BrainMap

Mr. Mihai Mares

PhD Professor

Professor, Laboratory Head - UNIVERSITATEA PENTRU STIINŢELE VIEŢII "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" DIN IAŞI

Researcher | Teaching staff | PhD supervisor

Curriculum Vitae (13/05/2024)

Expertise & keywords

3D bio-inspired hybrid architectures for deep thickness skin repair and regeneration Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3003 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA PENTRU STIINŢELE VIEŢII "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" DIN IAŞI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://biohyskin.grant.umfiasi.ro/

Abstract:

Skin damages due to trauma, burns and skin diseases can compromise the vital skin functions (such as, thermoregulation, excretion, absorption, as well as physical and immunological barrier function), leading to morbidity and mortality of the patient. Especially for large skin defects, if they are not treated in an effective manner, a large amount of body fluids will be lost, which will seriously threaten the patients’ life. Creation of 3D scaffolds has to be correlated with involved stimuli or mediators and de novo tissue formation, including physical (topography, stiffness and mechanical stress) and biochemical factors (bioadhesive proteins, growth factors or drugs). The next generation of tissue engineered constructs need to be driven by a personal medicine approach and must integrate biological and physical properties for optimal skin reconstruction. In this context the main concept of the project is to design of new 3D bio-inspired hybrid architectures for deep thickness skin repair and regeneration, an area of growing interest for personalized medicine and health technology. The project will provide bioactive skin-mimicking architectures and compositions starting from polymeric mixtures, hydrogels and complex 3D structures. The proposed hybrid materials have potential clinical application as artificial/bioartificial materials and can be loaded with biological agents, which are released in specific environment. Initian TRL level correspond to the level TRL2 (technology concept formulated) and at the end level TRL4 (3D hybrid bioscaffold is demonstrated in defined conditions for regenerative medicine). Objectives of the project: to prepare and evaluate the 3D biomimetic scaffolds able to respond to biological stimuli (scientific impact); Sustainable technology for 3D hybrid scaffolds (technological impact); new therapy based on in vitro and in vivo tests (economic impact); Qualification of human resources by stimulation of professional training (social impact).

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor in bovine cutaneous tumors induce by papillomaviruses. Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0040 2021 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA PENTRU STIINŢELE VIEŢII "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" DIN IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA PENTRU STIINŢELE VIEŢII "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" DIN IAŞI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA PENTRU STIINŢELE VIEŢII "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" DIN IAŞI (RO)

Project website: https://www.uaiasi.ro/PD/PD-50_2020/

Abstract:

Papillomaviruses are small oncogenic DNA, able to infect humans, as well as many species of wild and domestic animals, causing cutaneous and mucosal hyperproliferative lesions, which under the influence of favoring factors may suffer malign transformation. Since the bovine papillomavirus constituted a useful animal model in elucidating the pathogenic and oncogenic mechanisms underlying the cancer development, especially the cervical cancer in women, this research aims to perform an analysis by molecular biology techniques (IHC, PCR assay, zymography, Western Blot) of the matrix metalloproteinase enzyme family, their inhibitors and vascular endothelial factor in bovine cutaneous tumors induced by papillomaviruses. This approach of the metalloproteinases in the context of species specific type of papillomavirus-induced tumors has a very original character, since in the literature there are no studies regarding their expression in bovine epithelial tumors. Additionally, a significant impact of this research topic consists in the fact that we preview detection of the overexpression of the MMPs, TIMPs and VEGF. The knowledge of expression of examined MMPs, TIMPs and VEGF would allow us to better understand the etiopathogenetic mechanism(s) responsible for progression and promotion to bovine fibropapillomas, bovine urothelial tumors and equine sarcoid, all induced by Bovine Papillomaviruses. Cattle affected by urothelial tumors and cutaneous fibropapillomas as well as sarcoid affected equids could be of value to investigate new therapeutic strategies useful in comparative pathology. Therefore, a profound knowledge of this proteolytic system may lead to the development of new strategies for inhibition of MMPs in papillomavirus-induced epithelial neoplasms.

