BrainMap

Mrs. Monica Potara

Dr.

Scientific Researcher grade II (CS II) - UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: C-6317-2012

Curriculum Vitae (03/11/2021)

Expertise & keywords

Development of a highly sensitive and selective SERS aptasensor for medical diagnosis Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1998 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); CENTRUL INTERNATIONAL DE BIODINAMICA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanoaptadia/home

Abstract:

Biomarkers are currently used for detection of diseases and monitoring therapeutic progresses in diagnostics. The accurate measurement of biomarkers in human patient samples is exceedingly important requirement for any analytical method. This project aims to develop an experimental demonstrator designed to provide pertinent solutions to three unmet medical needs in diagnostics: (1) high sensitivity; (2) high specificity and (3) label-free detection of disease biomarkers. Specifically, a novel biosensing nanotechnology will be implemented by coupling a new class of high affinity biorecognition elements called aptamers at the surface of plasmonic nanoplatforms recently developed in our laboratory. While the aptamers attached onto the metallic surface can specifically recognize the target molecules (biomarkers), the signal transduction will be based on ultrasensitive Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). SERS has previously demonstrated its analytical performance toward “single-molecule sensitivity” and ability to identify and discern biomolecules by their spectral “Raman fingerprint” signature. By exploiting the complementary expertise of three research centers in SERS spectroscopy, chemistry and surface engineering, and fabrication and characterization of plasmonic nanoplatforms we expect to provide the feasibility of aptamer-modified SERS nanosensor for high sensitivity, high specificity and label-free detection of some relevant disease biomarkers. The as-fabricated “microchip” inserted in a Raman spectrometer to collect the SERS signal from the targeted biomarkers can offer unique characteristics, competitive advantages compared to other detection systems in the market and real potential for technology transfer.

Designing new plasmonic aptasensors for detection and monitoring of infections Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1592 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanomonisens/home

Abstract:

Human C-reactive protein (CRP), an early clinical indicator of infectious or inflammatory conditions has been recently identified as key biomarker associated with the development of COVID-19. The rapid and accurate determination of CRP level in blood serum is an urgent need to predict timely the risk of disease worsening. This project aims to design a new aptamer-modified plasmonic nanobiosensor able to offer relevant solutions for CRP determination with high sensitivity, high specificity and portability. The concept will be demonstrated using colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles (PNPs) as the sensing units, a component for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection (Raman reporters) and aptamers as the biorecognition elements. The aptamers attached onto the metallic surface will be used to recognize CRP, while PNPs will be exploited as sensitive optical transducers in three ways: (1) as colorimetric, (2) as SERS and (3) as thermoplasmonic (thermometric) indicators. The three mechanisms of detection will mutually validate each other, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of CRP determination. Due to the simplicity of the assays, robustness of molecular bioreceptors, high portability for detection (colorimetric with naked eyes, SERS with a portable Raman spectrometer, thermoplasmonic with a portable digital thermometer) the proposed strategy offers an attractive perspective in designing portable nanosensors for rapid determination of various diseases biomarkers.

Smart nanoparticles as delivery systems for otoprotective agents of the inner ear Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3813 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU"

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: http://www.umfcluj.ro/component/content/article/8-ro/667-nanosmart?Itemid=216

Abstract:

Sensorineural hearing loss represents the irreversible loss of auditory neurons or cochlear sensory cells due to intensive noise and ototoxic drugs. Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic steroid analog, is widely used for the treatment of various inner ear diseases due to its antioxidant activity. Treating inner ear disorders is difficult due to the anatomical and physiological barriers. There has been an increased interest to explore the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) for intratympanic drug delivery. In our study, new nanostructures will be obtained to deliver Dex to the inner ear cells: chitosan or Pluronic coated gold NPs, chitosan NPs and Pluronic NPs. The formation of NPs and loading of drug, their stability will be monitored by UV-vis-NIR extinction spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Zeta-potential, dynamic light scattering, Raman, FTIR and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The encapsulation efficiency and drug release will be also estimated. The NPs will be tested in vitro on HEI-OC1 cell line. The cellular uptake of the NPs will be assessed by: dark field, fluorescence and electron microscopy, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The biologic effects of the NPs will be evaluated: cytotoxicity, ROS production, apoptosis and immunogenicity. The in vivo study will be carried out in rats in which hearing loss will be induced by systemic treatment with Cisplatin. The NPs will be introduced intratimpanically. After 24h and 48h the ABR (auditory brainstem response) will be recorded, than the cochleas will be prelevated. The concentration of Dex in the perylymph will be assessed by HPLC and the cochleas will be analyzed by immunohistochemistry and TEM to assess the integrity of the inner ear hair cells and the NPs trafficking in the cochlea. With the current approach it is possible to identify new nanomaterials with potential to be used as therapeutic agents in the near future, based on scientific justification.

