BrainMap

Ms. Ioana Feher

PhD

Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Researcher

Curriculum Vitae (06/09/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Determination of contaminants in edible agricultural products using modern mass spectrometry or rapid immunoassay Call name:
2016 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/contagri/

Abstract:

This project proposes the application of high precision analytical methods (ICP-MS, IRMS, GC-MS) in terms of quality and food safety, with particular reference to foods for infants and young children (infant formula, juices, fruit smoothies and vegetables) commercialized in supermarkets from Romania and China, respectively. The first aim of this project is the development and application of advanced techniques for the determination of chemical contaminants, essential and potentially toxic elements present at trace levels; secondly, isotope ratio method that allows objective verification of the origin and food quality. An important objective of this cooperation is considered training of young researchers in the interdisciplinary research groups in high-performance scientific laboratories. The novelty of the approach lies in the combination of several analytical methods ICP-MS, IRMS, GC-MS. Through this project we aim to establish a first contact between the two groups scientific research partner in the project and also obtain international visibility of scientific results both in terms of collaborative development of scientific papers and the development of new analytical methods. Results will contribute to improving the quality of foods for infants and children, in order to protect the health of future generations.

Organic vs. Conventional agriculture? – Applications of isotopic techniques in vegetable traceability assessment Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0934 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru159/index.htm

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is the implementation of new techniques / multi-isotopic methods, for vegetables authentication and traceability, corroborated with metal content and pesticide residues, in order to control the quality and traceability of such products. Besides the main scientific objective of the project a special interest is given to the formation of a young researcher team in the field of food security and also, the accreditation extension of our laboratory for isotopic analysis for vegetables authentication and traceability assessment. IZOGREEN project will use the isotopic fingerprint for independent checks or fill of gaps on quality, traceability and proper labeling of vegetables commercialized on Romanian market. The project aims the identification of most suitable markers or association of markers that allows differentiating between organic vegetables and vegetables obtained through conventional agriculture and also, that could distinguish between vegetables grown in greenhouses and those from field. Thus, this project will implement, for the first time in Romania, isotopic fingerprinting of Transylvanian vegetables, using isotopic ratios of stable light isotopes. The project will have a major role in the transfer of know-how, training of young researchers and the optimization of the latest analytical methods in the field. Founding this project, would allow the formation of a young research team in the field of food safety.

Unprecedented polyesters as coating for solid surfaces with application in medicine and nanotechnology Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0654 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru319/

Abstract:

The main goal of the project is to develop new hybrid materials based on polyesters of α-hydroxy carboxylic acids (PAHCA) functionalized with molecules having different application in magnetic separation, biomedicine and chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The project focused on a complex research field, polymers, nanosciences and nanotechnologies, situated in the actual orientation for the development of functional hybrid nanostructured materials. Polyesters of α-hydroxy carboxylic acids, such as polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid have found widespread application in materials field, medicine and nanotechnology, but have also several limitations due to lack of reactive groups for linkage, and because of their easiness of biodegradation in environment and in biological medium. The project aims to overcome these obstacles and extends potential application of these polymers by preparing new functionalized PAHCA by polymerization reaction of new functionalized lactides synthesized in the project. The resulting composite materials attract fundamental interest by contributing to the understanding of physical processes and phenomena associated with nanostructures, intermolecular specific interactions, interface effects, phase transitions and applicative interest for medicine and nanotechnology.

DEVELOPMENT OF INOVATIVE METHODS, IMPLEMENTATION OF FUNCTIONAL AND DEMONSTRATIVE MODELS IN ORDER TO PROMOTE ON THE UNIQUE MARKET THE TRADITIONAL CHEESES MANUFACTURED IN TRANSYLVANIA Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2067 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

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

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); COMPANIA DE INFORMATICA APLICATA S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.cianet.ro/tradfood

Abstract:

Part of the interdisciplinary applied research, the TRAD_FOOD project aims to develop innovative ways to certify molecular and biochemical markers specific for traditional dairy products obtained in Transylvania, in order to use them for authenticity certification of these products on the European market. The methods of processing the traditional dairy products are an integrated part of the folklore of the region that imposes its particularities through geographical printing. The nowadays consumers’ require traditional dairy products obtained in safety and quality conditions, healthier and more nutritious, adapted to the modern society. The lack of innovative methods currently implemented in Romania for geographical printing of dairy products leads to the insufficient exploration of this domain by the traditional producers found in regions with specific character.
In order to facilitate the maximum exploitation of this significant area of production and to help out the producers, the purpose of this project is to test and implement biochemical and molecular methods to certify the authenticity and origin of products, taking as study model various cow and sheep cheeses obtained in Transylvania. These methods will be used further for certifying other similar products obtained in other regions of the country. Thus, the project will implement for the first time in Romania, the isotopic print of cheese obtained in Transylvania by using the reports of easy stable isotopes (2H/1H, 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 18O/16O). The isotopical print of animal dairy product by using complementary methods such as IRMS and ICP-MS techniques is new for Romania and also worldwide. This project is also aiming to test and validate molecular techniques – such as PCR to certify the DNA of the species – and the IEF technique to identify the milk protein specie-specific. These methods are currently the safest techniques to establish and confirm the species and the authenticity of food products; however they are not used in our country. The quality of the raw material and of the end-products will be assessed through the PCR technique. By implementing these methods in the dairy production chain, in every stage of milk processing, a data base will be formed which can develop the knowledge of the producers, as well as of the control authorities. The analytical methods of the gathered biochemical data will be based on chemometrical testing, this way assuring the accuracy of the evaluation.
The complexity of this project is also given by its interdisciplinary character, various competences being needed in fields like physics, food chemistry, biology, pedology and hydrology. The methods used in determining the Romanian cheeses’ uniqueness are of high precision, in full development in the UE, so that the project can be considered an interdisciplinary one of high complexity. The added value of the project resides in the development of traditional rural production from Transylvania area by conceiving a methodological model of authentication and by submitting for accreditation validated methods for certifying the traditional cheeses in order to commercialize them on the unique market. The results are validated through: the elaboration of a practical guide for authentication; elaboration of innovative methodological models transposable in other production food chains; identification and proposal of patentable ideas along with the publication of articles in ISI indexed journals. Along the scientific impact of this project brought by originality and complexity, we underline the social-economical dimension through the development of small traditional producers and the protection of the honest workers as well as the educational dimension, by involving and training for research the PhD students, post-doctoral students and the ones found in the continuous college learning programs.

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