BrainMap

Mrs. Carmen Lupu

Ph D

Senior Researcher 1st degree - Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Researcher

I worked from 1985 until 2019 at ICDPP Bucharest, and from 2019 until the present at ICECHIM Bucharest, holding the position of CS I. Professional experience in projects in the field of plant protection allows me an innovative, complex, and interdisciplinary scientific approach to applied research in agriculture, from the perspective of eliminating health and environmental risks, within the context of sustainable agriculture. Experience in the field of developing diatomite-based products used in agriculture is supported by the two projects I led as project director (PCCA 156, “Ecological Products Based on Diatomite and Essential Oils for Reducing Residues and Contaminants in the Food Chain – PEDIOL”) and as ICECHIM responsible (55PTE/2025, “Multifunctional Diatomite-based Products for Foliar Application – DiaSan”), by the seven articles and by the five patents/patent applications published, related to diatomite-based products applied in agriculture.

Curriculum Vitae (13/03/2026)

Expertise & keywords

Multifunctional products with foliar application based on diatomaceous earth Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PTE-2024-0361 2025 - 2027

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: TOPO MINIERA SRL

Project partners: TOPO MINIERA SRL (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PEDOLOGIE, AGROCHIMIE SI PROTECTIA MEDIULUI - ICPA BUCURESTI (RO)

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

Project website: https://diatomita-patarlagele.ro

Abstract:

The aim of the project is to increase the competitiveness of Topominiera and the farmer’s who use the products. The objectives are: (i)the development of a pilot plant for the manufacture of multifunctional foliar products based on diatomite; (ii)validation of the pilot technology for their production at industrial level; (iii)demonstrating the functionality of the technology at industrial level by characterizing and testing the products from the pilot; (iv)dissemination and valorization of results. The product novelty is the development of multifunctional products with foliar fertilizer action combined with that one of diatomite, forming films and releasing soluble silicon. The innovative process approach involves the addition of bioactive film conditioning agents, which facilitate film formation and increase the active surface area. The new marketing element is related to the testing of products in horticultural farms, through the establishment of 2 Living Labs that will facilitate the participation of those interested, the certification of the product for ecological horticulture and its adoption by farmers. In this way, the framework for the valorization of a valuable national mineral resource (Patârlagele diatomite having a low level of crystalline silica and a large specific surface), located in the concession of Topominera, will be created, in order to obtain products that contribute to increasing the resilience of horticultural holdings to climate change.

Research on the development of sustainable technologies for obtaining and utilizing innovative ingredients and food products, for the nutritional balancing of the modern consumer's diet Call name:
ADER 17.1.2 2023 - 2026

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 ()

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

Project website:

Abstract:

Nanoamphiphilic Biostimulants for plants, based on essential oils recovered from excedentaire biomass Call name:
POC/71/1/4/Parteneriate pentru transfer de cunostinþe (Knowledge 2020 - 2023

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 ()

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

Project website: http://secvent.ro

Abstract:

The aim of the project was to develop biostimulants for plants based on essential oils recovered from surplus biomass. The overall objective of the project was to develop an integrated technology for obtaining and bioactive nanoformulation of essential oils recovered from expired aromatic plants.

The specific objectives were: (i) analysis and characterisation of active ingredients in essential oils recovered from surplus biomass; (ii) verification of biological activity of active ingredients in essential oils recovered from surplus biomass; (iii) amphiphilic (nano)formulation using humic acids/humic acid derivatives; (iv) assessment of the market potential for biostimulants produced from essential oils recovered from surplus biomass nanoformulated with humic acids (biogens); (v) testing and certification of the quality of the bio-based products produced.

Fodder tablets with mycotoxin adsorbents for the prevention of mycotoxicoses in horses Call name:
1743 subsidiary of SECVENT project POC/71/1/4/Parteneriate pentr 2022 - 2023

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 (); AGSIRA SRL ()

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

Project website: http://secvent.ro

Abstract:

The ToxiSorb EQ project has the following objectives: (i) Development of a technology for the production of fodder tablets with mycotoxin adsorbents; (ii) Validation of the production technology of fodder tablets with mycotoxin adsorbents in a relevant industrial environment; (iii) Demonstration of the functionality of the technology in an industrial environment by characterizing and testing in relevant conditions feed tablets with mycotoxin adsorbents.