Portable Plasmonic Nanochip for Fast-On-Site Cardiac Troponin Biomarker Quantitative Diagnostic Test Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3345 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanofastdiag/home

Abstract:

The project “Portable Plasmonic Nanochip for Fast-On-Site Cardiac Troponin Biomarker Quantitative Diagnostic Test” (acronym NanoFastDiag) aims to design and implement a new concept of portable plasmonic nanochips which enables the sensitive, fast, reliable, on-site detection of the cardiac troponin biomarkers. Specifically, the originality of this proposal consists in the combination of the nanosensing detection with the lab-on-a-chip technology by directly integrating self-assembled highly efficient Gold NanoBipyramids (AuBPs) inside a microfluidic channel with the aim to develop a novel fast-on-site nanochip for cardiac troponin Point-of-Care (POC) diagnostic. We are confident that, by combining the expertise of the two partners involved in the project, such miniaturized, inexpensive, sensitive and highly specific nanochip used in parallel with a portable Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) sensing detection system, can be successfully translated into a real on-site clinical troponin POC test.

New Targeted Optical Imaging NanoProbes for Near-Infrared (NIR) Real-Time (RT)Image-Guided Surgery of Ovarian Cancer Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0142 2018 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanonirsurgery/home

Abstract:

Currently, a hot research topic is developing at the interface between physics, chemistry and materials science from one side and biology and medicine from other side, aiming to provide novel nano-tools for cancer treatment. However, despite advances in pre-operative imaging techniques, there is not a suitable intra-operative technique to provide real-time feedback to surgical oncologist to distinguish healthy tissue from malignant lesions and visualize submilimetrical tumor deposits. It is through a collaborative consortium gathering physicists, chemists, biochemists, biologists, oncologists, surgeons, histopathologists that this project addresses a challenging subject aiming to validate new targeted optical imaging nanoprobes for near-infrared (NIR) real-time image-guided surgery of ovarian cancer. Actually, we will develop targeted contrast agents to bind specifically to the FRα of ovarian cancer cells for enabling “visualization” of ovarian tumors by distinct optical signature in NIR. At the end of project, after their careful evaluation on ovarian cell lines /ovarian tumors xenografts / carcinomatose models, will be in position to proceed in the future as viable contrast agent in real-time image-guided ovarian cancer surgery. We focus our research effort to implement NIR optical nanoprobes containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved compounds as well to promote new related nano-compounds produced in our laboratories. Actually, the development of targeted contrast agent in the NIR wavelengths range is highly relevant and beneficial to cancer surgery as their signal does not compete with background signal of tissue emitted in visible light spectrum and, therefore, a clear and deep difference between healthy tissue and tumoral lesions can be delineated.

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: 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); 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: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (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.

Nanoplatforms for enhanced treatment of cancer by synergistically combined multiple NIR light-activated nanotherapies Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0837 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/nanosynther/

Abstract:

