BrainMap

Mr. CATALIN ZAHARIA

PhD

Professor - UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

I am full professor of polymer science in the Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science from the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest (NUST PB), Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. My research activity contributes to the development of knowledge in the field of polymeric biomaterials based on natural and synthetic compounds with biomedical applications (hydrogels, polymeric micro- and nanoparticles, hybrid biomaterials, composite materials – drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, cancer therapy etc.). I have a special interest in 3D printing (FDM, SLA) and organ on-a chip.

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/B-9587-2012

Expertise & keywords

Non-viral vectors based on polymeric nanoparticles for cancer gene therapy Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1448 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://upbnanovec.wixsite.com/website

Abstract:

The present project is focused on the development of non-viral vectors based on polymeric nanoparticles for brain cancer gene therapy. It aims to address a molecular level of gene delivery as a prospective remedial route for this terrible disease. This novel approach offers new insights into gene mutation specific for cancer expression by gene delivery via non-viral vectors. The non-viral vectors are based on specific polymeric nanoparticles with tunable chemistry in order to build specific gene transfection nanocarriers/nano-vectors. The project has the following objectives: O1.Development of new cationic polymers based on engineered proteins (silk sericin, silk fibroin) by bio-functional modifications; O2. Development of nanocarrier vectors based on engineered protein frameworks; O3. Efficiency evaluation of the non-viral vectors.

INNOVATIVE 3D PRINTED NANOCOMPOSITE CONSTRUCTIONS OBTAINED FROM MARINE RESOURCES (ALGINATE, SALECAN) AND NATURAL CLAY WITH SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS IN BONE REGENERATION - 3D_ALSAC Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4216 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); GENETIC LAB S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://www.icechim-pd.ro/en/syst_heter/sisteme_heterogene_3dalsac_en.html

Abstract:

The scope of 3D_ALSAC project is to develop and test demonstrative models for a new product and its associated technology, namely an efficient and improved printing formulation based on an innovative biomaterial, followed by the construction of a multifunctional 3D implant designed for bone tissue regeneration. Based on a solid foundation built from the theoretical and experimental results previously obtained by the partners of the Consortium, thus justifying TRL2, the objective of this project is to target TRL4, where an innovative 3D printed product based on biopolymer-clay nanocomposite will be developed, tested and validated. The concept of the 3D_ALSAC project resonates with the long-term vision of the research teams and especially that of the economic agent, of developing custom extracellular matrices for bone regeneration using the patient's stem cells. Thus, the 3D_ALSAC project opens new possibilities for collaboration with the economic environment in order to implement efficient and cost-effective solutions. The 3D_ALSAC project will lead to the evolution of the fields of materials science and regenerative medicine by repairing parts of the skeleton of the human body using innovative biomaterial based inks and 3D printing techniques and obtaining personalized implants, serving as the basis for new therapies used for bone tissue regeneration. The 3D_ALSAC project will closely monitor the improvement of the Romanian research performance internationally through an intensive and qualitative dissemination plan aimed at publishing at least 4 scientific papers in prestigious and open-access journals, with a cumulative impact factor greater than 15, at least 10 presentations at scientific events, 2 work-shops, 2 patent applications and, in addition, contributions to the development of 2 PhD/master/bachelor theses, according to the intellectual property agreement previously signed between the partners of the Consortium.

Screen-Printed Hybrid Electrodes for Detecting and Monitoring Lipopolysaccharides Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2443 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); EPI-SISTEM S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/toxisens-en/

Abstract:

