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Andreia Alecu

Researcher (R2)

Researcher (R2) - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Researcher

Dr. Alecu I Andreia, researcher at National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences (INCDSB), Centre of Bioanalysis, Bucharest – Romania. She obtained her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2012 at Politehnica University of Bucharest, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science. The main area of her competences is in Bioanalysis, with skills in: plant extracts formulation through various technologies (ASE, laser irradiation extraction, UAE, MAE, maceration); development and validation of analytical methods (UV-VIS, fluorescence, IR, MALDI-TOF) for the characterization of bio-active compounds from complex matrices; antioxidant capacity assessment (ABTS, DPPH, ORAC); determination of total phenolic content; structural analysis of (bio)compounds; evaluate de purity grade of the compounds. Skilled in designing and conducting high-impact experiments, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborating across interdisciplinary teams.

Web of Science ResearcherID: G-6702-2011

Curriculum Vitae (19/02/2026)

Expertise & keywords

Nanocrystalline Graphene e-Tongue for Extra-Virgin Olive Oils Testing Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2256 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.imt.ro/NAGET/rezultate.php

Abstract:

Olive oil is one of the most valuable foods due to its unique organoleptic properties, its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (70-80%) and its antioxidant properties given by the presence of lipophilic phenols (tocopherols) and hydrophilic phenols (hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleacein, vanillic acid) in the composition of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is traded at higher prices than other vegetable oils due to its exceptional properties such as nutritional value, aroma and excellent taste and is therefore subject to fraudulent activities. Therefore, the present project proposal aims to develop an electrochemical tongue sensor paired with chemometrics targeting the adulteration of extra-virgin olive oils. The proposed analytical approach being developed will be validated in relation to a standardised method used to determine the authenticity of extra virgin olive oils. The electrochemical tool will benefit from the knowledge already acquired by the consortium members. The e-tongue will consist of a suitable conductive material as the sensing interface (i.e. nanocrystalline graphene (NCG) based electrodes), the surface of the transducers will be modified with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to chemically tailor the surface, increase the electroactive area and improve the sensitivity. The electrochemically recorded data will be processed and analysed using established and new chemometrics tools to train and validate a method for classifying olive and vegetable oils and another for predicting the concentrations of selected markers associated with olive oil adulteration.

Analytical approach to understanding positive synergistic effects of melatonin on polyphenolic profile and antioxidant capacity Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0321 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://proiecte.incdsb.ro/MEL-ANTIOX/index_files/Page442.htm

Abstract:

The main research objective of the present project is study the positive synergistic effects of melatonin on the polyphenolic profile and antioxidant activity evolution from red wines to understand mechanism underlying the melatonin-induced enhancement in antioxidant capacity. The realization will be possible by the fully analytical validation of an HPLC-FL method for quantification of melatonin from red wines to monitor the its amount in the pre-stage of vinification process but also during the aging process of red wines and the using of an new developed and validated electrochemical sensor array (e-tougue) to study the synergistic effect of melatonin with other antioxidants. The electrochemical approach will be paired with classical tools, spectrophotometer and chromatographic methods to estimating the bioactivities of phytochemicals associated with additive and synergistic effects. An important step in this work is using the application of melatonin in pre-stage of microvinification process. The envisaged project outcomes are including the development and validation of e-tongue for phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity evolution, achievement of wines with high antioxidant activity and improved with potential health benefits through the use of melatonin in the vinification process and experimental proof of concept about combination of phytochemicals and synergistic effect of melatonin with other antioxidants.

Development of New PHYTo-formulations with enhanced BIOACTive potential based on polyphenols complexes from plants and vegetal by-products Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3945 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: https://www.incdsb.ro/p/nphytbioact/Rezultate.html

Abstract:

NPHYTBIOACT project intends to demonstrate the feasibility of using innovative technologies to improve natural resources (plants and vegetal by-products) use and to increase the efficiency of phyto-products formulation. The core objective of the project: to settle a complete solution for development and lab-scale validation of new phyto-formulations with enhanced bioactivity. Achieving the NPHYTBIOACT major goal implies the following technological downstream: 1.Validation of the innovative technologies of extraction existing at the consortium level (TRL 3) for silymarin extraction from milk thistle and polyphenols/flavonoids extraction from rosehip; 2.Development and characterization of phytosomes (phyto-phospholipids complexes) based on complexes “active compound –phospholipids” to be further used in phyto-products formulation. In our case active compound are silymarin, respectively polyphenols/flavonoids while phospholipids are phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine phosphatidylserine; 3. Lab-scale new phyto-formulations based on the developed phytosomes & validation of the new-formulations

At the project completion the following outcomes will be provided: two validated extraction technologies (microwave assisted extraction), for silymarin from milk thistle (plant, by products) and polyphenols/flavonoids from rosehip (plant, young branches, by-products) and selective concentration and standardization in rutin, quercitrin and kaempherol will be performed; lab-scale validated procedures for phytosomes synthesis, silymarin-phytosomes, respectively flavonoids-phytosomes; validated formula for new highly bioactive phyto-products including synthesized phytosomes.