The investigation of complex nanoparticles exhibiting anticancer activity by integrating several functionalities into single nanoplatform with diagnostic, therapeutic and imaging capabilities, represents a hot research topic which is developing at the interface between physics, chemistry and materials science from one side and biology and medicine from other side. New nanotherapeutic strategies are being explored in the field of nanomedicine aiming at further enhancement of the potency and safety of cancer treatment. In recent years, our research group has provided several “proofs of concept” of therapeutic mechanisms based on plasmon-induced phothotermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and nanochemotherapy. In the current project we aim to go further and fabricate a new class of theranostic nanoplatforms to achieve increasing efficacy in cancer treatment by synergistic combination of multiple NIR light-activated nanotherapies. Actually the fabricated nanoplatforms will integrate both intrinsic therapeutic agents based on physical effect (plasmonic nanoparticles, graphene nanosheets or hybrids) and extrinsic therapeutical agents based on photo-bio-chemical effects (photosensitizers, chemotherapeutic drugs). The anticancer activities (heat generation, singlet oxygen generation, drug delivery, etc.) will be triggered under NIR light excitation. Several operational objectives are planned from nanoplatform preparation, characterization, cell-targeting, cell uptake, photothermal performance and singlet oxygen generation evaluation, performing informative measurements by multi-microscopy imaging - toward the final demonstration of synergistic anticancer activities. The expected outcome is highly significant for getting enhanced therapeutic efficacy with lower dose of photo sensitizer (for instance) and implicitly with lower potential side effects.

An integrated testing strategy for mechanistically assessing the respiratory toxicity of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERA-SIINN-ICONS 2016 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: http://www.phys.ubbcluj.ro/~flavius.turcu/ICONS

Abstract:

ICONS is a joint interdisciplinary effort of four laboratories in Romania, Belgium, Germany and the USA to integrate transnational expertise in carbon nanotubes’ toxicology. It offers a unique combination of competences in physico-chemistry and toxicology of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to gain more insight into the mechanisms of their respiratory toxicity and the impact of surface functionalization. The project is designed to support the development of an integrated testing strategy for assessing the hazard of MWCNT, and in particular functionalized MWCNT. ICONS will contribute to advance the safe implementation of nanotechnology by identifying physico-chemical properties critical for toxicity.

Anti-angiogenic nanotechnology guided radiotherapy-a new approach for glioblastoma Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0225 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Project website: https://gabrielkacso.wordpress.com/

Abstract:

The present project proposes an innovative in vitro therapeutic approach directed at sustainably block tumor neoangiogenesis (NAG) of glioblastoma (GBM), based on the increase of efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) trough double modulation: biologic (antibody-mediated) and nanotechnologic (mediated by gold nanoparticles-GNP). The current bottleneck of RT is the lack of sufficient selectivity for tumor cells, often with unacceptable toxicity. Aggressive NAG of GBM in which endothelial cells (EC) play an essential role sustains tumor growth and resistance to treatment. Our original research hypothesis aims at attacking NAG by RT after selective, antibody-mediated concentration of GNP on EC. GNP will enhance radiation efficacy trough secondary radiation of the „big” gold nucleus. The phenomenon is limited in irradiated areas rich in GNP and proportional to their density, the latter correlated to agglomeration of GNP on EC of the neoformation vessels, much more prominent in the tumor. Coupling also Metformin (cytotoxic and radio-senzitizing agent) to GNP’s, could increase the benefit. We will use a NAG model based on growth of capillary tubes in an EC/GBM stem cell co-culture. Enhancement of RT effect will be measured by dosimetry and biological effects on the cells and compared to irradiation without GNP. Extrapolation of bio-nano-modulated RT to other cancers can set the start of a new oncologic treatment strategy.

Drug-loaded and SERS-encoded plasmonic nanoparticles for targeted and image-guided treatment of ovarian cancer cells Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1988 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/therananosys/home

Abstract:

The project Drug-loaded and SERS-encoded plasmonic nanoparticles for targeted and image-guided treatment of ovarian cancer cells aims to develop innovative methods of promoting multiple functionalities on plasmonic nanoparticles (PNPs) for performing targeting drug delivery and diagnostic-imaging of ovarian cancer cells. Key scientific elements of the project are: (1) to fabricate PNPs that could be monitored inside ovarian cells (encoding the nanoparticles with specific molecules in order to provide a distinct surface-enhanced Raman scattering signal); (2) to load nanoparticles with anticancer drugs to operate as effective therapeutic agents; (3) to integrate diagnostic imaging and therapy into a single nanoagent for developing a theranostic (therapy + diagnostic) agent. The use of theranostic nanoparticles is expected to enable in the future a more effective and personalized medical treatment.

