BrainMap

Andra - Ionela Ghizdareanu

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

Researcher

Curriculum Vitae (11/12/2023)

Expertise & keywords

Innovative protein hydrolysates and collagens for anti-inflammatory food applications Call name: P 5.8 - SP 5.8.2 - EUREKA
PN-IV-P8-8.2-EUREKA-2024-0026 2025 - 2028

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: ITALPROD SRL

Project partners: ITALPROD SRL (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); BESLER Gıda ve Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ș. (TR); GURU SAĞIKLI GIDA SAN. A. Ş (TR)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.italprod.eu/research-project-proiectul-de-cercetare-procoll/

Abstract:

The ProColl project aims to develop innovative functional foods by combining bioactive protein hydrolysates with different types of collagen, each with specific flavours tailored to different food matrices. As the demand for health-promoting foods increases, ProColl focuses on advanced formulations that combine hydrolysates from sustainable sources such as Mytilus galloprovincialis/Silybum marianum/sunflower cake with different types of collagen. These ingredients will be incorporated into functional cherry-based products and fat-based spreads/margarines. The synergistic combination of hydrolysates and collagen enhances the anti-inflammatory properties while improving solubility, emulsification and thermal stability. ProColl aims to deliver health-promoting functional foods that meet consumer demands.

Innovative ingredient and food supplement for eye health support Call name: P 5.8 - SP 5.8.2 - EUREKA
PN-IV-P8-8.2-EUREKA-2024-0005 2025 - 2028

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: T.R.M. SUPPLEMENTS SRL

Project partners: T.R.M. SUPPLEMENTS SRL (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); PLASTBEST SRL (RO); „13. Jul Plantaže“ a.d. (ME)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.ovoimuno.ro/cercetare-inoeye-ro

Abstract:

The INO4EYE project aims to develop and commercialise an innovative ingredient and dietary supplement that protects and supports eye health. By combining lutein-rich extracts and polyphenol-rich extracts, the project addresses the growing concern about eye health due to ageing and prolonged screen time. These products are designed to filter harmful blue light, reduce oxidative stress and improve overall eye health. The project also promotes sustainability through the use of by-products from the agri-food sector. The development of INO4EYE products is in line with current health trends that emphasise prevention rather than treatment. The potential health benefits go beyond vision protection and contribute to the overall well-being of the eyes. INO4EYE products offer consumers a proactive approach to maintaining and improving eye health by integrating these products into their daily diet.

Innovative utilization of agri-food by-products&waste in liquid nutritional supplement development Call name: P 5.8 - SP 5.8.2 - EUREKA
PN-IV-P8-8.2-EUREKA-2024-0032 2025 - 2028

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: AROMA PLANT BONCHIS S.R.L.

Project partners: AROMA PLANT BONCHIS S.R.L. (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); University of Belgrade - Faculty of Agriculture (RS); Faculty of Technology University of Novi Sad (RS); Institute of General and Physical Chemistry (RS); Fantastik fungi (RS)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://aromaplantbonchis.ro/cercetare/

Abstract:

LiProMush aims to create an innovative liquid nutritional supplement sourced from underutilized food industry by-products, such as black cumin, milk thistle cakes, and mushroom waste. This supplement not only hydrates but also provides a complex profile of valuable nutritional compounds derived from agro-industrial by-products and mushroom waste. LiProMush is a multifunctional solution tailored to a wide range of consumers. Elderly consumers can benefit from its easily digestible proteins, which help prevent muscle loss, as well as polysaccharides and polyphenols that support immune function and help manage chronic conditions. Vegans and vegetarians will find this supplement a valuable source of plant-based proteins, while health-conscious individuals can integrate it into a balanced diet, as it is rich in fiber and protein, making it ideal for vegetarian or flexitarian lifestyles. In a society where food choices are often influenced by ethical, health, and environmental concerns, LiProMush meets the need for a simple, comprehensive, easy-to-use, and guilt-free product. Liquid nutritional supplements fulfil consumers’ fundamental needs while offering innovation through the use of sustainable, green, and competitive technologies.