NPHYTBIOACT, aims to perform a step forward from the results existing at the consortium level, targeting to improve the existing know-how in order to obtain new phyto-products with enhanced bioactivity and increased solubility characteristics in physiological relevant fluids.

High Valorisation of Press Cake Resulted in Processing of Milk Thistle Oil by Cold Pressing Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Transfer de cunoaștere la agentul economic „Bridge Grant”
PN-III-P2-2.1-BG-2016-0119 2016 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); HOFIGAL EXPORT IMPORT SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: https://www.chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/analitica/VALSUSA.pdf/

Abstract:

The project is targeting two main objectives: a) development of efficient extraction technologies to support the higher valorisation of byproduct resulted from milk thistle processing to obtain oil; b) strenghtening the collaboration between academic research and industrial end-users and enhancing the human resource expertize. Achieving the first objective involves the following subsidiary objectives: characterization of by-product from the production of oil thistle in terms of profile composition and initial efficacy; development and optimization of extraction technologies; formulation and characterization of extracts with high content of sylimarin; demonstration/testing/validation of realised extraction technologies for the trader. At the end the obtained product have to have a silymarin concentration of at least 50%. The second objective consists of training internships of master students at the trader facilities, to enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities, and the training of specialized HOFIGAL staff in academic laboratories.

The assessment of composition profile will be performed by HPLC – DAD- MS, capillary electrophoresis, fluorimetric methods, chemiluminescent method etc. Silymarin extraction will be accomplished using: ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, dioxane, water or various mixtures solvent/water. It will be performed the study of the temperature influence and the influence of the extraction technique used: percolation / maceration, Soxhlet, and accelerated extraction based on the use of cavitation phenomena (ultrasound or microwave assisted) on sylimarin extraction yield. The aim is to settled extraction technologies based on the use of non-flammable solvent (or with reduced flammability) and mild working conditions, as technology agreed by trader. The extracts antioxidant capacity and their antitumoral effects will be assessed. The obtained silymarin concentrate will be used by HOFIGAL in phyto-drugs formulation and food supplements.

Obtaining new vector types for their phytotherapeutical principles, by means of biotechnological processes and the modeling of the phytotherapeutical principle's release mechanism Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0034 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE-I.N.C.D.T.P. BUCURESTI SUCURSALA BUCURESTI INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE PIELARIE - INCALTAMINTE I.C.P.I. (RO); UNIV.DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE - CAROL DAVILA (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/NEWBIOVECT/index.htm

Abstract:

The goal of the NEWBIOVECT consortium is to develop a new biomimetic biovectors – complex of the multi-membranes and active principles of a phytocomplex obtained from Symphytum officinale, Betonica officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Impatiens L. species concentrated extracts, such as polyphenols (can mimic the effects of cytokines, they have also been involved in the regulation of cell division and expansion), flavones, saponins (anti-inflammatory compounds that mimic the action of steroids), allantoin and polysaccharides (stimulate proliferation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts). The project also aims to release in vitro and in vivo a therapeutic dosage of drug that heals wounds and reduces the inflammatory effects. The new biovectors will be will be kinetically characterized and will be establish of the mechanisms involved in the kinetic processes.

The development of new, advanced systems biovector phytotherapeutic compounds (active ingredients) aim to the skin wounds’ treatment improvement as well as shorter the hospital recovery time. This project focuses also on the superior valorizing of some well-known medicinal herbs (Symphytum officinale and Salvia officinalis), as well as the higher valorizing of Impatiens L. Species and Betonica officinalis which has not yet been introduced in Romania, for research and proceeding by now. Additionally, this project aims to transfer the new knowledge in the economic environment for a more efficient use of medicinal and aromatic plant species, and increase the quality and competitiveness of Romanian’s phyto-pharmaceutic products on domestic and foreign market.

