BrainMap

Mrs. Carmen Socaciu

Dr.

Professor/researcher - UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Other affiliations

Researcher - PROPLANTA SRL (Romania)

Expertise & keywords

Multifunctional nanolipid-microbubble complexes for an optimized targeted delivery of antitumor agents via ultrasonography Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0378 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: PROPLANTA SRL

Project partners: PROPLANTA SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://biodiatech.ro/project-view/mtargeson/

Abstract:

The project mTARGESON proposes new exploratory directions and involves multidisciplinary knowledge in theranostics, based on current challenges and opportunities in oncology using nanoparticles for tumor targeting. Project strategy focuses on innovative solutions: building new and improved carriers (liposome and lipid nanospheres linked to microbubbles) of anticancer agents (Doxorubicin and triterpenoids), targeting tumors by ultrasonography. Such complexes will be tested in vitro as tumor inhibitors and immunostimulants using liver and blood cell lines as well in vivo on immunocompetent animals. Seven objectives are organized in 4 work packages and will be implemented for 32 months. The expertise and experience of the team members in different areas are complementary and very useful for the integrated approach: expertise on selecting anticarcinogens to be inserted in liposomes and lipid nanospheres, in vitro uptake/effects of complexes, use of ultrasonography to deliver these complexes to Walker tumors. The host institution for this project is a center of Biomedical research, with advanced infrastructure and a previous portfolio of international/ national projects. The director is an outstanding researcher with international prestige, the team includes other 3 experienced, employed postdocs and 2 no-nominated researchers. The result indicators include reports, 3 publications in ISI-Q1-Q2 journals, participation in international conferences, training of PhD students.

Evaluation of polyphenols migration from bio-based active films into food products Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală - PD-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2021-0444 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://polyphenols-migration.weebly.com/

Abstract:

Active packaging is a new concept in food packaging that aims to address market expectations such as consumer demand for safe, healthful, and high-quality food. Originality and innovative aspects of the planned research: MIGRATION will promote valorisation of bioactive compounds from Vaccinium uliginosum L. leaves. Furthermore, green extraction methods will be evaluated, and the combination of them, in order to optimize the extraction yield and quality of the extracts. Another challenge of the project is to investigate the phenolic compounds migration from the active films to food products (fish fillets). MIGRATION main objectives are:

O 1: Green extraction of bioactive compounds from Vaccinium uliginosum L. leaves.

O 2: Development of phenolic-bio-based active packagings,

O 3: In vitro and in vivo evaluation of phenolic compounds released from bio-based films in the fish fillet.

The development of MIGRATION proposal through a multidisciplinary approach, together with USAMV CN environment will enhance PI’s scientific career, not only by supporting the correct progress of this research proposal but also by learning new skills (biofilm preparation, lipid oxidation and application of phenolic compounds in food industry). The integration of the principal investigator in a multidisciplinary environment, such as USAMV CN, will create new scientific collaborations and raise new research questions.

Integrated genetic approach and fingerprinting of botanicals for an advanced quality assessment of herbal food supplements Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0522 2021 - 2023

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: https://sites.google.com/view/plantcheck

Abstract:

Botanicals and derived preparations from medicinal plants are well-known sources of molecules with tremendous therapeutic potential and evaluating their quality and safety, requires a thorough multidisciplinary scientific approach. However, despite their long tradition of use, increasing awareness of content irregularities is calling attention to the quality of traded mass-produced herbal products with a direct impact on their efficacy and safety. The project PlantCheck builds on the numerous reports and studies showing that herbal food supplements are susceptible to adulteration and substitution, which in turn raise serious quality and public health safety concerns. In the context of pharmacognosy and pharmacovigilance, a combination of analytical methods is unavoidable for comprehensive authentication and quality control of botanicals and derived herbal food supplements. In this regard, PlantCheck will integrate innovative DNA methods for plant species identification and authentication, with mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, a powerful approach for the simultaneous analysis of several metabolites. Specifically, PlantCheck will use tailored DNA barcoding and DNA metabarcoding approaches to offer information on plant identity, and authenticity of multi-ingredient herbal food supplements, alongside with metabolomics profiling information by using an optimized Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) approach to simultaneous analyze several biomarkers in botanicals and herbal supplements. PlantCheck will use as target species two traditional medicinal plants, Hippophae rhamnoides L. and Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., to asses the possible critical health aspects regarding their safe use in herbal food supplements. Moreover, the integrated analytical approach proposed by PlantCheck will be tested in real-life scenario, by using herbal food supplements containing the two target species.

