BrainMap

Mr. Mihael Cristin Ichim

PhD

- INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: not public

Expertise & keywords

Harmonizing plant metabarcoding pipelines in Europe to support monitoring activities in the field of plants and their functional organismic networks Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.1 - COFUND-2023
COFUND-BIODIVMON-METAPLANTCODE 2024 - 2026

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); University Kassel (DE); Universitetet i Oslo (NO); Haute Ecole Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale (CH); Naturalis Biodiversity Center (NL); Instituto Superior de Agronomia (PT); Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (FR); Center of Research and Technology-Hellas (GR); KU Leuven (BE)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/24eranet2024

Abstract:

Plants are the driving force behind terrestrial ecosystems as autotrophs. Alarmingly, two out of five plant species are facing the threat of extinction, which may affect other organisms. Plant metabarcoding, which involves analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) to identify taxa, can be standardized and automated, making it suitable for high-throughput, large-scale, and long-term monitoring. This technique provides a scale and accuracy in biodiversity surveys that was previously unattainable. In Europe, initiatives for nature conservation rely on species presence, and indicator species form the foundation of decision-making in conservation. However, public and private sector stakeholders need rapid, accurate, and inexpensive methods to monitor plant biodiversity. The transnational and transdisciplinary METAPLANTCODE project aims to test and optimize pan-European case studies on metabarcoding, provide best practice recommendations, optimize analysis pipelines for species identification, and create easy-to-use reference databases to be implemented in European and national infrastructures, in collaboration with BIOSCAN Europe, ELIXIR communities and others. The project will identify and specify gaps, publish best practice documents on FAIR data publishing of plant metabarcode data to GBIF and the INSDC databases, and implement ELIXIR-compatible multimodal DL models in novel tools for stand-alone metabarcoding analyses using different data sources. The project will also enhance species identification accuracy through GBIF records and metadata (GBIF, EUNIS, Biolflor, by sequence data, text data, taxonomic classification datasets, and ecological analyses) and map regional, national, and international botanical taxonomic checklists, red lists, and floras to the Catalogue of Life (COL) through COL ChecklistBank. Furthermore, taxonomic and florsitic literature will be semantically enriched with new entity recognition and relationship extraction modules to support the enhanced identification of species via domain-specific descriptive/phenotypic features (e.g., habitats, features, soil characteristics, biotic interactions). An interface will be provided to link taxonomic names to treatments, identify homonyms and synonyms, and facilitate the conversion and annotation of flora, red lists, and ecological treatments. All METAPLANTCODE products will be available at project end FAIR+. The project will support knowledge transfer with associated partners and stakeholders from the start. Relevant stakeholders will be identified, priorities set, communication channels established, monitored, and revised as needed. Greater stakeholder engagement, training, and outreach efforts will be undertaken to ensure that plant metabarcoding becomes a routine standard for biodiversity monitoring in Europe and beyond in the future.

Integrated analytical solutions for improving the conformity and quality of products obtained from medicinal and aromatic plants in order to ensure consumer protection and sustainable exploitation of biodiversity Call name:
2023 - 2026

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE ()

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/safemaps-en/home

Abstract:

Medicinal and aromatic plant-based food supplements are gaining in popularity as complementary approaches to synthetic pharmaceuticals, but they fall under more permissive food regulations. The efficacy and safety of using these products are affected by the variable phytochemical composition, adulteration, substitution, and biological and chemical contamination. The SAFEMAPS project proposes integrated analytical solutions to improve the compliance and quality of food supplements obtained from aromatic and medicinal plants, in order to increase the level of safety in use by consumers, and the sustainable exploitation of biodiversity. Within the project, an experimental model will be developed for the evaluation of the identity, authenticity, traceability, and quality of herbal dietary supplements, consisting of analytical solutions that integrate phytochemistry analysis with molecular genetic analyses. The proposed solutions will be oriented towards the needs of the food supplements industry, especially those related to ensuring the quality and compliance of medicinal and aromatic plant-based products sold in Romania and within the common European market, and several parts of the supply chain will be addressed, from growers or collectors of medicinal and aromatic plant species, processors and importers, to the final consumer.

Mobilitate cercetător MIHAEL CRISTIN ICHIM Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori, 2019
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2019-0345 2019 - 2019

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT

Project partners: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT (RO)

Affiliation: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Advanced and emergent technologies to obtain vegetal extracts used in innovator food supplements Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1604 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website: http://tevisped.webs.com

Abstract:

This proposal, having as an aim to obtain innovator formulas of food supplements with an action to sustain the hepatic function, will capitalize two autochthonous medicinal species (Scirpoides holoschoenus and Helichrysum arenarium), the first used in traditional medicine, the second in modern medicine (in some European countries, highlighted by EMA). For the first species, we aim the experimental field cultivation to preserve the biodiversity and to assure the vegetal raw material, by multiplication techniques and the establishing of technological parameters. The plants from culture and wild flora will be phytochemically evaluated. Both vegetal species will be capitalized in an innovator mood so that there will be achieved comparative studies for extraction using classical (static and dynamic) and non-conventional (SPE, ultrasounds, supercritical fluids etc.) methods. The best method will be selected. The extracts will be phytochemically characterized (TLC, HPTLC, densitometry, HPLC, GC-MS, UV/VIS spectrophotometry, etc.), and tested biologically (to demonstrate the action of sustaining the hepatic function) and phytobiologically (cytogenicity, cytotoxicity). The compounds with the action of sustaining hepatic function, are easily to be assimilated and non-toxic and contribute to the good functioning of the organism. Finally, an extraction technique will be elaborated (laboratory stage), for obtaining selective plant extracts with a rich content in bioactive compounds of interest and some original bio-complexes of plant extracts will be obtained as vectors for new food supplements. Innovator conditioning formulas (encapsulation) will be realized (laboratory stage), based on plant extracts obtained in experimental test conditions, establishing testing methods for qualitative and quantitative evaluation. This form of conditioning has the advantage of a good and easy administration of the dose pre-established by bio-components, with the protecting of the phytocomplex.

