BrainMap

Mrs. Mihaela Mic

Dr

- n/a

Researcher

Curriculum Vitae (01/10/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Molecular aggregation pathway, and in silico inhibitors screening of cataract-associated gamma D-crystallin congenital defect Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0316 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/antictract/

Abstract:

Cataract is a major cause of blindness worldwide, either as a result of age-related degenerative modifications, or genetic mutations, causing abnormal aggregation of eye lens crystallins. While age-related cataracts occur only in adults, inherited congenital cataracts manifest in early childhood. Currently the only effective treatment that can be applied for cataract is surgery, without any possibility of prevention. A complete elucidation of the molecular mechanism of crystallin aggregation is essential for understanding cataract formation. The proposed research aim to investigate the molecular aggregation pathway of the Pro23Thr mutation in human gamma D-crystallin (hγD-P23T), as a representative variant causing congenital cataract. We plan to get new insights into the interaction mechanism inside the eye lens causing hγD-P23T aggregation, and its escape from chaperone surveillance. In addition, potential inhibitors interfering with the phase-separation mechanism, will be tested against hγD-P23T aggregation.

This work will involve methods that allow structural, and interactions details inside eye lens, primarily NMR spectroscopy, ITC, in silico inhibitors screening, aggregation supperssion bioassay in vitro, and molecular docking. Combining this integrated structural biology approach to study cataract, is a promising perspective for the anti-cataract drug development.

SYNERGICSTIC ACTIVES SYSTEMS FOR REGENERATIVE COSMETICS Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2021-0303 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L.

Project partners: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.sanimed.ro/proiect-grace_36.html

Abstract:

The GRACE project aims to obtain and characterize a range of integrative products, designed to regenerate the epidermis affected by superficial lesions, solar radiation, radiation therapy, or bedsores, using specifically functionalized hydrogels with complexes of inclusion of active ingredients in host molecules. These supramolecular complexes will represent the innovative component in the formulation of a new range of products with applications in the field of regenerative cosmetics. In concrete terms, the GRACE project aims to obtain a range of 3 products: single-dose hydrogel (for superficial lesions), cream gel (for skin affected by radiation) and cleansing gel (for gentle debris removal and cleaning of superficial lesions). In this sense, the project will stimulate the investment in research - technological development from the beneficiary company, as well as the consolidation of the company's potential actor on the domestic and international market, highly competitive, of dermato-cosmetic products. In the alternative, the project will develop the company's traditional partnerships with scientific research institutions, in order to connect Romanian applied research to the requirements of the national and European socio-economic environment.

Hidden patterns in chiroptical spectra: programming chemical intuition Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2783 2021 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA LUCIAN BLAGA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA LUCIAN BLAGA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://vcd-machine.provitam.ro

Abstract:

Human beings are biased by nature and this often affects the interpretation of scientific data. As a result, it is extremely important to develop protocols that remove or minimise this risk. One possible solution is to develop simple and clear criteria that can be easily implemented in computer programs. The research proposed here aims at achieving this in the field of Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy by employing machine learning algorithms.

VCD is one of the very few spectroscopic techniques that is capable of assigning the absolute configuration (AC) of chiral compounds. This is a very important task in many branches of chemistry and also in pharmaceutical industry. When using VCD, the AC is assigned based on comparisons of experimental and simulated spectra. The outcome of this process can indeed be affected by the human bias, but it also depends on uncertainties that are intrinsic to the computational procedure employed, i.e. Density Functional Theory.

By developing a VCD database, the goal of this project is to validate a computational procedure that will eliminate both shortcomings of the current VCD protocol. Additionally, this database will be used to identify hidden patterns in the VCD spectra by employing machine-learning clustering algorithms. This will make the AC assignment process faster and more reliable, which has the potential to help the development of better drugs.

