BrainMap

Szilard Fejer

Dr

Senior researcher - FUNDATIA PROVITAM

Other affiliations

senior researcher - AB INITIO RESEARCH SERVICES S.R.L.-D. (Romania)

head of laboratory - PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (Romania)

Researcher | Scientific reviewer | Entrepreneur | Manager

Web of Science ResearcherID: F-1977-2011

Curriculum Vitae (13/10/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Computational design of self-assembling supramolecular motors and quasicrystals Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1018 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: FUNDATIA PROVITAM

Project partners: FUNDATIA PROVITAM (RO)

Affiliation: FUNDATIA PROVITAM (RO)

Project website: https://szilard.ro/motoquasi

Abstract:

The field of nanotechnology transformed virtually every aspect of our lives during the last few decades. As researchers gradually understood the structural basis of complex biological processes, the need arose to rationally design artificial structures on the nanoscale that can mimic some of such processes, or interfere with them at the molecular/supramolecular level.

The present proposal aims to create new models of colloidal building blocks that can self-assemble into functional structures at this length scale. We will modify a coarse-grained model of charged rigid particles, having only ionic and excluded volume repulsive interactions, originally developed in my group for self-assembling tetravalent Goldberg hollow shells. By exploiting the observation that large-scale cooperative rearrangements between competing structures in model hollow shells have in fact very simple energetic profiles, novel colloidal motor designs will be developed, which will be able to transform external energy input into directional rotational motion. The second model to be created is for colloidal building blocks that form two-dimensional quasicrystals. Such structures are predicted to have very interesting optical properties, and can be exploited for many photonic applications. It is extremely difficult to experimentally create motors or quasicrystals from colloidal building blocks. The computational models developed in this project can guide experiments by specifying the minimal conditions for building blocks in order to be able to spontaneously form functional structures on the colloidal length scale.

Raman based demonstrator for glycated protein quantification in diabetes screening Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3268 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: http://phys.ubbcluj.ro/~nicolae.leopold/pages/diascreen.htm

Abstract:

We aim to develop and validate in an accredited laboratory an experimental demonstrator based on label-free Raman scattering and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the accurate detection of glycated protein (e.g. albumin and hemoglobin) concentrations from blood. This can become a cost-effective alternative to standard clinical laboratory methods. The coordinator’s research team (Babeș-Bolyai University) demonstrated recently in several publications the possibility to use Raman and SERS spectra of biofluids, in conjunction with robust statistical methods, for medical diagnosis purposes. Moreover, in their recent cover paper publication (Stefancu et al, Analyst 143, 2018, 5372) they showed the possibility to selectively detect albumin from a complex biofluid by SERS, down to concentrations of 3 µg/mL, by using surface modified silver nanoparticles. The Pro-Vitam Ltd., clinical laboratory project partner, will not only collect the blood samples, but also will contribute with their medical know-how and research expertise to the success of the project. The coordinator of the project partner is a valuable researcher with PhD in chemistry obtained at the University of Cambridge. Thus, the outcome of this project will be an experimental demonstrator based on a portable Raman spectrometer, which can be easily operated in a clinical environment. Based on the Raman and SERS spectra of red blood cell lysis and blood serum, respectively and a validated statistical model, the demonstrator will be able to determine glycated protein concentrations in less than 10 minutes. Moreover, we aim to develop a statistical model based on the Raman and SERS spectra for classification of diabetic, pre-diabetic and normal blood samples. Therefore, the major economic impact of this demonstrator will be the implementation of a low-cost and easy-to-use Raman-based screening method for the early detection of diabetes.

Implementing a multiplex methodology for rapid testing of hepatic viruses Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2019-0226 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: PRO-VITAM S.R.L.

Project partners: PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO)

Affiliation: PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: https://szilard.ro/multihep

Abstract:

Hepatic viruses represent a major global health problem worldwide with more than 325 million people being chronically infected. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) induce chronic infections and liver pathology ranging from liver steatosis to cirrhosis. The standard of care for HCV has been recently upgraded with direct acting antivirals being approved for clinical use. The present treatment for HBV is able to control the viral infection, but it does not achieve the clearance of the viral genome. HBV/HDV coinfection determines the most serious form of hepatitis and there is no specific antiviral treatment. In Romania, there is a high prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfected people. Thus, the diagnosis of patients infected with hepatic viruses and their early access to treatment represents a public health priority. Rapid detection tests (RDTs) represent an efficient method to achieve that goal. The present project aims to develop a multiplex RDT for detection of anti-HCV, anti-HDV and HbSAg in patient sera. Our test will use the HDSAg as a capturing probe for anti-HDV antibodies. HCV and HDV antigens will be produced in a recombinant prokaryotic system. Using these antigens, a multiplexed RDT will be assembled and tested in the research laboratory and medical testing laboratory as a prototype.

