BrainMap

Raul Alin Bucur

- INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Researcher

Expertise & keywords

From electroconductive smart ink to electronic self-disinfecting surfaces Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2541 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.newmaterials.ro

Abstract:

The presence of septic surfaces in hospitals, buses and other public spaces can lead to infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria and is an ongoing public health problem. Therefore, this project aims to obtain and validate self-adhesive, elastic and complex membranes with variable self-disinfecting properties.

An important objective of this project is to retain in the country the researchers from the Diaspora and the engagement of the PhD students with a young dynamic team. The application proposed through this project continues the previous studies carried out over seven years that led to the development of electroconductive inks based on functionalized silver nanowires, prepared today for the technological transfer stage.

The inks developed by the “Electroconductive Smart Ink” team within the “Innovation Labs” program allowed the fabrication during this year of several demonstrators with unique applications in the paint, electronics and sensor industries as well as the publication of the scientific results in prestigious journals.

Composites of natural materials and hydroxyapatite for enhanced biomass growth in biofilters Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-2116 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://bioreactoare-scoici.incemc.ro

Abstract:

Quality drinking water is a desire of the modern world and therefore the purpose of extensive research. Chlorination is the last step in the treatment of drinking water, leading to a disinfected, quality product. The positive effect of disinfection is unfortunately doubled by the formation of reaction by-products (DBPs) that are often carcinogenic and harmful. A solution for reducing the amount of DBP is represented by the decrease in the concentration of dissolved organic carbon, which leads to a lower concentration of chlorinated carcinogenic compounds in drinking water. The use of biofiltration before chlorination is a solution both for reducing the concentration of carcinogenic chlorinated compounds and for adsorption/absorption of pesticides from water and heavy metal ions, depending on the biofilter construction.

A major problem of biofilters is their sensitivity to environmental factors such as water temperature and composition, the slow rate of development of the bacterial biofilm that consumes dissolved organic compounds (COD), and the relatively low flow of purified water.

In this project, with a multidisciplinary team, young and experienced, we propose the synthesis of a new type of substrate for biofilters. It is based on natural materials such as shells that have a large specific surface area, modified with hydroxyapatite to increase the growth rate of the biofilm due to the phosphorus contribution. Due to the special two-dimensional shape of the shells, their superstructure at the microscopic level and the open pores, the constructed biofilters will have a low-pressure drop. Furthermore, the value of the empty bed contact time (EBCT) parameter will be strongly increased compared to the substrates currently used, increasing the efficiency of biofiltration.

Development of advanced platforms for the analysis and modeling of complex biological systems Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0046 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: https://www.incemc.ro/index.php?page=AZ/PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0046.html

Abstract:

The complex project 'Development of advanced platforms for the analysis and modeling of complex biological systems' (TEHNOBIOSIST) coordinated by INCEMC Timisoara, in collaboration with IBAR Bucuresti, USAMV Cluj-Napoca and ICCF Bucuresti consists of 3 projects with the following objectives: 1. designing and functionalization of a bioanalytical platform in multiplex system for microfluidics-mass spectrometry coupling and its applications in modern glycoproteomics; 2. development of proteomic methods employing microfluidic and bioinformatic technologies for pharmacological assays; 3. implementation of these advanced systems for authenticity and quality assessment of Romanian vegetal oils.

The platforms designed within TEHNOBIOSIST will provide a major technical-economical and bioeconomical input derived from: i) complete automatization; ii) reducing the working time, sample consumption and analysis costs; iii) increase in the reproducibility, sensitivity of the experiment and accuracy of generated data; iv) development and updating of the existing databases with the newly identified biomarkers.

By the foreseen results, TEHNOBIOSIST has a marked bioeconomical impact: innovation in the analytical field which will enhance a thorough study of complex biological systems; hiring of young researchers; reorganization of R&D national system on modern and high performance bases; innovation, development and upgrading of the research infrastructure existing at the institutions involved in the project and last, but not least, providing (after patenting/publication) the pharmaceutical companies, the analytical system producers, bioclinical laboratories and the economical agents in charge with the control of food product quality with new and efficient techniques, optimized for a broad range of analyses and of new scientific results based on which they can focus their activity, their own research and production in the sense of improving the quality of life and products in Romania.

DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIPLE AND SELECTIVE SENSOR FOR DETECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES EXPLOSIVES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0474 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); Academia Tehnica Militara (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); MIRA TELECOM S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://sensorex.incemc.ro/

Abstract:

Globalization of terrorism became a reality that can not be disputed, a threat to national and international security and, thus, a phenomenon under the responsibility of the entire international community. Terrorist threat, theatres of operations with explosive traps everywhere, with the possibility of using biological weapons of various viruses, drugs, etc are a constant threat to the civilian population, unwittingly victim of varied interests. It is an ongoing concern of many laboratories in the world to detect traces of explosives in the atmosphere, in order to minimize the risks arising from them. To avoid or prevent serious incidents that could endanger people's lives, EU adopted new security rules. These rules apply to security checkpoints at airports, the senior public institutions, in the cultural and artistic events with massive participation, etc. However, there are situations in which all efforts to prevent terrorist acts are not sufficiently effective, creating holes that are exploited by potential attackers. Therefore, rapid detection of explosive compounds is of great interest given the need to prevent any human casualties and material damages caused by their use in different ways and for destructive purposes. The principle SENSOREX will bring an additional performance in the field of detection devices for dangerous substances with the low response time, high specificity, greater functionality and last but not least a low production price. Practical relevance of the project subject is to develop innovative products and manufacturing processes that underlie the development of sensitive, selective, reliable and low cost sensors detection of explosives. Appearance is very important from the perspective of efficient procedures for prevention of terrorism threats by using them in areas where existing equipment besides being very expensive, are almost impossible to use due to ergonomic aspects, reducing processing time suspicious persons and packages various strategic points and last but not least reduce additional costs. The main objective of SENSOREX project is to develop through this national partnership, a sensor with high sensitivity detection of explosives traces . Implementation status of this sensitive platform will be a sensor – demonstrator model tested and calibrated with low response time, high sensitivity and specificity, easy to use and interpreted by a non-specialist user and not least a low cost. Progresses that SENSOREX project brings through its results are: innovative methodologies for obtaining titanium dioxide films and molecularly imprinted polymers; creating scientific premises for serial production of a device with high sensitivity to reduce the most important barriers to personal and group security; final product of the project, sensor – demonstrator model, by its future implementation in production strategy of the private company, partner in this project, it will cover a hole on external and internal market of the profile products.

Interactomics of galactosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix by advanced mass spectrometry Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0191 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA AUREL VLAICU ARAD

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA AUREL VLAICU ARAD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); CROMATEC PLUS SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://uav.ro/ro/cercetare/proiecte-in-desfasurare/pn-ii-pt-pcca-2013-4-0191

Abstract:

Proteoglycans are heavily glycosylated proteins, covalently linked to one or more glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains, which are abundantly expressed in the extracellular matrix. At this level, proteoglycans play a key biological role, being implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. There are strong evidences that chondroitin/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) type of GAGs regulate angiogenesis and melanoma cell invasion and proliferation, most probably through their functional interactions. Among proteoglycans, biglycan is one of the most intriguing and highly versatile species being equipped with recognition markers both on the two encompassed CS/DS chains and on the protein moiety. Unlike the case of heparin and heparan sulfate type of GAGs, recognized as interacting with fibroblast growth factors (FGF), much less is known on the potentially active domains of CS/DS and almost nothing for the case of biglycan-derived chains. Moreover, the knowledge on the nature of FGF-2 binding domain within CS/DS, the core protein from which the interacting CS/DS derive and of the bound sequence in FGF-2 is at present solely at the level of speculation.

In view of this state-of-art, within ANCS/UEFISCDI PCCA 2013 call, priority field 4 Health, thematic area 4.1.3 Investigation and Intervention Methods Based on Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Genomics and Proteomics we proposed here a transdisciplinary project connecting molecular medicine, glycomics, glycoproteomics, advanced high resolution and microfluidics-based electrospray (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS), nanotechnology and bioinformatics for the determination of functional GAG interactomics. Within the project, biglycan released CS/DS chains will be depolymerized using specific lyases and subsequently purified. The resulting oligosaccharide mixture will be thoroughly characterized by advanced MS techniques in terms of epimerization, repeating dissacharide structure and sulfation pattern i.e. number of sulfate groups and their precise location along the chain and within the sugar ring. The CS/DS mixture will be subjected to noncovalent interactions with FGF-2. The interaction dynamics and the formed noncovalent complexes will be assessed by two high performance MS methods to be used complementarily: fully automated chip-based nanoESI high capacity ion trap (HCT) MS and a high resolution instrument, quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) MS. The structural analysis of the formed complexes will be achieved by top-down complex fragmentation by collision-induced dissociations (CID) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD). Data on the structure and sulfation pattern of the bound CS/DS motifs as well as of the protein sequence participating in the interaction will be collected. To enhance the ionization of the intact complexes a novel nanoESI ion source will be developed and applied within the project life-time to CS/DS, FGF-2 and CS/DS-FGF-2 complex analysis. The bioinformatics tools, including a novel computer software for automatic assignment of CS/DS and CS/DS-FGF-2 mass spectra and a database of all structures and active domains identified, will complete the analytical platform developed in the present project.

From the practical point of view the project contribution to the field progress resides in the introduction of original concepts and innovative approaches in GAG interactomics, which are adaptable also to other carbohydrate categories and relevant to various studies in molecular medicine. Further refinement of the methodologies conceived and optimized here, for routine applicability in early diagnosis of malignant transformations as well as for development of drugs able to inhibit detrimental carbohydrate-protein interactions, are clearly envisaged.

New fabrication concept of silver nanowire/polyaniline transparent, conductive and flexible electrodes for solar cells Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2012 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2012-4-0398 2013 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "POLITEHNICA" DIN TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "POLITEHNICA" DIN TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA "POLITEHNICA" DIN TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://www.chim.upt.ro/ro/cercetare/proiecte-de-cercetare/147-pn-ii-id-pce-2012-4-0398

Abstract:

A great challenge in the actual research of solar-to-electricity conversion is the construction of flexible solar cells. Although indium tin oxide (ITO) deposited on plastic is traditionally used for organic solar cells and light emitting diodes, solutions are searched to replace the ITO layer and to manufacture cheap transparent conducting electrodes. Silver nanowires (AgNW) are a promising candidate to replace ITO due to their high electric conductivity and corrosion resistance, but there is still the issue of increased resistance on wire contacts. The aim of the project is to develop transparent, conductive and flexible electrodes for solar cells based on silver nanowire/polyaniline hybrid materials and to offer a new technical solution to decrease the sheet resistance of the silver nanowires embedded in the polymer matrix.

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