BrainMap

Mrs. Oana Rodica Ungureanu

scientific researcher (CS)

scientific researcher / biochimist engineer - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Researcher | PhD student

Web of Science ResearcherID: AAX-1647-2021

Curriculum Vitae (01/10/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Nanocrystalline Graphene e-Tongue for Extra-Virgin Olive Oils Testing Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2256 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/NAGET/rezultate.php

Abstract:

Olive oil is one of the most valuable foods due to its unique organoleptic properties, its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (70-80%) and its antioxidant properties given by the presence of lipophilic phenols (tocopherols) and hydrophilic phenols (hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleacein, vanillic acid) in the composition of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is traded at higher prices than other vegetable oils due to its exceptional properties such as nutritional value, aroma and excellent taste and is therefore subject to fraudulent activities. Therefore, the present project proposal aims to develop an electrochemical tongue sensor paired with chemometrics targeting the adulteration of extra-virgin olive oils. The proposed analytical approach being developed will be validated in relation to a standardised method used to determine the authenticity of extra virgin olive oils. The electrochemical tool will benefit from the knowledge already acquired by the consortium members. The e-tongue will consist of a suitable conductive material as the sensing interface (i.e. nanocrystalline graphene (NCG) based electrodes), the surface of the transducers will be modified with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to chemically tailor the surface, increase the electroactive area and improve the sensitivity. The electrochemically recorded data will be processed and analysed using established and new chemometrics tools to train and validate a method for classifying olive and vegetable oils and another for predicting the concentrations of selected markers associated with olive oil adulteration.

Phytonutrients based on phytocomplecs enriched in phytoestrogens with potential for use in the management of metabolic diseases Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1185 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.incdsb.ro/p/Phyto-ESM/

Abstract:

Nowadays, obesity and diabetes mellitus are two major nutritional disorders due to their frequent association with major cardiovascular risk factors, responsible for increasing mortality. Recent studies have shown that phytoestrogens have various beneficial effects on health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes and different form of cancers.

This project aim is technology for obtaining phytonutrients based on phytocomplexes concentrated in phytoestrogenic compounds from Trigonella foenum-graecum, Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea and evaluation of their effect on key enzyme linked to type-2 diabetes and obesity and also testing the biological effects using in vitro cell culture. The project technological development will foresee: a) Protocols for optimum extraction process, using modern extraction technologies: microwave assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and accelerated solvent extraction of phytoestrogenic compounds; b) Achievement and validation of innovative laboratory technology based on selective separation processes (microfiltration/ultrafiltration for preconcentration and nanofiltration for phytoestrogens concentration); c) Analytical characterization and testing the biological effects of phytocomplexes enriched in phytoestrogens.

Involving a brand company in the domestic and foreign market in medicinal plants processing will lead to increasing the potential of the private company to get involved at performance level in scientific and technical and to develop new nutraceuticals, herbal drugs or food products for prevent of metabolic diseases.

The original results on the laboratory technology will be patented for transfer to the partner SME.

Obtaining new vector types for their phytotherapeutical principles, by means of biotechnological processes and the modeling of the phytotherapeutical principle's release mechanism Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0034 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE-I.N.C.D.T.P. BUCURESTI SUCURSALA BUCURESTI INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE PIELARIE - INCALTAMINTE I.C.P.I. (RO); UNIV.DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE - CAROL DAVILA (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/NEWBIOVECT/index.htm

Abstract:

The goal of the NEWBIOVECT consortium is to develop a new biomimetic biovectors – complex of the multi-membranes and active principles of a phytocomplex obtained from Symphytum officinale, Betonica officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Impatiens L. species concentrated extracts, such as polyphenols (can mimic the effects of cytokines, they have also been involved in the regulation of cell division and expansion), flavones, saponins (anti-inflammatory compounds that mimic the action of steroids), allantoin and polysaccharides (stimulate proliferation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts). The project also aims to release in vitro and in vivo a therapeutic dosage of drug that heals wounds and reduces the inflammatory effects. The new biovectors will be will be kinetically characterized and will be establish of the mechanisms involved in the kinetic processes.

The development of new, advanced systems biovector phytotherapeutic compounds (active ingredients) aim to the skin wounds’ treatment improvement as well as shorter the hospital recovery time. This project focuses also on the superior valorizing of some well-known medicinal herbs (Symphytum officinale and Salvia officinalis), as well as the higher valorizing of Impatiens L. Species and Betonica officinalis which has not yet been introduced in Romania, for research and proceeding by now. Additionally, this project aims to transfer the new knowledge in the economic environment for a more efficient use of medicinal and aromatic plant species, and increase the quality and competitiveness of Romanian’s phyto-pharmaceutic products on domestic and foreign market.

