORT SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://usiimparatesti.granturi.ubbcluj.ro/index.html

Abstract:

ASTERCRIG project proposes an interdisciplinary approach of classical and digital conservation - restoration of an important symbol of our cultural heritage, namely the Imperial Gates belonging to iconostasis from Transylvanian wooden churches dating back to 15th-19th century. From two counties from Transylvania: Cluj and Salaj, the wooden churches will be investigated in order to establish the conservation status of the imperial gates. One of the selected counties (Salaj) have large parts of their territory declared as “disadvantaged areas”. The best preserved ones are those which are still in use. The depopulation of the rural area reduces their number year after year. Some of the inactive churches were saved by including them in open air village museums. Also valuable artistic artifacts were saved by moving them to such museums. After a theological, artistical and historical evaluation protocole, two imperial gates from each county will be selected and investigated. Several analytical methods (non-destructive and/or destructive) will be used complementary for the investigation of wooden support, painting layer and varnish. The digital reconstruction method will be based upon accurate scientific analysis (Raman, FTIR, chromatography methods, XRD, etc.) as well as modern engineering tools specific for reverse engineering. Based on this digital restoration, a virtual 3D museum will be realized that will include the imperial woods, classically and digitally restored. The scientific and technical results will be presented during an international symposium dedicated to cultural patrimony conservation and restoration. A printed catalogue containing the imperial doors, classically and digitally restored will be edited.

Novel advanced smart biomaterials of giomer type with applications in dentistry Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1419 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); REMED PRODIMPEX SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://granturi.ubbcluj.ro/giodent

Abstract:

The present research project proposed the elaboration, achievement and experimentation of novel, advanced, smart biomaterial formulations belonging to the giomers class with low polymerization shrinkage, continuous release of fluoride in time, improved adhesion to tooth tissues, high mechanical properties and good biocompatibility to be used in different applications in dentistry.

Given the ample and varied activities to be undertaken, the project requires a consortium to be constituted from five partners, two Universities, one National Research Institute, one Institute of the Romanian Academy and one commercial entity, forming an interdisciplinary team of specialists with experience in chemistry, engineering, physics, materials science, biology and medicine .

The planed results of the research activities are the following: 3 products of giomer type for the restoration of the anterior and posterior teeth, for the prophylaxis of caries with children and as liner/base material; 1 dentin adhesive with improved adhesion to tooth structure, 4 laboratory technologies, 3 Feasibility studies, 3 marketing studies, 4 technical specifications, 6 ISI articles and 2 registered patents.

By achieving the proposed project, contribution is brought to the sustaining of the national policy in the field, by creating the transfer and capitalization opportunities which will lead to the development of a Romanian industry of performing dental products, at

European standards level, having in view the specialized human potential with experience in the field.

Methodological guide for monitoring antibiotic residues and antimicrobial resistance in the environment as a supporting instrument for an enhanced quality management of surface waters and groundwater. Call name:
EEA Grants 3499/2015 -

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE CLUJ FILIALA A INCDSB BUCURESTI

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website: http://Http://enviroamr.ro

Abstract:

The EnviroAMR project rose awareness on the fact that antibiotics and antimicrobial resistant microorganisms are considered novel classes of pollutants in the environment with major consequences on the health of humans, animals and plants. The EnviroAMR project has proposed a methodological guide for a standardized monitorization of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in the environment through a chemical and biological (phenotypic, genotypic, metagenomic) approach together with techniques of antibiotics/antibiotic resistance mitigation in wastewaters.

Modern high-troughput methodologies for obtaining and characterizing new solid forms of pharmaceutical compounds Call name:
POSCCE ID 536 2010 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pos/htpharma/

Abstract:

Modern methods of investigation, authentication, conservation and enhancement of the icons in the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania Call name:
PNCDI 2 2008 - 2011

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

New vitrous systems with applications in telecommunications Call name:
PN II 71-099/2007 2007 - 2010

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Polymorphic forms and encapsulating bioactive substances into cyclodextrins for improving the quality of drugs Call name:
CEEX nr.7/2005 2005 - 2009

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU"

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

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