Plant-derived products with putative use in onychomycosis: combinatorial and nano-based strategies Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1894 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI (RO)

Project website: https://plantsynan.grant.umfiasi.ro/

Abstract:

Onychomycosis are fungal infections of the finger or toenails, mainly caused by fungi of genera Trichophyton, with T. rubrum being the main etiological agent in 60-70 % of the cases. Onychomycosis is among the most common nail disorders in adults, accounting for 15–40% of all nail diseases and the incidence increases for elderly patients and those with comorbid medical conditions. Onychomycosis is often intractable, and relapses occur frequently after cessation of the antifungal therapy due to poor adherence to long-term treatment regimens and to development of antifungal resistance mechanisms. Current available therapies consist of oral and topical allylamines, azoles, benzoxaboroles, ciclopirox, and amorolfine. Among them, terbinafine is a synthetic allylamine derivative that is widely used, both orally and topically. However, oral use of terbinafine is hampered by several side effects such as gastrointestinal complaints, headache, hepatotoxicity, and cutaneous allergic reactions (rash and itching). Nail solutions and sprays with terbinafine have been also investigated as topical agents in onychomycosis, but showed poor nail penetration and low efficacy. The project aims at identifying natural products which could improve the antidermatophytic activity of terbinafine when administered in combination, with putative use in the treatment of onychomycosis. Combinatory effects of terbinafine and essential oils of selected spices (cumin, clove, cinnamon, laurel, black pepper and their main constituents: carvone, eugenole, cinnamaldehyde, β-pinene, limonene) on viability of Tricophyton rubrum (standard strains and clinical isolates) will be assessed. Putative synergistic antifungal effects will be determined; further, enhancement of terbinafine as topical antifungal will be done by development of nanoformulations which include its synergistic combinations (either with essential oils or their main constituents) with potential use in topical therapy of onychomycosis.

3D Advanced smart magnetic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and regeneration Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4524 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" (RO)

Project website: https://3dsmartmagtiss.grant.umfiasi.ro

Abstract:

Current clinical treatments used for large bone defects are challenging despite the natural capacity of bone for healing. For critical injuries (critical size defect) it is required invasive surgical intervention to aid bone regeneration. Creating of 3D scaffold with controlled internal architecture have to be correlated with multiple stimuli, contributors or mediators of bone regeneration and de novo tissue formation, including physical and biochemical factors. The next generation of scaffolds and tissue engineered constructs need to be driven by a personal medicine approach and must integrate a range of biological and physical properties for optimal bone regeneration. In this context the main concept of the project is to optimize and scale-up the magnetic scaffolds obtained via biomimetic methods as alternative for actual regenerative medicine for bone repair. The new therapy involves the use of magnetic scaffolds as a stimuli-responsive matrix (biological signals, presence of growth factors, drugs or other bio-agents). The complex 3D system proposed in project has potential clinical application as bone graft materials to fill the void obtained after the surgicals. Incorporating superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into 3D scaffolds they are sensitive to magnetic field and can be loaded with biological agents and release them as a response to physical stimulus. The objectives of the project are: to evaluate the 3D biomimetic scaffolds able to respond to biological and physical stimuli as osteoiductive and osteoconductive matrix (scientific impact); improve the technology for a magnetic osteoinductive scaffold (technological impact); therapy based on tests which simulate the applicative condition (economical impact, transfer from TRL3 to TRL4); Increasing the qualification of human resources by stimulation of professional training on the new advanced therapies (social impact).

Magnetic biomimetic scaffods as alternative strategy for bone tissue repair and engineering Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2287 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GR. TH. POPA"

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GR. TH. POPA" (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" (RO); VODIMEDICOR S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" (RO)

Project website: http://www.umfiasi.ro/Cercetare/sr/Projects/Pages/132.aspx

Abstract:

Strategies for developing of new alternative therapies are necessary due to the complications and limitations associated with the current bone grafts substitutes. The using of biodegradable scaffolds in tissue engineering is constantly increasing since such biomaterials have become fundamental tools to help the body rebuild damaged or diseased tissues. The benefit of using a biodegradable scaffold consists in the capacity of the tissue to completely heal itself without remaining foreign entities. In some cases, the drug pre-loading techniques reduce the delivery of localized, controllable and long-term biochemical stimuli, thus impairing the tissue regeneration potential in the scaffold. Additional, in some diseases with degeneration risk (bone tumours) after bone tumour resection, only few available bone reconstruction and substitution material can be used as chemotherapeutics carriers. Therefore, it is impetuous to find multifunctional bone reconstructive scaffolds for bone tumour therapy. In this context the main concept of the project is to develop magnetic scaffolds via biomimetic methods as alternative for actual regenerative medicine for bone repair. The new therapy involves the use of magnetic scaffolds as guiding matrix for circulator magnetic nanoparticles which are functionalized with growth factors, drugs or other bio-agents. Once in the magnetic scaffold, the magnetic carriers successively release the bio-agents that they are transporting, so that the bio-agents can be taken up by the tissue during the regeneration process. The released bio-agents have indisputable roles in the facilitation of osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and subsequent bone formation and regulation. Additional, chemotherapeutical drugs can be loaded and targeted to the magnetic scaffold via magnetic field.The general objectives of the project are: (G1) Development of high added value in bone scaffolding (magnetic biomimetic composites as guiding matrix for osteoiductive bio-actives and chemical agents, with natural bone – like morphology and properties) (scientific impact); (G2) Promoting of a manufacturing technology for a magnetic osteoinductive scaffold that will be subsequently used as bone substitute (technological impact); (G3) Increasing the competitiveness and creativeness by stimulation of the young researchers in conceptual thought and their training in methods of scientific and technological research (long-term educational impact); (G4)The development of new therapy based on solutions that integrate materials engineering and biological processes and medical approach (economical impact); (G5) Increasing the qualification of human resources by stimulation of professional training on the new advanced therapies, bio-inspired technologies, bio-characterization, biomaterials processing and analysis of new advanced medical devices (social impact).

The MAGBIOTISS consortium comprises 5 partners from 3 different domains (academic, university, 1 partner from industry medium) which have agreed to launch in this project. Furthermore, the partnership reflects a combination of fundamental and applicative research as practiced in academia and of pragmatic engineering technology and new therapy development as represented by the industrial partner. Since MAGBIOTISS is strongly connected to health – new therapies - regenerative medicine and novel therapies based on medical devices (new magnetic guiding scaffolds), it is anticipated that MAGBIOTISS will contribute to growth in modern therapies by direct or indirect effects via developing the following activities: - Methods and protocols for testing of new magnetic biomimetic scaffolds and scientific data to support this methodology. - Strategies for new therapeutic applications and prototypes/examples of guiding scaffolds for the safe regeneration of the bone. - Development and safe production of the new bioactive-loaded magnetic scaffolds.

Preclinical evaluation of innovative therapies for management of the burn wounds Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0906 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE GRIGORE T POPA IASI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE GRIGORE T POPA IASI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE GRIGORE T POPA IASI (RO)

Project website: http://www.umfiasi.ro/Cercetare/sr/Projects/Pages/274.aspx

Abstract:

The contamination and infection of the burn wound, and especially the sepsis, by delaying the healing process, remain the most serious complications in the burn trauma management. The goal of the project is the preclinical evaluation of innovative therapies for the topical treatment of burn wounds in which an antimicrobial agent is associated with a promoter of healing in original formulations. Through innovative and original approach new sulfonamides that have attached structures with known antimicrobial (azetidin-2-one) and healing (arginine, allantoine) properties will be designed. After synthesis and confirmation of the structure through spectral methods (UV, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, MS) the toxicity degree, the antimicrobial (on Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria strains) and healing (on animal burn wound model) tests will be performed. Simultaneously hydrogels based on chitosan and hyaluronic acid will be developed and their chemical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological characteristics will be established. Finally, the most active designed compounds will be included into biopolymer hydrogels in original formulations. These new therapeutically systems will be studied in terms of the kinetic parameters of topical delivery of the active substances and of the healing potential. We expect that this new innovative formulations will solve both the problem of bacterial infection and will also hasten the healing process favoring rapid full coverage and the recovery of the patient.

Evaluation of the antifungal effect of nano conjugates of a new propiconazole derivative with beta-cyclodextrin Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2010 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2010-0159 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD DIN IASI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD DIN IASI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD DIN IASI (RO)

Project website: http://www.uaiasi.ro/PN_2/MXP4509/index.php?lang=ro&pagina=pagini/home.html

Abstract:

The proposed project is focusing the assessment of the antifungic effect of the inclusion complex of the propiconazole derivative and beta-cyclodextrin, determining the activity spectrum of the obtained nanoconjugates on clinical isolated fungi.

The activities performed within the project will successively determine the assessment of the in vitro antifungic effect of the propiconazole derivative both on type strains and clinical strains, in vivo assessment on experimental models and dissemination of results.

The experimental design will use testing standardized methods (eucast de.7.1, eucast def.9.1) that will provide reproducible results, allowing ulterior implementation in medical-pharmaceutical practice of the active substance.