Microfluidic - Plasmonic biosensor for real time detection of relevant biomarkers Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1961 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/nanoflusensors/

Abstract:

The project proposes the development of an optical, ultrasensitive, robust sensor for the detection of specific disease biomarkers in order to enable early diagnosis, improve diseases treatment, increase the overall survival and diminish societal costs. Our sensor is based on the exploitation of optical response of plasmonic nanostructures known as Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) since this technique has already demonstrated its ability for a label-less highly sensitive molecular detection. The originality of the sensor lies in the integration of optimized plasmonic substrate in a microfluidic circuit to allow miniaturization, portability, and minimizing of the analysis time. Colloidal nanoparticles attached on solid substrate and/or nanostructured metallic film will be integrated in microfluidic channels and the LSPR detection process will be triggered by molecular recognition of biomarkers. The core task of the project will consist in optimizing the sensor parameters in terms of high sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility. For this, optimization of the nanoparticles’ size and shape, optical and chemical properties of substrate, functionalization and bioanalyte recognition will be performed. The unique characteristics of our Microfluidic - Plasmonic Biosensor for Real Time Detection of Relevant Biomarkers will provide competitive advantages compared to other detection systems currently on the market (standard SPR, immunofluorescence and ELISA assays) and will promote our sensor as a good candidate for technology transfer. Indeed, in this project, we will take all the advantages of current developments in nano-optics and spectroscopy, nanotechnology and surface nanostructuration and Lab-On-a-Chip technologies to design a nanosensor suitable for the identification and detection of specific chemical or biological species in biological fluids. The targeted substances to validate our sensor are in priority the followings: (1) anti-GMB antibodies (glomerular basement membrane) existing in plasma in the case of the disease known as Goodpasture syndrome and (2) amatoxins in the case of poisonous mushrooms ingestion. In both cases the early detection is essential to initiate a treatment as soon as possible to save the patient’s life and ameliorate the prognosis. At the end of the project, we will be able to provide an optimized laboratory prototype with unique capabilities and diversified palette of future applications. The prototype will incorporate specific nano-structured plasmonic architecture and several innovative technical solutions to guarantee a rapid mass production and commercialization.

Stem cell therapies for degenerative retinal diseases with the help of nanotechnology Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1232 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); CARL ZEISS INSTRUMENTS S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website: http://www.granturi.umfcluj.ro/retstem/

Abstract:

The team who elaborated this project proposal has the intention to obtain progress in a field of major importance for the peoples' health and quality of life: the development of a stem cell based therapy, capable to overtake the structure and function of a retina affected by diseases beyond any cure.

The problem to be addressed and solved within this project has an extremely important practical relevance, taking into consideration that its purpose is to find a therapeutic solution for the disabling retinal diseases that affect significantly all the age groups: age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy pigmentary retinopathy, Stargardt disease.

The transplantation of stem cells with the aim to offer neuroprotection and repairment of the injured cells represent new therapeutic strategies.

One end-product of the project is a complex experimental model of retinal reconstruction in which stem cell transplantation is combined with a nanoparticle delivery system for growth factors to improve grafting and differentiation into functional retinal cells. To get a better insight into the pathophysiology of retinal diseases and restoration with stem cells transplantation, the role of animal models is indispensable. In this context, the private company involved in this project, with a recognized tradition in the development of the optical devices, aims to make a technological innovation by developing a portable optical coherence tomograph applicable both to the experimental research (studies on animals) and to the clinical practice (example: the tomographic evaluation of the retina in the prematurely new born infants).

The common denominator in the above-mentioned retinal diseases is the loss of the neural cells (photoreceptors, interneurons, retinal ganglion cells) and of the essential supporting cells (retinal pigmented epithelium). Therefore, the novel therapeutic strategies aim the development of neuroprotective and regenerative strategies. Stem cells have the potential to be used both for neuroprotection and for cell replacement.

The new therapeutic strategies in retinology can be divided into several broad groups: genetic therapy (the augmentation of a gene's function or in the inhibition of a mutated gene), drug therapy ( cromophore supplementation), neuroprotection ( to slow down the degeneration of the photoreceptors with neurotrophic growth factors), electric stimulation of the visual pathways and regenerative medicine.

