BrainMap

Mrs. Paula Ecaterina Florian

PhD

Scientific Researcher - INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Curriculum Vitae (03/01/2022)

Expertise & keywords

Highly adherent biological Hydroxyapatite thin films synthesized by pulsed laser deposition techniques for medical applications Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1570 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO)

Project website: http://lspi.inflpr.ro/contracte%20noi/site%20TE%20108/index.html

Abstract:

The surface functionalization of the implants represents an advanced development in implantology. Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings for implants are the subject of recent researches pointing to the improvement of biointegration.
This project aims to improve the efficiency of the public health system by studying and developing of Pulsed Laser Deposition protocols for the synthesis of biocompatible nanostructured layers of innovative materials (biological HA, simple or reinforced with various ions) onto metallic substrates (Ti and Ti alloys) for implantology.
The synthesized nanostructures with controlled morphology, structure, thickness and adherence will be thoroughly studied by complex physical-chemical and mechanical investigations. During in-vitro specific bioactivity assays (Simulated Body Fluids), the physical-chemical modifications of the implant’s surface will be monitored as an effect of the interaction with the biological fluids. In-vitro cell cultures and antimicrobial tests will consist in the study of adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of cells and bacterial and fungal strains adhesion onto the studied materials, in order to quantify their biological response.
The expected results refer to obtaining competitive biomimetic implants with increased functionality and biological efficiency as compared to the ones synthesized by plasma spraying, the single technique used nowadays for coating of medical implants.

Next generation of orthopaedic implants based on new Ti bioalloy functionalized with hybrid biomimetic coatings Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1994 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); R&D CONSULTANTA SI SERVICII S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO); TEHNOMED IMPEX CO S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO)

Project website: http://ppam.inflpr.ro/ORTHOBIOMIM.htm

Abstract:

The main objective of ORTHO-BIOMIM project is to obtain competitive and original products, namely advanced orthopaedic implants based on a new Ti-Ta-Nb alloy, which are functionalized by laser based technique (Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation) with complex hybrid biomimetic coatings (Lactofferin, Hydroxyapatite, Polyethilenglycol-Polycaprolactone synthetic copolymer functionalized with methyl ether group, Lf_HA_PEG-PCL-Me). The proposed approach relies on applied experimental research involving strongly interdisciplinary domains (i.e. material science, mechanics, laser physics, chemistry, microbiology, biomedicine), combined with industrial research activities, development.
The strategic key points for obtaining orthopaedic implant with enhanced characteristics within ORTHOBIOMIM project are:
• New and highly biocompatible Titanium (Ti)–based alloy containing non-toxic components (Ti-Ta-Nb) obtained by levitation technique with enhanced properties (low corrosion, mechanical resistance, elastic modulus etc.) working as implant body;
• Improved mechanical characteristics of the alloy obtained by its thermo-mechanical processing;
• Alloy biofunctionalization with complex hybrid coatings having multiple functionalities (biodegradable, bioresorbable, increased capacity osteogenic, osteoconductive and osteoinductive, anti-inflammatory ) by laser methods (MAPLE).To mimic the process of osseointegration, these coatings will be composed of natural biodegradable compounds, namely lactoferrin (Lf) and hydroxyapatite (HA), and a antifouling synthetic copolymer functionalized with methyl ether PEG-PCL-Me);
• Highly flexible methods for obtaining alloy processing and functionalization, allowing control defined composition, chemistry and surface topography when both alloy and the coating / film hybrid biomimetic functional.
The implications anticipated within ORTHOBIOMIM project development are related to major scientific benefits by increasing national competitiveness and visibility in research, development and innovation, but also to social and economic benefits . In the social context, in addition to the involvement of a large number of youth in the project and creating jobs, a very important benefit provided by this project is given by the envisaged faster osseointegration and long lifespan of the implant. This might be of crucial importance for those patients whose health status and life will be enhanced through the use of new medical implants by reducing risks of infection and thus reduce costs for medication or those necessary to replace a failed implant.
By the proposed objectives and approach, the project is aligned with the main points defined Partner Program, which promotes the applied inter and trans-disciplinary research in micro and nanostructured advanced materials for applications in medical field.