The project TOXINSENS refers to designing innovative, versatile and re-usable biosensors for the fast, qualitative and quantitative detection and monitoring of lipopolysaccharides (LPS- endotoxin derived from Gram-negative bacteria, GNB) in various biological, food or water samples. For this matter, a medium consortium was created taking into account the project interdisciplinary and complexity, which includes the Project Coordinator ICECHIM that owns the background of the Concept approached in this project proposal, a Partner with state-of-the art facilities for characterisation i.e. UPB and a SME Partner-EPI SISTEM SRL capable of testing the project prototypes, adsorbing the know-how of manufacturing and commercialise the resulted LPS-biosensors. The project on-set refers to the following bioinspired concept: Methodology for the preparation of LPS-sensitive films-TRL 2. The concept was originally proposed by the Project Leader and developed within the Advanced Polymer Materials & Polymer Recycling Group from ICECHIM on project TE123/2018 BACTERIOSENS. Starting from this point, TOXINSENS targets first the upgrade of this former concept by addition of electro-active nanoparticles to the precursor films solution. In this way, an electro-active hybrid paste will be generated and used to print LPS-hybrid films directly on blank ceramic electrodes (TRL 3). The prepared LPS-Screen-printed hybrid electrodes will be further tested in laboratory-relevant environments and the innovative technologies will be thus validated (TRL 4). The specific output of the project will lead to several outcomes during project implementation (short-term scenario: at least 3 publications, 3 communications at prestigious Symposia or Congresses and 1 patent claim), and also after project end (long-term scenario: research and development roadmaps, performance data, transferable knowledge).

Advanced Innovative approaches for predictable regenerative medicine Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0782 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE IN DOMENIUL PATOLOGIEI SI STIINTELOR BIOMEDICALE "VICTOR BABES" (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://unibuc.ro/cercetare/promovarea-rezultatelor-cercetarii/proiecte-de-cercetare/proiecte-cu-finantare-nationala/65pccdi-2018/

Abstract:

Considering that HEALTH is one of the main areas of public priority, the approach of interdisciplinary researches with applicability in Regenerative Medicine can significantly contribute to improving the quality of life of patients with tissue defects. The aim of the project is to create a consortium with complementary research experience in the field of regenerative medicine, which will efficiently use the human resource and modern research infrastructures newly created for the implementation of innovative technologies, with the aim of developing and transferring the results to the economic environment. The project aims to develop new technological products in the form of biocompatible biomaterials designed for bone reconstruction (P1), nerves (P2), soft tissues (P3) and breast reconstruction after tumor resection (P4).

Smart materials for medical applications Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0407 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); CENTRUL DE CHIMIE ORGANICA AL ACADEMIEI ROMANE "C.D.NENITESCU" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://intelmatupb.wixsite.com/intelmat

Abstract:

INTELMAT project represents advanced research in the field of synthesis and application of smart materials for medical engineering in order to solve essential features of some acute/chronic diseases of large occurrence. 5 thematic directions are taking into consideration: 1. Developing of a controlled-release system of complex micro-colloidal architectures based on bacterial cellulose and hydrogels used for management of chronically wounds which aims to overcome the limitations of classical treatments; 2. Developing of new biomaterials specially designed with targeted action for treatment of inflammatory diseases of gastrointestinal segment; 3. Synthesis of new generation of composite membrane materials for artificial kidneys based on biocompatible polymers and derivative graphene; 4. Developing of some auto-assembly 3D platforms with controlled-released drugs based on polymeric nanoparticles and composite nanogels for the therapy of colon-rectal cancer; 5. Developing of innovative technologies for the synthesis of some 1D nano-architectures (nanowires) with controlled morphology, with applications in producing of non-enzimatic electrochemical biosensors.

Innovative technologies based on polymers for the obtaining of new advanced materials Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0428 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://icechim-rezultate.ro/proiect.php?id=41&lang=ro

Abstract:

