BrainMap

Iulia Matei

Ph.D.

- INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: C-5035-2011

Curriculum Vitae (05/06/2025)

Expertise & keywords

Profluorescent stable free radicals derived from aminoacids and related compounds Call name: P 5.1 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie - Competiția 2023
PN-IV-P1-PCE-2023-0267 2025 - 2028

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

This project has as main topic the synthesis and structural characterization of novel organic bifunctional molecules that contain in the same structural unit a stable free radical moiety and a fluorescent part. Such derivatives are known as profluorescent radicals because free radicals contain an unpaired electron that perturb the electronic state of the molecule quenching the fluorescence (luminescence), which can be fully restored by the reduction of the radical part. As radicals will be used derivatives of TEMPO, PROXYL or DPPH (nitroxides or hydrazyl stable free radicals), while as fluorophores oxadiazoles or other similar derivatives (NBD-chloride, dansyl-chloride, fluorescamine). An important part of the hybrid molecule will be the linker between these two units, and we aim to use different types of aminoacids or related compounds, as biologically active linker. Practically, the synthesis will be achieved in a two-step process, attaching the fluorophore and the free radical to an aminoacid. Fully characterization of the whole range compounds will provide important insight on the dual-monitoring of several physical, chemical or biological processes (antioxidant, imaging agents, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress). Besides, such compounds will be employed as dual sensors for detection and quantification of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species, and this part can be extended in materials science for monitoring ageing processes or in detection of energetic materials (explosives).

Organic functionalized graphene oxide- a composite material for multiple applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0187 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2017/Contract_77-2017.pptx

Abstract:

Graphene oxide (GO) is a 2D material obtained from graphite by oxidation, containing functional groups like carbonyl, carboxyl, epoxy and hydroxyl. These make GO very attractive, due to the possibility of functionalization with different compounds of interest. While a lot of investigations have been performed on graphene or GO, there are still some unclear issues or divergent results. For example, one of the less studied problems is the nature of the unpaired electrons in such materials and their contribution towards properties. Our first aim is to elucidate this issue by using multi-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR or ESR), being an important step forward in understanding the active centers in GO, getting deeper information about electronic and magnetic properties of GO. The second aim of the project has a more practical approach (making use of covalent organic chemistry), following the functionalization of GO with organic compounds of interest (like crown ethers or stable free radicals), to achieve highly functional materials for different applications. Exploring and developing this area can contribute to the increase of practical applications, with a possible large benefit for technology and industry. The specific objectives of the proposed project are: i) synthesis and structural characterization of GO (different size/morphology, no. of layers, degrees of oxidation); ii) elucidation of the spin type and their distribution into GO (C- or O-centered, on edge or within 2D structure); iii) functionalization of GO with stable free radicals, crown ethers or other compounds; iv) studies about the capacity of the functionalized GO to capture metal ions or oxidize organic pollutants (i.e. for wastewater treatment); v) optimization of the processes and building a composite GO/silica material (with improved properties, for further applications).

SOFT INTERACTIONS IN POLYMER AND HYBRID HYDROGELS INVESTIGATED BY ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0734 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2017/CTR_86-2017/index.html

Abstract:

The project aim is to approach structural aspects of polysaccharide hydrogels with self-healing properties or represented by interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. This is a physico-chemical method that provides highly specific local information on the environment around the paramagnetic species in a range of several nanometers. As polysaccharides are diamagnetic, spin labelling will be a necessary step in studying these hydrogels by EPR, in order to obtain information that can be further exploited in tailoring the properties of a particular hydrogel.

The major goals of this project are: 1) to get insight into the formation of hydrogels resulted through noncovalent assembly of polysaccharides, and 2) to analyse gel properties and some processes, taking place inside the hydrogel network, which can generate hybrid materials, all these in connection with their possible applications. The goals will be pursued by following five research objectives:

O1. Design of spin labelled self-healing hydrogels based on host-guest interactions

O2. Design of interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels involving polysaccharides and the study of their behaviour by EPR spectroscopy

O3. Exploration of mesh size using EPR measurements and distribution of spin probes in the non-homogeneous systems represented by polysaccharide hydrogels

O4. Obtaining hybrid materials represented by self-healing and IPN polysaccharide hydrogels and inorganic nanoparticles

O5. Investigation of processes occurring in alginate/hyaluronic acid hydrogels embedded with riboflavin and irradiated with UVA light

Although the main technique will be EPR spectroscopy, the research will involve additional investigations and characterization by other techniques like porosimetry, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, rheology, fluorescence and IR spectroscopy, all readily available in our institute.

AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH USING ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY ON TEARS ANALYSES FOR OPTIMAL TREATMENT OF DRY EYE SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH KERATOCONUS DISEASE Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0187 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); OFTACLINIC GRUP SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/Research/proiecte.html

Abstract:

This project is intended to generate a new protocol in optimisation of the eye drops treatment for dry eye syndrome (DES) associated with keratoconus (KC) disease, based on data provided by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR. DES seems to become more prevalent disorder, it is considered that almost 30% of the world -wide population it is affected.

KC is an eclectic/dystrophy disease of the eye which causes an irregularly shaped cornea leading to severe impairment of vision, with a prevalence of approximately 1:2000. Dre eye is also a symptom in KC, some studies indicating that dry eye is one of multifactorial etiology of KC. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) based on the combined use of the photosensitizer riboflavin and UVA light of 370 nm is a relatively new method in KC treatment. Taking the advantage of EPR spectroscopy methods, the objectives of our project are:

1 - analysis of the EPR spectra of various spin probes introduced in tears samples obtained from normal patients and those affected by DES;

2 - identification of reactive radical species in tear film formed after instillation of keratoconus eye with riboflavin followed by UVA irradiation;

3- analysis of the hyaluronic acid influence on physico-chemical properties of tears secretion. This will provide information on the optimal concentration of the hyaluronic acid in eye drops.

The project starts from a general technological concept TLR2 reflecting the potential of the EPR spectroscopy to describe changes in dynamic and structure of the proteins which can be apply to correlate with the symptoms of a specific disease in particular, dry eye disease. In this way, we will generate an analytical proof of the disease based on collection of data which will be an early proof of concept in laboratory models. Thus, our proposal can be considered that start from a TRL2 product and is materialised in a technology validated in laboratory (TRL3).

RESEARCH AND FORMULATION OF A NEW CLASS OF SYNERGIC ANALGESIC - ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUG COMBINATIONS WITH IMPROVED BIOAVAILABILTY, EFFICACY AND SAFETY PROFILE Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2071 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIV.DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE - CAROL DAVILA

Project partners: UNIV.DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE - CAROL DAVILA (RO); Spitalul Universitar de Urgenta Militar Central "Dr.Carol Davila" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CRAIOVA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); POLIPHARMA INDUSTRIES S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.algosyn.org

Abstract:

The project aims a “faster medicine” (an European priority), an unitary, optimal, complete approach, from pharmacological design to clinical trial and industrial development of synergic combinations of an analgesic (acetaminophen), an analgesic - anti-inflammatory (acetylsalicylic acid), caffeine and chlorphenamine or other antihistaminic, exhibiting analgesic, anti-inflammatory and decongestive action, formulated as tablets, enterosoluble dragees, capsules.

The technical problem proposed to be solved in the project is that of obtaining the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and decongestant effects in pain related to inflammatory processes, particularly those in migraine, lumbar discopathy and/or lumbago, when smaller than regular quantities of active substances are administered, with relative higher efficiency than the substances administered individually and with reduced side effects and higher patient tolerance.

Additional to superior effects in comparison with the individual components, the essential , original feature of the new products will be that of obtaining comparable effects as other similar drug combinations but at two-three times lower doses, which implies also a significant reduction of adverse events. Particularly, the administration of acetylsalicylic acid as a nanostructured formulation diminishes high local concentrations of dissolved drug in the gastro-intestinal tract which is expected to minimize gastro-intestinal irritancy.

Research looks for a class of new combinations having as leading drug a synergic combination between chlorphenamine, caffeine, acetaminophen and acetylsalycilic acid, existing in the weight ratios of 1/10/30/40) patented by the project director and finalized as a drug, Algopirin, authorized by National Medicines Agency and produced by the industrial partner of the project. The most remarkable result was a strong anti-migraine effect.

