BrainMap

Mr. Laurentiu Rusen

Dr.

Scientific Researcher II - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: O-8805-2014

Curriculum Vitae (29/06/2023)

Expertise & keywords

Innovative DNA-based materials for optical limiting Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1546 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://biol.nlop.inflpr.ro/

Abstract:

Due to the fast evolution of lasers with ultrashort pulses, much interest is currently being directed toward the development of the new nonlinear optical materials for passive optical limiters which are used to protect human eye and sensitive optical and opto-electronic devices from laser induced damage. The objective of this project is to experimentally investigate the optical limiting-OL functionality of a novel class of biomaterials, with controllable properties, based on DNA functionalized with natural/synthetic chromophores for applications in photonics. The criteria identified for an ideal material to act as an effective optical limiter are: large nonlinear effect, low limiting threshold, fast response time, high optical damage threshold, broadband response, low optical scattering and mechanical stability. In order to obtain the best OL properties of these materials we will perform a study for the investigation of their linear and nonlinear optical parameters. We expect that by functionalization with natural/synthetic chromophores will be obtained materials with improved properties for OL. Z-scan/I-scan investigations will explore the nonlinear optical properties and OL performances of these materials. The new knowledge generated in the project is important for basic research in Nonlinear Optics and has a strong potential in applied research, for new nonlinear optical materials and OL functionality. This project is original and represents a major scientific challenge.

Breast implants silicon outshell bioinstructive engineering for preventing microbial and fibrosis development Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2375 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://ancabonciuub.wixsite.com/breaslife

Abstract:

Breast cancer is a significant public health issue for women and it is currently targeted by the national strategies for health outcomes. Considering both physical and psychological impacts on health-related quality of life, a large percentage of women with a mastectomy will choose breast reconstruction by implants. One inevitable consequence of silicone breast implantation and foreign body response is the capsular contracture, which often leads to health complications, need for revision surgery, etc. Hence, the main objective of the BreasLIfe project is to design, develop, and obtain new silicone out shell bioinstructive interfaces of breast implant with specific modulated characteristics (in terms of surface topography, chemistry,wear-resistant) for a final antibacterial and low inflammatory response that could lead to a reduced capsular contracture.

The approached innovative bioengineering solutions for achieving this objective refers to:

1)multi-architectural 2 and the 3-dimensional surface texturing of silicone for reducing the wear and friction of implant biointerfaces surface, inhibiting bacteria and fibrosis;

2)surface chemistry by using the synergetic effect of zwitterionic polymers, antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory compounds ( i.e., pirfenidone, Lactoferricin);

3)surface multiple specific functionalizations by laser techniques for the embedding of bioactive synergetic compounds(antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory)in a biodegradable zwitterionic polymer coating.

DEOXIRIBONUCLEIC ACID BASED BIOLASER Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2220 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

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

Abstract:

Due to the increasing application of lasers in industry, medicine, military, etc there is a growing need for new laser sources with a good beam quality and variable emission wavelength. The main aim of this project is the obtaining of a DNA based material with optimal properties for laser emission and to realize a bio-lasing demonstrator by using it.

For lasing we will use the Rhodamine 610 (Rh610) luminophore embedded in DNA – CTMA matrix. Our preliminary researches showed that the DNA based materials could be used, with important benefits, for laser emission. Based on the experimental results obtained by our research team in previous studies it could be assessed that the technology readiness level(TRL)at the beginning of the project is TRL 2.

By a systematic study of the laser emission in the synthesized DNA-CTMA-Rh610 complexes the material with best lasing properties will be obtained. In order to do this, important lasing parameters, meaning emission wavelength, threshold and efficiency of the lasing process as well as different pump geometries, will be investigated. At the same time a comparison related to the optical and lasing properties of materials with and without DNA will be realized. On the other hand photodegradation parameters and damage threshold of synthesized materials will be determined.

