BrainMap

Mrs. Maria - Loredana Soran

Dr. Habil.

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

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer | PhD supervisor

Web of Science ResearcherID: Q-9581-2019

Curriculum Vitae (13/05/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Developing innovative solution for mitigation of drought effects Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.1 - COFUND-2023
COFUND-WATER4ALL-DIME 2024 - 2027

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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); UNIVERSITY OF CUKUROVA (TR); Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research - ZIWR, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 8499000, ISRAEL (IL); Technical University of Moldova (MD); RAIT88 srl (IT)

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

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/dime/

Abstract:

The scarcity of water resources is expanding worldwide due to the continuous growth of the imbalance between the availability and utilization of freshwater. This motivates researchers to find new water-saving methodologies and water management tools responding to future demands. The general objective of this project consists of the development of novel and low-cost material based on alginate and biochar functionalized with metal oxides and its application for the treatment of contaminated water, to support the implementation of strategies for mitigation of hydro-climatic extreme events, especially droughts in the catchment of different sources of irrigation water. Also, the material will be investigated for water saving and soil fertilization. The influence of this new material on bean crops will be studied, bean being widely used food due to their high protein content and vitamins. The specific objectives of the research are: Preparation and characterization of cost-effective new superabsorbent materials based on alginate and biochar functionalized with metal oxides. Assessment of the efficiency of recycling and reusing the superabsorbent material. Evaluation of the removal efficiency of organic pollutants from polluted water using the superabsorbent material. Testing the attenuation of antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria by the new adsorbent from greywater effluents using established molecular methods (qPCR and c sequencing); Assessment of the impact of the superabsorbent material on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and its effects on growth-development, yield, and crop quality in agricultural plants under current and predicted climate change scenarios. The current project is pertinent to the work program topic, contributing to the management of water resources by adaptation and mitigation to hydroclimatic extreme events and management tools by preparation of new materials that will be used for water decontamination thus increasing the water reserve that can be used for irrigation. Also, these superabsorbent materials can be used to store and gradually release water during droughts. The project, by its objectives, fits the following topics of the call: Topic 1. Resilience, adaptation, and mitigation to hydroclimatic extreme events – by developing a mitigation strategy to cope with hydro-climatic extreme events, especially drought. Topic 2. Tools for water management - in the context of hydroclimatic extreme events – by developing tools (e.g. superabsorbent material, multi-risk approach) to support the design and implementation of strategies for mitigating droughts in a catchment to sea perspective. In addition, following the influence of the superabsorbent materials prepared in the project on bean cultivation under current and future climate change conditions of temperature and CO2 concentration in the atmosphere will provide knowledge on how the proposed solution will perform today and in the foreseeable future. (This is also addressed in Topic 2). Because the countries involved in the project (Romania, Italy, Moldova, Turkey, India) have different climates, it can also fit with Topic 3: Improved water governance in the context of hydroclimatic extreme events and international contexts - Addressing and encouraging international cooperation in the field of water, including management of transboundary water resources and contribution to Water Diplomacy. The novelty of the project: i) the material prepared; ii) 3 simultaneous applications of the same material: pollutants removal, swelling, and drought stress mitigation under current and predicted climate change scenarios for crop cultivation as model plant bean crop and soil improvement; iii) the application of the material prepared for solar desalination and the elimination of ARGs and ARBs.

Advanced Glasses and Glass-Ceramics Waste forms for Efficient Radionuclides Incorporation Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală - PD-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2021-0721 2022 - 2024

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:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/agcform/

Abstract:

Radioactive materials are utilized for society’s benefit in science, medicine, industry, and defense for more than a century. However, safe and stable storage of radioactive waste generated from the nuclear reactors is still a major worldwide environmental issue. During the past two decades, a substantial research has been devoted to developing, characterizing, and evaluating the performances of a high number of host matrix materials for stabilization and immobilization of fission products and actinide wastes. Conversion of these wastes to a stable solid form which will neither react nor degrade for extended periods of time is mandatory action to protect humankind and the environment from ionizing radiation. In this respect, the scientific motivation of the propose project is to obtain a glass composition which can meet the requirements of immobilization of radioactive waste: chemical resistance and stability similar to borosilicate glasses, and low processing temperature, such as phosphate. The aim of the present project proposal is to develop suitable wasteforms composition for efficient radionuclides immobilization. The methods proposed for the investigations are complementary and provide a complex structural and behavioral image of the new materials.

New composites based on carotenoid-depleted seafood shell waste with efficient environmental pollutants adsorption Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală - PD-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2021-0477 2022 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://shellpolads.granturi.ubbcluj.ro/

Abstract:

A new, valuable, eco-friendly composite by-product from biogenic shell waste processing will be developed starting from the secondary product resulted from carotenoids extraction from shells. The waste will be turned into novel adsorbent material capable of efficient retaining pesticides and drug residues from wastewaters. This is an additional recycling option for the shells, with application in environmental depollution. The objectives of this project consist of: 1) obtaining and characterization of novel adsorbent micropowder from seafood shell waste material and subsequently developing a method for biomass conversion into adsorbents; 2) evaluation of the adsorbtion capacity of 2 common drugs and 2 pesticides on new adsorbents, establishing the optimal parameters for their use, and prospecting the regeneration possibilities of their adsorption capacity; 3) upscaling prospects of the developed shell recycling design, introduction of knowledge-based management scheme, and designing the complete process. High sensitivity spectroscopy and imaging methods including Raman techniques, SEM-EDX and others (e.g. HPLC) will be employed for materials characterization and tracking properties along the described processes. Novel valorisation process will include the quality control points and the technical details on a conceptual level. The end results will be new products and a method for conversion of carotenoids-depleted shell biomass into novel, eco-friendly adsorbents.

