BrainMap

Mrs. Ana Maria Macsim

Dr.

Researcher - INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Researcher

Expertise & keywords

Intelligent tools for design, processing and optimization of new PS-POSS-IL (polysulfone-silsesquioxanes impregnated with ionic liquids) type membranes applied in CO2 gas separation Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3900 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icmpp.ro/aisynpposs/ro

Abstract:

Artificial intelligence tools (neural networks and genetic algorithms) will be used in order to find the most appropriate reaction conditions for obtaining and characterization of new polysulfone-silsesquioxanes membranes impregnated with ionic liquids (PS-POSS-IL) (with predetermined characteristics) as new materials suitable for CO2 capture and storage. Starting from a set number of experiments, in which new types of PS-POSS-IL will be prepared and characterized by changing the reaction conditions (including use of different polysulfones, different silsesquioxanes and a different content or different type of ionic liquid), a data base will be elaborated in order to use it further for modeling with artificial intelligence instruments (neural networks and genetic algorithms). In this way the best reaction conditions can be chosen for obtaining the best PS-POSS-IL membranes as superior materials for adsorbtion/ separation of the CO2. In the first stage of the project, the polysulfones will be obtained and characterized, then the needed silsesquioxanes. Thereupon the membranes will be elaborated from the previous obtained materials, using the phase inversion process. After the membranes will be prepared, they will be characterized for determining the most conducive conditions for manufacturing membranes with the highest CO2 adsorption performance, for their use in separation of CO2, using the artificial intelligence tools (especially neural networks).

Integrated use of the next generation plant biostimulants for an enhanced sustainability of field vegetable high residue farming systems Call name: EEA Grants - Proiecte Colaborative de Cercetare
RO-NO-2019-0540 2020 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); Norgenotech AS (NO); ENPRO SOCTECH COM SRL (RO); AMIA INTERNATIONAL IMPORT EXPORT S.R.L. (RO)

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

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/stim4plus-en/

Abstract:

The project addresses mainly the thematic area of Biotechnology, more exactly the key topic Biotechnology for agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and biomass production. The biotechnological solutions which STIM4+ project proposes to develop are intended to compensate the negative effects of the low-input, high-residue sustainable vegetable production systems. These proposed biotechnological solutions are related to the use of the next generation plant biostimulants. Plant biostimulants represent an emerging class of agricultural input, which protect plants against abiotic stress, enhance / benefits nutrients uptake and improve yield quality . The proposed plant biostimulants to be used for an enhanced sustainability of field vegetables grown in a high residue system are including into all classes / subclasses mentioned in the new EU Regulation 1009/2019. The multi-functional Trichoderma strains-based plant biostimulants (a microbial plant biostimulants) will be included into a glycodinameric, chitosan based bioactive (micro)hydrogel formulation. Decoration of microgels with anchor peptides will be used as a (micro)hydrogel tackifier on the plant residues. The bioactive hydrogel is based on an organic plant biostimulants (chitosan), which will be used to generate a biocompatible 3D porous structure, thermo- and pH-responsive and with a hydrophilic – hydrophobic segregation feature. This hydrophilic – hydrophobic segregation (micro)hydrogels will be used for embedding hydrophobic mimetic strigolactones. Propper application technologies of such smart formulated hydrophobic molecules will be developed, to exploit strigolactones both functions, as exo-signals for a better harnessing of beneficial microbiome and as cue for deleterious organisms (e.g. to induce suicidal germination of parasitic plants). The smart formulated bioproducts / agricultural inputs and the agricultural practices intended to exploit their specific features of such bioproducts are an example of biotechnologies for agriculture. The natural strigolactones mimics will be a part of the microbial standardized extract, which we intend to produce from microalgae culture and which is another example of organic plant biostimulant. This microbial standardized extract will include natural strigolactones, polyamines and betaines. Both strigolactones and polyamines are exo- and endo-signals. As exo-signals, both strigolactones and polyamines have been demonstrated to enhance mycorrhizae hyphal branching and root colonization. As endo-signals, both strigolactones and polyamines are involved in plant stress responses. Betaine also supports plant response to stress, especially to drought. Strigolactone mimics used for laboratory screening will be synthetized based on a rational bio-design. The inorganic plant biostimulants are represented by selenium, as zerovalent nano-selenium. A large body of evidence demonstrates that selenium acts as a plant biostimulant. Selenium protects plants against abiotic stress, especially drought, enhances / benefits nutrient uptake and improves edible yield quality. Nanoselenium (zerovalent) particles show a much lower environmental impact and an improved efficiency compared to other selenium species. Application of selenium nanoparticles reduces the risk of accumulation of polyamines in the edible yield. From a food safety point-of-view, accumulation of polyamines in vegetables grown into HV mulch could have some carcinogenic effects, because polyamines were found to support proliferation of various tumor cells.