During this project we will pass from conceptual phase to the experimental one by carrying out industrial research and experimental development activities for finding a DNA material with best lasing properties, in order to verify the functionality / feasibility of bio-lasing concept. This material will be used to realize a bio-lasing demonstrator. The optimized material and its lasing functionality will be validated in the laboratory conditions (TRL 4).

Smart responsive hybrid bioplatforms obtained by laser methods with tailored antibacterial and antitumor activity Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2695 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: https://laurentiurusen.wixsite.com/529ped

Abstract:

The project scope is to develop an experimental prototype of a new generation of responsive hybrid smart platforms engineered by laser method, with tailored antibacterial and antitumor dual activity, addressing the current needs for research studies and medical applications (e.g. controlled drug delivery, development of next-generation precision medications testing platform, tunable interfaces for basic cell research). The platform envisaged by this project consists in a pH and Temperature responsive copolymeric matrix (i.e. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butylacrylate (polyNIPAM-BA)) in which bioactive compounds such as antimicrobial peptides AMPs, Hydrophobines and Hydrophobines–AMPs conjugates) are embedded by the use of Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE). Based on the fact that tumor and bacteria cells exhibit more acidic medium and higher T compared to normal cells, this platform is designed for tumor and bacteria microenvironment-active /triggered drugs/bioactive compounds release. To achieve its goal, the project will follow 4 specific objectives:1-Designing the new smart hybrid platform based on innovative and complex hybrid coatings (i.e. pNIPAM-co-BA with/without single active bio-compound); 2. Developing the laboratory MAPLE technology for obtaining hybrid coating with enhanced sensitivity, antitumor and antibacterial potential by tailoring deposition parameters (laser, fluence, target system and composition) and by correlating it with the hybrid coating characteristics (thickness, porosity, composition: various ratio of pNIPAM-co-BA, Hydrophobines, AMPs).3. Optimizing the smart dual responsive engineered hybrid polymeric platforms with different compositions via laser methods and to demonstrate the bio-functionality using a tumor and bacteria microenvironment-active/triggered release of bioactive compounds; 4. To validate the efficacity of the hybrid platform at laboratory level (TRL 4) for various tumoral cells and bacterial lines.

Optical Limiter Device Based on Innovative Graphene-Derived Materials Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-MANUNET III-OLIDIGRAPH 2018 - 2020

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); SITEX 45 SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: https://olidigraph.inoe.ro

Abstract:

Lasers are currently indispensable for many military and civil applications and there is a considerable need for a material to be included into a device for laser damage prevention of optoelectronic devices and for people protection. The overall objectives of this project are: (1) to validate a laboratory scale technology for synthesis of an innovative class of graphene based nonlinear optical materials in visible and infrared domains; (2) to build a device that incorporate the synthesized materials. A composite material graphene oxide (GO)silicophosphate (SP) as bulk/films and GO/rGO (reduced GO) films, prepared by solgel, will be investigated. These materials have the role to lower their optical transmittance when incident laser beam intensities are increasing above a threshold value, ensuring a constant intensity of the transmitted laser beam and preventing thus the damages to human eye and different optical sensors. Z-scan investigations will explore the nonlinear optical properties and optical limiting performances of these materials all along with the technological chain and will allow the selection of the best performing material to be used in the final prototype device.

Multiscale bone-like intelligent interfaces engineering using laser methods for mesenchymal stem cells enhanced osteoinduction Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-2434 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://ppam.inflpr.ro/TE_24/biosintel_ro.htm

Abstract:

BIosINTEL project aim is engineering smart bio-interfaces with multiple and synergetic functionalities for effective controlled regulation of stem cell differentiation and low inflammatory response for enhanced osseointegration. The innovative strategy within the project proposed is:

-Smart surface design: Bone like multiscaled microstructured surfaces(concave pits with various curvatures,depths, diameters and pits density on the surface) obtained by grey level masks assisted excimer laser processing technique