Integrating novel biopreservatives for the optimization of food safety in dairy products (BIOSAFE4DAIRY) Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.2 - EUROSTARS-3
EUROSTARS-3-E!6956-BIOSAFE4DAIRY 2025 - 2028

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: DUNAREA PROD SRL

Project partners: DUNAREA PROD SRL (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); DOMCA SAU (ES)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.crona.ro/lactate/dunarea-cercetare-ro/

Abstract:

BIOSAFE4DAIRY aims to develop new food preservatives based on a unique formulation of plant extracts, essential

oils, and postbiotics specifically selected for their strong antimicrobial properties. This food preservative will be

integrated into new dairy products to improve their shelf-life and safety without compromising their nutritional and

sensory quality. The project will involve microbial challenge studies, shelf-life assessments, and sensory evaluations to validate the performance of the new food preservatives in dairy matrices while maintaining product quality and

consumer acceptance. This initiative aims to provide sustainable and health-conscious solutions for the food industry.

Bee-hive based active principles intensified extraction and smart encapsulation for controlled release: a synergistic bioeconomy and bioengineering approach Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect experimental demonstrativ
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-0973 2025 - 2027

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); ACTIV CPC&I SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/beeprodcaps/

Abstract:

The scope of „Bee-hive based active principles intensified extraction and smart encapsulation for controlled release: a synergistic bioeconomy and bioengineering approach - BeeProdCaps” project is to develop and validate an efficient laboratory technology for the extraction and encapsulation of active principles from bee products. The capsules, endowed with an engineered active compound releasing time profile, should also have adequate qualities for human consumption as nutraceuticals. The demonstration model of the laboratory technology will cover the extraction procedure, the encapsulation step, and the controlled release in solutions at different values of pH. The extraction technology will be based on the experience of the project implementation team and aims to obtain concentrated extracts with high antioxidant activity using acceptable solvents for food processing. The encapsulation materials and techniques will be defined based on the capsules’ characterization and appropriate delivery capability of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant capacity, evaluated by in-vitro experiments simulating the gastro-intestinal conditions. Starting from proven experience in encapsulation of essential oils and omega 3 fatty acids (TRL 2) the project will develop an advanced technology for encapsulating polyphenolic derivatives, classic and using 3D printing, based on selected materials, and ensuring pH-controlled release (TRL4).

Development of health-promoting food ingredients from winemaking by-products and activated seeds Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Proiecte EUREKA Tradiţional (Network), EUREKA-Cluster, Eurostars
PN-III-P3-3.5-EUK-2019-0169 2021 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL

Project partners: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade (RS); ZMAJEVAC Winery DOO (RS)

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

Project website: https://www.expergo.ro/proiecte/healthyseed/

Abstract:

The goal of HEALTHYSEED project is to develop new functional food products that contain valuable nutrients from grape seed oil, grape seed flour and various sprout extracts. The project aims: i) to exploit the potential of grape seeds, as a source of valuable components such as unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols and dietary fibres; ii) activation and sprouting of selected seeds (amaranth, alfalfa/red clover) to improve nutritional properties: digestibility of plant proteins; conversion of carbohydrates to simpler forms for easy assimilation; bio-availability of minerals; significantly reduction of phytic acid levels (an antinutrient), freeing up minerals for absorption; increase of beneficial enzymes; and iii) encapsulation of these ingredients as a mean of protection of nutritionally important compounds and targeted delivery.

Encapsulated grape seed oil, sprout extracts and grape seed flour obtained under optimal conditions will be incorporated into adequate products: snack rolls, snack balls, nutritional snack. Hence, in final products, we will provide health-promoting bio-ingredients, with desirable stability, targeted release and bioavailability. Nutritional and energetic value of new functional textured food products will be established.

This project will include variation of encapsulation methods and parameters and characterization of the obtained encapsulates in order to evaluate/improve the encapsulation process itself.

The project is oriented to obtain such products that not only satisfy energy and basic nutritional need of human organism, but also provide certain protection against diseases related to modern lifestyle.

Novel bioprocessing tools to produce functional bakery products fortified with dietary fibres and detoxified gluten Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Proiecte EUREKA Tradiţional (Network), EUREKA-Cluster, Eurostars
PN-III-P3-3.5-EUK-2019-0163 2021 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: NATURAL INGREDIENTS R & D S.R.L.

Project partners: NATURAL INGREDIENTS R & D S.R.L. (RO); EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIORESURSE ALIMENTARE - IBA BUCURESTI (RO); University of Belgrade - Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy (RS); Sojaprotein a.d. Becej (RS)

Affiliation: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO)

Project website: https://naturalingredientsrd.eu/bioflosbake-lavglu/

Abstract:

Recent studies have highlighted the need for an improvement in the nutritional quality of cereal-based gluten-free products. The project aim is to design novel cost-efficient and sustainable bio-processes to isolate valuable fibres and specialty oligosaccharides from the co-products of the soy processing industry (soybean hulls and soy molasses). Also, the project will explore various possibilities of reducing/eliminating allergenicity of gluten flours using different bio-processing methods (microwave treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and sourdough fermentation). The project includes implementation trials in gluten-free bakery products enriched with fibres.