Functional frankfurters with enriched, encapsulated polyphenolics from Boletus Edulis Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0475 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://r45vih.webwave.dev/

Abstract:

The ENCAPBOLMEAT project addresses, scientifically and technologically, the impact on consumers and the need to consume functional foods with certain health benefits, beyond the basic nutritional requirements. Mushrooms of the Boletus species have positive impact on human health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases due to their content of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds. The use of mushrooms for the development of new functional foods is a research direction of great interest and actuality in Europe and especially in Romania which could exploit natural resources such as these mushrooms species. So far, valorisation of Boletus edulis in meat industry was done mainly in the dried form into smoked products aimed at increasing the fibre and protein content of the end-product. In this case concentration of dried mushrooms is limited because influenced the sensorial characterization of the meat products.

As a result, the current project proposal intends to avoid the negative sensorial impact of dried mushroom addition to the final product by developing an innovative and original process for extraction of the polyphenol compounds followed by their incorporation into the meat product as microencapsulated extracts.

The original and efficient extraction technique developed in this project will contribute to the optimal extraction of phenolic compounds from Boletus edulis using an optimized combination of different solvents and extraction methods.

The project is in agreement with the main research domain "LIFE SCIENCE", subdomain "Applied Life Sciences and Biotechenolgy (LS9)", main research area "Food sciences" since by the original and innovative elements the project involves the use of polyphenolic extracts from Boletus Edulis in a microencapsulated form to obtain a functional frankfurters as well as evaluation of stability and functionality of microencapsulated polyphenolic extracts during processing and storage of the product.

Preparatory action to Boost Global Crop Yield for Food & Nutrition Security and fueling a Bioeconomy’ — ‘CropBooster-P’ Call name:
H2020-SFS-2018-817690 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: Stichting Wageningen Research

Project partners: Stichting Wageningen Research (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: Stichting Wageningen Research (RO)

Project website: https://www.wur.nl/en/

Abstract:

Increasing global crop productivity will be central in meeting some of the greatest challenges facing mankind: How will we

sustainably feed 9.7 billion people by 2050, while also achieving the transition from a fossil economy towards a bio-economy in

order to mitigate, or possibly reverse, the effects of global climate change? How can we assure and maintain the nutritional quality of

our future crops? Additionally, how can we provide new crop cultivars adapted to the constraints imposed across vast areas by

climate change? A doubling of global crop productivity is required to produce enough plant biomass to achieve food and nutrition

security, as well as to meet the demands of a future bioeconomy. To ensure both Food and Nutrition Security this increase in crop

production must be achieved without any loss of nutritional quality. In addition, future agriculture will require crops that combine

sustainability - they must efficiently using scarce resources like minerals and water and preserving Earth’s biodiversity - with a high

resilience to adverse climate conditions.

In order to meet these challenging demands, our current crop plants will have to be re-designed and a “future proof” profiling is

urgently needed.

With a multitude of possible crops and genetic changes, combined with multiple environmental changes, policy and societal

challenges, progress could be mired in a seemingly insurmountable complexity. CropBooster-P will address this by identifying

priorities and opportunities to adapting and boosting productivity to the environmental and societal changes. While engaging with

the public from the beginning, and by mobilizing European plant sciences, our objective is to produce a White Paper – a Roadmap –

that will describe the pathway to sustainably doubling Europe’s crop yields by 2050 and preparing these crops for the needs and the

future climate of Europe.