High magnetic flux density sintered magnetic cores produced from pseudo core-shell/core-shell powders for medium to high frequencies applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1816 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); 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.sim.utcluj.ro/contracte/PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1816/

Abstract:

Soft magnetic composite materials of ferrite/alloy type comes to complete the uncovered range of applications by the classical magnetic alloys: Fe based and Ni based magnetic alloys, magnetic ferrites, i.e. medium and high frequencies applications that needs a high magnetic density. The project has as starting point a project coordinator patent pending, related to pseudo-core shell powder of Fe@NiFe2O4 type and its synthesis procedure. The main goal of the project is to elaborate a laboratory technology and obtaining an experimental model of sintered magnetic core with imposed functional characteristics, obtained by spark plasma sintering of pseudo core-shell/core-shell powder elaborated in the project. The pseudo core-shell powder are formed by large Fe particles that are covered by thin layer of nanometric soft magnetic ferrite particles. The pseudo core-shell powder will be obtained according to the patent pending (mixture of large Fe particles covered by ferrite nanoparticles + heat treatments) and the core-shell powder will be obtained by chemical method. By spark plasma sintering will be synthesized composite compacts having a structure of large ferromagnetic particles (high magnetic density) covered by a layer of ferrites, which will determinate high electrical resistivity of the magnetic core and low magnetic losses by eddy currents. The correlation between the magnetic and electrical characteristics as a function of pseudo-core shell powder characteristics and spark plasma sintering parameters for optimising the process. At the end, among the best composite magnetic material obtained will be realise an experimental model of magnetic core with imposed functional characteristics and will be elaborate the documentation for the laboratory technology for obtaining magnetic cores. The composite magnetic cores elaborated in this way could be used in medium and high frequencies having superior magnetic characteristics as compared to the ferrites.

Methodological guide for monitoring antibiotic residues and antimicrobial resistance in the environment as a supporting instrument for an enhanced quality management of surface waters and groundwater. Call name:
EEA Grants 3499/2015 -

Role in this project: Partner team leader

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

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website: http://Http://enviroamr.ro

Abstract:

The EnviroAMR project rose awareness on the fact that antibiotics and antimicrobial resistant microorganisms are considered novel classes of pollutants in the environment with major consequences on the health of humans, animals and plants. The EnviroAMR project has proposed a methodological guide for a standardized monitorization of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in the environment through a chemical and biological (phenotypic, genotypic, metagenomic) approach together with techniques of antibiotics/antibiotic resistance mitigation in wastewaters.

Core-shell composite nanoparticles based on Fe and Pt having adjustable magnetic, dispersive and functional properties Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0876 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare–Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare–Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare–Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/idei119/index_en.htm

Abstract:

In this project we are focused on synthesis and characterization of various core-shell or multi-shell nanoparticles based on Fe, Pt, conjugate polymers and silica or titania components.

General objective: Synthesis, characterization and applications of various types of Fe and Pt based nanoparticles with adjustable properties involving magnetic, dispersive and functional characteristics. Specific objectives: 1. Synthesis, structural and compositional characterization of multi-shell Fe@FePtL10@Pt nanoparticles; 2. Magnetic characterizations of Fe@FePtL10@Pt nanoparticles; adjustment of the coercive magnetic field based on synthesis – properties relationship; 3. Synthesis, structural and compositional characterization of multi-shell FePtL10@PPy and/or FePtL10@P3HT hybrid nanoparticles; 4. Magnetic characterizations and saturation magnetization adjustment by use of a suitable choice of polymer shells; 5. Synthesis, structural and compositional characterization of multi-shell FePtL10@SiO2 and/or FePtL10@TiO2 core-shell composite nanoparticles; 6. Magnetic characterization dispersion adjustment of FePtL10@SiO2 and/or FePtL10@TiO2 nanoparticles; 7. Hyperthermia tests with various Fe@FePtL10@Pt nanoparticles, having different FePtL10 intermediate shells, dispersed in water based solutions and gels; 8. Functionalization of Fe@FePtL10@Pt, FePtL10@PPy (P2HT) and FePtL10@SiO2 (TiO2) nanopatricles in view of magnetically molecular separation and uptake tests from water based solutions.

Effects of microwave fields on essential oils and secondary metabolites of some indigene plants Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0283 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare - Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare, Cluj-Napoca

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare - Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare, Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare - Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare, Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru76/index.html

Abstract:

The seasoning plants (spices) are ingredients that, added to food and drinks give the flavor, taste and color, without having nutritional value. Due to their uses in medicine and cosmetics, it is important to know their composition and how it is affected by external factors (electromagnetic radiation, drought, and other types of stress). Among these plants, we selected three for our study: Anethum graveolens, Petroselinum crispum and Apium graveolens, rich in volatile oils and antioxidants (especially vitamin C).

