BrainMap

Mrs. Anamaria Zaharia

PhD. Eng. Chim.

Scientific Researcher I in Materials Science (SR I) - Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Researcher

I am a young Scientific Researcher 1st degree with relevant experience in: (i) synthesis and characterization of hydrogels with medical and agricultural applications, (ii) synthesis and characterization of bioinspired nanogels as ligand-free targeted delivery systems obtained with the use of molecular imprinting techniques; (iii) synthesis and characterization of interpenetrating polymer networks based on natural and synthetic polymers; (iv) synthesis and characterization of nanohybrid materials based on functionalization/tailoring of inorganic particles.

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://publons.com/researcher/2750016/anamaria-zaharia/

Curriculum Vitae (11/06/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Next-generation biodegradable filters for water purification and desalination Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.1 - COFUND-2023
COFUND-WATER4ALL-WATER-BIOFIL-1 2024 - 2026

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); EDAS-EXIM SRL (RO); Adam Mickiewicz University (PL); PRESSEKO Spolka zo.o. (PL); University of Toulon (FR); MARINE TECH S.A.S (FR)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/waterbiofil-ro/

Abstract:

Water is the most abundant and indispensable resource of our planet. However, freshwater distribution is very different from region to region, which brings with it a very problematic scenario for drinking water availability, especially following hydro-climatic extreme events. One viable and low-cost solution to provide direct access to drinking water, refers to implementing Point-Of-Use (POU) systems for water purification and desalination. Yet, before doing so, the issues identified by end-users/ consumers regarding filters disposal and recycling should be properly addressed. Thereby, the aim of the WATER-BIOFIL project proposal is to design& assemble& test next generation compostable filters, prepared from biodegradable polymers and/or bio-sourced polymers, which can be thereafter integrated in regular POU systems, and further serve their purpose as first-aid tools to cope with hydro-climatic extreme events, while diminishing the environmental impact of hazardous materials. Considering the proposed aim of the project and the transdisciplinary character of the foreseen activities, the project consortium is joining three renowned RDI entities, from Romania, France and Poland, with expertise in materials science and functional biomaterials (as technology developers), and other three SMEs from Romania, France and Poland (as technology integrators), with expertise on water purification and waste management. The six Partners are developing complementary activities according to their expertise and skills to ensure further development and/or build-up a multidisciplinary knowledge in a long-term perspective innovation, value creation and assistance in solving societal challenges. The project proposal addresses the required Polish, French, Romanian and EU impacts, with respect to the objectives of WATER4ALL, on ensuring water security for all and reducing environmental hazards.

Molecularly imprinted-solid phase extraction technology for catechin tannins from shrub wooden parts Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect experimental demonstrativ
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-2055 2025 - 2026

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); HOFIGAL EXPORT IMPORT SA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/catan-mispe-ro/

Abstract:

Plantele cu taninuri sunt folosite pentru a strânge țesuturile, pentru a usca secrețiile apoase excesive, pentru a proteja pielea deteriorată, pentru a opri sângerarea, pentru a menține infecția în frâu. Cu toate acestea, randamentul, puritatea și compoziția fitoextractelor sunt puternic influențate de sursă și de tehnica de extracție. Prin urmare, proiectul „CATAN-MISPE” intenționează să obțină extracte de taninuri catechinice mai pure și concentrate utilizand tehnici inovatoare cunoscute precum Molecularly Imprinted - Solid Phase Extraction (MISPE). În acest sens, fitoextractele primare din întregul lemn a 3 specii de arbuști (Rosa canina L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Prunus spinosa L.) vor fi purificate cu polimeri imprenați molecular (MIP) prin extracție în fază solidă (SPE). În general, pentru fiecare moleculă țintă este nevoie de un nou MIP; astfel, etapa primară a proiectului se va concentra pe pregătirea MIP-urilor adecvate pentru taninuri. În timp ce a doua etapă va cuprinde dezvoltarea metodelor de obținere a fitoextractelor primare îmbogățite în taninuri catechinice si a extractelor pure și concentrate prin MISPE. Fezabilitatea proiectului este susținută de expertiza ICECHIM - cunoștințe avansate in MIP și SPE, și a Companiei HOFIGAL - cunoștințe complementare privind fitoextracte din plante. Rezultatele cheie ale proiectului vizează validarea a 4 tehnologii inovatoare de laborator, 2 cereri de brevet, 3 lucrări ISI, 6 comunicări științifice și site-ul web.