Development of advanced platforms for the analysis and modeling of complex biological systems Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0046 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOCHIMIE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://www.incemc.ro/index.php?page=AZ/PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0046.html

Abstract:

The complex project 'Development of advanced platforms for the analysis and modeling of complex biological systems' (TEHNOBIOSIST) coordinated by INCEMC Timisoara, in collaboration with IBAR Bucuresti, USAMV Cluj-Napoca and ICCF Bucuresti consists of 3 projects with the following objectives: 1. designing and functionalization of a bioanalytical platform in multiplex system for microfluidics-mass spectrometry coupling and its applications in modern glycoproteomics; 2. development of proteomic methods employing microfluidic and bioinformatic technologies for pharmacological assays; 3. implementation of these advanced systems for authenticity and quality assessment of Romanian vegetal oils.

The platforms designed within TEHNOBIOSIST will provide a major technical-economical and bioeconomical input derived from: i) complete automatization; ii) reducing the working time, sample consumption and analysis costs; iii) increase in the reproducibility, sensitivity of the experiment and accuracy of generated data; iv) development and updating of the existing databases with the newly identified biomarkers.

By the foreseen results, TEHNOBIOSIST has a marked bioeconomical impact: innovation in the analytical field which will enhance a thorough study of complex biological systems; hiring of young researchers; reorganization of R&D national system on modern and high performance bases; innovation, development and upgrading of the research infrastructure existing at the institutions involved in the project and last, but not least, providing (after patenting/publication) the pharmaceutical companies, the analytical system producers, bioclinical laboratories and the economical agents in charge with the control of food product quality with new and efficient techniques, optimized for a broad range of analyses and of new scientific results based on which they can focus their activity, their own research and production in the sense of improving the quality of life and products in Romania.

Optimisation of an integrated system for valorisation of brewers’ spent grain bioactive compounds using micronization and sequential extraction methods. Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-0869 2018 - 2020

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://ancafarcas.wixsite.com/bsg-esy

Abstract:

Nowadays, the scientific research is focused on finding new ways of valorization of food industry by-products by identifying or optimizing the most appropriate extraction methods for the recovery of the bioactive molecules. The brewers’ spent grain (BSG) is the main solid waste produced in large quantities (annual worldwide output is around 30 million tons) by the beer industry, resulted after mashing and filtration stage. Owing to the significant amount produced annually, the low market value, environmental awareness, and the recognition that BSG may represent a nutritionally valuable by-product, efforts should be increasingly focused on valorization of this biomass. Despite the continuous progress in the recent years, in this area there is still the need and a priority to develop/adapt modern and efficient methods for extraction of this bioactive compounds. In this respect, have been approached two major research directions. The first direction was designed to find the most appropriate micronization degree in order to increase the release and bioavailability of BSG interest compounds (O1-O2). The second direction aims to optimize the extraction conditions in order to achieve the best sequential model for the identification and recovery of compounds with antioxidant potential, proteins and essential amino acids (O3-O4). After completing the four key objectives, a complex statistical analysis will be applied in order to achieve the optimal integrated system for valorization of BSG. Using the bioactive molecules recovered from BSG represents a sustainable alternative of wastes exploitation as inexpensive source of valuable compounds, at the same time developing innovative food and non-food products with health promoting benefits contributing to an efficient waste reduction management and enhancing the economic potential of breweries.

Oleogelation – a Promising Technology to Protect and Improve Stability of Unsaturated Fatty Acids and other Lipophilic Bioactive Molecules Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-0113 2018 - 2020

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://vladmuresan3.wixsite.com/synergogel

Abstract:

To reduce the trans- and saturated fat content in food products, the conversion of edible liquid oil (> 90% w) into a gelled structure (i.e., oleogelation) by the means of structurants molecules, is receiving a great interest from food researchers. Even if, in the last few years different oil structurants were reported for preparing oleogels, there is still necessary to find food-grade oil structurant or structurants mixtures, showing high compatibility with food matrix and being economical, efficient at low concentrations while suitable for food processing conditions. To the moment, the incorporation of solely oleogels as lipids into complex foods might be considered overambitious, while known oleogels provide insufficient hardness in the products. In this context, new strategies for edible oil structuring are demanded by academics and industry. New approaches are proposed in the current project by exploring synergistic interactions among different food-grade oil structurants. To better control and understand the oil gelation phenomena of unexplored mixtures of oleogelators, the new gelled oils phase diagrams, microstructure, techno-functional properties as well as intermolecular interactions will be studied by infrared spectroscopy, microscopy, advanced rheological and thermal studies. The optimum synergistic oleogelators systems will be used to prepare novel oleogels from oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids and polyphenols (olive, pumpkin, flax and sea buckthorn seeds oils). Unsaturated fatty acids oxidative stability and lipophilic bioactive molecules protection of the novel oleogels will be studied. The feasibility of incorporating the optimum oleogels herein developed in specific food applications (spreadable creams, margarine alternatives, chocolate fillings) will be assessed in order to replace trans- and saturated fat, while increasing unsaturated fatty acids oxidative stability and lipophilic bioactive molecules protection.

Screening marine microalgae and terrestrial bacteria; in search of novel compounds of potential medicinal and other industrial values Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERA-LAC-SCREAM 2016 - 2018

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: PROPLANTA SRL

Project partners: PROPLANTA SRL (RO)

Affiliation: PROPLANTA SRL (RO)

Project website: http://www.biodiatech.ro

Abstract:

The project entitled ‘“Screening marine microalgae and terrestrial bacteria; in search of novel compounds of potential medicinal and other industrial valuesSCREAM” will generate a transnational longterm research cooperation platform within the EU- Latin America Programme coordinated by Norway (Bioforsk - The Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research), in partnership with Chile (Fraunhofer Chile Research Centre FCR), Romania (SC PROPLANTA SRL) and Peru (Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia –UPCH).

The project aims to identify compounds produced by marine microalgae and terrestrial bacteria, with biomedical potential and high value for industrial use. More specifically, the project will search for compounds that can be used for cancer treatments and food production through extensive interactions between the four partners and optimal use of each participant’s expertise and experience.

The project objectives are:

 Use of extremophile microorganisms, more specifically Antarctic, Arctic and other Nordic species of microalgae, and terrestrial acidophilic and acid tolerant bacterial species to screen for new bioactive metabolites

 Use of stress adaptation mechanisms for producing bioactive secondary metabolites from stress tolerant organisms.

 To find novel cancer inhibiting compounds

 To identify production of compounds for use in food products, as ingredients or additives

The expected results includes: identification of novel cancer inhibiting metabolites from microalgae and bacteria, more specifically metabolites with ability to regulate cancer cell proliferation and/or invasion. Identification of compounds suitable for use in food products which are produced in large amounts by microalgae, such as carotenoids, PUFAs, vitamins and other antioxidants in addition to the potential of finding new metabolites with useful effects. Furthermore, SCREAM aims at pinpointing the mechanisms and metabolic pathways involved in production of the selected novel metabolites. The novelty of SCREAM derives from a number of original and innovative activities that will undoubtedly lead to a number of innovations within cancer research and functional food with the potential for further exploitation.

This highly innovative project has great economic potential, which will be demonstrated through economic analysis of the products and production process. The commercialisation potential will be carefully evaluated through market analysis taking into account technological, economic and legal aspects.

The exploitation of Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous as a sustainable platform for the PROduction of high-value CARotenoids Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERA-IB2-PROCAR 2015 - 2018

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: PROPLANTA SRL

Project partners: PROPLANTA SRL (RO)

Affiliation: PROPLANTA SRL (RO)

Project website: http://biodiatech.ro/portfolio/eranet-procar/

Abstract:

Carotenoid pigments are used commercially as bioactives in cosmetics and health supplements, additives in a variety of feedstuffs, as fragrances, flavours and colorants as well as important industrial raw materials and fine chemicals. Their industrial relevance also means they are compounds of high-value with global markets in the range of $ 1 billion per annum. To date chemical synthesis has been the production method of choice. Such production remains expensive, creates reaction contaminants, non-native stereo isomers and is typically associated with chemical refineries using non-renewable energy sources. Numerous plant sources exist for carotenoids. However they are typically secondary metabolites often being produced in specialised cell types, organs or tissues at a specific developmental stage of the plant’s life cycle by underutilised, slow growing and rare species that are not amenable to modern agricultural practices. Plant cell culture is highly prone to contamination and the size of the cells restricts biomass production in comparison to microbial sources. Algal sources require intense light, significant energy input during down-stream processing and the molecular resources are not adequately advanced to deliver competitive yields.

