BrainMap

Mrs. Ana Maria Craciun

Dr.

Scientific Researcher Grade I (CSI) - UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: C-6735-2012

Curriculum Vitae (18/12/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Development of a highly sensitive and selective SERS aptasensor for medical diagnosis Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1998 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); CENTRUL INTERNATIONAL DE BIODINAMICA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanoaptadia/home

Abstract:

Biomarkers are currently used for detection of diseases and monitoring therapeutic progresses in diagnostics. The accurate measurement of biomarkers in human patient samples is exceedingly important requirement for any analytical method. This project aims to develop an experimental demonstrator designed to provide pertinent solutions to three unmet medical needs in diagnostics: (1) high sensitivity; (2) high specificity and (3) label-free detection of disease biomarkers. Specifically, a novel biosensing nanotechnology will be implemented by coupling a new class of high affinity biorecognition elements called aptamers at the surface of plasmonic nanoplatforms recently developed in our laboratory. While the aptamers attached onto the metallic surface can specifically recognize the target molecules (biomarkers), the signal transduction will be based on ultrasensitive Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). SERS has previously demonstrated its analytical performance toward “single-molecule sensitivity” and ability to identify and discern biomolecules by their spectral “Raman fingerprint” signature. By exploiting the complementary expertise of three research centers in SERS spectroscopy, chemistry and surface engineering, and fabrication and characterization of plasmonic nanoplatforms we expect to provide the feasibility of aptamer-modified SERS nanosensor for high sensitivity, high specificity and label-free detection of some relevant disease biomarkers. The as-fabricated “microchip” inserted in a Raman spectrometer to collect the SERS signal from the targeted biomarkers can offer unique characteristics, competitive advantages compared to other detection systems in the market and real potential for technology transfer.

Portable Plasmonic Nanochip for Fast-On-Site Cardiac Troponin Biomarker Quantitative Diagnostic Test Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3345 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

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

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanofastdiag/home

Abstract:

The project “Portable Plasmonic Nanochip for Fast-On-Site Cardiac Troponin Biomarker Quantitative Diagnostic Test” (acronym NanoFastDiag) aims to design and implement a new concept of portable plasmonic nanochips which enables the sensitive, fast, reliable, on-site detection of the cardiac troponin biomarkers. Specifically, the originality of this proposal consists in the combination of the nanosensing detection with the lab-on-a-chip technology by directly integrating self-assembled highly efficient Gold NanoBipyramids (AuBPs) inside a microfluidic channel with the aim to develop a novel fast-on-site nanochip for cardiac troponin Point-of-Care (POC) diagnostic. We are confident that, by combining the expertise of the two partners involved in the project, such miniaturized, inexpensive, sensitive and highly specific nanochip used in parallel with a portable Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) sensing detection system, can be successfully translated into a real on-site clinical troponin POC test.

New Targeted Optical Imaging NanoProbes for Near-Infrared (NIR) Real-Time (RT)Image-Guided Surgery of Ovarian Cancer Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0142 2018 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanonirsurgery/home

Abstract:

Currently, a hot research topic is developing at the interface between physics, chemistry and materials science from one side and biology and medicine from other side, aiming to provide novel nano-tools for cancer treatment. However, despite advances in pre-operative imaging techniques, there is not a suitable intra-operative technique to provide real-time feedback to surgical oncologist to distinguish healthy tissue from malignant lesions and visualize submilimetrical tumor deposits. It is through a collaborative consortium gathering physicists, chemists, biochemists, biologists, oncologists, surgeons, histopathologists that this project addresses a challenging subject aiming to validate new targeted optical imaging nanoprobes for near-infrared (NIR) real-time image-guided surgery of ovarian cancer. Actually, we will develop targeted contrast agents to bind specifically to the FRα of ovarian cancer cells for enabling “visualization” of ovarian tumors by distinct optical signature in NIR. At the end of project, after their careful evaluation on ovarian cell lines /ovarian tumors xenografts / carcinomatose models, will be in position to proceed in the future as viable contrast agent in real-time image-guided ovarian cancer surgery. We focus our research effort to implement NIR optical nanoprobes containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved compounds as well to promote new related nano-compounds produced in our laboratories. Actually, the development of targeted contrast agent in the NIR wavelengths range is highly relevant and beneficial to cancer surgery as their signal does not compete with background signal of tissue emitted in visible light spectrum and, therefore, a clear and deep difference between healthy tissue and tumoral lesions can be delineated.

