BrainMap

Mrs. Nicoleta Elena Dina

Scientific Researcher II

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

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: E-3434-2016

Curriculum Vitae (23/01/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Bio-inspired interfaces for the development of next generation degradable multi-phase materials Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-M-ERANET-3-InsBIOration 2022 - 2024

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); Leibniz Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (DE); CNRS Institut Charles Sadron (FR); National Institute of Chemistry (SI); University of Turku (FI); Kunststofftechnik Bernt GmbH (DE)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/insbioration/

Abstract:

Societal needs demand substitution of processes with high energy consumption or using hazardous substances and reduction of waste by use of fully recyclable or biodegradable materials. The project addresses this by proposing a universal platform for bio-inspired surface and interface design basing on dopamine, a substructure of adhesive mussel proteins. A multidisciplinary consortium of researchers and industry aims at developing a portfolio of upscalable technologies for the “green” manufacturing of materials for selected applications (antipathogenic coatings, biodegradable energy sources and polymer-metal hybrids as examples for a broad application range) and their recycling or biodegradation and transferring them to mass production. The project outcome will enable European manufacturers to create sustainable production processes and a circular economy of the materials.

SERS nanoplatform for neurodegenerative diseases diagnostic using bioinspired 3D hierarchical nanostructures Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0753 2022 - 2024

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:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/nanedissers/

Abstract:

In today’s society, the need for more rapid, sensitive, specific and accurate new diagnosis methods for neurodegenerative disorders is critical due to the aging of the population. The main objective of “NanedisSERS” is to develop a new and improved surface-enhanced Raman scattering SERS-based flexible nanoplatform for the noninvasive detection of neuro-biomarkers at trace level concentrations. We propose a joint use of zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) materials to fabricate bioinspired, innovative 3D nanoplatforms using modern fabrication techniques. Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) will be employed to fabricate periodic bioinspired nanopatterns on flexible and transparent substrates. The innovative 3D hierarchical SERS active substrate will consist in the deposition of ZnO and Ag thin films using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and Magnetron Sputtering (MS) methods. The originality of the proposal lies in the joint exploitation of top-down (NIL) and bottom-up (PLD, MS) approaches with real time and ultrasensitive SERS detection to maximize the detection sensitivity, specificity and decrease overall cost, (ii) the bioinspired arrangement of high-density hotspots decorated with SERS active ZnO@Ag heterostructures and (iii) direct use as a simple and accessible tool of neurological biomarkers’ SERS detection. The proposed SERS diagnosis platform could have a ground breaking impact and can arise as a viable complementary technological candidate to the traditional diagnostic tools.

High-throughput nanoscreening platform for SERS monitoring of latest generation antibiotics’ activity on antibiotic-resistant pathogens at single-cell level Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-0910 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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: https://sites.google.com/view/antibresissers/

Abstract:

We propose an alternative to traditional diagnosis of infections based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) which involves collecting a sample from the patient, which is further put in contact with a silver spot laser induced, resulting in scattering and recording the spectral fingerprint of the pathogen, if present. By comparing the obtained fingerprint with standard spectral fingerprints from existing databases, the pathogens may be identified at strain level within minutes. Obtaining an antibiogram is the final step, which can be assessed in maximum of a couple of hours. This method may enable an effective and targeted infection treatment, and may reduce significantly the mortality rate, especially in infants, given by the increasingly number of aggressive strains.

The proposed nanoscreening platform offers a unique approach that is different from other medical techniques utilized nowadays for the screening of pathogens in routine clinical work. It combines SERS for the ultrasensitive molecular fingerprinting of pathogens with microfluidics for their isolation. Moreover, we intend to comprehensively implement additional computational tools in order to achieve a full understanding of the pathogens’ mechanism of resistance. This issue will be pursued by using optimized, in-house developed statistical model for identification, discrimination and classification of pathogens and quantum chemistry molecular modelling tools. The main advantages of the proposed SERS-based nanoscreening platform are that it is rapid, label free (no use of antigens, receptors, dyes or other specific labels is required), cost-effective, reliable, portable and ultrasensitive.