The project results will get a technological impact considering the development of some new, nonconventional processes with high efficiency, in Romania, for obtaining and processing the herbs extracts.

The main objectives of the NEWBIOVECT project are: i) design and synthesis of novel polymeric and composite multi-membrane systems, macroporous and nanoporous membranes for active principles of a phytocomplex obtained from Symphytum officinale, Betonica officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Impatiens L. species concentrated extracts delivery; ii) kinetic studies concerning the active principles in vitro release from the obtained supports, and testing the obtained support for their biocompatibility; iii) accomplishment of the biovectors’ experimental lots for the phytopharmaceutical products with reproducible characteristics and evaluate in vivo therapeutic efficacy.

Higher Valorisation of Vegetal By-Products and Wastes to Support Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0361 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/HIVEGRES/index_ro.html

Abstract:

The project Higher Valorisation of Vegetal By-Products and Wastes to Support Sustainable Use of Natural Resources - HIVEGRES- proposes, in general terms, new technologies able to improve the natural resources use (wastes and by-products) and to increase the efficiency of bio-products formulation in terms of process control and formulation technology. The project frames in the general field of Industrial Green Technology aiming to acquire, by safe methods, an enhanced content of high quality natural nutraceutics to be used as supplements and additives in obtaining efficient functional phyto-products.

HIVEGRES project aims to provide industrial innovative solutions (sustained by a strong scientific basis) to cover the industrial activities which are supporting the base for launching new healthy products, conforming to EU regulations and claims, with lower processing and production costs while enhancing the natural resources sustainable use; the project is focusing mainly on the phyto-pharmaceutical products sector.

In the frame of present project the practical addressed issues are:

1) Improved, sustainable use of natural resources by recycling vegetal wastes and by-products, improving the production yields and, consequently saving material from disposal while improving the whole process

2) Introducing new tools to control and monitor the production process and to assess the products quality: nano-sized biosensors array and flow injection analysis (FIA) methods and device

3) To create new opportunities for functional phyto-products diversification and opening new prospects in the market segment for the involved Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

To achieve the main goals of the project within the proposed 24 months project, the following main active principles are envisaged: the most efficient xanthophylls (Lutein and Zeaxanthin), carotenoids and anthocyanins from vegetal by-products, respectively wastes. For each active principle a specific vegetal source will be addressed, accordingly to the existing by-products and wastes and to the expected content of compounds occurring in each source.

Targeted vegetal materials are: by-products resulted from Vaccinium vitis-idaea, (cowberry), Myrtilli fructus and leaves (bilberry), Cynosbati fructus and leaves (rosehip), Hippopheas fructus (sea-buckthorns) and leaves (wild and cultivated in Romania, mainly Northern part) and vegetables wastes resulted from cultivars (all over the country) of tomatoes, carrots and egg plants.

Two important innovative approaches are proposed by HIVEGRES: in the products quality control (raw material and final products) by introducing nano-sized sensors able to provide information which comply to EU claims, and in natural resources processing technology, by proposing an improved extraction technology able to lead to higher extraction yield of active principles.

Integrated system for monitoring and bioremediation of metal/radionuclides - contaminated area Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0608 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); CP MED LABORATORY SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU METALE SI RESURSE RADIOACTIVE - I.C.P.M.R.R. BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/Imonbio/Proiect.html

Abstract:

The core objective of the proposal consists in the development of new integrated system for monitoring and bioremediation of metal/radionuclides from contaminated areas, this meaning the complex approach of the subject from the following points: development of new analytical methods/devices applicable to fast assessment/monitoring of heavy metals and radionuclides from contaminated areas; development of a bio-remediation strategy based on micro-organisms effective against the two classes of contaminants. The project proposes as monitoring devices an array of electrochemical (enzymatic and micro-organism based) biosensors, selective and sensitive for heavy metals and radionuclides. Envisaged heavy metals are copper, lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, while envisaged radionuclides are uranium, radon, and thorium.

The following subsidiary objectives are envisaged:

 Design of a microorganisms based bio-remediation strategy and development of the experimental model on lab-scale;

 The versatile use of Pseudomonas and Clostridium strains, both in bio-remediation strategy (as biocatalysts) and in biosensors construction (as pollutants bio-recognition element).

 Design, construction and validation of the new analytical device: biosensor platform based on microorganisms and enzymes immobilization.

 Design of a demonstrator model to support the bio-remediation strategy

Sustained dissemination actions (ISI papers, Conferences) and patent request are also planned.