Direct, sensitive and selective fluorescence “turn-off” detection of metallic contaminants from water using photoluminescent gold nanoclusters Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-0700 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/fluonanomet/

Abstract:

The goal of the proposal entitled “ Direct, sensitive and selective

fluorescence “turn-off” detection of metallic contaminants from water

using photoluminescent gold nanoclusters” is to implement an optical

spectroscopic method, based on probing the photoluminescence of an

attractive class of gold nanosensors (i.e. gold nanoclusters (AuNCs)),

into a portable spectroscopic device suitable for sensitive and specific

detection of two important metallic contaminants (i.e. Fe3+ and Cu2+)

from real water sources. Our one-step approach consists in monitoring

and quantifing the quenching of the intrinsic PL signal of AuNCs as a

consequence of aggregation induced by specific interaction of metallic

ions with the surface ligand of AuNCs (i.e. aminoacids) with affinity for

the selected metallic contaminats. The two key objectives of this project

are: (1) to assess the sensibility and specificity of synthesized

aminoacid-stabilized AuNCs as sensors for the detection of Fe3+ and

Cu2+ in solution via PL quenching and colorimetric observation and (2)

to perform sensitive and selective detection of metallic contaminants

(i.e. Fe3+ and Cu2+) from real water samples via fluorescence “turn-off”

mechanism of intrinsic photoluminescence of AuNCs.

Flexible PDMS-integrated Plasmonic Paper as Versatile Nanochip for Metal Enhanced Fluorescence Biosensing Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1959 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/chip4mef/home?authuser=0

Abstract:

The project “Flexible PDMS-integrated Plasmonic Paper as Versatile Nanochip for Metal Enhanced Fluorescence Biosensing” (acronym Chip4MEF) aims to design an innovative, versatile hybrid nanochip for highly efficient Metal Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF)–based Point-of-Care (POC) detection enabling the flexibility, miniaturization, portability of the bio(nano)sensors, fast analytical evaluation, reduced costs while achieving a rapid and sensitive MEF detection. Specifically, the originality of this proposal consists in the incorporation of the Whatman paper with pre-immobilized highly efficient anisotropic gold nanobipyramids (AuBPs) or nanorods (AuNRs) in between two polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers with specific configurations, engineering thus an innovative hybrid microfluidic nanochip with enhanced and well-controlled fluorescence sensing capabilities.

New Targeted Optical Imaging NanoProbes for Near-Infrared (NIR) Real-Time (RT) Image-Guided Surgery of Ovarian Cancer Call name:
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0142 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanonirsurgery/home

Abstract:

The project is aiming to validate new targeted optical imaging nanoprobes for near-infrared (NIR) real-time fluorescence image-guided surgery of ovarian cancer.

Two-photon excited time-resolved photoluminescence imaging and spectroscopy studies on single polymer-stabilized gold nanoparticles towards their applicability as optical contrast agents Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-0088 2019 - 2021

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/2luminr/home

Abstract:

The project entitled “Two-photon excited time-resolved photoluminescence imaging and spectroscopy studies on single polymer-stabilized gold nanoparticles towards their applicability as optical contrast agents” addresses a challenging research subject related to the intrinsic photoluminescence in plasmonic nanostructures. The project aims to offer a deeper understanding on an interesting second-order non-linear effect, that is the two-photon excited photoluminescence (TPE PL) occurring in a particular type of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (i.e. gold nanorods (AuNRs)), by performing optical spectroscopy and microscopy studies on AuNRs deposited on solid substrate and inserted in tissue-imitating phantoms. The main objectives of the project are: (i) to investigate the origin of intrinsic PL in single and coupled as-prepared polymer-stabilized AuNRs by performing steady-state and time-resolved TPE PL and dark-field scattering combined microscopy and spectroscopy studies on P-AuNRs immobilized on substrate, and (ii) to demonstrate the ability of the prepared P-AuNRs to perform as optical contrast agents by monitoring their TPE PL in tissue-like phantoms under non-invasive NIR excitation.