The trials will be performed on a large variety of fungal species involved in current and emergent infectious pathology, on human and animals. Will be tested taxons belonging to candida, cryptococcus, malassezia, trichosporon, aspergillus, fusarium, scedosporium, absidia, rhizopus, epidermophyton, microsporum, trichophyton genera, which are dominating the etiological spectrum of mycosis in the last decade.

To establish the activity spectrum of the active substance, in vitro tests will be performed on levuriform and filamentous fungi strains isolated from superficial mycosis (of the skin and mucous membranes) and systemic (fungemias, profound infections), on human and animals. In vivo tests on murine experimental models with disseminated mycosis and fungi biofilms will determine the reduction degree of the fungic burden per gram of tissue, survival rate and decrease of the cfu number in biofilm after the therapy with nanoconjugates of the new antifungic substance.

Study concerning the molecular diagnosis of microbial induced infertility Call name:
CNCSIS 62/2007 2007 - 2009

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI ()

Project website:

Abstract:

The substitution of the synthetic food additives with bioactive components extracted from natural renewable resources Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-Moldova (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-MD-2016-0133 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); Universitatea Tehnică a Moldovei (MD); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Problema alimentelor funcţionale cu componente bioactive de origine naturală este mai mult decât actuală pentru industria alimentară. Activitatea antiradicalică şi antimicrobiană a extractelor vegetale, bogate în polifenoli, reprezintă o sursă promiţătoare de soluţii alternative pentru utilizarea lor în scopul substituirii anumitor conservanţi alimentari de origine sintetică. Prezenţa antioxidanţilor naturali poate preveni apariţia unor boli legate de stresul oxidativ, prezentând efecte generale de protecţie şi ameliorare a sănătăţii. Obiectivul general al prezentului proiect constã în valorificarea complexă a resurselor şi deşeurilor agricole în scopul realizării unor produse sanogene, îmbogăţite cu antioxidanţi, substanţe cu molecule sensibile al cãror efect biologic poate fi afectat atât de condiţiile de fabricaţie şi păstrare a alimentelor, cât şi de cele din tractul gastro-intestinal. Rezultatele cercetărilor vor contribui la producerea unor alimente funcţionale, capabile sã diminueze impactul stresului oxidativ şi alergiilor nutriţionale, contribuind la integrarea conceptului de alimentaţie sanogenă şi la sporirea competitivităţii întreprinderilor locale. Proiectul înglobează şi importante aspecte educaţionale. Astfel, cercetătorii şi doctoranzii implicaţi în realizarea prezentului proiect, îşi vor antrena şi perfecţiona aptitudinile şi competenţele profesionale, proiectul propus vizând şi îmbunătăţirea calitãţii ştiinţifice a resursei umane.

Synthesis and in vitro/in vivo assessmnet of new conjugates with antimicrobial activity Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-Moldova (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-MD-2016-0110 2016 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); Institutul de Chimie al Academiei de Științe a Moldovei (MD)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Propunerea de proiect se axeaza pe o cercetare interdisciplinara prioritara a nanomedicinei: nanosisteme de transport cu eliberare controlata de medicamente, incadrandu-se in prioritatile tematice ale programelor PN III si Orizont 2020. Obiectivul strategic al acestui proiect este de a dezvolta o colaborare stiintifica intre parteneri din diferite tari cu competente complementare, care sa creeze premisele recunoasterii si integrarii colectivelor in proiecte internationale. Proiectul isi propune instruirea si perfectionarea tinerilor cercetatori, eficientizarea schimbului de experienta intre parteneri, cresterea transparentei si credibilitatii in fata partenerilor internationali prin implicare in propunerile de proiecte europene. Prezentul proiect are trei obiective stiintifice majore: (i) sinteza, caracterizarea fizico-chimica si testarea in vitro si in vivo de noi compusi mic moleculari cu activitate antimicrobiana (derivaţi ai oxindolului, oxadiazolului, triazolului, tiazolidinelor); (ii) sinteza, caracterizarea fizico-chimica si testarea in vitro si in vivo a complecsilor de incluziune pe baza de ciclodextrine adecvat functionalizate si compusi mic moleculari sinteti in cadrul obiectivului (i), pentru a obtine sisteme de transport si eliberare controlata de medicamente; (iii) valorificarea rezultatelor prin prezentarea la manifestari stiintifice,vpublicarea in reviste cotate ISI si pregatirea de proiecte stiintifice pentru competitii lansate in Programul Orizont 2020.

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