BrainMap

Mrs. Csilla Müller Molnár

PhD.

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

Other affiliations

Recognized Researcher - UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (Romania)

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: R-6831-2019

Curriculum Vitae (10/10/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Centre of Excellence in Digital Cultural Heritage: Innovation in Digitization and Digital Investigation based on Cutting-Edge Technologies Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.6.1 - Centre de excelență, CoEx2024
PN-IV-P6-6.1-CoEx-2024-0206 2026 - 2030

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); ACADEMIA ROMANA FILIALA CLUJ (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ŞTEFAN CEL MARE" DIN SUCEAVA (RO); ACADEMIA NAŢIONALĂ DE MUZICĂ "GHEORGHE DIMA" DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI (RO); MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE AL TRANSILVANIEI (RO); COMPLEXUL NATIONAL MUZEAL "ASTRA" SIBIU (RO); ACADEMIA ROMÂNĂ - FILIALA IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL AL PATRIMONIULUI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

The project will establish a high-performing multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence specialized in the investigation, preservation and promotion of Romanian cultural heritage (CH) using cutting-edge technologies. CulTech is a synergistic structure that brings together complementary research capacities of 11 highly relevant research institutions and a team of over 200 specialists from Romania and abroad providing expertise in history, archaeology, art history, numismatics, ethnology, ethno-choreology, musicology, bibliology, conservation-restoration, museum science, architecture, photography and data acquisition, 3D scanning and modelling, NC manufacturing, physical-chemical analysis, AI, XR, robots, IoT, multimedia, pattern recognition etc. The common theme which coagulates this extensive multidisciplinary team is innovation in tangible, intangible and born digital CH protection and valorization for future generations. Therefore CulTech will design and implement innovative approaches based on a ground-breaking interplay between material components of the CH and their digital replicas, or Digital Twins (DT). The concept of DT for CH is central for the project. Through DT and cutting-edge technologies, CulTech intends “to preserve our cultural heritage and bring it to this digital decade”. The project responds to Romania’s Strategic Research Agenda, providing new transdisciplinary, holistic approaches to support the sustainable management of CH.

IMPACT: Implications of Nano/Microplastic Pollution on AquatiC Environment HealTh Call name: Second Swiss Contribution, RO-CH-2024
F-RO-CH-2024-0038 2025 - 2029

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); University of Geneva (CH); University of Dubrovnik (HR)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://impact-fizica.granturi.ubbcluj.ro/

Abstract:

Nano-microplastic (N/MPls) pollution is a growing global issue that demands comprehensive research focused on the accumulation of N/MPls in the food chain and its potential effects and risks to both the environment and human health. The present project aims to: (i) enhance the ability to track and quantify the fragmentary and fibrous N/MPls in aquatic environments and biota via development of novel Raman spectroscopy approaches based on the enhanced signature of both plastic’s polymers and pigments; (ii) fill the gap of the knowledge on the possible interactions and effects of naturally aged N/MPls by phyto/zooplankton species; (iii) deepen the understanding of the potential interactions and impacts of N/MPls on aquaculture shellfish production focusing on key-stone species and natural food webs interactions with an implication on human nutrition. Such understanding will allow to get better insight into the importance of N/MPls trophic transfer and effects of N/MPls on the nutritional value of different biota. To this end, the impact of naturally aged N/MPls on aquatic micro- and macro-organisms will be investigated for the first time using an integrated, multidisciplinary approach comprising physical-chemistry, ecotoxicology, biology and aquaculture expertise to comprehensively understand the bioaccumulation and effects, dispersion in the trophic chain, environmental and nutritional implications to human beings. Aged blue polypropylene litter, abundantly reported to occur in aquatic ecosystems, will be collected and N/MPls will be produced, and comprehensively characterized to assess the morphology, crystallinity, degradation, identity of pigment and particles distribution. Additionally, plastic-functionalized AgNPs will be produced, and their bioaccumulation will be studied in single species (from microalgae and zooplankton to shellfish and sea ursin) and along simple and mesocosm food webs. The possible effects of the N/MPls on the selected phytoplankton representatives will be characterized in terms of growth inhibition, photosynthesis and pigments alterations, oxidative stress and damage, as well as metabolomics. The effect of the N/MPls on zooplankton Artemia salina at different life stage will be characterized in terms of behavioral changes, immobilization, mortality reproduction, oxidative stress and biomarkers. Similarly, the impact on shellfish will be assessed by following the movements, feeding activity and rate, filtration rate, oxygen consumption rate together with histopathological analysis of selected organs (gills, intestine, muscle and gonads). The activity of the selected enzymes in the hemolymph and hepatopancreas in different shellfish will be combined with a field survey of shellfish culture area (Malostonski Bay, Croatia) to perform a seasonal analysis of N/MPls in water column and in two commercial cultured shellfish (flat oyster and mussel), in natural sea urchin and murex snail, used in human diet. The significant advancements will be achieved by project implementation, which are essential for science-based policy advice on environmental implications of N/MPls in particularly in aquaculture area, considered as plastic pollution hotspots. The project outcomes will be of high methodological value as novel Raman spectroscopy-based approaches will be developed assisted by SEM/TEM-EDX, XRD and combined with ecotoxicology and ecology will address the complex and global challenge of N/MPls detection, quantification and impact on environment. The proposed research promotes an integrated and collaborative approach, generating significant output both nationally and internationally. The project is important for the capacity building and networking as it provides a well-motivated research platform for young scientists to get involved, crucial for their multidisciplinary professional development. Besides, raising awareness in young generation regarding plastisphere impact is crucial for long term plastic management.