The onset of modern molecular approaches to pathway engineering and strain improvement, with the concurrent advances in fermentation technologies and down-stream processing means microbial production is a competitive sustainable alternative to plant and chemical based production. This approach also does not compete with land resources for food production or impact on our dwindling sources of fossil fuel. Therefore the development of microbial platforms provides a logical solution to the creation of renewable biosources of valuable chemicals with improved economic and environmental credentials. In the proposed project the red yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous 2 (formerly Phaffia rhodozyma) will be developed as a microbial based renewable source of high-value carotenoids namely zeaxanthin and phytoene. Driven by demand the markets for these two carotenoids are rapidly growing. It is estimated that the global market for zeaxanthin will reach $334 million by 2018 (BCC Research report FOD025C). This interest in zeaxanthin is associated with its use as a treatment and preventative measure against Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The chronic eye disorder AMD accounts for 54% of all cases of blindness in Western societies. Phytoene is a colourless carotene used as a bioactive ingredient in the rapidly expanding cosmetic industry (Von Oppen-Bezalel et al. 2007, SöFW-Journal 07). Its beneficial activities include protection against UV and oxidative damage, which lead to pre-mature ageing and other phenomena. As a production system for carotenoids Xanthophyllomyces has the advantage of being a naturally high producer of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) derived terpenoids. For example, most bacteria and yeasts (such Saccharomyces) produce high levels of farnesyl diphospate (FPP), they do not synthesis longer chain GGPP derived terpenoids such as carotenoids. Thus intrinsic metabolism and regulatory mechanisms to synthesise and accumulate such compounds have evolved in this organism. Technological advances mean that Xanthophyllomyces now has a sequenced and annotated genome, established metabolomic platforms and is readily amenable to transformation with a suite of combinatory vectors capable of integrating multiple genes into the genome in a stable manner and can utilise agro-industry waste as carbon sources. Mutants accumulating different isoprenoid precursors are available and fermentation procedures from the laboratory to industrial scale established. Thus the project will exploit timely developments to create a microbial based platform capable of delivering renewable sources of high-value carotenoids.

From DISCOvery to products: A next-generation pipeline for the sustainable generation of high-value plant products Call name:
2013 - 2017

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: ROYAL HOLLOWAY AND BEDFORD NEW COLLEGE

Project partners: ROYAL HOLLOWAY AND BEDFORD NEW COLLEGE (RO)

Affiliation: ROYAL HOLLOWAY AND BEDFORD NEW COLLEGE (RO)

Project website: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/110947/factsheet/en

Abstract:

NEW GENERATION OF INNOVATIVE FUNCTIONAL BEVERAGES WITH IMPACT ON HUMAN GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0743 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); B.W.B. S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE - HEPATOLOGIE PROF. DR. OCTAVIAN FODOR CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); CENCIRA CENTRUL DE CERCETARE ȘI INOVARE AGROALIMENTARĂ SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://foodprofit.weebly.com/

Abstract:

In the last decades consumer demands in the field of food production has changed considerably. Consumers more and more believe that foods contribute directly to their health. Functional foods represent one of the most interesting areas of research and innovation in the food industry.

The aim of FOOD-PROFIT is to develop a new generation of probiotic functional beverages using agro-food waste, microencapsulated/granulated bacteria, bottling into controlled release bottles. Microcapsules/granules containing probiotics bacteria will be stored into bottle cap until consumption of beverage, when consumer must to push the bottle cap and the beads with bacteria or bacteria granules will be released into the juice mass. In vivo clinical investigations will be carried out in order to evaluate the beverages functionality on healthy human subjects and patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Thus, will be designed innovative functional probiotics beverages with impact on gastrointestinal health, increasing the innovation rate in this area, stimulating new beverage opportunities and taking away barriers for the transfer of knowledge to real innovation.