Underwater geological structures prone to the generation and accumulation of biogases - associated geo-biogeochemical processes Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0178 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA - GEOECOMAR

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA - GEOECOMAR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINĂ "GRIGORE ANTIPA"-I.N.C.D.M. CONSTANŢA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO)

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

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

Abstract:

In comparison with the accumulations of thermogenic methane, the accumulations of biogenic ones are formed in more predictable geological settings. At global level it has been assessed that more than 20% of the total methane reserves are biogenic. In the last decade in Romania the interest for the biogenic methane has increased constantly and the most important discovery, with reserves that can cover the entire needs for methane of Romania for 6-8 years, is methane of biogenic origin. This finding of biogenic methane is in the Domino geological structure, offshore Black Sea, in the Romanian economic exclusive zone.

The present research program, uBioGas, by its 3 projects: (10 Plio-Quaternary geological structures favorable to the generation and accumulation of biogenic methane in the Romanian zone at the Black Sea; (2) Determination of bio-geochemical parameters associated to the geological structures evidenced in the project (1), requested for 1D modelling of the methane generation processes and development of analogies regarding the generation and accumulation processes that take place in the Plio-Quaternary pile of sediments.

(3) Paleogeographic evolution of the studied region, in the framework of nowadays and Quaternary environment - climate changes, their influence against the processes of generation and accumulation of methane.

According with the project’s topic and with the structure of the consortium that performs the research program, the project is an interdisciplinary one, with researchers from geosciences (geologists, geophysicists, geochemists), natural sciences (chemistry, physics, biology), from almost all Romanian regions.

The projects valorize the available Romanian research infrastructure, but will also contributes to the further development of it, by adding new equipments and updates to the ones needed to perform the researches, in accordance with the global developments, including the training of researchers in using the new technologies.

Emerging molecular technologies based on micro and nano-structured systems with biomedical applications Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0010 2018 - 2021

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 "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MEDICO-MILITARA „CANTACUZINO” (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (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/tehnobiomed/

Abstract:

The TehnoBioMed project aims to increase the institutional performance of 6 partners with a rich tradition in research, development and innovation (RDI) joined in a consortium with a strong interdisciplinary character designed to develop emerging molecular technologies based on micro- and nanostructured systems and dedicated to biomedical applications.

The project consortium consists of 6 partners distributed in 3 university centers with a tradition in the RDI activity: Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, Iasi, and consists of 3 national institutes and 3 prestigious universities. The consortium partners are distributed in three different development regions of Romania.

The specific objectives of the project can be synthesized by: i) Manufacturing and testing of surfaces with antimicrobial properties obtained by micro- and nano-fabrication techniques and functionalized with antimicrobial peptides; ii) Development of molecular targeting drug systems by encapsulation in supramolecular structures of the dendrimeric type; iii) Carrying out, calibrating and testing a complex diagnostic equipment based on the principles of coherent optics and dedicated to obtaining high-resolution images in medicine and material science; iv) Development of new technologies for the detection and analysis of molecular biomarkers; v) Development of the technological potential of phycobiliproteins for the production of photosensitive materials with applications in new solar cells and new immunological sensors.

The project aims to develop new or significantly improved products / technologies / services of which we mention the following: Developing a high-resolution OCT imaging equipment with applications in biomedicine and material science; Designing, manufacturing and testing of a nano-ELISA technology; Making new systems with improved antimicrobial activity and increased efficiency against bacterial biofilm formation; Obtaining compounds/materials with impact in the prevention and control of infections.

Homogenous immunoassay technique based on functionalized nanoparticles. Application to detection of pesticide contaminant 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from alimentary and environmental samples Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0402 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (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://proiecte.nipne.ro/pn2/138-proiecte.html

Abstract:

Immunological methods such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are increasingly becoming important for pesticides residual analysis due to the high specificity of detecting molecules like antibodies. These immunoassay methods are highly specific, sensitive (nanogram or picogram) and accuracy for the detection of low molecular weight contaminants presents in our environment. ELISA is a technique based on the ability of non-labeled antigen (e.g. pesticide) in a specific volume of standard solution or in an unknown sample to compete with a fixed of amount of enzymatic labeled antigen for a limited number of binding sites of a specific binding antibody protein. The objective of the project is to develop a new and innovative immunochemical technique based on functionalized nanoparticles, homogenous enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (HnELISA) technique for detection of pesticide contaminant 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4D) from alimentary and environmental samples. 2,4D is one of the most used herbicide in agriculture to control and destroy of the weeds that can affect agricultural crops. The remanence of this organochlorurate compound in alimentary products, transfer and contamination of ground water in the areas where this pesticide is used require the analysis of this chemical in order to establish the contamination level of the alimentary products and the environmental factors (water, soil).