Zirconium-modified magnetic sol-gel hybrid materials for advanced heavy metal removal from wastewater Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect experimental demonstrativ
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-1069 2025 - 2026

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); EDAS-EXIM SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/zirmagsolgel-ro/

Abstract:

The project aims to achieve and test a demonstrative model for the technology of obtaining highly efficient materials to reduce the effect of water pollution with heavy metals (arsenic, chromium, and lead). Zirconium adsorbent materials are efficient for this purpose. Therefore, a technology for obtaining innovative hybrid materials, i.e., Zirconium-modified Sol-Gel Magnetic Particles (SGMPs-Zr), will be developed using a completely new approach. An advanced purification efficiency is estimated as adsorption properties synergize with magnetic ones. In addition, the magnetite allows a more straightforward recovery of the spent adsorbent. Sol-Gel Magnetic Particles (SGMPs) with magnetite content are first prepared and then modified with zirconium after being chemically activated by reaction with diamines (commercial or PET-derived). Thus, PET aminolysis will be assayed for financial benefits and eco-impact. The mechanism of action of SGMPs-Zr considers the targeted heavy metal, and therefore, validation will be carried out first by testing synthetic wastewater, then industrial wastewater. The complementarity of the two partners' knowledge creates adequate premises for a complete study with benefits for meeting the project goals. The results of the studies can be transferred to the economic agents on water, providing them with an eco-technology that replaces the classic technologies.

Illicit drugs and metabolites quick screening by innovative biomimetic sensors Call name: P 5.2 - SP 5.2.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - Competiția 2023
PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-1293 2025 - 2026

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)

Affiliation:

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

Abstract:

Worldwide, illicit drug and metabolites use and abuse has wide-ranging impacts on security, environmental and public health, becoming a major problem in the modern society. Hence, a novel perspective is important for the effective monitoring of illegal drugs using highly sensitive detection sensors. Cocaine is a natural alkaloid cultivated widely in the Amazonian region being the Europe’s second most commonly used illicit stimulant drug with an estimated retail market value of 10 billion euros. In this respect, the project Drug-Scan unravel its original contribution by developing new generation of cost-effective biomimetic sensors for the quantitative and fast screening of 5 different illicit drugs and metabolites (cocaine and major metabolites benzoylecgonine and ecgoninemethylester, codeine, methamphetamine) in biological samples (saliva or urine). The project relies on a recognition phase based on the preparation and incorporation of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles selective for cocaine into sol-gel matrices to obtain sensitive films. Further, the cocaine films will be deposited onto gold nanoparticulated graphene-screen printed electrodes. The functionality and versatility (selectivity studies of drugs and metabolites) of the optimized sensors will be proved. The specific output of the project will lead to: 3 ISI papers, 6 communications, website (during project implementation) and new research themes, performance data, transferable knowledge (after project end).

Synthetic nanogel antibodies molecularly imprinted with the Spike S1 protein Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1239 2022 - 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)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/antispike-ro

Abstract:

SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus type and it is responsible for causing COVID 2019 in humans, with very high contagion rate all over the world. The viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 is conferred by the presence of Spike S1 protein on the surface that can direct attachment and enter the plasma membrane of the human cell. The Spike protein through its location is a significant therapeutic target, and targetable using antibodies. Despite recent technological developments, effective and safe therapies are currently not available for treating the infected victims. Thereby, the general objective of the project targets the synthesis of synthetic nanogel antibodies molecularly imprinted with Spike S1 (MIP-SNAs) for recognizing and retaining coronavirus-originated Spike S1 proteins. In this respect, the MIP-SNAs are able to recognize and bond to the Spike S1 proteins, acting as nanogel caps, and thus inhibiting the activity of SARS-CoV-2 antigen to penetrate the human cells. Hence, ANTISPIKE holds significant influence upon the scientific community by new concepts and methodologies for ligand-free delivery systems as MIP-SNAs (short-term impact: scientific ISI papers and communications, and national patent claim) and by opening new research directions associated with the side-benefits of the research (like new immuno-therapies) as long term impact. Implementation of this project will also bring specific scientific, economic and social benefits at the national and international level.