Designing new, flexibile and low-cost paper-based sensing nanoplatforms through plasmonic calligraphy for performing multiplexed ultrasensitive detection of cancer biomarkers Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2016-2095 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/nanoforall2018/home/project-overview

Abstract:

The project “Designing new, flexible and low cost paper-based sensing nanoplatforms through plasmonic calligraphy for performing multiplexed ultrasensitive detection of cancer biomarkers” proposes the development of a new and inexpensive dual Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance - Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (LSPR-SERS) nanosensor with multiplex capability within a miniaturized portable sensing paper-based nanoplatform for the detection of multiple specific targets on the same substrate. Specifically, to perform the selective and multiple biomarker detection using our chip, different active plasmonic lines will be fabricated via a simple plasmonic calligraphy approach using a commercial pen filled with plasmonic gold nanoparticles (i.e gold bipyramids and gold nanorods) as ink. The priority targeted biomarkers chosen to validate our nanosensors are the followings: anti-IgG, Cancer antigen (CA-125) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) biomarkers. This project represents a real challenge with promising results for medical diagnostics, allowing the development of innovative plasmonic multiplex paper–based point-of-care biochip.

Nanoplatforms for enhanced treatment of cancer by synergistically combined multiple NIR light-activated nanotherapies Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0837 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/nanosynther/

Abstract:

The investigation of complex nanoparticles exhibiting anticancer activity by integrating several functionalities into single nanoplatform with diagnostic, therapeutic and imaging capabilities, represents a hot research topic which is developing at the interface between physics, chemistry and materials science from one side and biology and medicine from other side. New nanotherapeutic strategies are being explored in the field of nanomedicine aiming at further enhancement of the potency and safety of cancer treatment. In recent years, our research group has provided several “proofs of concept” of therapeutic mechanisms based on plasmon-induced phothotermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and nanochemotherapy. In the current project we aim to go further and fabricate a new class of theranostic nanoplatforms to achieve increasing efficacy in cancer treatment by synergistic combination of multiple NIR light-activated nanotherapies. Actually the fabricated nanoplatforms will integrate both intrinsic therapeutic agents based on physical effect (plasmonic nanoparticles, graphene nanosheets or hybrids) and extrinsic therapeutical agents based on photo-bio-chemical effects (photosensitizers, chemotherapeutic drugs). The anticancer activities (heat generation, singlet oxygen generation, drug delivery, etc.) will be triggered under NIR light excitation. Several operational objectives are planned from nanoplatform preparation, characterization, cell-targeting, cell uptake, photothermal performance and singlet oxygen generation evaluation, performing informative measurements by multi-microscopy imaging - toward the final demonstration of synergistic anticancer activities. The expected outcome is highly significant for getting enhanced therapeutic efficacy with lower dose of photo sensitizer (for instance) and implicitly with lower potential side effects.

Controlling FRET by surface plasmon resonance in multilayer "core-shell" metallic nanoparticles towards efficient nanoscopic light sources Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-2102 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/nanolight2014/abstract

Abstract:

The project: Controlling FRET by surface plasmon resonance in multiplayer „core-shell” metallic nanoparticles towards efficient nanoscopic light sources, proposes to develop a novel strategy for designing a model of multilayer core-shell AuNPs with optimized photophysical properties, consisting of a Au core (i.e. spherical and rod-like shape) and surrounding FRET pairs (i.e. fluorescent molecules and quantum dots). We will employ polyelectrolyte multilayers fabricated using layer-by-layer assembly as dielectric spacers for precisely tuning the Au core/acceptor/donor distances and to modulate FRET enhancement. We consider that our project represents a real challenge with promising results considering that the integration of NPs with fluorescent molecules into composite nanostructures where the emitters are precisely positioned relative to the NPs surface enables the use of these multilayer core-shell AuNPs as ideal efficient nanoscopic light sources.