-Innovative hierarchical nanostructuring of the bone like microstructured surfaces by tailoring the self assembling of elastomeric polypeptides and biodegradable Poly-caprolactone copolymers spherulites formation

-Specific laser based functionalization by i)tethering active factors (elastin) within the biodegradable smart copolymer matrix (by single step matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation) and ii)selective patterning of 2d and 3d bio-clusters as nucleation centers for mineralization (by laser induced forward transfer)

-Effective use of hierarchically patterned topography for tuning biointerface characteristics to i) stem cell differentiation, ii) modulate fibrous tissue formation/ tissue encapsulation, iii) extending the designed bone like topography toward implants (Ti and Zr alloy)

The design model based on tailored topographical and chemical cues for quantifying the steering of stem cell has impact in basic cell researches and tissue engineering application.

Next generation of orthopaedic implants based on new Ti bioalloy functionalized with hybrid biomimetic coatings Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1994 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); R&D CONSULTANTA SI SERVICII S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO); TEHNOMED IMPEX CO S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://ppam.inflpr.ro/ORTHOBIOMIM.htm

Abstract:

The main objective of ORTHO-BIOMIM project is to obtain competitive and original products, namely advanced orthopaedic implants based on a new Ti-Ta-Nb alloy, which are functionalized by laser based technique (Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation) with complex hybrid biomimetic coatings (Lactofferin, Hydroxyapatite, Polyethilenglycol-Polycaprolactone synthetic copolymer functionalized with methyl ether group, Lf_HA_PEG-PCL-Me). The proposed approach relies on applied experimental research involving strongly interdisciplinary domains (i.e. material science, mechanics, laser physics, chemistry, microbiology, biomedicine), combined with industrial research activities, development.

The strategic key points for obtaining orthopaedic implant with enhanced characteristics within ORTHOBIOMIM project are:

• New and highly biocompatible Titanium (Ti)–based alloy containing non-toxic components (Ti-Ta-Nb) obtained by levitation technique with enhanced properties (low corrosion, mechanical resistance, elastic modulus etc.) working as implant body;

• Improved mechanical characteristics of the alloy obtained by its thermo-mechanical processing;

• Alloy biofunctionalization with complex hybrid coatings having multiple functionalities (biodegradable, bioresorbable, increased capacity osteogenic, osteoconductive and osteoinductive, anti-inflammatory ) by laser methods (MAPLE).To mimic the process of osseointegration, these coatings will be composed of natural biodegradable compounds, namely lactoferrin (Lf) and hydroxyapatite (HA), and a antifouling synthetic copolymer functionalized with methyl ether PEG-PCL-Me);

• Highly flexible methods for obtaining alloy processing and functionalization, allowing control defined composition, chemistry and surface topography when both alloy and the coating / film hybrid biomimetic functional.

The implications anticipated within ORTHOBIOMIM project development are related to major scientific benefits by increasing national competitiveness and visibility in research, development and innovation, but also to social and economic benefits . In the social context, in addition to the involvement of a large number of youth in the project and creating jobs, a very important benefit provided by this project is given by the envisaged faster osseointegration and long lifespan of the implant. This might be of crucial importance for those patients whose health status and life will be enhanced through the use of new medical implants by reducing risks of infection and thus reduce costs for medication or those necessary to replace a failed implant.

By the proposed objectives and approach, the project is aligned with the main points defined Partner Program, which promotes the applied inter and trans-disciplinary research in micro and nanostructured advanced materials for applications in medical field.

Research on correlations between the working surfaces' physical characteristics of optical components and their high-power laser-induced damage threshold Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0412 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); IOR S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://isotest.inflpr.ro/lidoptics.html

Abstract:

Title: Research on correlations between the working surfaces' physical characteristics of optical components and their high-power laser-induced damage threshold.

Topic: Finding the main correlations between the physical characteristics of the optical components’ working surfaces resulting from their manufacturing technologies, and their laser-induced damage (LID) behavior. The laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of optical components is a very important parameter characterizing high-power laser optics and also a limiting factor of the performances of these components.

