BrainMap

Mrs. Xenia Filip

PhD

Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: B-5807-2011

Curriculum Vitae (25/06/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Bio-inspired interfaces for the development of next generation degradable multi-phase materials Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-M-ERANET-3-InsBIOration 2022 - 2024

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); Leibniz Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (DE); CNRS Institut Charles Sadron (FR); National Institute of Chemistry (SI); University of Turku (FI); Kunststofftechnik Bernt GmbH (DE)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/insbioration/

Abstract:

Societal needs demand substitution of processes with high energy consumption or using hazardous substances and reduction of waste by use of fully recyclable or biodegradable materials. The project addresses this by proposing a universal platform for bio-inspired surface and interface design basing on dopamine, a substructure of adhesive mussel proteins. A multidisciplinary consortium of researchers and industry aims at developing a portfolio of upscalable technologies for the “green” manufacturing of materials for selected applications (antipathogenic coatings, biodegradable energy sources and polymer-metal hybrids as examples for a broad application range) and their recycling or biodegradation and transferring them to mass production. The project outcome will enable European manufacturers to create sustainable production processes and a circular economy of the materials.

Neoteric polymers with tunable thermal conductivity Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1595 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/polyteco/

Abstract:

Polymers have infiltrated almost every field of modern technology. The study of the thermal conductivity of polymeric materials is a very important issue nowadays, in order to meet the criteria for application in electronic industries. The main objective of this project is an extensive study of the influence of synthesis parameters of neoteric polymers on the thermal conductivity. The project is focused on the complex field of Synthetic Chemistry and Materials: Materials synthesis, structure-properties relations, functional and advanced materials. Through this project we will try to influence the thermal conductivity of “green” polymers developed by the project leader in the previous young research team project, namely: poly(benzofuran-co-arylacetic acid), polytartaric acid and poly(tartronic-co-glycolic acid), by different chemical modification as tuned synthesis, crosslinking reactions, copolymerization reactions and polymer composites formation by embedding inorganic particles in the polymer network or in the crosslinked polymer network. Such polymer materials are interesting from two points of view: fundamental contribution to the understanding of the physical processes and phenomena associated with these new hybrid polymeric materials, specific intermolecular interactions, interface effects, phase transitions on the one hand and possible application in technology on the other hand.

Unveiling the mystery behind the strong polydopamine adhesion: an original approach by introducing local isotopic markers Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1463 2021 - 2023

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)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/izopda/

Abstract:

Polydopamine (PDA) was discovered in 2007 as a biomimetic solution for the underwater strong adhesion of mussels. Since then, the interest in using PDA as an intermediate layer for developing functional surfaces has grown exponentially, due to many favorable properties: simple deposition process, strong adhesion to virtually any substrate, biocompatibility, and chemical reactivity. Despite the growing number of PDA applications, the exact mechanism by which it adheres so strongly to virtually any substrate is a fundamental challenge remained unsolved in the field. Conventional analytical techniques, including solid-state NMR applied on natural abundance samples, can give only global information, with no selectivity to the interactions between substrate and PDA molecular sites. In this context, the solution we propose here is to introduce local markers in PDA that can “report” about their interaction with the atoms at the substrate’s surface. The idea is implemented by 2H/13C/15N isotopic labeling of each distinct chemical site in dopamine monomer (selective labeling): the selectively labelled monomers will be used to synthesize multiple PDA@substrate samples, of which investigation by ss-NMR will give information with atomic resolution. The proposed scheme is original, representing the first proposed experimental approach that can address the problem of PDA adhesion at the atomic level in a realistic way, thus going well beyond the current state of the art in the field.

Revival of an old drug by crystal engineering: development of improved ketoconazole based antifungal products Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1521 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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 DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/ketcrys/index.htm

Abstract:

The goal of the proposed project is to assess the market potential of two co-crystal solid forms of ketoconazole (KET) with fumaric acid (FUM) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) coformers, as APIs with improved properties in terms of solubility / antifungal activity. The 100-fold increased solubility of KET-FUM compared with commercial KET indicates his pharmaceutical potential for oral drug therapy by reducing the administered dose. On the other hand, KET-PABA with only 10-fold increase solubility, increase antifungal activity and due to its sunscreen coformer has pharmaceutical potential for topical use, especially during summer time. The project results will complete the preliminary preformulation information of KET-FUM and KET-PABA already reported by our research group (protocol for co-crystallization process at small scale – milligrams, solubility and dissolution rate, thermal analysis, FT-IR and antifungal activity for both solid forms and structural characterization of KET-FUM) with common and specific studies/assessment (compatibility with pharmaceutical excipients for KET-FUM – oral therapy; crystal structure characterization for KET-PABA, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assessment for both crystalline forms). We will also develop protocol for co-crystallization process at large scale (grams) necessary in pharmaceutical industry for developing a successful industrial co-crystallization process. This research will raise the technology readiness level from TRL2 to TRL4 for KET-FUM and KET-PABA crystalline forms. For KET-PABA (targeted for topical therapy) we will initiate a patenting strategy.