Label-free, rapid and ultrasensitive immunoassay based on Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) using photoluminescence of gold nanoprobes Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1991 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/fcordetect/

Abstract:

The goal of the proposal entitled “Label-free, rapid and ultrasensitive immunoassay based on Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) using photoluminescence of gold nanoprobes” is to implement a label-free efficient optical biosensing method for the detection of relevant disease biomarkers based on probing the photoluminescence of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) performed under one – and two – photon excitation. Our one-step approach consists in analyzing the diffusion of GNPs aggregates induced by the interaction of antigen-labeled GNPs with antiboby molecules (biomarkers), in a femtoliter confocal volume, by monitoring photoluminescence fluctuations. The two key objectives of this project are: (1) to demonstrate the feasibility of employing plasmon photoluminescence for screening the diffusion of GNPs of different size and shape through FCS and (2) to provide proof of concept for the detection of relevant disease biomarkers through FCS – based immunoassay by using highly photoluminescent GNPs.

ENHANCING PHOTOLUMINESCENCE OF THIN FILMS OF CONJUGATED POLYMERS BY ILLUMINATION Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0013 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/illum2lum/

Abstract:

“Enhancing Photoluminescence of Thin Films of Conjugated Polymers by Illumination” aims to combine the advantages of fundamental physical concepts of polymer physics to develop a profound understanding of how photoluminescence of thin films of conjugated macromolecules can be enhanced by using a novel processing method that was only recently experimentally revealed and that is consisting in illumination of thin films with light. Relating physical parameters of processing of thin films by light to the subsequently altered optoelectronic properties like photoluminescence not only will lead to a good understanding of fundamental mechanisms that take place in such organic conjugated materials upon illumination but will also reveal other ways to further manipulate and improve such properties, both at microscopic and macroscopic lengthscales. Conjugated materials with significantly enhanced and optimized photoluminescence properties can then easily find their valuable place, for example, in fabrication of light-emitting diodes.

Stem cell therapies for degenerative retinal diseases with the help of nanotechnology Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1232 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); CARL ZEISS INSTRUMENTS S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: http://www.granturi.umfcluj.ro/retstem/

Abstract:

The team who elaborated this project proposal has the intention to obtain progress in a field of major importance for the peoples' health and quality of life: the development of a stem cell based therapy, capable to overtake the structure and function of a retina affected by diseases beyond any cure.

The problem to be addressed and solved within this project has an extremely important practical relevance, taking into consideration that its purpose is to find a therapeutic solution for the disabling retinal diseases that affect significantly all the age groups: age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy pigmentary retinopathy, Stargardt disease.

The transplantation of stem cells with the aim to offer neuroprotection and repairment of the injured cells represent new therapeutic strategies.

One end-product of the project is a complex experimental model of retinal reconstruction in which stem cell transplantation is combined with a nanoparticle delivery system for growth factors to improve grafting and differentiation into functional retinal cells. To get a better insight into the pathophysiology of retinal diseases and restoration with stem cells transplantation, the role of animal models is indispensable. In this context, the private company involved in this project, with a recognized tradition in the development of the optical devices, aims to make a technological innovation by developing a portable optical coherence tomograph applicable both to the experimental research (studies on animals) and to the clinical practice (example: the tomographic evaluation of the retina in the prematurely new born infants).

The common denominator in the above-mentioned retinal diseases is the loss of the neural cells (photoreceptors, interneurons, retinal ganglion cells) and of the essential supporting cells (retinal pigmented epithelium). Therefore, the novel therapeutic strategies aim the development of neuroprotective and regenerative strategies. Stem cells have the potential to be used both for neuroprotection and for cell replacement.

The new therapeutic strategies in retinology can be divided into several broad groups: genetic therapy (the augmentation of a gene's function or in the inhibition of a mutated gene), drug therapy ( cromophore supplementation), neuroprotection ( to slow down the degeneration of the photoreceptors with neurotrophic growth factors), electric stimulation of the visual pathways and regenerative medicine.