In recent years, a new field of biotechnology, nanomedicine, makes its way in retinal diseases diagnosis and therapies. The advantages of nanoparticles include delivery of therapeutic agents, targeted delivery of drugs to specific cells or tissue, improved delivery of both water-insoluble drugs and large biomolecule drugs, and reduced side effects.

The general objective of this project is retinal reconstruction with the help of stem cells and functionalized gold nanoparticles with growth factors as local delivery systems.

In parallel we intend to develop some specific objectives: (1) the elaboration of a retinal disease animal model and (2) the elaboration of non-invazive retinal investigation techniques.

This retinal reconstruction model is intended to be as close as possible to the human clinical approaches with the aim to facilitate the translation of the stem cells transplantation into the clinical frame. The delivery of the growth factors with gold nanoparticles in order to improve the implantation and differentiation is a new (original) therapeutic approach in the retinal transplantation.

Within the project structure, the following successive components are individualized: the preparation of the stem cell populations that are going to differentiate into retina specific cells; the creation of the animal model that is going to be used to illustrate the modality in which the stem cells administered by various ways are going to repair a retinal lesion produced by laser photocoagulation;

Development of Dual Electrical/Optical NanoSensors on Flexible Substrates by Colloidal Self-Assembly Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0134 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Universitatea Babes-Bolyai

Project partners: Universitatea Babes-Bolyai (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/farcaucosmin/research/deonos-project

Abstract:

The project titled Development of Dual Electrical/Optical NanoSensors on Flexible Substrates by Colloidal Self-Assembly proposes to develop highly efficient nanoparticle-based (bio)chemo-sensors with simultaneous optical and electrical readout. Colloidal gold nanoparticles (

BIOFUNCTIONAL NANOPARTICLES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW METHODS OF IMAGING, SENSING, DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPY IN BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT (NANOBIOFUN) Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2008 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2008-0129 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE NANOSTIINTE SI NANOTEHNOLOGII

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE NANOSTIINTE SI NANOTEHNOLOGII (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIOLOGIE MOLECULARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE MATERIALE AVANSATE SI TEHNOLOGII (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR DE STRUCTURI MOLECULARE SI MODELLING (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIONANOSTRUCTURI SI SISTEME MOLECULARE COMPLEXE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR DE MODELARE COMPUTATIONALA A SISTEMELOR NANOSTRUCTURATE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR DE NANO-ALOTROPI AI CARBONULUI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR DE ELECTROCHIMIE SI CHIMIE SUPRAMOLECULARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE NANOSTIINTE SI NANOTEHNOLOGII (RO)

Project website: http://www.phys.ubbcluj.ro/~dana.maniu/Web_ID_PCCE/

Abstract:

THE NANOBIOFUN PROJECT BRINGS TOGETHER EXPERTISES FROM 8 RESEARCH CENTERS IN PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY TO ADDRESS THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE METHODS OF MOLECULAR SENSING, IMAGING, DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPY IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS BY COMBINING THE UNIQUE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF NOBLE-METAL NANOPARTICLES (NPS) WITH THEIR CHEMICAL SPECIFICITY AND EASY WAY OF BIOFUNCTIONALIZATION. KEY SCIENTIFIC ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECT ARE (1) TO PROVIDE A BIOLOGICAL FUNCTION ( CELL TARGETING) TO AN ARTIFICIAL NANO-OBJECT IN ORDER TO TACKLE A SPECIFIC BIOLOGICAL ISSUE, AND (2) TO FABRICATE TAILORED NANO-OBJECTS ABLE TO TRANSFER / INDUCE A PHYSICAL SIGNAL ( LIGHT OR ELECTRIC CURRENT) TO A BIOLOGICAL ENTITY (BIOMOLECULE AND CELL) IN ORDER TO PROBE ITS STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES IN A CONTROLLED MANNER. SPECIFICALLY, THE PROJECT ADDRESSES THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLASMON-RESONANT NPS AS NEW OPTICAL LABELS FOR BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES, MEMBRANE AND CELLS AS WELL AS MULTIFUNCTIONAL AGENTS FOR CANCER DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPY. THE PROJECT WILL TARGET THE FABRICATION OF GOLD NPS AND HYBRID METAL/POLYMER/SILICA/ STRUCTURES OF SPECIFIC SHAPE, SIZE (2-200 NM) AND DESIRED OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND REALIZE THEIR CONJUGATION WITH RELEVANT (BIO)MOLECULES / PROTEINS / DNA / BIOPOLYMERS. AS A MAJOR RESULT OF THIS PROJECT WILL TO DEMONSTRATE AN ORIGINAL APPROACH IN CANCER THERAPY GIVEN BY THE ABILITY OF GOLD NANOPARTICLES TO MEDIATE HYPERTHERMIA INDUCTION TO KILL CANCER CELLS UPON LASER IRRADIATION, THEREBY FUNCTIONING AS SELECTIVE THERMAL NANO-SCALPELS. THE PROJECT WILL CONTRIBUTE ON THE INVESTIGATION OF BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BIOCONJUGATED GOLD NANOPARTICLES ON VARIOUS NORMAL AND TUMOR CELLS CULTURES.AN IMPORTANT OUTCOME OF THIS PROJECT WILL BE THE PRODUCTION OF COST EFFECTIVE, ULTRA SENSITIVE, REPRODUCIBLE AND STABLE NANOSTRUCTURED SUBSTRATES FOR SURFACE-ENHANCED SPECTROSCOPY AND ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSORS. BESIDES THE SCIENTIFIC GOALS, TRAINING AND EDUCATION WILL BE ALSO KEY RESULTS OF THE PROJECT.

NANOMANIPULATION OF BIOMOLECULES BY ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2008 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2008-0312 2010 - 2013

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIOLOGIE MOLECULARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIOLOGIE MOLECULARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR NANOTEHNOLOGII FIZICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, CENTRUL DE BIOMATERIALE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR NANOFOTOBIOTICA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR MODELARE MOLECULARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR SIMULARI NUMERICE (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES-BOLYAI CLUJ-NAPOCA, LABORATOR NANOFOTOBIOTICA (RO)

Project website: http://granturi.ubbcluj.ro/idei_pcce2008

Abstract:

THE STRONG POINT OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IS THE NANOMANIPULATION: THE ABILITY TO HANDLE AND EXPLORE THE NANOSCALE OBJECTS. ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY (AFM) IS A POWERFUL IMAGING TECHNIQUE THAT CAN VISUALIZE SINGLE MOLECULES BOTH IN AIR AND SOLUTION. USING THE AFM TIP AS AN END-EFFECTOR, AN ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE CAN BE MODIFIED INTO A NANOROBOT. THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF OUR RESEARCH PROJECT IS TO DEVELOP AN AUTOMATED AFM NANOMANIPULATION SYSTEM WITH VIRTUAL REALITY INTERFACE, WHICH CAN PROVIDE THE OPERATOR WITH REAL-TIME FORCE FEEDBACK AND REAL-TIME VISUAL DISPLAY DURING HANDLING. THIS AFM-BASED NANOROBOTIC SYSTEM WILL ENABLE US TO SIMULTANEOUSLY CONDUCT IN SITU IMAGING, SENSING, AND NANOMANIPULATION, AND WILL OPEN A PROMISING WAY TO INDIVIDUALLY STUDY THE DIFFERENT LIVE CELLS AND THE STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELATIONSHIPS OF SOME BIOMOLECULES: DNA, PROTEINS, GLYCOPROTEINS. THE RELIABLE AND PRECISE NANOMANIPULATIONS WILL RENDER POSSIBLE THE SINGLE RECEPTOR RECOGNITION AND MONITORING THE RECEPTOR BEHAVIOR ON LIVING CELL SURFACE, AND THE DIRECT INVESTIGATIONS OF THE LIGAND-RECEPTOR INTERACTIONS BOTH IN VIVO AND IN VITRO. OUR NANOMANIPULATION SYSTEM WILL BE ALSO USED FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION AND ASSEMBLY OF NANOSTRUCTURES: FUNCTIONALIZED SILICATE MICROSPHERES AND GOLD NANOPARTICLES. IN THIS PROJECT A SERIES OF BOTTOM-UP AND TOP-DOWN NANOSTRUCTURATION METHODS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO ALLOW THE CONTROL OVER SIZE, SHAPE AND GEOMETRY OF NANOPARTICLES. THREE-DIMENSIONAL NANOPARTICLE ARRAYS WILL REPRESENT THE FOUNDATION OF FUTURE OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC MATERIALS. A PROMISING WAY TO ASSEMBLE THEM IS THROUGH THE TRANSIENT PAIRINGS OF COMPLEMENTARY DNA STRANDS. DNA MEDIATED CRYSTALLIZATION APPROACH WILL FACILITATE BOTH THE CREATION OF NEW CLASSES OF ORDERED MULTICOMPONENT METAMATERIALS AND THE EXPLORATION OF THE PHASE BEHAVIOR OF HYBRID SYSTEMS WITH ADDRESSABLE INTERACTIONS. IN THE SAME TIME, THE MESOSCOPIC SCALE MODELING AND COMPUTER SIMULATIONS OF AFM-BASED NANOMANIPULATIONS WILL BE DONE.