The originality of the project lies also in the methodology and phenomenological modelling. The methodological approach will be based on powerful design of experiments, mainly cross-over, mathematical modelling and statistical tools. This could offer a chance of understanding the variability mechanisms and time-course of the processes which will allow to obtain statistical and clinical significant results, starting from a minimum number of experimental and clinical trials.

Pharmaco/ Toxico/ Kinetics and Dynamics modelling would have as result the elaboration of general and personalized therapeutic schedules for new drugs, prevention of non- responsiveness appearance following an inappropriate pharmacokinetics. Design, elaboration and characterization of classical and/or supramolecular organic core-shell nano-silica reservoirs, for release of active components, will be the contribution in the project of the colloid chemistry partner team and the industrial partner of the project. Nanostructured formulations will provide improved dissolution rate of active components that would result in enhanced bioavailability allowing a smaller dose to achieve same in vivo blood levels.

The most significant feature of the project is the aim of finalizing the researches with new, in the same time more safe and efficient drugs.

Micro-electro-fluidic system for biological cells separation and electroporation Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1141 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); SPITAL LOTUS SRL (RO); DDS DIAGNOSTIC S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/mefsys/

Abstract:

The objective of the project is design, fabrication and testing a micro-electro-fluidic system for biological cells separation and for membrane permeabilization by electroporation to release cellular content for laboratory or research analysis. Functionality of such system is based on separation by dielectrophoresis of cells in fluid media, on membrane electroporation by applying an electric field and on evaluation of electroporation efficiency by electrical and optical methods, using functionalized ferromagnetic nanoparticles for cell capture. At the present, the separation technique by dielectrophoresis is performed by using structures with channels where the electrodes are placed on the surface in contact to substrate. Electroporation is realized by permeabilization of the membrane as effect of electrical pulses, and its scope is either transfection or releasing cellular content. Microfluidic systems that use both techniques are rarely, and, related to those that are developed until now, the electrodes used for electroporation are distinct from the electrodes used for dielectrophoresis due to difference in applications, despite the fact that this approach needs complex fabrication methods. Still, implementing both techniques on a chip is a requirement of such systems, while reducing the number of electrodes shall contribute to simplify fabrication methods, reducing costs and facilitate the use of dielectrophoresis in selective manipulation of cells, in order to evaluate permeabilization efficiency.

In this context, the general objectives of the project are: - Design, simulation and optimization of an experimental model of micro-electro-fluidic system with multifunctional electrodes that ensure both manipulation / separation and electroporation; - Masks design and realization; - Technological design and fabrication of optimized microsystems using MEMS technologies; - Microphysical characterization; developing methods for electroporated cells quantification and for determination of dielectric and optical properties after electroporation; - Synthesis, characterization and functionalization of ferromagnetic nanoparticles with specific antibodies for cells capture; - Cells preparation and characterization of dielectric and biophysical properties before and after electroporation; - Testing micro-electro-fluidic system, electroporated cells quantification by alternate methods (electrical, optical) and correlation of results.

The project requests integration of multi-disciplinary theoretical and technical knowledge: microfluidics, electric field effects, mathematical and numerical modelling, microtechnologies for microsystems fabrication, biology, biochemistry, biophysics, nanoparticles syntetization and characterization, optics. By comparison to conventional devices, the microsystem proposed for fabrication and testing offers advantages such as reduced fabrication costs due to simplified electrodes, low power consumption, reduction of heating effects, better control on electrical parameters, implying increased efficiency and precision. The microsystem can be integrated in lab-on-chip devices or sensors for biochemical analysis, diagnosis of cellular properties and content or therapy by transfection. Last, but not least, the research can give answers to questions related to dielectric properties variation of electroporated cells or to selective separation means of electroporated versus unmodified cells.