In recent years, a new field of biotechnology, nanomedicine, makes its way in retinal diseases diagnosis and therapies. The advantages of nanoparticles include delivery of therapeutic agents, targeted delivery of drugs to specific cells or tissue, improved delivery of both water-insoluble drugs and large biomolecule drugs, and reduced side effects.

The general objective of this project is retinal reconstruction with the help of stem cells and functionalized gold nanoparticles with growth factors as local delivery systems.

In parallel we intend to develop some specific objectives: (1) the elaboration of a retinal disease animal model and (2) the elaboration of non-invazive retinal investigation techniques.

This retinal reconstruction model is intended to be as close as possible to the human clinical approaches with the aim to facilitate the translation of the stem cells transplantation into the clinical frame. The delivery of the growth factors with gold nanoparticles in order to improve the implantation and differentiation is a new (original) therapeutic approach in the retinal transplantation.

Within the project structure, the following successive components are individualized: the preparation of the stem cell populations that are going to differentiate into retina specific cells; the creation of the animal model that is going to be used to illustrate the modality in which the stem cells administered by various ways are going to repair a retinal lesion produced by laser photocoagulation;

Microfluidic - Plasmonic biosensor for real time detection of relevant biomarkers Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1961 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/nanoflusensors/

Abstract:

The project proposes the development of an optical, ultrasensitive, robust sensor for the detection of specific disease biomarkers in order to enable early diagnosis, improve diseases treatment, increase the overall survival and diminish societal costs. Our sensor is based on the exploitation of optical response of plasmonic nanostructures known as Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) since this technique has already demonstrated its ability for a label-less highly sensitive molecular detection. The originality of the sensor lies in the integration of optimized plasmonic substrate in a microfluidic circuit to allow miniaturization, portability, and minimizing of the analysis time. Colloidal nanoparticles attached on solid substrate and/or nanostructured metallic film will be integrated in microfluidic channels and the LSPR detection process will be triggered by molecular recognition of biomarkers. The core task of the project will consist in optimizing the sensor parameters in terms of high sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility. For this, optimization of the nanoparticles’ size and shape, optical and chemical properties of substrate, functionalization and bioanalyte recognition will be performed. The unique characteristics of our Microfluidic - Plasmonic Biosensor for Real Time Detection of Relevant Biomarkers will provide competitive advantages compared to other detection systems currently on the market (standard SPR, immunofluorescence and ELISA assays) and will promote our sensor as a good candidate for technology transfer. Indeed, in this project, we will take all the advantages of current developments in nano-optics and spectroscopy, nanotechnology and surface nanostructuration and Lab-On-a-Chip technologies to design a nanosensor suitable for the identification and detection of specific chemical or biological species in biological fluids. The targeted substances to validate our sensor are in priority the followings: (1) anti-GMB antibodies (glomerular basement membrane) existing in plasma in the case of the disease known as Goodpasture syndrome and (2) amatoxins in the case of poisonous mushrooms ingestion. In both cases the early detection is essential to initiate a treatment as soon as possible to save the patient’s life and ameliorate the prognosis. At the end of the project, we will be able to provide an optimized laboratory prototype with unique capabilities and diversified palette of future applications. The prototype will incorporate specific nano-structured plasmonic architecture and several innovative technical solutions to guarantee a rapid mass production and commercialization.

Carbon quantum dots: exploring a new concept for next generation optoelectronic devices. Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0069 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies IMT-Bucharest

Project partners: National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies IMT-Bucharest (RO); National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies IMT-Bucharest (RO); Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University (RO); Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University (RO)

Affiliation: Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/cqd_opto

Abstract:

Carbon nanodots (or Carbon quantum dots, CQDs) represent a newly discovered class of nanocarbon materials, inspiring the gradually expansion of research efforts due to the increasing number of identified favorable properties. In fact, in less than a decade (2004) since their first accidental identification in carbonaceous soot, surface-passivated CQDs are already rivaling the position of traditional semiconductor-based quantum dots as top-performance photoluminescent materials, while offering at the same time radical advantages in usability and production costs. Their immediate application in bioimaging is already ascertained, however scarce studies are employing these materials in non-biological fields, even though reports demonstrating the capacity for photo-induced electron-transfer behavior in CQD leads us to the conclusion that they may additionally hold compelling potential in photovoltaics and CQD-LEDs.