RECYCLING CRUSTACEANS SHELL WASTES FOR DEVELOPING BIODEGRADABLE WASTEWATER CLEANING COMPOSITES Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-BLUEBIO-BIOSHELL 2020 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

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); EDAS-EXIM SRL (RO); Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NO); University of Coimbra (PT); Brinova Bioquimica Lda. ID&T (PT)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/bioshell-ro/

Abstract:

Wastes from agriculture and fishery cause harmful effects on the environment and implicitly on humans. But, many of these wastes can be recycled. One of the current global issues refers to minimizing waste production, effective wastewater treatment, biosafe food production, and reducing hazards from the exposure to pathogens. Most of the threatening microorganisms especially emerging pathogens (EPs) derive from wastewater. Moreover, antibiotics residues present in wastewater lead bacterial pathogens to develop antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In addition, heavy metals are among the most harmful non-microbial pollutants due to their toxicity to humans. BIOSHELL aims at synergistically solving economic, environmental and health problems. The project focuses on utilizing the wastes from sea food preparation such as crustacean carcasses in the development of innovative and efficient inorganic-organic functionalized hydrogel nanocomposites, suitable to facilitate the sustainable wastewater purification technologies about heavy metals retention, antibiotics elimination, EPs and ARGs removal.

Screen-Printed Hybrid Electrodes for Detecting and Monitoring Lipopolysaccharides Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2443 2020 - 2022

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); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); EPI-SISTEM S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

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

Abstract:

The project TOXINSENS refers to designing innovative, versatile and re-usable biosensors for the fast, qualitative and quantitative detection and monitoring of lipopolysaccharides (LPS- endotoxin derived from Gram-negative bacteria, GNB) in various biological, food or water samples. For this matter, a medium consortium was created taking into account the project interdisciplinary and complexity, which includes the Project Coordinator ICECHIM that owns the background of the Concept approached in this project proposal, a Partner with state-of-the art facilities for characterisation i.e. UPB and a SME Partner-EPI SISTEM SRL capable of testing the project prototypes, adsorbing the know-how of manufacturing and commercialise the resulted LPS-biosensors. The project on-set refers to the following bioinspired concept: Methodology for the preparation of LPS-sensitive films-TRL 2. The concept was originally proposed by the Project Leader and developed within the Advanced Polymer Materials & Polymer Recycling Group from ICECHIM on project TE123/2018 BACTERIOSENS. Starting from this point, TOXINSENS targets first the upgrade of this former concept by addition of electro-active nanoparticles to the precursor films solution. In this way, an electro-active hybrid paste will be generated and used to print LPS-hybrid films directly on blank ceramic electrodes (TRL 3). The prepared LPS-Screen-printed hybrid electrodes will be further tested in laboratory-relevant environments and the innovative technologies will be thus validated (TRL 4). The specific output of the project will lead to several outcomes during project implementation (short-term scenario: at least 3 publications, 3 communications at prestigious Symposia or Congresses and 1 patent claim), and also after project end (long-term scenario: research and development roadmaps, performance data, transferable knowledge).

“New drug delivery systems based on micro/nanogel composites containing natural bioactive substances” Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0953 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: http://www.icechim-rezultate.ro/proiect.php?id=22

Abstract:

The overall objective of the project consists of obtaining micro/nanoparticles of covalently crosslinked hydrogels based on polyethylene glycol and aliphatic polyamines (injectable micro/nanogels) having embedded both natural nanozeolites but also of natural bioactive substances in their polymer structure, with potential pharmaceutical applications. These new micro/nanogel composite structures are of great interest as they are aimed at being used as devices for subcutaneous or intravenous injection, ensuring the release of bioactive substances in hard-to-reach areas (by macroscopic hydrogels). The role of natural nanozeolites incorporation is to allow for a much slower and controlled release of the embedded active substances and to improve the viscoelastic features of hydrogels. Nowadays bioactive substances play an important role in the development of controlled release systems in medicinal chemistry for the production of new drugs with fewer side effects. The use of phytoextracts as bioactive substances is a big challenge of the project proposal. These new micro/nanodevices with controlled release will have significant influence, both nationally and internationally on the scientific, social and economic field. The results will be disseminated as follows: three articles published in ISI journals; three scientific communications at international conferences, and patenting of any original aspect.

Wastewaters treatment through flocculation- oxidation processes mediated by red mud derived flocculants and catalysts Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0177 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU METALE NEFEROASE SI RARE - IMNR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); EDAS-EXIM SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.unibuc.ro/depts/chimie/chimie_organica_biochimie_si_cataliza/PROIECTE-DE-CERCETARE/pn-ii-pt-pccaPN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0177-2013-4-01770/

Abstract:

The project aims the development of an innovative technology for the treatment of wastewaters with high organic loading which may occur from different sources such as: food processing, stock farming, tanneries, oil pumping stations, engine cleaning stations.