Procedee secvențiale de închidere a fluxurilor laterale din bioeconomie şi (bio)produse inovative rezultate din acestea Call name: Parteneriat pentru transfer de cunostinte (Apel reconstituit pentru pastrarea pistei de Audit - Anul 2015)
105684 2016 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

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

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM (RO); IPRINT 3D DESIGN CONSULTING SRL (RO); EM ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS SRL (RO); PROMATERIS SA (RO); FIA-CROP CONTROL SRL (RO); ATICA CHEMICALS SRL (RO); APEL LASER SRL (RO); CEPROCIM SA (RO); CHEMARK ROM SRL (RO); ROM HONEY GROUP SRL (RO); ENPRO SOCTECH COM SRL (RO); AGSIRA SRL (RO)

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

Project website:

Abstract:

Integrated management system of agroecosystems resistance to harmful agents in order to promote a sustainable agriculture under climate change conditions Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0301 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MASINI SI INSTALATII DESTINATE AGRICULTURII SI INDUSTRIEI ALIMENTARE - INMA (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE -DEZVOLTARE AGRICOLA TURDA (RO); STAŢIUNEA DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU LEGUMICULTURĂ BUZĂU (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR (RO)

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

Abstract:

The project inscribes in the general concerns about environmental protection and human health and aims at developing and applying non-polluting agroecosystem practices that minimize the risk of infestation of crops with harmful agents. The technological optimization which will be provided within the project is harmonized with the current concerns in the field of soil functions management, water conservation and desertification control. The strategy proposed within the project support the sustainable agriculture by maximal valorization of the natural resources. The main aim of the project is to increase the productivity potential of agroecosystems affected by the climatic changes in terms of economic and environmental efficiency. The project will lead to realization and validation in real functioning conditions, of an agroecosystem management system based on new methods:(1) increase of soil fertility/ productivity and biodiversity preservation by application of conservative methods based on superior use of natural bio-resources, (2) reducing the plants vulnerability to limitative anthropic and ecological factors for crops, (3) decrease the risk for environment pollution with pesticides, by application of some methods based on analyses/ evaluation of the phytosanitary state of agroecosystems, (4) decrease of phytosanitary risks by application of ecological methods to control harmful agents, (5) preservation of the agroecosystems biodiversity by application of ecotoxicological methods to assess the environmental risks. Field experiments will be performed on soy and tomato crops. These crops were chosen as reference agroecosystems due to:(a) significant impact of the climate changes on these crops, (b) the need to replace the polluting management systems with non-polluting ecological methods. The essential concept of the project proposal is based on original solutions in the project field, patented by CO/ ICDPP (22 patents) and P4/ INMA (2 patent applications).

Production of ferulic acid, 2,3 Butanediole and microbial plant biostimulants from lignocellulosic biomass by a two-step cascading process Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-FACCE-SURPLUS-DEBUT 2018 - 2020

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); ENPRO SOCTECH COM SRL (RO)

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

Project website: http://icechim-rezultate.ro/proiect.php?id=46&lang=ro

Abstract:

The DEBUT project aims to develop a small biorefinery process, with two steps: 1) biomass pre-treatment with natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES); and 2) one pot production of a versatile chemical, 2,3 butanediol (2,3-BD), from NaDES pre-treated lignocellulose biomass, by simultaneous saccarification and fermentation (SSF), performed by a plant biostimulant microbial consortia. The main biochemicals resulting from the biorefinery process are phenolic acids, specially ferulic acid, and 2,3-BD. Phenolic acids address mainly health and wellness-related industries, whereas 2,3-BD is a versatile chemical, with a fast-growing market. The proposed biorefinery process produces also agricultural inputs such as lignin, minerals and microbial plant biostimulants. A first project novelty is related to the use of a plant biostimulant microbial consortium for simultaneous saccarification and fermentation of lignocellulose. According to our knowledge such approach has not been done yet. On such process there are no by-products – recalcitrant lignocellulose, not converted to 2-3 BD, together with embedded microbial biostimulants biomass, is a useful agricultural input - a microbial plant biostimulant. Process up-scale to TRL5 is done also in an innovative manner, through adaptation of the already known equipment to newly developed technology. For NaDES extraction we propose to use the continuous operated reconfigurable columns systems, applied for decades for various types of extraction (e.g. for extraction of soluble from coffee). For SSF with microbial plant biostimulant consortium we propose the use of vacuum operated ploughshare mixer. This approach will ensure not only a better recovery of volatile 2,3 BD, but also a higher specificity of the fermentation medium, due to micro-aerobic conditions. The DEBUT project proposes a new approach of small scale biorefinery, compatible with a farm facility, which valorises agricultural side streams, with recovery of minerals and lignin (main precursor of soil organic matter) for agricultural use, and production of an innovative agricultural input, a microbial plant biostimulant. The project proposes a biotechnological two step cascading process, which converts excess lignocellulosic biomass into biochemicals (phenolic acids, 2,3 B-D), with added-value and fast-growing market. The main innovative solutions, NaDES and microbial plant biostimulant, are investigated for their potential adverse effects by a battery of state-of-the art techniques, in an trans-national partnership, to ensure that they do not affect natural ecosystem productivity.