The strategic objectives of FOOD PROFIT project are: (a)Characterization of agro-food waste (apple, sugar beet, orange and grape) using advanced techniques (HPLC-MS, GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis) and cultivation, granulation, microencapsulation of probiotic bacteria (L. casei, L. plantarum, B. infantis, B. breve), (b)Development of different variants of beverages with microcapsules containing bacteria/ granulated bacteria and the optimal ratio between agro-food wastes (c) In vivo clinical investigation of probiotic beverages functionality and their effects on human gastrointestinal diseases.

FOOD-PROFIT is considered to be a strategic project for development of new concepts and products that, once transferred to the industry, will enable the European food industry to compete and take back the lead in the highly competitive global market.

Effect of esterification on the stability and antioxidant capacity of xanthophylls – from model systems to food systems Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0721 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara Cluj-Napoca

Project partners: Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Affiliation: Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Project website: http://www.usamvcluj.ro/cercetare/CAROSTAB

Abstract:

The stability of carotenoids in food is affected by three major factors: light, temperature, and concentration of oxygen. Thermal treatment and light exposure induce variable losses of carotenoids, depending on their severity and length, but also on their chemical structure. They also lead to the formation of degradation products and isomers, with different colours and different biological properties. Studies pointing out the stability of xanthophyll esters (CE) are relatively scarce and the results are contradictory. The aim of this project is to evaluate the thermal and photochemical stability of carotenol esters, as well as the influence of esterification on the antioxidant activity of β-cryptoxanthin (BCR) and zeaxanthin (ZEA. Both pigments are bioactive compounds, with known beneficial effects on human health. The approach of this research is based on gradual acquisition of knowledge from the results obtained for single components (BCR and ZEA esters with different fatty acids) to the investigation of complex food matrices rich in carotenol esters (sea buckthorn and apricot. In order to accomplish this integrative approach, modern techniques will be used – LC/MS and GC/MS. The knowledge gain will improve the understanding of mechanisms of thermal and photochemical degradation of CE and could bring valuable information about the optimal conditions for storage and processing of plant derived food, in order to increase their nutritional value.

FTIR and Raman spectroscopy as new molecular tools in the targeted action of nano and microstructures for diagnosis and molecular therapy of fibrosis. Call name: Postdoctoral Research Projects - PD-2012 call
PN-II-RU-PD-2012-3-0283 2013 - 2015

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: PROPLANTA SRL

Project partners: PROPLANTA SRL (RO)

Affiliation: PROPLANTA SRL (RO)

Project website: http://pd283.bravesites.com

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to implement molecular specific spectroscopic methods like FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared absorption), Raman and SERS (Surface-enhanced Raman scattering) in order to monitor nano- and microstructures as potential markers for disease diagnosis and targeted molecular therapy. The ability to diagnose the early onset of disease, rapidly, non-invasively and unequivocally has multiple benefits, including the early intervention of therapeutic strategies. Microbubbles used currently in ultrasound imaging will be functionalized and used for the first time in conjunction with molecular specific methods like FTIR, Raman and SERS in order to monitor their interaction with fibroblast. The finality of the here proposed study is to monitor by molecular specific optical spectroscopic methods (FTIR, Raman/SERS), the targeted molecular therapy of fibrinolytic agent functionalized microbubbles, which have the property to destroy fibrosis (collagen fibers). Experiments will be preformed “in vitro” on fibroblast cell culture and “in vivo” on experimental mice subjects. This kind of analysis is of major impact in domains like pharmacology, as well as medical and drug research. The present proposal will be an advanced training in the multi-disciplinary area of chemical and medical biotechnology, leading to the fellow’s competence diversification and improvement of the prospects of reaching and reinforcing a position of professional maturity and independence.

Brewer's yeast as biosorbent for precious and heavy metals biosorption from waste waters Call name: Postdoctoral Research Projects - PD-2012 call
PN-II-RU-PD-2012-3-0055 2013 - 2015

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://biosorbmet.usamvcluj.ro/

Abstract:

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most important environmental problems today. Thus, metal brings serious environmental pollution, threatening human health and ecosystem. In recent years, applying biotechnologies removing metal pollution became hot topic because of its potential application. Alternative process is biosorption, which utilizes various natural materials, including, yeast. The yeast biomass has been successfully used as biosorbent for removal of Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, U, Th and Zn from aqueous solution. Yeasts of genera Saccharomyces are efficient biosorbents for heavy metal ions.