Physico-chemical analyses, nanostructured materials and devices for application in the pharmaceutical sector in Romania Call name:
2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: PRO-VITAM S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: https://projects.infim.ro/AMD-FARMA-MED-RO/

Abstract:

Obiectivul acestui proiect în colaborare efectivă cu întreprinderea Pro-Vitam SRL (contract subsidiar de tip D în cadrul proiectului) este realizarea unor imunosenzori electrochimici bazați pe compozite de tipul polimerilor conjugați polidifenilaminei (PDPA) și poli 5-amino1-naftol (P5A1N) și derivati ai grafenei precum oxidul de grafena in stare redusa (RGO) si oxidul de grafena (GO) pentru detecția receptorului factorului de creștere epidermal și a receptorului hormonului de stimulare tiroidiană.

Coordination chemistry on the nanoscale: Computational design of supramolecular building blocks capable of highly specific, orientation-dependent interactions Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2016-1279 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: FUNDATIA PROVITAM

Project partners: FUNDATIA PROVITAM (RO)

Affiliation: FUNDATIA PROVITAM (RO)

Project website: https://szilard.ro/current-projects/

Abstract:

With the advent of modern synthetic methods of nano- and mesoscale building blocks, it is now possible to encode complex self-assembling behaviour in relatively simple particles. However, the parameter space available for experimentalists is huge: one has to tune the building block anisotropy, interaction anisotropies, range, type etc. Computational methods can add valuable insight into the rational design of such building blocks. Coarse-grained modelling of anisotropic interactions can guide experiments into regions of the parameter space relevant to the desired target self-assembled structure.

The present proposal aims to establish a new field for the self-assembly of nanoscale building blocks, through applying concepts from coordination chemistry into designs of nanoparticles, which will become capable of highly specific coordination to other nanoparticles. Although the concept of 'colloidal molecules' exists, experimental realizations are still in their infancy. In order to understand the behaviour of such building blocks, and to create the simplest possible models for them, we will be using and further developing state-of-the-art methods in energy landscape theory (global optimization within the rigid body framework, discrete path sampling and rigid body MD).

In the first stage, we aim to explore the minimal physics required for assembly of hollow cages formed by nanoscale analogues of MnL2n-type Goldberg polyhedra, which are experimentally realized by square planar coordinated transition metal complexes with nonlinear bidentate ligands. We propose that cages with the same symmetry can be obtained using a combination of excluded volume and Coulombic interactions, and we will investigate the dynamics of hollow shell formation and transition between competing structures.

The second stage involves the design of novel anisotropic nanoparticles capable of tetrahedral, planar and linear coordination, giving rise to mesoscale structures analogous to hydrocarbons.

Development of a rapid lateral flow test for detection of antibodies against Hepatitis C Virus in patient serum Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1695 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO)

Project website: http://www.hcv-lfa.com

Abstract:

Hepatitic C Virus represents a major global health problem worldwide. The standard of care has recently been profoundly improved with direct acting antivirals and interferon free regimes entering the clinical use. Thus, the diagnosis of HCV infected patients and their early access to treatment became a priority. Rapid detection tests (RDTs) may represent an efficient method to achieve that goal. The present project aims to develop an improved RDT for detection of anti-HCV antibodies in patient sera. Our test will introduce the soluble HCV E2 glycoprotein as an additional antigen to increase the test sensitivity. The HCVE2 will be produced in insect cells while the other HCV antigens will be produced in E coli cells. Using these antigens, a RDT will be assembled and tested in the research laboratory and medical testing laboratory as a prototype.

Creating a framework for modelling the hierarchical self-assembly of anisotropic building blocks Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1176 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: FUNDATIA PROVITAM

Project partners: FUNDATIA PROVITAM (RO)

Affiliation: FUNDATIA PROVITAM (RO)

Project website: http://szilard.ro/index.php/current-projects.html

Abstract:

Hierarchical self-assembly is one of the most promising tools in nanotechnology. In biological systems, such processes have been already perfected during evolution, and involve successive formation of building blocks from smaller units, which in turn self-assemble into larger structures in a hierarchical fashion (e.g. virus capsid proteins, keratin filaments, amyloid fibrils etc.).

Presently, computational modelling of assembly processes on the nanoscale is possible only with coarse-grained methods, chosen appropriately for the size of the system and the particular problem. However, hierarchical self-assembly often happens across multiple scales, and each layer of the process has to be modelled differently: molecular mechanics force fields for protein folding, united atom force fields for oligomerization, shape-based coarse-grained models (e.g. bead models) for successive assembly of protein oligomers. To this date, no framework exists supporting modelling such processes across length scales.

The aim of the project is to use the experience of the PI with modelling anisotropic building blocks using the rigid body framework, and extend the method to bridge the gap between the different length scales. The method will involve a hierarchical calculation of building block parameters, obtained from extensively studying the energy landscape of their components. This approach will be scale-independent, and will allow bottom-up design of novel complex structures on the nanoscale.

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