It is the goal of this project to demonstrate for the first time the functionality of optoelectronic devices – LEDs and PVs – based on CQDs by thoroughly understanding from experimental and theoretical point of views the electronic, optical and transport properties of the appropriately passivated CQDs.

BIOFUNCTIONAL NANOPARTICLES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW METHODS OF IMAGING, SENSING, DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPY IN BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT (NANOBIOFUN) Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2008 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2008-0129 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE NANOSTIINTE SI NANOTEHNOLOGII

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE NANOSTIINTE SI NANOTEHNOLOGII (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIOLOGIE MOLECULARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE MATERIALE AVANSATE SI TEHNOLOGII (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR DE STRUCTURI MOLECULARE SI MODELLING (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIONANOSTRUCTURI SI SISTEME MOLECULARE COMPLEXE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR DE MODELARE COMPUTATIONALA A SISTEMELOR NANOSTRUCTURATE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR DE NANO-ALOTROPI AI CARBONULUI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR DE ELECTROCHIMIE SI CHIMIE SUPRAMOLECULARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE NANOSTIINTE SI NANOTEHNOLOGII (RO)

Project website: http://www.phys.ubbcluj.ro/~dana.maniu/Web_ID_PCCE/

Abstract:

THE NANOBIOFUN PROJECT BRINGS TOGETHER EXPERTISES FROM 8 RESEARCH CENTERS IN PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY TO ADDRESS THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE METHODS OF MOLECULAR SENSING, IMAGING, DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPY IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS BY COMBINING THE UNIQUE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF NOBLE-METAL NANOPARTICLES (NPS) WITH THEIR CHEMICAL SPECIFICITY AND EASY WAY OF BIOFUNCTIONALIZATION. KEY SCIENTIFIC ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECT ARE (1) TO PROVIDE A BIOLOGICAL FUNCTION ( CELL TARGETING) TO AN ARTIFICIAL NANO-OBJECT IN ORDER TO TACKLE A SPECIFIC BIOLOGICAL ISSUE, AND (2) TO FABRICATE TAILORED NANO-OBJECTS ABLE TO TRANSFER / INDUCE A PHYSICAL SIGNAL ( LIGHT OR ELECTRIC CURRENT) TO A BIOLOGICAL ENTITY (BIOMOLECULE AND CELL) IN ORDER TO PROBE ITS STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES IN A CONTROLLED MANNER. SPECIFICALLY, THE PROJECT ADDRESSES THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLASMON-RESONANT NPS AS NEW OPTICAL LABELS FOR BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES, MEMBRANE AND CELLS AS WELL AS MULTIFUNCTIONAL AGENTS FOR CANCER DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPY. THE PROJECT WILL TARGET THE FABRICATION OF GOLD NPS AND HYBRID METAL/POLYMER/SILICA/ STRUCTURES OF SPECIFIC SHAPE, SIZE (2-200 NM) AND DESIRED OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND REALIZE THEIR CONJUGATION WITH RELEVANT (BIO)MOLECULES / PROTEINS / DNA / BIOPOLYMERS. AS A MAJOR RESULT OF THIS PROJECT WILL TO DEMONSTRATE AN ORIGINAL APPROACH IN CANCER THERAPY GIVEN BY THE ABILITY OF GOLD NANOPARTICLES TO MEDIATE HYPERTHERMIA INDUCTION TO KILL CANCER CELLS UPON LASER IRRADIATION, THEREBY FUNCTIONING AS SELECTIVE THERMAL NANO-SCALPELS. THE PROJECT WILL CONTRIBUTE ON THE INVESTIGATION OF BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BIOCONJUGATED GOLD NANOPARTICLES ON VARIOUS NORMAL AND TUMOR CELLS CULTURES.AN IMPORTANT OUTCOME OF THIS PROJECT WILL BE THE PRODUCTION OF COST EFFECTIVE, ULTRA SENSITIVE, REPRODUCIBLE AND STABLE NANOSTRUCTURED SUBSTRATES FOR SURFACE-ENHANCED SPECTROSCOPY AND ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSORS. BESIDES THE SCIENTIFIC GOALS, TRAINING AND EDUCATION WILL BE ALSO KEY RESULTS OF THE PROJECT.