The Consortium will design improved extraction methods of dietary fibres and prebiotic oligosaccharides. Design of novel processes for modification of gluten protein will be achieved with the aim to develop novel gluten-free formulations with detoxified gluten.

They are 5 partners: Sojaprotein is a Serbian soy processing company with great interest in increasing value for side streams of soy processing; Univ. of Belgrade (FTM) with expertise on enzymatic technologies will deal with extraction methods of dietary fibres and oligosaccharides from wastes of soy processing industry that will be used for development of functional foods by the Romanian partners (IBA and Expergo). FTM will use innovative technologies such as microwave treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to detoxify gluten. IBA will employ sourdough fermentation to reduce the allergenicity of gluten and will develop gluten-free products comparing with the techniques used by FTM. Expergo, besides sensorial and consumers test for the obtained products, will develop a prebiotic product with gelled texture enriched with oligosaccharide. The Romanian company NIRD will implement at pilot level technological solutions to obtain oligosaccharides and detoxified flour.

Innovative Fermbiotic Foods with anti-inflammatory properties Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Proiecte Eurostars 2019
EUROSTARS-2019-E!12880-IFFA 2019 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL

Project partners: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO); 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: https://www.expergo.ro/proiecte/iffa/

Abstract:

IFFA will bring to market high quality functional food products with anti-inflammatory properties. The core product is a novel ‘fermbiotic’; a fermented product based on pro- and prebiotics and bioactives. Functional drinks containing the fermbiotic, along with other health-promoting ingredients, will be developed. Additionally, the fermbiotic will be formulated into a food supplement. Via this range of products different customer segments will be targeted, ensuring a broad impact. By providing consumers with novel products containing fermbiotics, IFFA will contribute to reducing negative health effects of inflammation, thus increasing overall health. The novel fermbiotic, the key ingredient in a food supplement and in functional drinks, will be developed through solid-state fermentation of mustard seeds and seaweeds. The fermentation will be optimised to obtain a product with the highest possible bioactivity, which will be quantified using cellular assays. Metabolite profiling will be used to correlate the anti-inflammatory properties with key compounds.

The bioactive peptides will be prepared from bee pollen, an existing product which will be optimised in terms of enhancing its digestibility through hydrolysis. Intake of low-GI carbohydrates is a current trend, but current products are mainly based on corn starch. Development of low-GI carbohydrates from alternative sources will thus be an incremental development.

Innovative health-promoting dry food matrices with enhanced functionality Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Proiecte EUREKA Tradiţional (Network), EUREKA-Cluster, Eurostars
PN-III-P3-3.5-EUK-2017-02-0035 2019 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL

Project partners: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); REDIS C.O. SRL (RO)

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

Project website: https://www.expergo.ro/proiecte/probibars/

Abstract:

PROBIBARS aims to develop new functional snack-type dry food products containing synbiotic microcapsules, to improve probiotic bacteria viability and stability, and fortified with plant peptide-rich protein hydrolysates, to enhance bioavailability of ingredients, nutritional and commercial value.

Innovative formulations of main bee products using natural ingredients Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Proiecte EUREKA Tradiţional (Network), EUREKA-Cluster, Eurostars
PN-III-P3-3.5-EUK-2016-0016 2019 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: APICOLA COSTACHE SRL

Project partners: APICOLA COSTACHE SRL (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO)

Affiliation: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO)

Project website: http://www.apicolacostache.ro/cercetare

Abstract:

The project aims to develop innovative blends based on honey/propolis with indigenous natural ingredients derived from aromatic plant and berry pomace, in specific ratios which to ensure their compatibility and stability.

Advanced Natural Food Flavours based on Sustainable Technology of Pyrazines Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Proiecte EUREKA Tradiţional (Network), EUREKA-Cluster, Eurostars
PN-III-P3-3.5-EUK-2016-0040 2017 - 2020

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: NATURAL INGREDIENTS R & D S.R.L.