Integrated learning through science and technology Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.10 - Știință și societate - Știința în școli - SS-SC-2024
PN-IV-P10-SS-SC-2024-0103 2025 - 2026

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 BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/edutim/

Abstract:

The dramatic decrease in the exact sciences of Romanian students has determined us to come forward with new ways of raising their interest. This relatively modest interest could be caused by the classic way of teaching these STEAM subjects in the classroom, generally without adequate experimental support, which limits the optimal interaction of students with the materials proposed for study. The dynamization of the learning process and the opening of new appell in sciences, to a level at which choosing a career option in this field is a viable one for the younger generation. This can be successfully achieved only by involving institutions always in contact with scientific news and technological advances in various fields of STEAM disciplines. The objective of the project is: to support and promote an interdisciplinary education based on the integration of science and technology in Romanian schools, which will develop critical thinking, creativity, technological and problem-solving skills, preparing students for the challenges of modern society and the labor market. Direct beneficiaries of the project are: students, teachers and schools. 29 schools are involved, from 6 counties, from middle and high schools, from urban and rural areas, from schools with a theoretical but also technological profile, and two school centers for inclusive education; two schools with teaching in Hungarian and one school with teaching in German.

Metabolomic approaches – challenges and a step forward in honey recognition. Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-0644 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Partner team leader

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/honeyomics/

Abstract:

At EU level, the demanded honey quantities are not satisfied by internal production. As a result, significant quantities are imported from other countries outside EU (i.e. China, Argentina) which need a rigorous control, honey being the third most adulterated product in the world. Its price tendency will be directly reflected in the rarity of a certain honey type, either in terms of geographical or botanical origin. In this case, the temptation of passing some counterfeit, cheap honeys under the label of some exclusive ones, in order to gain an illegal profit exists among some sellers or unfair producers. In this context, this project aims the development of new chemometric models able to differentiate among honeys with distinct geographical and botanical origin and also to detect honey adulteration through the addition of cheaper honey types to much rare honey varieties. Metabolomic approches based on vibrational (IR, Raman) and fluorescence spectroscopies will be developed, their classification potential being compared and validated based on acknowledged methods like isotope and elemental profiling. The large generated experimental data sets will be processed using supervised chemometric techniques (LDA and SIMCA) as well as artificiall intelligence (Machine Learning). The development of predictive models able to differentiate among distinct honey varieties and to identify adulterated samples using Machine Learning will represent a novelty at international level.

Rapid detection of Thiabendazole pesticide in frozen fruits and vegetables commercialized on Romanian stores Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3004 2020 - 2023

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/rapiddettbz/

Abstract:

The extensive use of Thiabendazole (TBZ) pesticide as a preservative to ensure freshness has resulted in its frequent detection in water resources and in soil from fruit and vegetable production areas. The EU REGULATION regarding the maximum residue levels for thiabendazole in or on certain products, define the pesticide residues and maximum residue levels in mg/kg in fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.