NANOMANIPULATION OF BIOMOLECULES BY ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2008 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2008-0312 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIOLOGIE MOLECULARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIOLOGIE MOLECULARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR NANOTEHNOLOGII FIZICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIOMATERIALE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR NANOFOTOBIOTICA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR MODELARE MOLECULARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR SIMULARI NUMERICE (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR NANOFOTOBIOTICA (RO)

Project website: http://granturi.ubbcluj.ro/idei_pcce2008

Abstract:

THE STRONG POINT OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IS THE NANOMANIPULATION: THE ABILITY TO HANDLE AND EXPLORE THE NANOSCALE OBJECTS. ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY (AFM) IS A POWERFUL IMAGING TECHNIQUE THAT CAN VISUALIZE SINGLE MOLECULES BOTH IN AIR AND SOLUTION. USING THE AFM TIP AS AN END-EFFECTOR, AN ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE CAN BE MODIFIED INTO A NANOROBOT. THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF OUR RESEARCH PROJECT IS TO DEVELOP AN AUTOMATED AFM NANOMANIPULATION SYSTEM WITH VIRTUAL REALITY INTERFACE, WHICH CAN PROVIDE THE OPERATOR WITH REAL-TIME FORCE FEEDBACK AND REAL-TIME VISUAL DISPLAY DURING HANDLING. THIS AFM-BASED NANOROBOTIC SYSTEM WILL ENABLE US TO SIMULTANEOUSLY CONDUCT IN SITU IMAGING, SENSING, AND NANOMANIPULATION, AND WILL OPEN A PROMISING WAY TO INDIVIDUALLY STUDY THE DIFFERENT LIVE CELLS AND THE STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELATIONSHIPS OF SOME BIOMOLECULES: DNA, PROTEINS, GLYCOPROTEINS. THE RELIABLE AND PRECISE NANOMANIPULATIONS WILL RENDER POSSIBLE THE SINGLE RECEPTOR RECOGNITION AND MONITORING THE RECEPTOR BEHAVIOR ON LIVING CELL SURFACE, AND THE DIRECT INVESTIGATIONS OF THE LIGAND-RECEPTOR INTERACTIONS BOTH IN VIVO AND IN VITRO. OUR NANOMANIPULATION SYSTEM WILL BE ALSO USED FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION AND ASSEMBLY OF NANOSTRUCTURES: FUNCTIONALIZED SILICATE MICROSPHERES AND GOLD NANOPARTICLES. IN THIS PROJECT A SERIES OF BOTTOM-UP AND TOP-DOWN NANOSTRUCTURATION METHODS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO ALLOW THE CONTROL OVER SIZE, SHAPE AND GEOMETRY OF NANOPARTICLES. THREE-DIMENSIONAL NANOPARTICLE ARRAYS WILL REPRESENT THE FOUNDATION OF FUTURE OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC MATERIALS. A PROMISING WAY TO ASSEMBLE THEM IS THROUGH THE TRANSIENT PAIRINGS OF COMPLEMENTARY DNA STRANDS. DNA MEDIATED CRYSTALLIZATION APPROACH WILL FACILITATE BOTH THE CREATION OF NEW CLASSES OF ORDERED MULTICOMPONENT METAMATERIALS AND THE EXPLORATION OF THE PHASE BEHAVIOR OF HYBRID SYSTEMS WITH ADDRESSABLE INTERACTIONS. IN THE SAME TIME, THE MESOSCOPIC SCALE MODELING AND COMPUTER SIMULATIONS OF AFM-BASED NANOMANIPULATIONS WILL BE DONE.