Project partners: NATURAL INGREDIENTS R & D S.R.L. (RO); EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO); CENTRUL DE CHIMIE ORGANICA AL ACADEMIEI ROMANE "C.D.NENITESCU" (RO)

Affiliation: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO)

Project website: http://www.naturalingredientsrd.eu/flavo-pyra-tech

Abstract:

Pyrazines are privileged compounds, containing N-heterocyclic moieties and they have applications in the industrial area (food, agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceutical industry, etc). Pyrazines are important components of aroma fragrances, flavors in foods and widely used as agro-chemicals (aromas of many fruits, vegetables and wines), potentially pharmacophore of a large number of biologically active substances; inhibitor for the growth of E. coli; therapeutic drugs for relaxing cardiovascular and uterine smooth muscle; anti-aggregation and analgesic drugs; pheromones in various insect species and versatile synthetic intermediates). FLAVO-PYRA-TECH proposes to obtain new natural flavors for food industry. Some of the most used flavors in the food industry are those with sensory profile of chocolate, caramel, coffee, but most of them are synthetic-based flavors.

The industrial-specialized companies are looking to replace the synthetic flavors with natural ones. A natural and eco-renewable source for chocolate, caramel and coffee natural flavors are pyrazine mixtures. We are proposing to extract and to enrich the pyrazine mixtures from the raw material named fusel oil as by-products of wastes from agriculture (from sugarcane and sugar beets, fruits, cereals). The technology is based on an efficient extraction and enrichment of the pyrazine products using supported liquid membrane (SLM) extraction technique. The SLM system has a sandwich design with two different channels (donor and acceptor) and a supported liquid membrane placed between invoked channels. Pyrazine compound will be extracted and enriched in the acceptor directly from the sample (donor channel) based on different solubility of the analyte between aqueous and organic phase. To use the new natural flavors in food products, we are approaching two ways: a direct insertion (liquid phase) and an encapsulation (solid phase). Biomass source and its conditions for pyrazine production will be evaluated, too.

Design of novel enzyme-based technologies for structuring and processing of soy proteins Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Proiecte EUREKA Tradiţional (Network), EUREKA-Cluster, Eurostars
PN-III-P3-3.5-EUK-2016-0027 2017 - 2020

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: NATURAL INGREDIENTS R & D S.R.L.

Project partners: NATURAL INGREDIENTS R & D S.R.L. (RO); EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIORESURSE ALIMENTARE - IBA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO)

Project website: http://www.naturalingredientsrd.eu/soyzyme/

Abstract:

It is a 5 companies Serbo-Romanian partnership. In Serbia, the

industrial participant is a specialized soya processing company which a national programme, SojaVita. The R&D unit in Serbia is the Univ. of Belgrad, Fac. of Metallurgical Technologies with an outstanding expertize on enzymatic technologies which will produce the innovative technology by a non-thermic treatment.

The proteic hydrolyzate in different versions (both solid and liquid state) is sending to Romania for characterization, additional research to be transformed into a food supplement. The Romanian main participant - Natural Ingredients R&D SRL - is an innovative SME specialized on ingredients for cosmetics and food industry and it would like to extend the product portfolio, by soya-based supplements. The food supplement will be tested within food (baking and meat processing) product on the pilot plants of the National R&D Institute for Food Bioresources (IBA) which has the core expertize for this activity and more to establish new food product standards to be valorized on the specialized institute pilot plants for baking and meat processing. The third Romanian participant - Expergo Business Network SRL - is an innovative SME specialized on sensory analysis and will perform both the study of the sensory profile of proteic hydrolyzate and the descriptive sensory analysis, and the testing study

of the new obtained food products on consumers, including the degree of acceptance and their preferences. The Serbo-Romanian partnership is sustainable following the project, because of the new pilot plant in Serbia as raw material source and market application of the food supplement and the new standardized

food product on the IBA's pilot plants. They are good premises for

significant market impact of the innovative technology and its results in the regional market of South East Europe.

Novel functional fruit beverages with consumers health impact Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Proiecte EUREKA Tradiţional (Network), EUREKA-Cluster, Eurostars
PN-III-P3-3.5-EUK-2016-0015 2016 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: ANNABELLA FABRICA DE CONSERVE RAURENI SRL

Project partners: ANNABELLA FABRICA DE CONSERVE RAURENI SRL (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO)

Affiliation: EXPERGO BUSINESS NETWORK SRL (RO)

Project website: http://www.raureni.ro/ro-ro/noutati/probev

Abstract:

This project aims to develop new functional beverages using apple/grape juices as matrix for prebiotics, probitotic strains and antioxidants to promote health benefits and wellness to consumers.

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