BrainMap

Mrs. Tatiana Tozar

Established Researcher

Established Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Other affiliations

Recognised Researcher at ELI-NP - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (Romania)

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Accomplished researcher with significant expertise in laser and radiation physics, focusing on developing antimicrobial and cancer treatment platforms. Proven ability to lead complex research projects, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and disseminate findings through publications and conferences.

Web of Science ResearcherID: P-3856-2019

Expertise & keywords

Physical encryption and compactization of data via optical Fourier transform Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1939 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://phycod.sol.inflpr.ro/

Abstract:

The encoding of data may be used for secrecy and/or compactization. It is useful in military applications, in security and any circumstance in which the content of the information is sensitive and the opportunities for data transmission are limited, such as satellite communication. Mathematical transforms such as Hadamard or, to a less extent, Fourier, if they are applied to input data having a high degree of redundancy, turn the input into encrypted data with many empty spaces. Redundancy is converted into sparsity. The Fourier transform has the advantage that can be performed physically easy as diffraction on a lens for instance. In optical processing of information encryption of data, especially in the 4f configuration, is done for some time. With the advent of digital phase shift holography significant progress has been made in the field in terms of convenience and complexity. In scientific literature there are a number of theoretical and experimental techniques which share some but not all of the following aspects: encryption of data, compactization of data, physical realization, digital recording, phase shift interferometry, holography. We propose an original experimental technique which combines the advantages of all these aspects. Input data which may be presented as a transmission or a reflection mask will be recorded via means of phase shift digital holography as an encrypted and compressed file. As a secondary direction of research, we propose the reciprocal, the use of the recursive algorithm for the creation of diffractive optical elements for encryption and compactization of data. One may force the encrypted data to take the form of a known, compact amplitude distribution and an additional phase factor. In this case the data is encrypted numerically, not physically, but it can be decrypted physically using a phase spatial light modulator.

Demonstration experimental system for water treatment based on singlet oxygen micro-nanobubbles Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4771 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://sol.inflpr.ro/projects/in-progress/ped456

Abstract:

Due to global climate changes and industry continuously growing, water pollution became an imperative issue and sustained research efforts are to be made in order to solve it by finding cost effective and low power consumption techniques for water decontamination.

The current project objective is to develop and test a demonstration experimental system for water decontamination based on the action of micro-nanobubbles containing reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen. The micro-nanobubbles include singlet oxygen and are generated by a photoactivated porous membranes containing photosenzitizers (PS) functionalised carbon nanotubes and TiO2 nanoparticles.

Membrane will be illuminated by visible light radiation in order to activate PS which will transfer the energy to oxygen molecules present in a gas flow which is passing through. Another dezexcitation channel is the transfer of energy to TiO2 nanoparticles which can generate radicals with strong oxidation capacity such as OH•.

The singlet oxygen is formed in the gas flow and is ejected into bubbles in the liquid. The main advantage of the singlet oxygen action from bubbles is the long lifetime (ms) in gas for this excited species. In this way the oxygen can be transported longer distance in water and acts further from the source. Ultrasounds will be used in order to help formation of ultrafine bubbles which will be more stable and last longer.

To reach the project aim, specific objectives will be followed: optimisation of photophysical membrane parameters; bubble generator testing and finding proper parameters; finding the functionality and critical parameters for developed system in assembly; validate the model on polluted water samples, evaluation of efficiency against bacterial contaminants.

Laser-based device for microplastics detection in water Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-1264 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://sol.inflpr.ro/projects/in-progress/ped465

Abstract:

One major side effect of nowadays abundance of plastic products is microplastic pollution, where small size polymer particles of diverse origins enter the environment, only part of them being removed by the wastewater treatment plants.

Despite the differences that exist at this point about the definition of microplastic particles, if considering only their sizes, elements smaller than 5 mm in diameter with no lower limit are considered. They constitute a wide range of chemically complex materials, often with additives and fillers influencing properties such as color, density, durability. This diversity in properties and wide particle size range means that as a group of analytes, they are challenging to efficiently detect and identify in complex environmental matrices, especially when nanometric range dimensions are involved.

This project proposal aims at developing a new laser-based device for detection of microplastics in water.