Development of a highly sensitive and specific nanobiosensor based on surface enhanced spectroscopy dedicated to the in vitro protein detection and disease diagnosis Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-Franța (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-FR-2016-0053 2016 -

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); Université Paris 13, UFR Santé, Médecine et Biologie Humaine (FR)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Prezentul proiect îşi propune elaborarea unor nanoarhitecturi plasmonice originale prin asamblarea nanoparticulelor (NP) de aur în vederea detecției unor proteine relevante din punct de vedere biologic (biomarkers). Pentru a putea exploata la maxim potențialul spectroscopiei SERS (Surface-Enahnced Raman Scattering) și atinge nivele extrem de ridicate de sensibilitate vom crea în mod reproductibil și deterministic o rețea de zone nanometrice cu factor de amplificare extrem de ridicat (“hot-spot”-uri) care condiționează maximizarea efectului SERS. Pentru aceasta vom realiza un cuplaj electromagntic între două categorii de NP, prima categorie fiind prefixată pe substratul solid prin nanolitografie în timp ce a doua este în soluție fiind preparată prin sinteză chimică. În fapt, prin funcționalizarea acestora cu bioreceptori specifici pentru recunoașterea analitului (biomarker-ului) detecția se va localiza în volumul restrâns al “hot-spot”-urilor asigurând astfel senzitivitate foarte ridicată. Vom folosi spectrul vibrațional SERS al analitului ca “amprentă” de indentificare moleculară și spectrul de rezonanță plasmonică LSPR (Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance) a substratului ca indicator calitativ al prezenței analitului.

Microfluidic platform for integrated plasmonic detection Call name: Programul de actiuni Integrate Romania-Franta (bilaterale)
PN-II-CT-RO-FR-2014-2-0049 2014 -

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Physics (LIPhy) (FR)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The project "Microfluidic platform for integrated plasmonic detection" is a highly interdisciplinary project situated at the interface between nanotechnology, microtechnology and biomedical research. In this project we introduce a new concept of biosensing by combining the unique properties of noble-metal nanostructures with the advantages of conducting biomedical research in fluidic channels with at least one dimension on the microscale. The originality of the sensor lies in the integration of optimized plasmonic substrate in a microfluidic circuit to allow miniaturization, portability, and minimizing of the analysis time. The project is strongly motivated by the permanent need of miniaturization, portability and high accuracy of clinical diagnostic. Therefore, the nanobiosensors will be designed to detect very low concentrations of biomarkers in a minimum controlled volume of sample collected from simulated biological fluids (protein or antibody solutions, etc). Specifically, multiple abilities of molecular sensing offered by noble-metal nanoparticles from Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) to Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) will be firstly tested with relevant analytes and biomarkers in reference samples and the results will be transferred and integrated into a microfluidic device. In such a way our project becomes highly promising for future development of new plasmonic–based microfluidic biochips for point-of-care (POC) assays.

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