Once we succeed to tackle the connection between the resistance behavior of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and their spectral fingerprint monitored in real time by using our proposed methodology, we will be able to move forward and to influence point-of-care routines for sepsis.

Robust fuzzy set theory-based models and methods of data analysis for spectral pathology Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-0475 2020 - 2021

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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: https://sites.google.com/view/specfuzzy

Abstract:

The current drive to decrease time of diagnosis and to reduce infection-related morbidity and mortality rates. An innovative detection and molecular diagnosis tool is now embodied in the combination of Raman spectroscopy with nanotechnology, assisted by powerful chemometrics.

In this project we aim to develop and validate robust models and methods for spectral data analysis in order to improve response strategies for acute fungal and bacterial infections. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based pathogens’ detection at single-cell level, within less than 15 minutes, will be combined with a high-precision clustering algorithm that will enable sepsis-related spectral pathology prediction.

Thus, we propose a rapid, ready-to-use system of detection and diagnose that will be validated as a culture-free analysis tool of real-life samples in sepsis situations. This innovative methodology is sustained by the research background of the candidate (specialized in vibrational spectroscopic techniques, mainly SERS and its analytical chemistry and biomedical applications) and the mentor’s expertise in chemoinformatics and intelligent data analysis.

The objectives of the project are development, optimization and validation of robust models and methods of spectral data analysis by using up-to-date fingerprinting and clustering algorithms and finally, application for a patent registration. Special emphasis will be dedicated to the intelligent spectral data analysis, which is still an emerging research field. The critical impact is given by the low cost, high sensitivity, rapid identification of the pathogen, the targeted treatment offered to the patient and significant healthcare and financial resources saved.

There will be tested clinically relevant prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens, including causative of complications in immunosuppressed patients, with special attention dedicated to “superbugs”.

Development of a SERS-TFF based nanoscreening platform for early detection and assessment of breast disease progression using blood samples Call name:
37_765 2016 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

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

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

Development of a microfluidic portable device for pathogen’s rapid SERS detection Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0983 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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 BABES BOLYAI (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/mifsers/

Abstract:

In this project we aim to develop and validate an experimental demonstrator for the label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of pathogens within less than 15 minutes.

Thus, we propose a demonstrator, comprising a microfluidic flow-cell coupled to a flow system, and a portable/handheld Raman spectrometer for SERS detection of pathogens immobilized in the flow cell. This will lead to a rapid, ready-to-use system of detection that will provide rapid, high sensitivity and culture-free analysis of real biological samples.

We propose a label-free SERS–based alternative approach for detecting pathogens in a practical manner, by developing an experimental demonstrator that is based on the in situ silver NPs preparation in a microfluidic flow-cell and the handheld Raman spectrometer as detection tool. This innovative methodology is sustained by the research background of the candidate (specialized in vibrational spectroscopic techniques, mainly SERS and its analytical chemistry and biomedical applications), the partner's expertise, and the latest generation equipment. Eventually, the team members will be able to validate the developed detection methodology by using the handheld Raman spectrometer on real biological samples, in laboratory conditions.

The objectives of the project are developing the experimental setup, optimizing and validating the SERS detection methodology by using the developed device and finally, validating the experimental demonstrator and apply for a patent registration. As a final step of the development of the detection system, the analysis time will be reduced to less than 15 min.

The pathogens we will test are most common Gram-negative uropathogens, foodborne pathogens, Gram-positive enterococci, skin pathogens, and pathogenic fungi which cause complications in immunosuppressed patients.

Thus, after project implementation the TRL will reach a level of 4 on the TRL scale.