The ground principle for the new technology is fighting pollution by valorizing the useful components from pollutants, or briefly ”Pollutants fighting pollution”. In this way the benefic impact on the environment is practically doubled. On one hand the volume of industrial wastes polluting the soil and waters is diminished, and on the other hand after the treatment clean water is obtained while decreasing the consumption of chemical grade reagents utilized in water treatment, as well as the costs related to the consumption of energy, raw and auxiliary materials needed for their manufacture avoiding also the emissions of other pollutants.

The industrial waste which is going to be valorized for this purpose is the red mud which is yielded in huge quantities from alumina manufacturing by Bayer process. Red mud is a highly alkaline residue (pH >11,5) with high concentration of iron oxides (40-50%) along with other oxides such as Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, Na2O, CaO. It has elevated sodium concentration (>30 g/kg), and soluble alkalinity (≈30 g/kg as equivalent CaCO3). Due to its alkalinity and high content of fine-grained particles (>90% have sizes
Taking into account the high concentration of iron oxides in red mud waste, this project aims the utilization of red mud as iron source in order to replace partially the chemical reagents (generally synthesis grade Fe(III) salts) used in the obtaining of coagulation-flocculation-oxidation agents and advanced oxidation catalysts used in wastewaters treatment, laying the grounds for a sustainable green technology for the treatment of high organic loaded wastewaters.

The following original aspects that were not investigated up to now will be addressed:

a) the utilization of red mud suspensions for the generation of ferrate anions (FeO42-) which are the most powerful oxidation agents that may be used in water treatment (as it may be seen from the variation of the redox potentials: FeO42- (2,2eV) > O3 (2,03 eV) >H2O2 (1,78 eV) > MnO42- (1,68 eV) > Cl2 (1,36 eV) > O2 (solved) (1,23 eV) > ClO2 (0,95 eV)). The ferrate anions are considered to be a „green oxidant” since after the ferrate (VI) treatment there are no toxic by-products and following the redox cycle Fe(VI) is reduced to Fe(III) which is a very good coagulant/flocculant. Subsequently, in the stage following the oxidation it may serve as coagulant/flocculant able to remove the non-degradable impurities.

b) the obtaining of red-mud derived ceramic foams by gel-casting method - water treatment advanced oxidation catalysts

c) the obtaining of nanostructured amphiphilic magnetic materials - carbon nanofibers/red mud ceramic foams by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method – efficient adsorbents of hazardous organic contaminants in wastewaters.

d) integration of the above mentioned obtained materials in the technology for the treatment of wastewaters with high organic loading.

The project enables the partnership between public and private areas in the priority domain 3- Environment. The partnership includes 5 participants: an university, 3 national research-development institutes, a private company EDAX EXIM SRL provider of equipments and specific tasks in the domain of wastewaters and water treatments which co-finances the project. The participation of the co-financer has the role to create the mechanisms for implementing the technologies developed by this project.

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: 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); 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:

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.

Cellular materials with thermal insulation and fire resistance properties, via energetic efficient recycling process of PET wastes, for minimizing heat loss in civil and industrial buildings Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1388 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: CENTRUL DE CHIMIE ORGANICA AL ACADEMIEI ROMANE "C.D.NENITESCU"

Project partners: CENTRUL DE CHIMIE ORGANICA AL ACADEMIEI ROMANE "C.D.NENITESCU" (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); EUROPLASTIC S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://ccocdn.ro/index.php?id=21

Abstract:

The present project proposal refers to a sustainable process of obtaining rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams, cellular materials with excellent thermal insulating and fire resistance properties. The process consists in chemically recycling poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) wastes, using as depolymerization and/or modification agents renewable materials, mainly carbohydrates and natural oils derivatives. Novel modified organocatalytic systems, different from conventional metallic compounds, will be developed and optimised in order to increase process performance, maximize energy efficiency and eliminate the need for solvents

The scientific challenge of the project consists in tailoring the novel catalytic systems, in order to drastically reduce energy consumption associated to the depolymerization reactions of PET wastes (in particular in the presence of some renewable materials), and enhance catalytic activity for these specific reactants, by using theoretical modelling, as well as experimental studies. In this respect, researh will be conducted in two main directions: i) modifying existing organocatalysts, in order to improve their performance or their stability; ii) proposing new organocatalyst that have not been used yet in catalyzed PET solvolysis. A library of new modified organocatalysts and/or combinations thereof, with synergistic effect, suitable for selective solvolytic attack of PET by various cleavage agents, will be, finally, provided. Optimal versions will be selected, in order to be used to further develop the technology for rigid PUR foams preparation, from PET wastes and renewable resources.

Lab-scale technologies for synthesis of selected catalysts will furnish information, useful for modifying commercial organocatalysts into new structures, or use new organocatalysts for PET chemical recycling, in order to apply such energy efficient technologies, on industrial scale.