Oral delivery of bio-actives with polymeric nanoparticles: bioavailability and tissue distribution of delivered active ingredient, nanoparticle translocation and overall particle bioreactivity Call name:
EPA-G2010-STAR-N2 Food Matrices (Award No. 2010-05269) and the N 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Project partners: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE ()

Project website: https://reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0224971-oral-delivery-of-bioactives-with-polymeric-nanoparticles-bioavailability-and-tissue-distribution-of-delivered-active-ingredient-nanoparti.html

Abstract:

The overriding goal of the project is to assess the bioreactivity (biotoxicity, inflammatory effects and immune-reactivity) of polymeric nanoparticles specifically designed for delivery of biologically active compounds via food, with a focus on quantifying the bioreactivity as a function of nanoparticle properties and dose, type of entrapped active ingredient, and characteristics of the meal with which administered. Polymeric nanoparticles of well-controlled sizes, surface properties, and material compositions with entrapped hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactives will be synthesized by (double) emulsion evaporation method. Pharmacokinetics of entrapped bioactives provided via 2 types (normal and high fat) meals will be quantified in-vivo. In-vivo NP bioreactivity will be measured by clinical pathologic assessment of serum chemistry parameters and histopathologic evaluation of target organs of mice following acute and chronic exposure to PLGA and PLGA/Chi nanoparticles of two sizes.

Cellular mechanisms associated with the endoplasmic reticulum during hypoxia. Implications for biomedical research. Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2010 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2010-0048 2010 - 2014

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.biochim.ro/ib/projects/hipoxia/hipoxia_ro.php

Abstract:

ALL CELLS, IN PARTICULAR THE EUKARYOTES, DEPEND FOR THEIR SURVIVAL ON AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF OXYGEN. HYPOXIA CAN AFFECT THE WHOLE BODY IF ORGANISM ENCOUNTERS CARDIAC ARREST OR SEVERE HYPOTENSION, OR A SMALLER TISSUE AREA AS IN MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE OR CANCER. IF OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS ARE VERY LOW AND PROLONGED FOR LONG TIME CELLS ENTER APOPTOSIS AND WILL FINALLY DIE. SO FAR MANY STUDIES FOCUSED ON THE MECHANISMS OF OXYGEN SENSING AND ON ALTERATIONS OF CYTOPLASMIC AND MITOCHONDRIAL PROCESSES DURING HYPOXIA. RECENT FINDINGS SUGGEST THAT AN ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM (ER) ASSOCIATED PROCESS, NAMELY THE UNFOLDED PROTEIN RESPONSE (UPR) IS ACTIVATED DURING HYPOXIA LEADING TO FORMATION OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS THAT DRAMATICALLY EFFECTS GENE EXPRESSION AND REGULATION. HOWEVER, THE TRIGGER THAT PROMOTES UPR ACTIVATION IS UNKNOWN. USING COMPLEX CELLULAR BIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY ASSAYS, WE AIM TO INVESTIGATE DISULFIDE BOND FORMATION FOR SEVERAL MODEL PROTEINS DESTINED TO THE SECRETORY PATHWAY AND SUBSEQUENTLY TO IDENTIFY THE ER RESIDENT PROTEINS THAT CAN NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN HYPOXIC CONDITIONS. ER ASSOCIATED DEGRADATION (ERAD) MAY ALSO BE THE CAUSE OF UPR ACTIVATION. FOR THIS REASON, WE WILL MONITOR DEGRADATION OF SEVERAL ERAD SUBSTRATES IN HYPOXIA, AIMING TO UNDERSTAND IF ACCUMULATION OF ERAD SUBSTRATES IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF UPR ACTIVATION. ALL TOGETHER THESE FINDINGS WILL CREATE NEW POTENTIAL TARGETS FOR MEDICINES THAT AIM TO ALLEVIATE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOXIA-ASSOCIATED DISEASES OR WILL INTERFERE WITH ACTIVATION OF SPECIFIC GENES IN CANCER.

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