BrainMap

Florina-Maria Copaciu

Assistant Professor - UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer | Manager

Florina COPACIU, 42 years old, PhD in Environmental Sciences (2012), Assistant professor (2018). She has acquired the following professional experience to date: monitoring plant photosynthetic parameters, extracting bioactive/organic compounds from different complex matrices (plant matrices, biological fluids, alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages, water pollutants), chromatographic analysis (LC- ESI / MS-MS, HPLC-DAD, GC, TLC, OPLC) and spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR, UV-Vis) with a high degree of applicability, used for the identification, separation and determination of the compounds of interest from the studied complex matrices. The research activities conducted to the publication of 32 peer-reviewd ISI articles and of a book chapter with the Elsevier Publishing House. She has been involved in more than 12 research projects, serving as project director for 2 and as an active team member for over 12. Hirsh-index: 13 according to Web of Science.

Web of Science ResearcherID: not public

Expertise & keywords

Innovative product to increase the tolerance of some vegetable crops to the effects of UV-B radiation Call name:
PNDR 2014-2020 / C16100000011861300008 / 15.06.2021 2021 - 2024

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: C & A PROIECT SRL

Project partners: C & A PROIECT SRL (); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: C & A PROIECT SRL ()

Project website:

Abstract:

The project aims to develop a new product that does not currently exist on the agricultural market, with the aim of solving the problem posed by a group of farmers on the destruction of agricultural crops (tomatoes and peppers) in ecological system by UV-B radiation, ensuring the safety and nutritional quality of crops. .

In vitro absorption and bioaccesibility of anthocyanins, their metabolites and precursors Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-0960 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/anthobioskinte178

Abstract:

Anthocyanins, natural plants pigments found in very significant amount in edible berries and many vegetables, showed to have high antioxidant activity. Because of this they are featured as primary ingredients in food products, natural supplements and cosmetic industry. Multiple in vitro studies showed that they have antiproliferative, anticarcinogenic and proapoptotic effects. It is also known that they are very susceptible to degradation and their stability is highly influenced by pH, temperature, light and the presence of other phenolic acids.

Unfortunately it is not clear and was not investigated, how exactly anthocyanins act at cellular level and what is their real availability, cell uptake and if they can penetrate skin without degradation.

Current project propose to answer these questions and provide a better understanding of their effects on melanoma cell lines. Its final goal is to determine the exact amount of anthocyanins uptaken by the cell. This information is crucial for pharmaceutical industry in order to develop recommendations for topical application and using anthocyanins as chemopreventive ingredients. Melanoma was chosen because it is responsible for approximately 75 % of all deaths from skin cancers. Considering this, the proposed project brings a new approach to a very common problem in Biotechnology today.

Functional collaboration model between public research organisations and the private sector for high-level scientific and technological services in the bio economy field Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0056 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE -DEZVOLTARE AGRICOLA TURDA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://sweetconomy.com

Abstract:

The aim of the project is to develop a functional collaboration model between public research organizations and the economic environment in order to provide high-level scientific and technological services in the field of bioeconomics. The objectives of the project are: O1: Creation of a consortium between public research organizations (USAMV, SCDA TURDA, UBB, UTCN) and the economic environment; O2: Increasing institutional capacity through scientific and technological services, through human resources expertise to improve institutional performance; O3: Increasing the institutional capacity to capitalize on the results of the research, by the functioning of the technological transfer component to the economic environment, by publishing and invention patents; O4: Reduction of 30% sugar addition in fermented foods and obtaining a consortium of atomized lactic bacteria. These general objectives are based on the following scientific objectives: Os1: Cultivation of 3 soybean varieties in 3 systems of soil cultivation and characterization of soybean chemical profile; Os2: Evaluation of the toxicological impact of nanoparticles in soybean and the development of a biosensor to identify titanium, zinc and gold nanoparticles accumulated in the plant and grain; Os3: Selection of lactic bacteria and optimization of fermentative processes on soybean and wheat substrate, by mathematical modeling, for the production of polyols to reduce sugar addition in food; Os4: Microinjection of the consortium of lactic bacteria by atomization, envelope aseptic packaging for industrialization; Os5: Educational program on nutrition with soy products, based in the community.The main impact of this proposal is reflected by the creation of new jobs for researchers, sustainable and after the completion of the project, by expertise the human resources and by training the young researchers in modern techniques for the re-launch of SCDA Turda.

Innovative product for controlling the pathogen Botrytis cinerea in ecological crops Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Cecuri de inovare
PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2017-0349 2017 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: C & A PROIECT SRL

Project partners: C & A PROIECT SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://salixcaprotect.com/

Abstract:

The need to develop this project lies in the fact that the SME SC C&A PROIECT SRL wants to increase its economic competitiveness and to diversify its business through investments in research development leading to the creation of an innovative product that is accepted by organic farming with the purpose of combating the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea which irreversibly affects tomato crops and thus producing large losses in economic terms.