The main objective of the project consists in developing a series of oligoester-poliols with tuned chemical structure (i.e. rigid and/or flexible moieties content) and properties (adequate for specific applications), starting from PET wastes and renewable materials, by using the correlations between reaction parameters (including organocatalysts), the products’ chemical structure and target properties. Using these oligoesters and designing the foams formulations, polyurethane and polyisocyanurate thermo-insulating rigid foams with tailored chemical structure will be obtained, adapted for various applications and showing (in some imbodiments) improved physico-mechanical and fire resistance properties The innovative and flexible pilot-scale technology for oligoester-polyols synthesis, using organocatalysts, as well as PET wastes and renewable resources as raw materials, would represent an exemplary case of meeting “green chemistry” standards by drastically reducing experimental conditions, eradicating the need for organic solvents, recycling a plastic waste which is accumulating in landfields and is not biodegradable, and providing, instead, innovative eco-friendly products, for long term applications. A innovative and flexible pilot-scale technology for PUR thermo-insulating rigid foams preparation using the respective oligoester-polyols will be developed, as well.

As a total result, a sustainable technology, with low energy consumption, significantly reducing the price of rigid polyurethane foams, would provide an exceptional solution to replace materials commonly used for insulation in buildings with new materials exhibiting outstanding properties and available for various applications, from building envelope to insulations for utility routes.

DRUG DELIVERY HYBRIDS BASED ON POLYMERS AND POROUS CLAY HETEROSTRUCTURES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1432 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO); METAV - CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.tsocm.pub.ro/cercetare/DELPOCLAY

Abstract:

The research project is focused on the synthesis of new hybrid materials based on polymers and various organophylized porous clay heterostructures designed for controlled delivery of drugs which exhibit a low water solubility and high toxicity.

EXPLOITATION OF SPONTANEOUS FLORA RESOURCES BY NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE OBTAINING OF HIGH BIOACTIVE HYPERICIN CONCENTRATES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0548 2012 - 2016

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); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.icechim-pd.ro/en/pol_hitech/polimeri_hitech_spoflorahyp_en.html

Abstract:

The naphthodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin occur in the flowers and leaves of SJW. Hypericin act as an antibiotic and non-specific kinase inhibitor. Hypericin, is being clinically evaluated as an antiviral agent in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Hypericin was proven to be anti cholesterol and useful for blood circulation. In addition, hypericin is under research as an agent in photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and therapy (PDT), of cancer.

The project target is to elaborate the production technologies for molecular imprinting of polymers with hypericin 1 enantiomer and for using these new materials in selective separations (MISPE), in order to obtain high bioactive concentrates of hypericin. This will allow the better exploitation of the resources of spontaneous flora and hereby to obtain by the “green chemistry” approaches dietary supplements able to prevent or to cure some diseases of the population. The main novelty of the project proposal is that it is intended to obtain molecularly imprinted polymer materials using as template the enantiomer 1 of hypericin, the materials being appropriate for preparative extraction of this enantiomer from primary SJW extracts. The second novelty of the project is the identification of technological parameters for MISPE separation of hypericin on the new materials. The third novelty of the project is the obtaining of high bioactive dietary supplements (concentrates) of hypericin. The many original idea involved in the project realization insures the deposition of at least 2 patent askings.

The hypericin concentrates that we intend to produce from St. John’s Wort are a world novelty. Such products are not yielded in Romania or abroad. Their enhanced bioactivity in preventing or curing some very dangerous diseases such as cancer, HIV, blood circulation disorders and depressions, will enable them to penetrate quickly on national and European markets.

SUPERABSORBENTS BIOPOLYMER MATERIALS FOR AGRICULTURE USES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0115 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.sabiom.ro

Abstract:

The aim of the SABIOM project is to obtain new superabsorbent materials which could be used in agriculture for water reserving and soil conditioning, starting from biopolymers and using especially green chemistry methods.The superabsorbent materials which will be prepared will also have the capacity of active agrochemicals delivery to the plants in order to protect them against different diseases or to enhance their growth. The novelty of this project is to use bacterial cellulose and other biopolymers in order to obtain superabsorbent hydrogels. This choice was determined by the fact that the majority of the superabsorbent polymers used as commercial products are synthetic polymers as crosslinked polyacrylates or polyacrylamide, and hydrolized cellulose polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or starch-PAN graft copolymers. This project is enrolled in the research efforts which are devoted to develop natural-based superabsorbent polymers starting from polysaccharides and polypeptides (proteins).

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