Its scope derives from the need to find a way for faster and accurate detection of microplastic particles in fluids with a limited number of measurements, easy processing and sampling. For this, we will develop a subsystem capable to detect microplastics in water droplets using enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy. This will be joint with another subsystem based on optofluidic measurements at the surface of an air bubble generated in polluted bulk water sample performed by real time surface and interfacial tension measurements. The interaction between microdroplets and bubbles with laser beams belongs to a rather new field of multidisciplinary research, the optofluidics, which deals with the interaction of optical radiation with fluid systems. The combination of the enhanced sensitivity of the Raman scattering technique obtained using very small samples (microdroplets) with the latest developments in the topics of microfluidics and optical spectroscopy may constitute an advance in the field of online monitoring of water pollutants.

Chaotic Technology for Experimenting the Crypto-Systems: Methods and Platforms Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-5283 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://sol.inflpr.ro/projects/in-progress/ped420

Abstract:

The development of the field of data transmission involving electronic and computational technologies drove the development of data encryption systems. In recent years, one area of secure transmission of optical information that has emerged is the encoding based on encryption systems that use the nonlinear chaotic properties of laser emission. However, with the development of this field the need to develop tools for testing and experimenting these systems has emerged to reduce the difference between theory and practice, and to improve the knowledge about them.

The project aims to develop a chaotic device (laboratory prototype) coupling two chaotic laser generators to experience different methods and platforms for data encryption/decryption process using chaotic laser carriers. This will be developed as an integrated computer-controlled system.

Thus, within the project we start from two existing external-cavity semiconductor lasers (ECSL) systems (chaotic laser generators), one with control of the chaotic emission dynamics through the injection current modulation and the other through the electro-optic phase modulation, coupled optically and with their chaotic dynamics synchronized; we will develop a hardware and software platform for an automated computer (integrated) control of all sub-assemblies (laser drivers, detection and analysis devices, RF signal generator etc). So, we will able for input/output data control, so that the entire assembly becomes a device for testing the chaotic encoded techniques (encryption/ decryption methods), as well as the random number generators (software platforms), and everything with the possibility of remote control over internet.

The presented chaotic device aims to test and better understand basic concepts of cryptographic systems based on nonlinear chaotic dynamic of laser emission.

Chlorpromazine loading and irradiation into hydrogels by UV laser radiation, as alternative to bacterial invected wound treatment Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-1117 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://sol.inflpr.ro/projects/in-progress/pd125

Abstract:

The number of drug-resistant bacteria is currently growing up, and the possibilities for successful treatment are narrow due to the lack of solutions in eradicating them. To overcome the emergence of multiple drug-resistant bacteria it is necessary to identify new approaches in using the existing drugs and to find ‘smart’ drug delivery systems.

The discovery of compounds with direct antimicrobial effects obtained by laser irradiation of a drug is a further step in filling the gap created in antimicrobial research and represents a new approach in chemistry, biology, and pharmacology. In this respect, irradiated chlorpromazine (CPZ) proved to be an antimicrobial agent against resistant bacteria. More, conventional drug delivery methods are overwhelmed by repeated dosage of drugs and their systemic toxicity. An alternative is hydrogels that offer optimized therapeutic action of the drug and minimize the disadvantages of classical delivery method.

This proposal is addressing the use of UV laser radiation for exposure of a mixture of polymer-CPZ to form hydrogels with already irradiated CPZ in it, thus eliminating the process of CPZ separate irradiation and loading. This kind of hydrogels may be applied in wound dressing for patients that show infected wounds with various bacterial pathogens resistant to antibiotics.

The project has an interdisciplinary nature, combining antimicrobial and laser spectroscopy research. It aims to provide new data on physics, chemistry, and biology of hydrogel formation and loading with drug solutions. The project’s results may have an important impact in future extensive use of laser modified compounds in medicine, pharmacology and patient care.

The project will deliver 3 articles in ISI journals and will have a website. Participation at 3 international conferences is planned and two research stages will be performed in an EU country institute.