The aim of this project is to study the potential of the by-product brewer’s yeast (Saccharomices cerevisae) in biosorbing some heavy metals or precious metals from waste waters. The main objectives of the project are:

Objective 1: Studies regarding the potential of non-living brewer’ yeast cells in biosorbing copper, zincum, lead and gold from waste waters resulted from various industries with respect to pH, biosorbent dose and contact time. The metals concentrations and the percentage of removal will be quantified in waste water before, after biosorption and desorption process .

Objective 2: The experiments will be carried out on living brewer's yeast cells and it consists in testing the capacity of living cells to remove metals ions from waste waters in the same conditions like non-living cells, to compare and identify the differences between their potential.

Perfecţionarea tehnologiilor de cultivare în condiţiile pedoclimatice din România în scopul valorificării fitoterapeutice a speciilor: Baptisia tinctoria, Chionanthus virginicus, Equisetum arvense şi Ranunculus bulbosus Call name: Cecuri de Inovare - 2012
PN-II-IN-CI-2012-1-0337 2013 - 2013

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Universitatea de Stiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară Cluj-Napoca

Project partners: SC Plantextrakt SRL (RO); Universitatea de Stiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Affiliation: Universitatea de Stiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Obiectivele proiectului sunt: • Implementarea şi perfecţionarea tehnologiei de cultivare a speciilor Baptisia tinctoria, Chionanthus virginicus, Equisetum arvense şi Ranunculus bulbosus pentru introducerea şi extinderea în cultură, pe principii ecologice, în ţara noastră; • Identificarea factorilor genetici, ecologici şi tehnologici care favorizează acumularea şi extragerea principiilor active la cele 4 specii; • Propuneri de reţete fitoterapeutice noi ce conţin materia primă vegetală obţinută de la cele 4 specii.

Descrierea serviciului. USAMV Cluj-N., Departamentul “Cultura plantelor” va asigura logistica şi expertiza umană necesară pentru realizarea obiectivelor. Se vor identifica zonele cu favorabilitate maximă, cu parametrii pedoclimatici optimi pentru cultivarea acestor specii pentru acumularea maximă a principiilor active. Se va implementa tehnologia de cultivare existentă şi se vor face studii intense de perfecţionare a acesteia pentru condiţiile concrete de cultivare. Se va perfecţiona şi tehnica de multiplicare a materialului vegetal valoros. Se va stabili dinamica acumulării principiilor active pentru a stabili momentul şi modul optim de recoltare.

Necesitatea derulării proiectului rezultă din nevoia de creştere a ofertei de produse pentru însănătoşirea “naturală” şi/sau menţinerea sănătăţii populaţiei din ţara noastră. România este printre codaşele Europei privind speranţa de viaţă a cetăţenilor: 73,5 ani, fiind depăşită “în jos”, doar de Bulgaria şi ţările baltice. În Italia, speranţa medie de viaţă este de 81,7 ani, în Olanda 80,7 ani etc. Cel mai dezastruos indicator din domeniul sănătăţii românilor este cel al mortalităţii infantile, la care suntem pe nedoritul loc întâi, cu 13,6‰, faţă de Bulgaria (12,7‰), Letonia (9,6‰), sau, atenţie!, Suedia sau Finlanda cu 3,0‰ mortalitatea copiilor sub 5 ani. Starea bună de sănătate a populaţiei constituie premisa dezvoltării armonioase şi a competitivităţii poporului respectiv.

Innovative technologies to produce functional foods of plant origin with impact on human health Call name:
PNII -61008/2007 2007 - 2010

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Sustainable capitalization of medicinal herbs and hop with obtaining of bioactive concoctions Call name:
CC&D/2199/MEC/ANCS/104/01.08.2006 2006 - 2008

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

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