The project is an interdisciplinary one and address also other key topics as Environmental impact and risk assessment of the modern, new and emerging technologies and products. Safety and environmental impact of the new developed products will be determined by a state-of-art 3R techniques, by Norway partners. The project contributes to the objectives and the priorities of the call. It supports research cooperation between Romania and Norway and consolidate a strategic partnership.

Emerging 2D materials based on two-dimensional permethylated metal-organic networks Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2000 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://2dpermosil.ro/

Abstract:

After the discovery of graphene with the set of properties that essentially distinguish it from other allotropes of carbon, ultra-thin layered materials, classified as 2D nanomaterials, enjoy a growing interest due to their unique properties. In this context, very recently become of interest 2D MOFs. But in the crystallization process, 2D layers stack on the basis of intermolecular interactions, leading to higher dimensional materials. To manifest behavioral particularities specific to a 2D material, they must be isolated individually or in multilayers with thickness/surface aspect ratio as small, which is a challenge that seek solutions through different approaches (top-down or bottom-up). The project idea is to design and synthesize two-dimensional metal-organic networks with extremely weak intermolecular interactions, which facilitate delamination in nanosheets. The originality and the key to success in this approach is the use of ligands containing permethylated silicon units which by their natural exposure shield the structure and prevent the establishment of noticeable interactions. New ligands and combinations thereof will be prepared and used to coordinate various metal ions or clusters. Nanosheets formed will be evaluated as such, but also the effect of their incorporation in silicone matrices for the development of materials responsive to stimuli. Their common nature creates the premises for a better compatibility and forming advanced composites.

Light Emitting Polymeric Devices Improved by Chemical Tools Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3993 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icmpp.ro/projects/l3/about.php?id=31

Abstract:

The LEPDICT project addresses the topic of light emitting diodes (LED), one of Europe's Key Enabling Technologies of the 21st Century, and combines efforts and knowledge from organic and polymer chemistry, materials science, physics and engineering to obtain new materials and to advance knowledge in the field.

The “philosophy” of the project relies on the use of chemical engineering as a productive instrument to (i) duly tune charge transport in a material, (ii) manage the color of emitted light, (iii) increase efficiency.

The goal of the project is to find the optimum combination of chemical tools in the same macromolecular architecture to provide materials able to act as active layers in LEDs of targeted efficiency. The foremost chemical concept is the construction of luminescent polymeric systems containing various moieties able to emit light of different colors.

The main approach is based on the dynamic chemical engineering of materials with a main focus on modulating light-emitting polymeric backbones to balance charge transport through (chromophoric) p-n systems.

The elements of originality and innovation of LEPDICT touch multiple levels and derive from the novel, original design and gradual experimental approach in solving key limits and challenges in the field.

Based on our previous results in the field, LEPDICT is placed at a TRL 2 value at its beginning and is designed to reach a TRL 4 end value through the engineering, optimization and validation of PLED prototypes by following various performance targets.

The research methodology is based on a rigorous, realistic work plan, structured on two problem-solving levels of increasing complexity, organized by working packages and activities, and controlled by milestones. The potential risks and approaches for mitigating them are described. The project team, comprising motivated, creative and competitive young researchers with a reliable know-how in the research topic, is appropriate to fulfil the work plan.

