BrainMap

Daria Gabriela Popa

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

Researcher

Expertise & keywords

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.

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:

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:

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.

Biogenic nano-system for targeted delivery of bioactive ingredients on dysbiosis biofilm involved in gingivitis and periodontitis Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4527 2020 - 2022

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/bionanogum-en/

Abstract:

BioNanoGum project proposal aims to develop an innovative biogenic nano-system for resolution of dysbiosis oral biofilms and inflammation involved in gingivitis and periodontitis, based on an innovative bacterial nanocellulose - fungal (nano)chitosan stimuli-responsive hydrogel, biogenic selenium nanoparticles (bioSeNPs), and hollow pollen shells filled with biogenic silica nanoparticles (bioSiOxNPs). Gingivitis and periodontitis affect more than 30% of globe population and can lead to teeth loss, but also other complications and severe diseases (Alzheimer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases). SeNPs, silicic acid released from SiOxNPs, and chitosan nano-structures determine (frank) resolution of dysbiosis biofilms and inflammation. However, there are also several drawbacks such as a very narrow physiological window (in the case of Se), or induced inflammation through a MAMPs similar mechanism, mediated by the Toll-like receptors (in the case of SiOxNPs). New formulations are needed in order to reduce risks of negative effects and to optimize the beneficial effects. BioNanoGum will use compounds acting complementary to SeNPs, which will lead to the reduction of Se dose. The pollen shells, obtained by Kombucha fermentation, will be used as encapsulation carriers for SiOxNPs, which allows bearing benefits from the anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and wound-healing effects of the silicic acid slowly released from bioSiOxNPs. The biogenic nano-system will deliver different components into a complementary manner and will act both on the resolution of pathogenic biofilms and on that of inflammation. BioNanoGum involves the niche between biotechnology and nanotechnology with health applications. This niche market has a significant growing potential, because it addresses several of the main health problems in the European Union and worldwide, from the beginning of the 21st century : an ageing population, with an increased incidence of non-communicable / chronic disease.

Separation, fractionation and isolation of biologically active natural substances from corn oil and other side streams Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2020-0024 2020 - 2022

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/premierea-participarii-la-orizont-2020/

Abstract:

The EXCornsEED project aims to exploit the convergence between science, chemistry, biology, engineering and biotechnology tools for the creation of new knowledge and innovative applications to develop and validate an integrated process of innovative and highly sustainable extraction, purification and concentration technologies to be applied to biorefineries side streams.

IMPROVEMENT OF LIFE QUALITY BY DEVELOPING NEW TECHNOLOGIES BASED ON EFFICIENT NANOPARTICLES IN WATER AND SOIL DECONTAMINATION Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0134 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MEDICO-MILITARA „CANTACUZINO” (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PEDOLOGIE, AGROCHIMIE SI PROTECTIA MEDIULUI - ICPA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE AGRICOLĂ-FUNDULEA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR (RO)

Project website: http://icvdta.proiectecercetaredezvoltare.ro/

Abstract:

The existence of contaminated areas all over the world and by consequence also in Romania represents a real concern regarding the water and earth quality that finally affects the life quality. The present Project Proposal is structured in three proposed components that are related to: 1- research development of new materials based on functionalized iron oxides dedicate to the removal of As ions and certain pathogen microorganisms- Gram negative bacteria frequently present in pollution water in the form of suspensions or biofilms; 2- inter-comparative studies of an international level priority regarding synthesized apatites and iron nanoparticles capacity to fix metallic ions from contaminated media together with eco-toxicological and cytotoxic of porous hydroxyapatite and of zero valence iron nanoparticles upon natural bacteria and other invertebrates species, laboratory animals or different human cell lines; 3- development of nano-devices and nano-materials with chemical properties that can be used as parts of intelligent natural agriculture systems and natural biochemical substances that can offer in a controlled manner the possibility for decontamination of affected areas and also ensures the desired quantity of fertilizer for the improvement of growth potential of agriculture areas. The specific Objectives of this Project as: toxicity evaluation for nanoparticles of FexOy si FexOy-functionalized and As ions upon eukaryote cells in in vitro and in vivo conditions or characterization by kinetic studies of metallic ions adsorption from contaminated media(water/earth) by the studied materials as well as the quality improvement of different types of vegetal cultures by the use of magnetic oxides nanoparticles treatments, ensures the contribution of the present Project to the life quality improvement.

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:

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:

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.

Integrated management system of agroecosystems resistance to harmful agents in order to promote a sustainable agriculture under climate change conditions Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0301 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MASINI SI INSTALATII DESTINATE AGRICULTURII SI INDUSTRIEI ALIMENTARE - INMA (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE -DEZVOLTARE AGRICOLA TURDA (RO); STAŢIUNEA DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU LEGUMICULTURĂ BUZĂU (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR (RO)

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

Abstract:

The project inscribes in the general concerns about environmental protection and human health and aims at developing and applying non-polluting agroecosystem practices that minimize the risk of infestation of crops with harmful agents. The technological optimization which will be provided within the project is harmonized with the current concerns in the field of soil functions management, water conservation and desertification control. The strategy proposed within the project support the sustainable agriculture by maximal valorization of the natural resources. The main aim of the project is to increase the productivity potential of agroecosystems affected by the climatic changes in terms of economic and environmental efficiency. The project will lead to realization and validation in real functioning conditions, of an agroecosystem management system based on new methods:(1) increase of soil fertility/ productivity and biodiversity preservation by application of conservative methods based on superior use of natural bio-resources, (2) reducing the plants vulnerability to limitative anthropic and ecological factors for crops, (3) decrease the risk for environment pollution with pesticides, by application of some methods based on analyses/ evaluation of the phytosanitary state of agroecosystems, (4) decrease of phytosanitary risks by application of ecological methods to control harmful agents, (5) preservation of the agroecosystems biodiversity by application of ecotoxicological methods to assess the environmental risks. Field experiments will be performed on soy and tomato crops. These crops were chosen as reference agroecosystems due to:(a) significant impact of the climate changes on these crops, (b) the need to replace the polluting management systems with non-polluting ecological methods. The essential concept of the project proposal is based on original solutions in the project field, patented by CO/ ICDPP (22 patents) and P4/ INMA (2 patent applications).

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