BrainMap

Mr. Daniel Angelescu

Dr. Habil

Senior Researcher I - INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Researcher

Expertise & keywords

Exploring gels containing cyclodextrins by EPR spectroscopy: structure, properties, applications Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0328 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul de Chimie Fizica "Ilie Murgulescu" al Academiei Romane

Project partners: Institutul de Chimie Fizica "Ilie Murgulescu" al Academiei Romane (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul de Chimie Fizica "Ilie Murgulescu" al Academiei Romane (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2011/PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0328.ppt

Abstract:

The project aim is to explore the formation and properties of some gel systems using EPR spectroscopy in order to obtain information about gel fibres formation, dynamic of molecules inside the gel network and factors which influence this, and also of monitoring processes inside gels. The research activities will be focused on cyclodextrins containing gels based both on covalent polymeric network and on supramolecular interactions. Organogels based on assembly of other low molecular mass gelators will also be studied. EPR spectroscopy has been chosen as a main tool for investigation of gels systems because, despite the complexity of the system, the information will focus only upon the paramagnetic species. This information refers to local polarity around paramagnetic moiety, dynamic on the nanosecond time scale, and interactions between adjacent paramagnetic moieties on the nanometer scale. Various spin probes are available to use as reporters by introducing in gel systems, but the new approach will be to spin label the molecules participating in gel fibres formation. In this way it is possible to monitor the gelation process and also to get information on gels fibres dynamic. Other physicochemical methods (e.g. ATR-FTIR, fluorescence, UV-Vis spectroscopy, rheometry) will be used in order to complete the investigation on gels.

Structure, association and phase stability of complexes containing charged (bio)macromolecules investigated by Monte Carlo simulations Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2012 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2012-3-0036 2013 - 2016

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2012/DA/DA_index.htm

Abstract:

The application proposes a fundamental computational research of the structure and organization of multicomponent systems in soft and biological field. The focus will be on two systems where the electrostatic interactions play a determinant role: A) polyelectrolyte complexes(PECs) constituted by comb-type copolymers and oppositely charged homopolymers and B) assemblies of nanoshells and virus-like nanoparticles. The project topic is justified by the perspective of obtaining new fundamental knowledge for prediction and designing of new colloidal structures with potential applications for efficient non- and viral gene therapy vectors. Coarse-grained model systems and Monte Carlo simulations will be utilised to identify the fundamental properties of these highly charged systems and the key parameters controlling the structure and phase behaviour. In the case of polyelectrolyte complexes, the advantage of the multifunctionality of the copolymer component will be considered in developing PECs with programmable properties. The computational simulations will also strive for identifying the main factors differentiating the complexation behavior of virus-like nanoparticles. As the assembly properties are dominated by electrostatics, the model systems will capture a correct description of interacting potentials and multivalency character of the comb copolymer or virus-based systems in order to reach the proposed goals.

Flavone-Protein Systems Involved in Oxidative Stress Probed by Advanced Spectroscopic Methods Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2012 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2012-3-0055 2013 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2012/MVoicescu.pdf

Abstract:

The oxidative stress appeared as a necessity to express the bio-unbalance regarding the ratio between the antioxidant and oxidant chemical species, one of the major causes leading to organisms being taken ill. Based on previous experience and on the obtained results connected to the pro and anti oxidant activity of some molecules of biological interest, the main goal of this project is to develop quantitative methods to study biochemical aspects of some flavone-protein systems, in different media and partnership conditions (biommimetic and nanostructured systems), using Fluorescence, Raman, FTIR and EPR spectroscopies. The used systems are chosen in order to assure superior ways of organizing biological species. One follows/thinks of a detailed study regarding the spectrophotometric properties of flavonols and isoflavones in emulsion/micellar media and in lipidic bi-layers of lecithin on nanoparticles support. Monitoring and generating free radicals in the studied systems based on luminol-hydrogen peroxide are considered. The study is relevant for clearing up the antioxidant activity of different flavones classes and flavone-protein interactions in different media and partnerships conditions especially when associated with nanoparticles. These aspects lead to new insights on the oxidative stress process in the living organism, redox regulation and consequently, a priority in biochemical and biomedical domains.

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