Universal Multiscale Simulations for Hydrogen Storage in Novel Materials Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1309 2015 - 2017

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)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru194/index.html

Abstract:

The realization of efficient hydrogen storage in materials will have a tremendous impact on the fields of renewable energy and clean transportation. The most promising high uptake materials are based on the physisorbtion of the hydrogen which offers fast, reversible, energetically cheap storage. However, materials synthesized so far have poor ambient conditions performance due to the weak forces binding the molecular hydrogen. We will develop a universal multiscale simulation tool to aid the design of better hydrogen storage materials that will improve upon the state of the art simulations as follows. i) The polarization effects in electric fields will be included both at microscopic and macroscopic scales. ii) The weak interactions involved in the physisorbtion will be correctly treated at the ab initio level, thus revealing the most favorable microscopic features of the materials for hydrogen storage and ensuring the transferability of the code. iii) The simulation will be precise and transferable allowing in silico screening on a large class or materials, thus greatly reducing the experimental overhead. We aim to open the new research direction of electrically controlled hydrogen storage. We will design and then synthesize in the lab polarizable nanoporous materials with electrically tunable hydrogen storage properties based on covalent organic frameworks. We will assess the potential of these materials for industrial applications.

Open School for Academic Self-Improvement. Research, Academic Writing and Career Management Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0682 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

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

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.econ.ubbcluj.ro/~rodica.lung/openres

Abstract:

Research management, research career development and academic writing have become in later days prerequisites for successful academic track records and/or research careers. Formal and informal support programs are already in place in many of the top universities worldwide. Nevertheless, in Romania, such an approach has not been yet prospected and tested. The project proposes to build and expand the research capacity at both undergraduate and graduate level, helping students and researchers not only to improve their research skills but also their capacity to manage and communicate research (through research management, career management and academic writing).An interdisciplinary group will be created at the end of the project implementation, which will have a comprehensive set of tested instruments, competencies and the necessary know-how for carrying out a Complex Research Competencies training program. Once developed and tested the open training program may become a cornerstone in the future academic and research career development of researchers, weather at the beginning of their career or more advanced ones. While keeping the open school concept, the project team will promote and propose that the program becomes a permanent offer for the academic community and to be included as a transversal skills development program for the various faculties within the Babes-Bolyai University. The partner in the project, INCDTIM Cluj, will continue to provide expertise in the hard sciences component of the program. If such decision is reached, the CRC training program will contribute to the creation, development and further advancement of the Romanian academic community, especially those at the beginning of their research career. This will create, on a long run, a pool of better prepared and trained candidates for research positions within the structures of the two partners.

Rational design and generation of synthetic, short antimicrobial peptides. Linking structure to function Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0595 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.science.research.uaic.ro/biopep/

Abstract:

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an integral part of the immune system and protect a host from invading pathogenic bacteria. To overcome the problem of antimicrobial resistance, AMPs are being considered as potential alternatives for antibiotics. Although over 1000 AMPs have been isolated and characterized from various hosts, only limited successes have so far been achieved in clinical trials. The major hurdles for converting them into drugs lie in the high cost of production, toxicity to host cells, and susceptibility to proteolytic degradation. Therefore, a better understanding of the structure–activity relationships of AMPs is required to facilitate the design of novel antimicrobial agents. Herein we plan to focus our effort on designing and optimizing novel short, cationic amphiphilic peptides. We will undertake rational design, synthesis, and extensive testing of a series of short cationic peptides, we envision proteolityc and salt resistant. They will be made of a limited set of L- and D-aminoacids based on an elementary amphipathic templates of up to to 11 aminoacids, searching for the minimum number of aminoacids and optimal architecture able to confer the peptide optimal lytic activity and specificity against various pathogens. In order to enhance antimicrobial activity with no additional hemolytic activity, peptide synthesis will be considered by using non-natural amino acid analogs that will substitute hydrophobic residues leucine, isoleucine and phenylalanine. This group of peptides will be designed and synthesized with shorter sequence and simpler molecular structure and could be easily modified upon a particular requirement. The structural simplicity also offer technological advantages for mass production and purification.

Ion sensing and separation through modified cyclic peptides, cyclodextrins and protein pores Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0027 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University

Project partners: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University (RO); National Research and Development Institute of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (RO); “Babes-Bolyai” University (RO); “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (RO); “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)

Affiliation: National Research and Development Institute of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (RO)

Project website: http://science.research.uaic.ro/biosens/

Abstract:

Development of nanostructures capable of detecting and separating individual molecules and ions has become an important field of research. Particularly, protein-based nanostructures are attractive due to their ability for tunable molecular recognition and ease of chemical modification, which are extremely important factors on various applications. In this project, self-assembly functionalization will be approached, aimed at providing an efficient design for molecular recognition, ion sensing and separation, through new host-guest chemical methodologies, bio-nanofabrication and physicochemical manipulations methods. New crown ether type macrocycles, functionalized cyclodextrins and cyclic peptides will be engineered to work as specific molecular adaptors for the -hemolysin protein, giving rise to hybrid molecular superstructures possessing ion sensing and selectivity properties. The size and functionality of the macrocycles are targeted to ensure the anchorage in the pores and the selectivity of specific host-guest complexation processes. A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is envisioned, through ink printing nanotechnologies. The device architecture will be formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. Custom designed nanoscale bilayers containing selected receptors through cyclodextrins derivatives and macrocyclic peptides, self-assembled on different micro-nano arrays surfaces (polymers, Au or Si) will be fabricated. Further engineering of such functionalized nanomaterials based on molecular recognition and host-guest methodologies, in conjunction with flexible and mechanically robust enough substrate platforms, have the great potential for applications such as separation of nanoparticles, sensors, drug delivery, removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions and chiral separation.

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