The project is aimed at using the expertise that involved in consortium entities acquired in materials science. The consortium consists of three representative national institutes: INCD for Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM Bucharest, INCD for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter - INCEMC Timisoara and INCD of Chemical Pharmaceutical - ICCF Bucharest, and of two prestigious universities: University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest and the University of Bucharest and a remarkable institute of Romanian Academy: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry – Petru Poni Iasi. Although having great tradition and noteworthy results, the first five institutions face a series of problems, from the lack of financial funds, equipment and the aging employees for ICCF and partly for INCEMC and ICECHIM, to the lack of highly qualified staff required for recent investments in equipment for all 5 institutions. In this respect, the project attempts relaunching the activity in the first 5 institutions of the consortium, by putting together the existing competencies, so as to develop new technologies in order to obtain new materials with high performance properties. Given that, 3 of the research teams are specialized in polymers (ICECHIM, Petru Poni and UPB) the developed technologies will use the polymers as intermediates or as a component in the finished product. To this end it is envisaged getting the titanium nitride for prosthetic coatings via inorganic-organic polymer nanocomposites, obtaining photocatalytic materials and antibacterial coatings by sol- gel reactions, obtaining of short-life or one-time use biomaterials from aliphatic polyesters and micro or nanocellulose and the development of new polyphase materials with medium or long life, based on biopolymers, through 3D printing. The project intends the full use of A1, A2, B and C checks in order to increase the institutional performance of partners.

Design and characterization of novel biomaterials based on magnetic nanoparticles in natural silk matrix for bone tissue engineering application Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1272 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://tsocm.pub.ro/cercetare/BIOSILKMAG/

Abstract:

The main topic of the project entitled "Design and characterization of novel biomaterials based on magnetic nanoparticles in natural silk matrix for bone tissue engineering application (BIOSILKMAG)" focuses on the design and advanced characterization of novel biomaterials based on silk fibroin (SF), polyacrylamide (PAA) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) for bone tissue engineering (BTE).

The research project is focused on the following objectives: 1. Synthesis of SF/PAA/magnetic nanoparticles hydrogels with various compositions; 2. Complex physico-chemical and mechanical characterization of the obtained magnetic hydrogels (FTIR, RAMAN, TGA, DSC, DMA, compressive tests, swelling behaviour, biodegradation tests with specific enzymes); 3. Morphological characterization by SEM and TEM; 4. In vitro biomineralization behaviour of hydrogels by incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF); 5. Evaluation of the electrical and magnetization properties of the hydrogels; 6. In vitro studies regarding the assessment of biocompatibility and osteogenic induction for magnetic silk hydrogels.

Hybrid composite structures simulating the human body for dynamic impact evaluation in high risk potential environments Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0678 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie

Project partners: Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie (RO); STIMPEX S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.nbce.ro/hybridsim.html

Abstract:

The term of simulant of human tissues is recent, dating from the late 90’. The first researchers who tried to find a simulant close to the human tissue were the forensics. This research gained an amazing importance, implying, beside forensics, the auto vehicles industry, the aeronautics and, obviously, the special products industry (the army). Through an accurate approximation of the phenomena and shocks to which the entire body or some parts of it are exposed, an advanced modeling of special protection devices has been achieved, starting with, now ordinary, airbags and up to the complex suits of ballistic protection used by pyrotechnicians.

Either of civil or military use, the applications have the same purpose: human protection.

At present there are used skin, soft tissues, bones and skull simulants.

From military or forensic point of view, a good simulant of the human tissues must present the following characteristics:

- similarity in projectile deceleration between the simulant and the living tissue for which the simulant has been validated;

- similarity regarding the projectile deformation pattern;

- similarity regarding the dissipated kinetic energy quantity;

- the kinetic energy dissipation to be measurable with a reasonable accuracy;

- elastic behavior similar to the living tissue, in order to observe and measure the temporary cavity and tissue compression.

Until now, two main types of materials for the tissue simulation imposed due to their properties: ballistic soap and ballistic gelatin, each one of them having advantages and disadvantages both in muscle tissue simulation, and in phenomenon observation and study.

The advantages of using ballistic gelatin as tissue simulant:

• the gelatin is quasi-transparent (in function of the type of gelatin powder used) and permits both the direct measurement and the observation of the projectile behavior and the fragments resulted;

• easiness of fabrication and handling;

• possibility of calibration during testing.

The main disadvantages are represented by:

• instability in time;

• a wide variation of its properties versus the temperature of use.

Although it reasonably approximates the muscle tissue, the use of soap in ballistic testing or in forensics is limited, due to the fact that it cannot give the wound permanent cavity dimension.