Closing the bioeconomy value chains by manufacturing market demanded innovative bioproducts Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0569 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA AUREL VLAICU ARAD (RO)

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

Project website: http://icechim-rezultate.ro/proiect.php?id=51&lang=ro

Abstract:

Agriculture and food industry in Romania generates large amounts of co/by-products, which are not used and turn into wastes, with negative impacts. The approach of the project PRO-SPER is to develop integrated processes, flexible and interconnected, to transform a number of agro-food by-products in bio-products, with market demand. This approach facilitates the achievement of project goals, complex-coordination and linking of the research organizations that are members of the Consortium, INCDCP-ICMPP, UDJ, ICECHIM, INCDSB and UAV, for improving their institutional performance in the field of nano-and bio-technologies of their application into bioeconomy.

The overall objective of the project PRO-SPER is to increase the impact of research and development activities and innovation of the RDI institutions, by developing and harnessing innovative technological solutions for bio-nano-processing of several by-products from the bioeconomy value chains, for recovering and/or formation of value-added components and their use in order to obtain products with high added value.

Expected results through the implementation of the project (21 new jobs, 23 national patent applications and international patent applications 6 EPO/WIPO; 10 technologies/new products resulting from the project, at a level of technological maturity to enable taking over by the operators, 5 services research and technological research services 10 cheques, 10 experiments cheques services

80 internship of young researchers from and within partner institutions, 50 visits for developing new techniques for working jointly in the Consortium, 30 training internships for new employees, 28scientific papers, 1 joint program CDI, in line with the development plan of institutional partners) have a significant impact on the capacity-building of the partners in the Consortium.

Engineering the raw natural products: cellulose-based biointerface for immunoassays Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0349 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

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

Project website: http://eraw.icmpp.ro

Abstract:

The immobilization of proteins and other biomolecules is an essential technique in several biotechnical applications. Diagnostic applications are rely largely on immobilization of antigens or antibodies using a number of different formats. There is a continuous need to improve and diversify technologies for immobilization for the development of new formats, better economy, and performance. Human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) is the second most abundant protein in human blood, with a concentration of 6.6 to 14.5 mg mL-1 in normal human plasma, being the principal constituent of the immune system. Many autoimmune diseases are related to hIgG and its concentration levels are generally indicative of an individual’s immune status to particular pathogens. Our research focuses on sustainability and aims at contributing solutions for creating new chemicals and materials using renewable sources. Cellulose is a perfect example of a renewable raw material: versatile, abundant, bioabsorbable and biocompatible. Unlike molecules derived from oil, which possess few chemical functional groups, biomass features a diverse selection of functionalities that can be used for the preparation of innovative chemical products. This proposal refers to a new strategy for preparing an efficient biointerface for immobilization of biomolecules on selectively-modified polysaccharide, i.e. oxidized cellulose. To achieve this goal, the initial engineering of the cellulose surface, by introduction of hydrophilic carboxylic groups is designed as an alternative to the less efficient existing protocols. This would provide the means for affordable and stable cellulose-based biointerface for immunoassays. Molecular interactions would be analyzed by using surface-sensitive techniques such as quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and several specific other techniques.

A next generation plant biostimulant based on strigolactones included into stimuli responsive nanoformulation Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-INCOMERA-BENDIS 2018 - 2019

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); ENPRO SOCTECH COM SRL (RO)

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

Project website: http://icechim-rezultate.ro/proiect.php?id=50&lang=ro

Abstract:

The BENDIS project aims to integrate technologies for the industrial production of a next generation plant biostimulant based on strigolactones (SL) analogs and/or mimics, included into a stimulus-controlled release nanoformulation. A better harnessing of exogenously applied SL analogues/mimics requires such formulations, which protect SL from rapid degradation and promote their steady release at the biologically active concentrations under controlled conditions – i.e. roots mediated pH changes in the soil. The nanoformulation includes mesoporous nanosilica, loaded with a hydrophobic "green" solvent with dissolved SL analogues/mimics. Mesoporous nanosilica particles are decorated with humic acids, wherein SL are embedded. Humic acids are immobilized on mesoporous silica through an aminopropyl bonding.

Development of a functional model for sustainable capitalization of genetic and phytochemical diversity of Arnica montana L. wild populations in the Northern area of the Romanian Eastern Carpathians Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0791 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ŞTEFAN CEL MARE" DIN SUCEAVA (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

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

Project website: http://ccb-stejarul.ro/2014/ARMOREC.html

Abstract:

The ARMOREC project has as the general aim the optimizing the capitalization of the Arnica montana L. natural populations from the north of the Eastern Carpathians by developing a new innovative model for the sustainable production of raw material (collecting, cultivation, conditioning) and of some eco-efficient processing methods of the vegetal material.