The objectives of this project are: (O.1) Investment in research development to create an innovative product aimed at combating the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea in the organic tomato culture; (O.2) Formation of a public-private partnership (SME C&A PROIECT SRL and University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca); (O.3) Preparing the SME to access other research funds in order to further develop and exploit the results of our project.

The innovative character of the project is given by the method used to combat the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea in organic tomato crops that is, to increase the resistance of tomato plants by stimulating the plant's defense mechanism through the use of a preparation based on Ca2+ and salicylic acid.

The end result of implementing this project is the acquisition and application of SME of specific knowledge on the process of obtaining a product necessary in today’s market for combating the pathogen Botrytis cinerea that affects the organic tomato crops.

Development of high-performance methods for the determination of colorants in beverages to ensure quality and food safety Call name:
PNCDI-2 Contract-51-072/2007-2010 2007 - 2010

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Biodiversity conservation and characterization of genetic resources in apple in the context of their storage in gene banks Call name:
PNCDI 2 51-067/2007 2007 - 2010

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE CLUJ FILIALA A INCDSB BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE CLUJ FILIALA A INCDSB BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE CLUJ FILIALA A INCDSB BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Increasing nitrogen retention in ruminants by optimizing ruminal microbial proteasynthesis Call name:
PNCDI-2 Contract-51-038/2007-2010 2007 - 2010

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIOLOGIE SI NUTRITIE ANIMALA - IBNA BALOTESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIOLOGIE SI NUTRITIE ANIMALA - IBNA BALOTESTI ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIOLOGIE SI NUTRITIE ANIMALA - IBNA BALOTESTI ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Elaboration of efficient methods for determination of sweeteners and colorants in wine, forbidden by law, to ensure its quality and chemical safety Call name:
CEEX BIOTECH 141/2006-2008 2006 - 2008

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Development of modern microextraction methods coupled with hyphenated and bidimensional chromatographic techniques for the analysis of complex samples Call name: Programul de actiuni Integrate Romania-Franta (bilaterale)
PN-II-CT-RO-FR-2014-2-0013 2014 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); École Supérieur de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles (FR)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

A significant reduction of generated waste per analysis is one of the objectives of implementing the first principle of green chemistry in analytical chemistry. In an analytical scheme, the most significant contribution to waste generation involves both the extraction step and the analysis itself. The aim of this project is the development of modern microextraction methods applicable to high complexity mixtures of organic compounds in order to totally eliminate or to reduce the volume of extraction solvent in a range of microliters. The targeted methods are solid phase microextraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet and hollow fiber microextraction. It involves the coupling of these extraction methods with hyphenated and multidimensional chromatographic methods in order to increase the number of compounds analyzed in a single run. The targeted compounds are polyaromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, phthalates and different classes of pesticides as well as pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary use. The reason for this choice is that these compounds are included on the list of priority substances stipulated in the Water Framework Directive. The selected matrices are wastewater and leachate from municipal landfills. The performances of developed methods will be compared with the methods used in routine analyses in order to offer a viable and greener alternative.

Evaluation of the Fenton and Photo-Fenton degradation processes of drugs in wastewater using hyphenated and multidimensional chromatographic methods Call name: Programul de actiuni Integrate Romania-Franta (bilaterale)
PN-II-CT-RO-FR-2012-1-0022 2012 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Universitatea Babes-Bolyai

Project partners: Universitatea Babes-Bolyai (RO)

Affiliation: Universitatea Babes-Bolyai (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Deoarece în România, la fel ca în multe alte ţări europene, staţiile de epurare a apelor uzate folosite nu sunt concepute pentru a trata contaminanţii emergenţi, cum ar fi produsele farmaceutice, este necesară dezvoltarea de noi metode pentru eliminarea acestor compuşi din apele uzate. Procesele de oxidare avansată, precum Fenton, Foto-Fenton sau cele cu ozon, sunt metodele cele mai utilizate pentru îndepărtarea acestor poluanţi. În cadrul acestui proiect se va studia mecanismul de degradare a unor produse farmaceutice acide prin procese de oxidare avansată Fenton şi foto-Fenton. Pentru o mai bună înţelegere a mecanismului de degradare, vor fi dezvoltate noi metode de extracţie (extracţie pe fază solidă; SPE, şi extracţie pe bară magnetică; SBSE) şi analize (cromatografie de gaze şi de lichide cuplate cu spectrometria de masă; GC-MS, LC-MS, respectiv metode cromatografice multidimensionale; GCxGC, LCxLC). Contribuţiile pe care le va aduce acest proiect comunităţii ştiinţifice sunt numeroase şi pot fi sintetizate după cum urmează: înţelegerea mecanismelor de degradare a produselor farmaceutice acide prin procese de oxidare avansată Fenton şi foto-Fenton; identificarea produşilor de degradare a farmaceuticelor selectate; dezvoltarea de metodele de extracţie şi de analiză pentru amestecuri cu grad ridicat de complexitate; aplicabilitatea proceselor Fenton şi foto-Fenton pentru eliminarea compuşilor de interes din apele uzate.

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