Assessing and monitoring the impacts of genetically modified plants on agro-ecosystems Call name:
289706 2011 - 2015

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA)

Project partners: National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE ()

Project website: http://www.amiga.enea.it

Abstract:

Assessing and monitoring the impacts of genetically modified plants on agro-ecosystems Call name:
199EU 2012 - 2015

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE ()

Project website:

Abstract:

The Veronica genus – identification of interrelations between the biological and ecological diversity of the species identified in protected areas and at national level in order to characterize, preserve and durable use of the genetic resources Call name:
32151/01.10.2008 2008 - 2011

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The dynamics of some T-DNA integration sites in the genome of the Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. species, under oxidative stress conditions Call name:
2007 - 2008

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Isolation of aluminium (Al3+) tolerant germplasm from Romanian wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) Call name:
2000 - 2001

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT

Project partners: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT ()

Affiliation: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Integrated research and sustainable solutions to protect and restore Lower Danube Basin and coastal Black Sea ecosystems Call name: PNRR - I5. Înființarea și operaționalizarea Centrelor de Competență - 2022
F-PNRR-I5-2022-0016 2022 -

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); I.C.P.E. BISTRITA S.A. (RO); BEIA CONSULT INTERNATIONAL S.R.L. (RO); ICEBERG CONSULTING SRL (RO); CENTRUL DE MEDIU SI SANATATE S.R.L. (RO); DDS DIAGNOSTIC S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

A group of optimum geographically spread partners from 4 top RO universities, one RD institute, and 5 SMEs join into “Competence center on Lower Danube Basin-coastal Black Sea ecosystems protection and restoration” to develop a complex SRA according to EU Mission 3 targets. The SRA philosophy is implemented in the complementary activities of the 5 proposed specific projects, tackling state-of-the-art issues of environmental sciences, sustainable development of the Danube River and Black Sea basins, ecological restoration of degraded systems, industrial research and engineering for water treatment, nanotechnology for molecular biology and immunology. The existing top-tier monitoring, lab research infrastructure, and technical innovation facilities, and the previous experience of all partners in national and international R&D collaborations are prerequisites for the successful implementation of the proposed specific projects targeted on the environmental parameters monitoring, analysis, and complex modeling on the continuum tributary rivers - Danube – delta/lagoon/coastal area – Black Sea. The economic and environmentally sustainable DSS for the protection and restoration activities within the LDB and the applicative technologies for residual marine macroalgae valorisation will foster community development and increase participatory governance, impacting local and regional communities to a blue-oriented socio-economic growth and better protection of biodiversity and ecosystems.

EEA Mobility Grant - MIHAEL CRISTIN ICHIM Call name: EEA - Proiecte de Mobilităţi
EEA-MG-RO-NO-2018-0023 2018 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE "STEJARUL" PIATRA NEAMT

Project partners: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE "STEJARUL" PIATRA NEAMT (RO); GenØk – Centre for Biosafety (NO)

Affiliation: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE "STEJARUL" PIATRA NEAMT (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

project title Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2017-1398 2017 -

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT

Project partners: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT (RO)

Affiliation: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FOODOMICS - 5th EDITION, Foodomics 2018 - from Data to Knowledge (ICF2018) Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de mobilitate pentru cercetatori
PN-III-P1-1.1-MC-2017-1304 2017 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT

Project partners: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT (RO)

Affiliation: INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Molecular authentication of complex herbal food supplements for safety and efficacy Call name: EEA Research Programme under EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014
EEA-JRP-RO-NO-2013-1-0326 2013 -

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); University of Oslo, The Natural History Museum (NO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The PhytoAuthent project adheres to the health and food theme of the EEA call and addresses current ambiguity in the herbal dietary supplements market in Romania. The project uses a complex and integrative multidisciplinary approach to covering all aspects from legal framework, manufacturing process, suppliers, and consumers to safety issues and authentication. The European Economic Area (EEA) lacks a central public institution to test the composition of herbal products and to verify ingredient claims included on the label. In the USA, consumerlab.org performs independent tests on commercially available dietary supplements and makes its findings available for an administrative fee. Scientific literature has reported several cases of adulteration and counterfeiting of such products, and the results of most studies imply that substitution occurs widely. This raises serious concerns on ethics, safety and efficacy. In addition, unrestricted sale and access and the lack of medical oversight to dietary supplements hampers quality monitoring. Romania is both a major consumer and exporter of raw materials and processed supplements, and it is therefore extremely important to make a comprehensive and critical evaluation of its herbal dietary supplements industry in order to identify its vulnerabilities and to develop models for improved regulation. The European Union directives on food safety and takes into consideration consumer rights to make informed choices about the products they use, and fair and accurate labelling of products is an essential part of that. This project involves local SME herbal producers with the aim of taking a participatory and integrated approach to gain understanding of the challenges and manufacturing process of quality dietary supplements. Different product authentication methods exists, and this project will research, screen and evaluate the accuracy, reliability, effort and cost of these methods for 5 selected medicinal plant cases. The focus will be on new and innovative methods using chemical analysis, DNA barcoding and metabarcoding using next generation sequencing. The project is based on herbal industry knowledge needs, as aims to yield higher quality standards at equal production costs.

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