The objective of the project is to develop an immunoassay technique with improved qualities in comparison with traditionally ELISA technique existed on the market for detection of pesticide contaminants from alimentary and environmental factors. Qualitative characteristics as sensitivity, accuracy, stability of the nanoimmunosorbent and low cost per assay are finally taken in account. Development of HnELISA technique would have practical application in monitoring of the pesticide contaminant 2,4D from alimentary and environmental samples.

Bioligand - macromolecule intermolecular interactions as probed by spectroscopic and microcalorimetric techniques Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0032 2011 - 2016

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://itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/idei8/

Abstract:

The study of intermolecular interactions in solutions is of central importance to most chemical and biochemical disciplines. The solution behaviour of bio and macromolecules, their aggregation or intermolecular interactions is relevant for their biological activity. The binding affinity and the molecular recognition capacity can be described by the dissociation constant and the number of binding sites on the macromolecule. Any interaction that interferes with the binding of a bio-molecule to its receptor, such as competitive binding, may affect the pharmacological activity. The purpose of this project consist in the characterization of the molecular binding process between bio-ligands and receptors, using a variety of spectroscopic (nmr, uv/vis and fluorescence) and calorimetric techniques (ITC). Moreover, we intend to investigate the competitive binding process of two ligands to a macromolecular receptor and of two receptors to a bio-ligand. NMR is the major technique used to analyze the interaction between a bio-ligand and a receptor giving useful information about the, stoichiometry, stability, specific and non-specific binding sites. ITC is one of the most powerful and precise technique currently available to characterize the energetics of intermolecular interactions. It allows the binding functions ΔG, ΔH and ΔS to be determined within a single experiment and an accurate determination of the reaction stoichiometry and the dissociation constant.

Ion sensing and separation through modified cyclic peptides, cyclodextrins and protein pores Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0027 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University

Project partners: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University (RO); National Research and Development Institute of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (RO); “Babes-Bolyai” University (RO); “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (RO); “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)

Affiliation: National Research and Development Institute of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (RO)

Project website: http://science.research.uaic.ro/biosens/

Abstract:

Development of nanostructures capable of detecting and separating individual molecules and ions has become an important field of research. Particularly, protein-based nanostructures are attractive due to their ability for tunable molecular recognition and ease of chemical modification, which are extremely important factors on various applications. In this project, self-assembly functionalization will be approached, aimed at providing an efficient design for molecular recognition, ion sensing and separation, through new host-guest chemical methodologies, bio-nanofabrication and physicochemical manipulations methods. New crown ether type macrocycles, functionalized cyclodextrins and cyclic peptides will be engineered to work as specific molecular adaptors for the -hemolysin protein, giving rise to hybrid molecular superstructures possessing ion sensing and selectivity properties. The size and functionality of the macrocycles are targeted to ensure the anchorage in the pores and the selectivity of specific host-guest complexation processes. A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is envisioned, through ink printing nanotechnologies. The device architecture will be formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. Custom designed nanoscale bilayers containing selected receptors through cyclodextrins derivatives and macrocyclic peptides, self-assembled on different micro-nano arrays surfaces (polymers, Au or Si) will be fabricated. Further engineering of such functionalized nanomaterials based on molecular recognition and host-guest methodologies, in conjunction with flexible and mechanically robust enough substrate platforms, have the great potential for applications such as separation of nanoparticles, sensors, drug delivery, removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions and chiral separation.

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.

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