The project results will get a technological impact considering the development of some new, nonconventional processes with high efficiency, in Romania, for obtaining and processing the herbs extracts.

The main objectives of the NEWBIOVECT project are: i) design and synthesis of novel polymeric and composite multi-membrane systems, macroporous and nanoporous membranes for active principles of a phytocomplex obtained from Symphytum officinale, Betonica officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Impatiens L. species concentrated extracts delivery; ii) kinetic studies concerning the active principles in vitro release from the obtained supports, and testing the obtained support for their biocompatibility; iii) accomplishment of the biovectors’ experimental lots for the phytopharmaceutical products with reproducible characteristics and evaluate in vivo therapeutic efficacy.

Integrated system for monitoring and bioremediation of metal/radionuclides - contaminated area Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0608 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); CP MED LABORATORY SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU METALE SI RESURSE RADIOACTIVE - I.C.P.M.R.R. BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/Imonbio/Proiect.html

Abstract:

The core objective of the proposal consists in the development of new integrated system for monitoring and bioremediation of metal/radionuclides from contaminated areas, this meaning the complex approach of the subject from the following points: development of new analytical methods/devices applicable to fast assessment/monitoring of heavy metals and radionuclides from contaminated areas; development of a bio-remediation strategy based on micro-organisms effective against the two classes of contaminants. The project proposes as monitoring devices an array of electrochemical (enzymatic and micro-organism based) biosensors, selective and sensitive for heavy metals and radionuclides. Envisaged heavy metals are copper, lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, while envisaged radionuclides are uranium, radon, and thorium.

The following subsidiary objectives are envisaged:

 Design of a microorganisms based bio-remediation strategy and development of the experimental model on lab-scale;

 The versatile use of Pseudomonas and Clostridium strains, both in bio-remediation strategy (as biocatalysts) and in biosensors construction (as pollutants bio-recognition element).

 Design, construction and validation of the new analytical device: biosensor platform based on microorganisms and enzymes immobilization.

 Design of a demonstrator model to support the bio-remediation strategy

Sustained dissemination actions (ISI papers, Conferences) and patent request are also planned.

Inovative, multidisciplinary research to investigate the probiotic effects of new lactic acid bacteria strains and consortia Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0969 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://genetmicroproiecte.blogspot.ro/search/label/PROLAB%2077

Abstract:

The emergence of bacterial resistance and multiresistance to antibiotics represent a major public health problem in Romania and also in the entire world. In Romania, there is an increasing trend of the incidence of infections with bacterial strains highly resistant to antibiotics, whose prognosis is often worsened by the producing of bacterial biofilms on the tissues and biomaterials used in medicine. In our country, the problem of development of some alternative strategies for the prevention and treatment of the infections with multiresistant and biofilm forming bacteria is less studied, despite their great application potential in biomedicine and their utility in the recovery of the balanced or eubiosis state of the normal microbiota, after the negative impact of the antibiotics on bacterial communities. One of the most viable alternatives is represented by probiotics products which by administration in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on human organism. For the best use of the probiotic microorganisms, the mechanisms by which they work should be better understood. The selection of an appropriate probiotic strain for its inclusion in a probiotic preparation should be made on the basis of its capacity to induce an improved host response without modification of the intestinal homeostasis.

The main goal of this project imply complex studies of probiotic strains (lactic acid bacteria newly isolated) and multispecific consortium in order to improve the experimental protocol for the optimal selection of human use probiotics, based on their anti-infective and immunomodulatory activities.

Monitoring system for the effects of nano-oxides in the decomposition of Reactive Oxygen Species (SRO) from processes of biological interest. Call name:
PNCDI-II-P4-62053 2008 - 2011

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Realizarea unui sistem de monitorizare a efectelor pe care oxizii nanostructurati le au in

descompunerea speciilor reactive ale oxigenului (SRO) si a lipoperoxizilor, cu dubla

aplicabilitate: ca instrument de diagnoza precoce –corelat cu nivelele de concentratie ale

SRO si respectiv, de catalizator in degradarea compusilor cu risc biologic de tip SRO.

Advanced technologies for concentrating permselective processes of bioactive compounds with cytostatic action from extracts of Geranium sp. and Helleborus sp Call name:
PN II Partnerships 2008 - 2011

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Creșterea capacității de cercetare și a performanțelor instituționale ale INCDSB Call name: P 1 SP 1.2 - Proiecte de finanțare a excelenței în CDI - 2018
PFE-2018-349 1999 - 1999

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul Naţional de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Ştiinţe Biologice - INSB

Project partners: Institutul Naţional de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Ştiinţe Biologice - INSB (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul Naţional de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Ştiinţe Biologice - INSB (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