Micro Immunosensors Platform for Metabolic Syndrome Investigation Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0649 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); DDS DIAGNOSTIC S.R.L. (RO); UNIV.DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE - CAROL DAVILA (RO); TELEMEDICA S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://imunoplat.imt.ro

Abstract:

IMUNOPLAT project proposes to develop and fabricate a multiparametric miniaturized immunosensors platform for early investigation of the metabolic syndrome. A novel technology using label-free immunosensors array, integrated with temperature and pH sensors into micro fluidic channels and connected to electronic modules providing electrical measurements is going to be developed for replacing the standard “ELISA”, chemiluminescence, particle-enhanced immunonephelometry or lateral flow immunoassay techniques in order to speed up the metabolic syndrome investigation, to record and follow the patients with risk, to early diagnosis and to decrease the operational costs. Metabolic syndrome (MS) has been defined by four criteria for diagnosis: disglycaemia, arterial hypertension, dislipidemia and abdominal obesity and is a risk factor for three of the first 10 causes of death in the world at this moment (diabetes, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease), according to 2011 WHO Report. The prevalence, the severity and the fact that most patients with MS are asymptomatic for a long period of time, requires an earlier screening. In this project a panel with 5 biomarkers will be developed for metabolic syndrome investigation: High-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), A-FABP(Adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein), oxLDL (oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein), leptin and adiponectin. All these biomarkers are related to MS but they have not been used together and validated in a phase III clinial study as such. The results of the screening panel, the quantitative determination of the target proteins and their combination with other clinical and biochemical data will be correlated for diagnosis, standardisation and validation. An electronic platform with software Labview-based interface will be developed for data acquisition and measurement, automation and Graphical User Interface for MS patients monitoring, to be used in clinical laboratory and medical research.

Exploring gels containing cyclodextrins by EPR spectroscopy: structure, properties, applications Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0328 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul de Chimie Fizica "Ilie Murgulescu" al Academiei Romane

Project partners: Institutul de Chimie Fizica "Ilie Murgulescu" al Academiei Romane (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul de Chimie Fizica "Ilie Murgulescu" al Academiei Romane (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2011/PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0328.ppt

Abstract:

The project aim is to explore the formation and properties of some gel systems using EPR spectroscopy in order to obtain information about gel fibres formation, dynamic of molecules inside the gel network and factors which influence this, and also of monitoring processes inside gels. The research activities will be focused on cyclodextrins containing gels based both on covalent polymeric network and on supramolecular interactions. Organogels based on assembly of other low molecular mass gelators will also be studied. EPR spectroscopy has been chosen as a main tool for investigation of gels systems because, despite the complexity of the system, the information will focus only upon the paramagnetic species. This information refers to local polarity around paramagnetic moiety, dynamic on the nanosecond time scale, and interactions between adjacent paramagnetic moieties on the nanometer scale. Various spin probes are available to use as reporters by introducing in gel systems, but the new approach will be to spin label the molecules participating in gel fibres formation. In this way it is possible to monitor the gelation process and also to get information on gels fibres dynamic. Other physicochemical methods (e.g. ATR-FTIR, fluorescence, UV-Vis spectroscopy, rheometry) will be used in order to complete the investigation on gels.

Chiral Molecular Interactions through Induced Circular Dichroism and Quantum Chemical Calculations Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0281 2012 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Universitatea din Bucuresti

Project partners: Universitatea din Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation: Universitatea din Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: http://gw-chimie.math.unibuc.ro/staff/sorana_ionescu/TE_83/project.html

Abstract:

Non-covalent interactions, may it be specific or non-specific, control a wide range of processes in biological systems, but are also important in developing molecular devices and in molecular recognition phenomena. Such interactions with chiral molecules may imply chirality transfer and/or an induced circular dichroic signal. The spectroscopic information resulting from this interaction is unique and highly specific, since both sign and magnitude of the induced signal depend on the relative orientation of the two acting molecules and on possible conformational changes. The aim of this project is to correlate the experimental and theoretically simulated spectra in a rational manner and to perform a thorough study of the way that non-covalent chiral interactions affect the shape of the circular dichroism spectrum and how to exploit these information in characterizing the geometry of a binary system. This method will be used to explore biologically relevant systems such as charge transfer or proton transfer complexes, H bond complexes of aminoacids, thiols and peptides, interactions with anisotropic media (micelles, cyclodextrins, proteins) or nanoparticles. The importance of the results obtained is two-fold: they help to extend the knowledge on molecular interactions and can be used to design a variety of new optical materials and hybrid nanostructures with enhanced and tailored optical chirality in the visible wavelength range.

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