The general objective of the project is the effects determination of microwave fields on volatile oils, vitamin C and secondary metabolites of some indigene plants. Within this objective will consider the following specific objectives: 1. Preparation of system for microwave irradiation of the plants considered for the study; 2. Selection of extraction methods for bioactive compounds analyzed from the seasoning plants considered for the study; 3. Monitoring changes of vitamin C amount from the irradiated plants compared to the reference plants; 4. Monitoring of the essential oils composition changes, from the irradiated plants compared to the reference plants; 5. Tracking BVOC variation in microwave stressed plants with different frequencies and powers; 6. Monitoring changes occurred in BVOC from the irradiated plants compared to the reference plants; 7. Concluding of the chemical and structural changes from irradiated plants.

Surface and Interface Science: Physics, chemistry, biology, applications. Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2008 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2008-0076 2010 - 2013

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR

Project partners: INSATITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CAROL DAVILA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA DIN IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE VICTOR BABES TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/siinta-suprafetelor-si-interfetelor-fizica-chimie-biologie-aplicatii

Abstract:

This project intends to provide a financial background for developing the community of Surface Science in Romania. Thematics from physics and chemistry of surfaces will be tackled together with applications of surface science in biology and in technology; also new standards will be proposed for consistent data interpretation. The Project clusterizes the most important Romanian teams with preoccupations in surface science, namely all X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy teams with most of the community of thin film deposition, cluster and nanoparticle physics, surface reactivity, surface chemistry and photochemistry, multilayer physics and applications, magnetic fluids, functionalization of surfaces, cell attachment, studies of cellular membrane. The research teams belong to highly prominent Universities and Research Institutes from practically all geographical areas of the country. The Consortium disposes of infrastructure exceeding 10 million euros, of more than one hundreed highly qualified scientists which have generated during the past years more than 3 % of the national scientific visibility. The research will concentrate into four main areas: (i) magnetic properties of surfaces and low-dimensional systems; (ii) electrical properties of surfaces and heterostructures; (iii) surface chemistry; (iv) application of surface science in functionalized systems and in biology, together with (v) an area concentrating on standardization in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and related techniques. Each area is divided into several thematics; each thematic has at least one in-charge scientist. This Project will foster the surface science community in Romania and will contribute strongly to the development of high-technological industrial preoccupation in all geographical areas concerned. Several cutting-edge applications are also foreseen by pursuing the fundamental research proposed.

Microwave influence on bioactive compounds from inland plants Call name:
PNII 51-098 / 2007 2007 - 2010

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/microbio/index.html

Abstract:

Quality analysis of vegetable oils by applying an assembly of performing chromatographic and optothermal methods Call name:
CEEX 1433 2006 - 2008

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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: https://www.itim-cj.ro/~cleostean/uleiuri/

Abstract:

Separation and determination of certain metals from water samples, using dithiophosphoric derivatives as complexing agents Call name:
CEEX C-2995 2005 - 2007

Role in this project: Project coordinator

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: https://www.itim-cj.ro/~cleostean/metale/

Abstract:

The substitution of the synthetic food additives with bioactive components extracted from natural renewable resources Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-Moldova (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-MD-2016-0133 2016 -

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); Universitatea Tehnică a Moldovei (MD); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" (RO)

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

Project website:

Abstract:

Problema alimentelor funcţionale cu componente bioactive de origine naturală este mai mult decât actuală pentru industria alimentară. Activitatea antiradicalică şi antimicrobiană a extractelor vegetale, bogate în polifenoli, reprezintă o sursă promiţătoare de soluţii alternative pentru utilizarea lor în scopul substituirii anumitor conservanţi alimentari de origine sintetică. Prezenţa antioxidanţilor naturali poate preveni apariţia unor boli legate de stresul oxidativ, prezentând efecte generale de protecţie şi ameliorare a sănătăţii. Obiectivul general al prezentului proiect constã în valorificarea complexă a resurselor şi deşeurilor agricole în scopul realizării unor produse sanogene, îmbogăţite cu antioxidanţi, substanţe cu molecule sensibile al cãror efect biologic poate fi afectat atât de condiţiile de fabricaţie şi păstrare a alimentelor, cât şi de cele din tractul gastro-intestinal. Rezultatele cercetărilor vor contribui la producerea unor alimente funcţionale, capabile sã diminueze impactul stresului oxidativ şi alergiilor nutriţionale, contribuind la integrarea conceptului de alimentaţie sanogenă şi la sporirea competitivităţii întreprinderilor locale. Proiectul înglobează şi importante aspecte educaţionale. Astfel, cercetătorii şi doctoranzii implicaţi în realizarea prezentului proiect, îşi vor antrena şi perfecţiona aptitudinile şi competenţele profesionale, proiectul propus vizând şi îmbunătăţirea calitãţii ştiinţifice a resursei umane.

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