New BImetallic nanoparticles with applications in water CLEANing of chlorinated compounds and BIOSensors Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0054 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2011/Project_Bicleanbios.ppt

Abstract:

The project proposes the use eco-friendly bimetallic nanoparticles with controlled composition, morphology, structure and chemical state in catalytic and photocatalytic abatement of toxic chlorinated compounds in water via dehydrochlorination reaction. The fine tuning of nanoparticle structure prepared by polyol method is expected to bring crucial improvements by increasing the catalytic activity and resistance against poisoning compared to existing materials. A strategy for improving the catalytic performances is proposed by using ordered mesostructured Al2O3 as supporting material which will be synthesized by combined microemulsion-hydrothermal techniques. In addition, the photocatalytic hydrodechlorination reaction over bimetallic nanoparticles assembled in a controlled manner with TiO2 will be investigated for the first time. The materials will be characterized by a bunch of physico-chemical techniques (XRD, XPS, fractal analysis, gas titration TPO, TPR, Cyclic Voltammetry). Also they will be tested for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

Another important application envisaged is to develop new highly sensitive and stable biosensors based on bimetallic nanoparticles. The immobilized biorecognition element(s) on a modified working electrode with bimetallic NPs will be evaluated to identify the most promising systems for biosensor construction.

The targeted technical goal is to develop a laboratory technology for catalytic and photocatalytic degradation of chlorinated compounds in polluted waters. Sensitive and stable biosensors devoted to TCE assessment and based on bimetallic nanoparticles use are also planned to be developed at prototype level.

In order to achieve these ambitious objectives, in the three years proposed, a well-balanced and multidisciplinary consortium of three partners has been created. All the participant members have a well-established reputation in catalysis, material science, bio-chemistry and physico-chemical characterization techniqu

Exploiting the antioxidant capacity of black grapes for producing wines with high authentic quality Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-1809 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: CENTRUL INTERNATIONAL DE BIODINAMICA

Project partners: CENTRUL INTERNATIONAL DE BIODINAMICA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU VITICULTURA SI VINIFICATIE (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://www.biodyn.ro/PROJECTS/ANTIOXWIN/antioxwin.html

Abstract:

The Project aims to develop tools for obtaining wines with consistently high quality attributes and propose ways to recognize their unique characteristics, to affirm and protect their identity. More specifically, we target selected red wines with Dealu Mare Controlled Origin Denomination and we will use the antioxidant potential (phenolic profile and total antioxidant capacity) as a means to affirm and verify their quality. We will develop an optimised technological process whose monitoring will include verification of the total antioxidant capacity of intermediary samples using an electrochemical sensor(i); a detailed profiling including, in addition to typical parameters in the wine sheet, a thorough characterisation of the phenolic composition, anthocyanin structure and total antioxidant capacity, all that being synthesized in a database(ii) and novel tools for wine classification and assertion of their authenticity, respectively an "e-tongue" device and a chemometrics model that will exploit the information in the "antioxidant" database to define the "antioxidant fingerprint" of wines. The synergy between the existing infrastructure and scientific capabilities of the partners will allow a complex, multidisciplinary evaluation of wine quality and generation of high quality novel technology, sensors and information representing a significant advancement of the state-of-the art. A particular strength of the project relies on maximizing the extraction of relevant information and practical application of the generated data. The projected end results in ANTIOXWIN (optimised technology, total antioxidant capacity sensor, antioxidant database, e-tongue and antioxidant fingerprint) will offer new tools to wine-makers, quality control labs, regulators in the field of quality wines with controlled origin etc and will raise consumer awareness with regards to the quality of Romanian wines.

THE DESIGN OF SELECTIVE CHEMICAL SENSORS ARRAY FOR OXIDATIVE PROCESSES CONTROL Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0037 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Stiinte Biologice Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Stiinte Biologice Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Stiinte Biologice Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: http://www.bioanaliza.ro/microsites/TE_37/index.html

Abstract:

The project proposal aims the development of a complex array of chemical sensors able to monitor simultaneously the antioxidant capacity, by means of a sensor based on DPPH radical, and the total polyphenolic content, by means of an enzymatic biosensor. The project execution is based on the complementarities that exist between the researchers that form the research team, researchers having knowledge in the following areas: chemical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry and electrochemistry. In a first step the sensors will be developed, then they will be optimized, tested and validated, and in the last step they will be integrated in an array, array being also optimized and applied for oxidative processes monitoring.

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