Integrated development project for advanced medical treatment technologies Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0728 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MEDICO-MILITARA „CANTACUZINO” (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA PITESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://teramed.inflpr.ro/

Abstract:

In order to increase community’s quality of life, the aim of the project proposal entitled “Integrated development project for advanced medical treatment technologies” (TERAMED) is to develop novel technologies with respect to the treatment of osseous and cutaneous conditions and oncological disorders. Given our experience in healthcare research and the current requirements of multidisciplinary and interinstitutional collaboration towards the personalized treatment purpose, the TERAMED project aims genuine synthesis and processing of biomaterials, but also functional and therapeutic evaluation relevant for clinical trials. The main objectives of the “Medical devices functionalized by laser technologies and alternatives for enhanced osseous integration and regeneration” subproject are to design and produce inorganic, composite or hybrid coatings for superior osteoconductive and osteoinductive performances of titanium-based implants. Smart wound patches and polymeric gels functionalized with antimicrobial and wound healing biomolecules incorporated within micro- and nanoparticles constitute the purpose of the “Medical devices (patches and gels) based on composite biomaterials obtained by laser, plasma and radiation technologies and alternatives for enhanced healing of cutaneous injuries” subproject. The “Technologies based on magnetic triggered nanostructures for oncological therapy: early diagnosis and targeted treatment” subproject aims the development of multifunctional medical devices for specific and selective diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and melanoma. The general impact of the TERAMED project ensues from the beneficial conjunction of the clinical potential of the proposed medical devices, the feasible technological transfer and the economic advantages of interinstitutional collaboration.

Generation and identification of antimicrobial species from medicines exposed to laser radiation in view of fighting multiple drug resistance acquired by bacteria Call name:
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-1072 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

One of the most important current drawbacks that have to be addressed in fighting infections with multiple drug resistant bacteria is the ineffectiveness of current antibiotics to destroy them and the lack of new antibiotic molecules and of new treatment schemes. At the same time, a fast and cheap approach for drug development is needed such as exposure of existing drugs to laser beams. Then, identification of new drugs must be made, which implies in most cases HPLC systems. A better solution is the high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), an offline method that is superior to other analytical techniques in terms of total costs and time for analysis. Development of a HPTLC single track scanner to identify new photoproducts is proposed in this project, for which low-intensity monochromatic light generated by picosecond lasers is used. The signal obtained from the HPTLC plates is analysed with a spectrograph equipped with a CCD camera for fluorescence spectra monitoring and a photomultiplier coupled to an oscilloscope for fluorescence lifetime evaluation. The overall objective of the proposal is to photo-generate antimicrobial species by exposing current drugs to UV laser beam and to characterize and identify the new species by performing qualitative and quantitative analysis using an improved HPTLC densitometry system. The results concerning the new species will be correlated with mass spectrometry measurements performed by LC-TOF/MS and the molecular structures of the antimicrobial compounds will be validated with Gaussian09 software.

The project strategy, as part of the overall project plan, is to publish 4 in peer-reviewed journals, have a project website, to participate at 3 international conferences, one research stage in an international institute and 3 research stages in 2 national institutes. The dissemination of the project will offer the success and sustainability of the outputs in the long term by raising awareness, inform, engage and promote.

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://lsg.inflpr.ro/pd68.html

Abstract:

Quantitative phase imaging device for tissues diagnostics Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0446 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://lsg.inflpr.ro/ped236.html

Abstract:

Cancerul este una dintre cauzele principale de deces la nivel mondial, cu aproximativ 14 milioane de cazuri noi si 8.2 milioane de decese cauzate anual. Gasirea unor modalitati de a diagnostica si trata cancerul intr-un stadiu incipient este de mare importanta, deoarece mortalitatea din cauza acestei boli este puternic influentata de momentul diagnosticarii ei. Una dintre directiile principale in diagnosticul patologic este de a dezvolta noi metode care pot oferi rezultate precise la costuri reduse.

Scopul acestui proiect este de a dezvolta un nou dispozitiv bazat pe imagistica cantitativa de faza (quantitative phase imaging - QPI), capabil sa analizeze celulele din tesuturi maligne sau benigne si sa le diferentieze prin detectarea unor mici variatii ale indicelui de refractie ale tesuturilor nemarcate fluorescent (label free), care nu sunt altfel posibile prin tehnicile uzuale de microscopie. Dispozitivul ce urmeasa a fi dezvoltat, va fi compus dintr-un sistem interferometric capabil sa furnizeze informatii cantitative (lungimea drumului optic/densitatea tesutului) despre proba analizata. Aceasta metoda va oferi o precizie sporita in comparatie cu metodele folosite in mod curent prin corelarea variatiei/distributiei indicelui de refractie cu tipul probei analizate.