In this respect, it is necessary to develop inter- and transdisciplinary studies in the fields of biology, ecology, geomorphology, biotechnology and phytochemistry, grouped in 3 major components: the environment componen with connex aspects, the phytochemical and economical component – the capitalization by the industrial partner (SME).

The members of the concortium, by their expertise and experience in the project domain has the competences necesary to the development of the researches with a high degree of complexity and interdisciplinarity.

To attain the general objective of the project, we will process a series of activities grouped in 5 work packages corresponding the specific objectives:

1. Evaluating the bioproductive potential in the natural populations of A. montana from the north of thr Eastern Carpathians, on the basis of the quantitative and qualitative determinations onthe biomass yield, as well as the content of biologically active principles.

2. Evaluating the preservation status of the A. montana species in the target area, correlated to the main pressure factots.

3. Elaboration of a model of developing a coplimentary source of raw material by conventional and biotechnological methods.

4. The development of some eco-efficient methods of extraction and phytochemical anaysis for the main biologically avtive compounds – sequiterpen-lactons, flavonoids and phenolic acids, essential oil.

5. The development of an experimental model for the sustainable capitalization of A. montana (natural populations and experimenta cultures) by obtaining and characvterizing the specific phytocomplexes with multiple uses.

The originality of the project resides both in selecting the study and analysis methods and in the holistic approach of the problem that aim the whole capiatlizing chain of the principles of sustainable growth. It is the first time when an interdisciplinary approached is proposed to model the effect of the abiotic fators on the distribution of A.montana on the basis of a spacial analysis model.

Reaching the aims will promote the sustainable capitalization of the species in the north of the Eastern Carpathians, that will have complex , interdisciplinary stadie at the basis (with economic and scientific importance) and will generate added value over the whole chain of capitalization and will also assure the biodiversity conservation.

Although for A. montana he interst kept itsel at a high international level, in România, the species is slightly capitalized, both economically and scientifically. Thus, thorough studies are scrace, integrated in the present state of the species in the natural populations, in the preservation and capitalizing and promoting of autochthonous products. The majority of the studies achieved in Romania refer to the Apuseni Mountains, in the Eastern Carpathians, the species being only mentioned in some floristic studies.

By developing this project, we aim the sustainable capitalization of the species at local and regional level, in relation to the peculiarities of the species, and of its status as a rare and vulnerable species and the demands of the market.

Approaching a species that has already for long been studied worldwide, represents a reason to elaborate a capitalization plan of the species, this being in the same time a very good model to capitalize other medicinal, aromatic and food species of the mountain zone. In the time, this model of sustainable capitalization may be adapted and extrapolated to all the Romanian areals of this species.

Metabolites and drugs in complex media: hyperpolarised NMR Call name: Programul de actiuni Integrate Romania-Franta (bilaterale)
PN-II-CT-RO-FR-2014-2-0064 2014 -

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); Universite Paris Descartes (FR)

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

Project website:

Abstract:

The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy is the most powerful method for structure determination of organic compounds in solution. This technique can be applied in various fields like physics, chemistry, biochemistry, food sciences or medicine. Its main advantage is the power of the structural information obtained, while its main drawback is the low sensitivity, as compared with other analytical methods. For biomedical samples and for some natural compounds which can be isolated only in small amounts, the sensitivity becomes the limiting factor of the NMR applications. Recent progress in NMR technologies has afforded an increase in detection sensitivity by a factor of up to 10’000 times, offering the opportunity to directly measure low-concentration analytes in complex media such as biological fluids. Based on these state-of-the-art advances, we aim to progress towards translational applications of NMR to clinical chemistry and build the bases of new types of diagnosis.

Our objective is to achieve, via non-invasive NMR-based analysis and dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP)-based experiments, the characterization of biomarkers of metabolism of both endogenous and exogenous compounds, such us medical drugs.

The project’s aim is to enhance the NMR signal through hyperpolarisation, in order to better understand disease mechanisms and response to medication.

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