So, pesticides, just like TBZ directly pollute the environment and contaminate foods ultimately being absorbed by the human body. Their residues contain highly toxic substances that have been found to cause serious problems to human health even at very low concentrations. In this project we propose to put into the practice and validate in laboratory a fast, sensitive, prompt and cheap analytical methodology for TBZ assessment in frozen fruits and vegetables, based on the Raman scattering technique, in conjunction with the plasmonic properties of noble metal nanoparticles exploited with the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Therefore, our approach here is to test and validate in laboratory the TBZ detection method for the various frozen fruits and vegetables, comercialized in Roamanian stores, and prospecting the TBZ identification and quantification in frozen products. Plasmonic -based micro-SERS approach will be extended to in situ analysis with highly sensitive portable instruments, opening an avenue for reliable in situ food monitoring programs in Romania.

Cylindrospermopsin cyanobacterial toxin adsorbtion on plasmonic nanoparticles, trace detection and probing its assessment in environmental waters from Transylvania, Romania and in aquatic products Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0562 2020 - 2023

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/cyanotoxro/

Abstract:

Within area subject to the incidence of cyanotoxins derived from certain cyanobacteria, it is crucially important to acquire solid knowledge on their occurrence, molecular characterization, chemical behavior in specific conditions, to be able to adopt adequate monitoring and surveillance program implementation. Adverse health outcomes from exposure to high levels of cyanotoxins in drinking or bathing waters or from oral intake from aquatic products or algal dietary supplements consumption, thus, the chronic exposure to low cyanotoxin levels remains a critical issue with serious health impact. Cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a cyanobacteria metabolite is easily released and dissolved in environmental water columns when certain responsible bacteria species (Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Aphanizomenon, Umezakia) are present during blooming. It is highly water soluble and thus, available in water columns and through the food chain can easily reach the aquatic animals and humans. In this project we propose to develop a fast, sensitive, prompt and cheap analytical methodology for cyanotoxins assessment in Transylvanian (Romania) environmental waters, based on the Raman scattering technique, in conjunction with the plasmonic properties of noble metal nanoparticles exploited with the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Therefore, our approach here is to focus on vibrational characterization of CYN using micro-sampling strategy for standard toxin, micro- SERS for recognition, molecular characterization, understanding its absorption mechanism and functional groups involved in adsorption, establishing the SERS detection limit and excitation profile, and prospecting its identification in fish ponds, natural recreation waters or aquatic products. Plasmonic -based micro-SERS approach will be extended to in situ analysis with highly sensitive portable instruments, opening an avenue for reliable in situ environmental monitoring programs in Romania.

Assessment of content and distribution of trans fatty acids in food products from Romanian market Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3502 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Partner team leader

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/tfas-food/index.htm

Abstract:

Trans fats, also named trans fatty acids (TFAs) are a particular type of unsaturated fatty acid. The partial hydrogenation used in food industry lowers the number of double bonds and increases the hydrogen amount thus creating trans fats. The mandatory requirement in many countries to declare the amount of trans fat present in food products which led to the need for sensitive and accurate methodologies for a rapid quantification of trans fats. The originality and novelty of the proposed project: „Assessment of content and distribution of trans fatty acids in food products from Romanian market” (ACRONIM: TFAs-FOOD)” is based on a complex investigation for the detection of TFAs in vegetable oils and food products by the combination of complementary analytical methods such as GC-FID, GC-MS, FT-IR, Raman and also with chemometric methods for the processing of analytical data. The limits of the current approaches in the field are related mainly to the following aspects: i). until now there are no studies regarding the measurement of content and distribution of trans fatty acids in food products present on the Romanian market although there is COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2019/649 that is to apply from 1 April 2021 for all the countries of the European Union and which limits TFAs in foods (maximum 2 grams per 100 grams of fat); ii). until now in Romania there are no validated analytical methods regarding the assessment and distribution of fatty acids in food; iii); in Romania the food products are not labelling correctly, the content of trans fatty acids not being specified.

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: Partner team leader

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.

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