ECOLOGICAL PRODUCTS BASED ON DIATOMACEOUS EARTH AND ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE RESIDUES AND CONTAMINANTS REDUCTION FROM THE FOOD CHAIN Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0425 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL GEOLOGIC AL ROMANIEI (RO); AGROTEHNIC S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PROTECTIA PLANTELOR (RO)

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

Abstract:

Diminution of residues and contaminants from the whole food chain is a great challenge for the world developed society. One of the most dangerous risk factors is represented by the agricultural insect pests and fungal diseases which destroy the crop plants in the field and post harvested yield in storage, generating huge economical losses every year. Mycotoxins produced by pathogenic fungi in cereal crops are transferred from field to storage, in feed, animal bodies and finally in food products obtained from these, such as eggs, milk and meat, producing human health disorders. Chemical means (insecticidal fungicidal products and storage fumigants)from risk management programs implemented in agricultural practice to reduce storage insect populations and mycotoxins transfer from storage to animal diet were not able to completely destroy pests or mycotoxigenic fungi, nor in field or storage. Technical solution proposed by the project is an innovative approach of treatment in the sequence of food chain from storage to animal body grown in farm, with ecological products obtained from bioactive diatomaceous earth and essential oils from renewable vegetal sources with insecto-fungicidal properties. Project consortium consists of three complementary Research and Development Institutions covering the multidisciplinary thematic domain of the project (mineralogy, plant protection and chemistry of bioresources for bioproducts obtanation) and an agrotechnical farm as a small enterprise and co-financier. Experienced research specialists of the implementation team of the project will select the best bioactive diatomaceous earth from Romanian local deposits, the most efficacy natural principles from essential oils and the best recipes to obtain modern formulations of ecological products (encapsulated slow release granules and tablets). To attain such ambitious objectives, the mineralogists from RGI will collect, identify, characterize and select the most appropriate mineral constituent for the ecological formulations and the NIRDCP Partner will develop laboratory technologies for obtaining vegetal bioactive principles and formulation of original ecological products for grain storage treatment and veterinary feed supplement to be patented and transferred for a larger scale micropilot production. Raw materials, intermediates and final products will be subject to biological screening for selection of the most effective against insects and mycotoxigenic fungi infesting stored grains, in controlled conditions by RDIPP and in production conditions of storage by the farm Agrotehnic. Patented procedure of use and a new guide of good practices in the management of contamination risk in storehouses will be provided. The mycotoxin contamination and the diminution degree of the mycotoxin concentration on stored grains as an effect of the treatment with the ecological product will be quantified by chromatographic, biochemical or electrochemical methods. For antimycotoxin antidote efficacy of veterinary feed supplements, an accredited institution for biological evaluation services on model animals will be subcontracted. Project results which are not object of intellectual or industrial property rights will be disseminated on a wide scale at national and international scientific events. Agrotehnic farm has a great potential for cereal production and proper grain storage, a guaranty for the implementation of the project results and good perspective for agro-technological development, with interest and excellent chances to gain a better position on the national and international market with new agro-veterinary products, cheaper, easy available for farmers, rapidly biodegradable, non-toxic for mammalians, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides and fungicides.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator	Download (170.5 kb) 20/09/2017
List of research grants as partner team leader
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