Development of a highly sensitive and specific nanobiosensor based on surface enhanced spectroscopy dedicated to the in vitro protein detection and disease diagnosis Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-Franța (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-FR-2016-0053 2016 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); Université Paris 13, UFR Santé, Médecine et Biologie Humaine (FR)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Prezentul proiect îşi propune elaborarea unor nanoarhitecturi plasmonice originale prin asamblarea nanoparticulelor (NP) de aur în vederea detecției unor proteine relevante din punct de vedere biologic (biomarkers). Pentru a putea exploata la maxim potențialul spectroscopiei SERS (Surface-Enahnced Raman Scattering) și atinge nivele extrem de ridicate de sensibilitate vom crea în mod reproductibil și deterministic o rețea de zone nanometrice cu factor de amplificare extrem de ridicat (“hot-spot”-uri) care condiționează maximizarea efectului SERS. Pentru aceasta vom realiza un cuplaj electromagntic între două categorii de NP, prima categorie fiind prefixată pe substratul solid prin nanolitografie în timp ce a doua este în soluție fiind preparată prin sinteză chimică. În fapt, prin funcționalizarea acestora cu bioreceptori specifici pentru recunoașterea analitului (biomarker-ului) detecția se va localiza în volumul restrâns al “hot-spot”-urilor asigurând astfel senzitivitate foarte ridicată. Vom folosi spectrul vibrațional SERS al analitului ca “amprentă” de indentificare moleculară și spectrul de rezonanță plasmonică LSPR (Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance) a substratului ca indicator calitativ al prezenței analitului.

Spectrally selective enhancement and directionality of spontaneous emission in anisotropic plasmo-photonic nanostructures Call name: Programul de actiuni Integrate Romania-Franta (bilaterale)
PN-II-CT-RO-FR-2014-2-0052 2014 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, CNRS UPR8641 (FR)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The bilateral StEPhAN project proposes to design, manufacture and investigate some noble metal nanostructures with anisotropic morphology, and study their effect on the spontaneous emission of nearby fluorophores. We expect to highlight some fundamentally relevant phenomena related to the modulation of fluorescence properties (selective spectral amplification, polarization and directionality control, change of lifetime of the excited state) owing to anisotropic plasmonic effects of the nanostructures. These latter will be designed such as to exhibit an anisotropic optical response, with distinct surface plasmon modes selectively excited by controlling the polarization of the incident light. Both the fabricated structures and the proposed studies offer opportunities to acquire new fundamental knowledge on processes of plasmon enhanced fluorescence, knowledge that may lead to the development of sensing applications based on molecular fluorescence with utility in bio-chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, or food safety. Moreover, we anticipate that fundamental understanding of emission enhancement and surface plasmon interactions in linear micro/nanostructures can be of considerable importance for the development of new nanophotonic devices such as plasmonic waveguides or switches. The complementary infrastructure and expertise of the two teams will contribute to developing the skills of the young researchers (5 out of 8 members, under 35 years) involved in the project.

Microfluidic platform for integrated plasmonic detection Call name: Programul de actiuni Integrate Romania-Franta (bilaterale)
PN-II-CT-RO-FR-2014-2-0049 2014 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Physics (LIPhy) (FR)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The project "Microfluidic platform for integrated plasmonic detection" is a highly interdisciplinary project situated at the interface between nanotechnology, microtechnology and biomedical research. In this project we introduce a new concept of biosensing by combining the unique properties of noble-metal nanostructures with the advantages of conducting biomedical research in fluidic channels with at least one dimension on the microscale. The originality of the sensor lies in the integration of optimized plasmonic substrate in a microfluidic circuit to allow miniaturization, portability, and minimizing of the analysis time. The project is strongly motivated by the permanent need of miniaturization, portability and high accuracy of clinical diagnostic. Therefore, the nanobiosensors will be designed to detect very low concentrations of biomarkers in a minimum controlled volume of sample collected from simulated biological fluids (protein or antibody solutions, etc). Specifically, multiple abilities of molecular sensing offered by noble-metal nanoparticles from Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) to Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) will be firstly tested with relevant analytes and biomarkers in reference samples and the results will be transferred and integrated into a microfluidic device. In such a way our project becomes highly promising for future development of new plasmonic–based microfluidic biochips for point-of-care (POC) assays.

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