Laser assisted device for nanoemulsion production Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0420 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://lsg.inflpr.ro/ped104_stage.html

Abstract:

Una dintre cele mai mari probleme din domeniul farmaceutic este reprezentata de slaba biodisponibilitate a medicamentelor din cauza insolubilitatii lor in fluidele biologice, a polimorfismului si a fenomenelor de stabilitate. Aceasta proiect propune dezvoltarea unui dispozitiv asistat laser pentru producerea de nanoemulsii ce contin medicamente ce pot fi folosite ca si vectori de transport catre tinte specifice. Scopul acestui proiect deriva din necesitatea de a gasi noi modalitati de a trata boli cauzate de disfunctii endoteliale. Pentru aceasta, vom dezvolta un dispozitiv capabil sa produca nanoemulsii cu ajutorul radiatiei laser nerezonante si vom studia proprietatile agentilor sclerozanti, folositi in mod curent pentru tratarea bolii venelor varicoase, incorporati in nanoemulsii. Folosirea sistemelor coloidale compuse din medicamente active reduc cantitatea de medicamente necesara pentru tratament in timp ce ii imbunatateste efectele datorită faptului că suprafața de contact cu pereții venelor este crescut.

Light triggering of drug carrier systems for targeted delivery and controlled release Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0922 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor, Plasmei si Radiatiei

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor, Plasmei si Radiatiei (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica Laserilor, Plasmei si Radiatiei (RO)

Project website: http://lsg.inflpr.ro/idei71.html

Abstract:

The project aims to study the photopysical and photochemical properties of novel complex drug compounds that combine the targeted delivery by nanotubes with visible light triggering for drug release. The novel designed complexes are formed by carbon nanotubes functionalised by a photosensitizer which is linked through photocleavable group to a chemotherapeutic drug. This type of complexes, which associates nanotubes as carrier system and light photoactivation to release drugs (through the oxygen generated by a photosenzitizer which also functionalizes the nanotube), was not reported till know according our knowledge. Studies will be performed by time resolved laser spectroscopy techniques as fluorescence, phosphorescence, transient absorption, and Raman. These techniques have the advantages of selectivity, high sensitivity, and real time monitoring of the products and intermediates during irradiation. Fundamental data on the interacting components implied in the complex structure as quantum yield of oxygen singlet generation, fluorescence lifetime, triplet quantum yield and lifetime, and reaction rates, are important in order to optimize drug efficiency. The ability to manipulate light in terms of its wavelength, intensity, site of application and duration allows precise, triggered control regarding the location, dose and time at which a therapeutic agent is released.

Activity modeling and simulation of bacterial efflux pump inhibitors based on advanced laser methods Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-1350 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIV.DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE - CAROL DAVILA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://lsg.inflpr.ro/ample.html

Abstract:

Medical research has progressed greatly based on recent advances in genomics and systems biology. New concepts, such as personalized medicine (drug selection based on individual genomics profile), have emerged while large improvements in drug efficiency is expected from knowledge of organisms’ systems biology. We aim at developing a comprehensive approach that will pave a rational path from genes to drugs using computational (drug-pathogen modeling and simulation) and biophysical (spectral characterization of drug molecules, analysis of laser-irradiated drugs, testing of drug-pathogen interaction) investigation methods.

Starting from initial observations (obtained as part of drug stability studies) on the interaction of laser-irradiated drugs with pathogens, we have performed molecular docking simulations for screening efflux pump inhibitors. We are proposing here to further explore the effect of laser radiation on efflux pump inhibitors (EPI) in order to develop predictive methods that use spectral information for computational selection of drugs, and to develop comprehensive models of drug-pathogen interaction. Such methods can be used for designing new classes of drugs with better target affinity, stability and enhanced tissue targeting.

We propose an implementation of our approach using a large library of available chemical compounds that will include the quinazoline derivatives, phenothiazines, and other EPI drugs. Our work will include: analysis of laser-irradiated drug reaction pathways, analysis and prediction of drug stability, modeling drug-EP interaction dynamics and development of drug activity prediction models based on pharmacophore analysis and spectral information. Testing the predictive power of our methods will be done on bacterial strains that overexpress MDR bacterial pumps, as well as on animal models, using selected drugs with known EPI activity. Finally, we will use our computational method to recommend new chemical compounds with desired EPI activity.

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