Pathogenic microorganisms’ rapid detection and identification using high sensitive Raman spectroscopy Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0862 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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/PNCDI/ru381/

Abstract:

The bio-sensing for bacteria detection is currently explored by using various sensing materials and approaches but it is still a challenge to find an alternative to the conventional protocols, based on microorganisms’ cultivation. This project proposal provides an ultrasensitive and selective, but simple, rapid and inexpensive bacteria detection and identification method by using a receptor-free and innovative immobilization principle of the biomass. Raman spectroscopy, which combines the selectivity of the method with the sensitivity of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect (SERS), is used in correlation with Principle Component Analysis (PCA) in order to develop biosensors for pathogenic microorganisms. Most common pathogenic bacteria will be tested by applying an original immobilization protocol and the in situ synthesis method of the SERS-active nanostructures. The specific molecular information gathered from the spectroscopic data will be uploaded and analyzed by means of advanced statistical methods, with the final goal of creating an appropriate protocol which will be used on complex biological samples. The rapid pathogens identification and differentiation between multiple species, down to strain level will be carried out by means of SERS-PCA bio-sensing. Furthermore, the efficiency of multiple classes of antibiotics on bacteria viability will be investigated by SERS in order to obtain rapid and precise diagnostic and targeted treatment.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES AND (SUB)PICOSECOND DYNAMICS IN DNA MOLECULES PROBED WITH ULTRASENSITIVE RAMAN SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2012 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2012-4-0115 2013 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

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/PNCDI/idei54/index.htm

Abstract:

The general aim of this project refers to the study of polymorphic structures characterizing DNA molecules, and also to the elucidation of the rapid (sub)picosecond dynamics in nucleic acids, particularly, in conditions of physico-chemical parameters relevant for their biological function. Investigation of structural changes induced in a natural DNA recognition site (LacDNA), in the presence and absence of divalent metal ions, by changing the pH, will provide data about protonation dependent opening of AT base pairs, changes the protonation of GC base pairs and interactions of DNA with divalent metal ions. UV resonance Raman spectroscopy (UV RRS) will be used for this study. Besides, identification of the Raman FWHHs (full-widths at half height) and investigation of the molecular relaxation times of DNA structural subgroups, based on different Raman techniques, is considered. Also, structural markers for different types of plant nucleic acids will be established, using nobel metal nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), as an ultrasensitive method. Spectra-structure correlations in the wavenumber region describing nucleoside conformation, backbone geometry and PO2- interaction (600-1150 cm-1) of DNA molecules will be presented. Also, wavenumber range corresponding to the base electronic structures and base pairing (1200-1600 cm-1) is taken into account.

New approaches in the detection of chemical residues in complex matrices using TLC-SERS: melamine, antibiotics and pesticide detection in milk and milk powder Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2010 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2010-0323 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.phys.ubbcluj.ro/~nicolae.leopold/pages/te323.html

Abstract:

Determination of chemical residues in complex matrices (e.g. food products), requires complex, laborious and complex analysis, involving the use of separation methods (CE, GC, HPLC) coupled with an efficient detection system (MS, MS-MS). This makes the current methodologies to be costly and time consuming. This project proposes a much easier approach, with comparable performances: thin layer chromatography (TLC) separation - ultrasensitive raman (surface-enhanced Raman scattering - SERS) detection. This innovative approach will be implemented for the detection of melamine, antibiotics and pesticides chemical residues in milk and milk powder, at detection limits of µg/kg. The sers detection method will be performed after an original own methodology, developed in our lab – in-situ photoreduction synthesis of the silver substrate, necessary for Raman amplification. Thus, the separated substances by tlc will be identified directly based on the sers spectral fingerprint. The tlc-sers approach shows advantages over the standard tlc-uv: sers spectroscopy provides a unic spectral fingerprint for each type of molecule, thus the use of standards is not required, and not at least, shows a higher detection sensitivity. The objectives of this project involve interdisciplinary activities, the methodology will be implemented using innovative and original methods, the applicability of TLC-SERS analysis for the determination of chemical residues can be extended to most food and environmental samples. Special attention will be given to human resource, developing the capacity for innovation and working with new technologies.

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