Project originality and its contribution to the state of the art: Finding the physical properties which best correlates to the LIDT of the final product, within the specific manufacturing technology of the manufacturer; LIDT measurement using the most comprehensive LID test existing today, the S-on-1 test of ISO 21254-2:2011 standard.

Deliverables: Innovative services (IS) and innovative technologies (IT). Evaluation of the relative error for S-on-1 LIDT measurements (IS); List of optical materials ranked according to their LIDT performances (IS); Technology to obtain optical substrates with predetermined range of LIDT (IT); Technology to obtain coated optics with predetermined range of LIDT (IT); Scientific reports; Final scientific report.

Consortium: Coordinating organization (CO) - National Institute for Lasers, Plasma, and Radiation Physics (INFLPR) - ISOTEST Laboratory (ISOTEST), Magurele; Sole partner (P1) - IOR, Bucharest. Current CO activity: LID experiments and laser beam characterization using ISO standards. CO developed in 2012 two laser-based automated test stations (ATS) using S-on-1 test for LIDT measurements, receiving high appreciations from recognized researchers in the field (two papers presented by ISOTEST at 44th Laser Damage Symposium, Boulder, CO, USA, 2012 - most important conference in the field; visits of several international experts in ISOTEST. CO key persons: Dr. Aurel Stratan, Project Director, manager in charge with the ATS development, internationally-recognized specialist in solid-state laser engineering; Dr. George Nemes, Head of ISOTEST, internationally-recognized specialist in laser beam optics, ISO expert in TC172/SC9/WG1 Committee. CO interest in the project: Check/develop the capability of its ATS by directly helping the industry; Improving its expertise in optical surfaces’ characterization.

P1 has a reputed tradition in designing and manufacturing military, medical opto-mechanical devices, and various laser-grade optical components, for Romanian and international markets. IOR implemented a quality system according to SR EN ISO 9001 standard. P1 key person: Eng. Dana Granciu, Head of Laboratory for Optical Calculations and Measurements of IOR and expert in ISO TC172/SC3 Committee. P1 interest in the project: Improving its technology for manufacturing laser-grade optics.

Budget: For CO, public budget PB = €227 273; own budget OB = 0, total €227 273. For P1, PB = €56 818; OB = €42 614; Total = €99 432. Whole budget (CO + P1) = €326 705.

Antimicrobial and degradable biohybrid substrates with controlled surface architecture combining localized bio activation with antifouling properties Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0289 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor Plasmei si Radiatiei (INFLPR)

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor Plasmei si Radiatiei (INFLPR) (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor Plasmei si Radiatiei (INFLPR) (RO)

Project website: http://ppam.inflpr.ro/TE_43_en.htm

Abstract:

The choice of polymeric materials as platform for cell regeneration and the patterning methods are the key point in realizing hybrid complex supports with superior properties targeting the adhesion and cell manipulation activity.

Within this context, the project objective is the realization of antimicrobial, biocompatible and degradable bio-hybrid scaffolds/substrates with controlled designed surface architecture and chemistry. The project novelty relies on combining the advantages offered by specific properties of naturally derived and synthetic polymers (i.e controlled degradability, specific activation) with the ones offered by laser based methods (i.e. localized transfer, flexibility, clean techniques, no prior pretreatment of materials). A team of six young researchers and one senior researcher will work on addressing the afore mentioned issues by: i) processing of bio-hybrid structures by spin coating and Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation; ii) substrates controlled laser structuring and patterning by laser ablation and Laser Induced Forward Transfer; iii) enhancing the scaffold functionality by embedding naturally derived polymers (i.e. chitosan, collagen, laminin) as antimicrobial, antifouling and bio activation factors into biocompatible and degradable synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, polycaprolactone) and iv) evaluating of texturing and disposition of specific “architecture” substrate effect on the cellular metabolic response and proliferation.

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