These disadvantages are linked especially to its:

• opacity (the correct investigation of the bullet trajectory can be performed only through the intermediary of X-rays);

• plasticity (it does not offer correct measurements on bullet fragmentation or on fragmentation distribution in simulant).

The advantages are represented by:

• bullet behavior similar to that in the tissues;

• facility of handling;

• long-term storage;

• standardization possibility (well-defined formula).

The present project proposes, therefore, the fabrication of a human body simulant that combines the above-mentioned media advantages, so that, through the variation of the density inside the block for testing or the manikin, to simulate even the internal organs characteristic to the human body.

This simulant will have applications in auto vehicle industry, aeronautics, forensics (post incident criminal investigations), development of protection equipment in potentially explosive (lethal) environments, special industry: combat vehicles protection, development of non-lethal munitions, development of munitions for the special forces.

The project development in good terms is based on the fact that the team members participated together in other successful research projects, with applications in the field of individual or ballistic protection, finalized with patents, technical studies or research studies.

Technologies and smart products for prevention and treatment of mastitis in productive ruminants, based on green chemistry of the composites for veterinary public health (GREENVET) Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0415 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEXTILE SI PIELARIE-I.N.C.D.T.P. BUCURESTI SUCURSALA BUCURESTI INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE PIELARIE - INCALTAMINTE I.C.P.I. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); ROMVAC COMPANY S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.icechim.ro/polimeri/proiecte/greenvet/

Abstract:

GREENVET project is a multidisciplinary answer for mastitis treatment in productive ruminants by integrating scientific research from outside discipline, inside the veterinary public health. The solution consists in innovative composites using green chemistry, supramolecular structures and intelligent materials using natural sources for one of the most expensive and health risky disease in livestock production. A final treatment will be developed as product, for internal market but with high export potential. The product consists in an integrated complex system with natural bioactive components (essential oils) as cure for sustaining or alternative to classical antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and cicatrizants with high impact on quality of life: problems of food supplies and quality, health and sustainable resources. GREENVET assumes a consortium (2 unique and large national research institutes, the largest technical university from Romania and the largest producer in Romania for veterinary products) with both experienced and young researchers. The management consist in the classical: planning, organizing and controlling in order to attain a minimum risk for project implementation (specific risk in multidisciplinary research), but is based on latest trend in the field -less graphs and more people- concept, by motivational approach and a proven background history of the collaboration between partners. GREENVET consortium experience in biomedical solutions is focused on the project working plan and provides outputs in terms of experimental models, prototype set, innovative technology, patent claim, dissemination in ISI journals and scientific events, documentation for product registration/or product notification. The budget breakdown and plan is well balanced to the resources to be committed in work complexity and less in time length of the task for people with different skills in multidisciplinary research.

DRUG DELIVERY HYBRIDS BASED ON POLYMERS AND POROUS CLAY HETEROSTRUCTURES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1432 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO); METAV - CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.tsocm.pub.ro/cercetare/DELPOCLAY

Abstract:

The research project is focused on the synthesis of new hybrid materials based on polymers and various organophylized porous clay heterostructures designed for controlled delivery of drugs which exhibit a low water solubility and high toxicity.

Bioactive Injectable Macroporous Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0885 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE CANTACUZINO (RO); METAV - CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE S.R.L. (RO); MEDICAL ORTOVIT S.R.L. (RO); SPITALUL CLINIC "COLENTINA" BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.tsocm.pub.ro/en/cercetare/SmartBIMBBone/index.htm

Abstract:

Osteoporosis, bone degeneration in aging population as well as a multitude of traumatic and pathological bone defects justify the request for improved orthopaedic therapeutic products. The main aim of this project is to generate a novel concept of smart biomaterials for bone regeneration. The complex biomaterials developed in this project will present porous architectures typical to trabecular bone, self-assembling properties, eventually self-setting, and built-in bioactivity to promote angio- and osteo-genesis, additionally to injectability, controlled biodegradability, and sterilizability. Because these materials will be developed as injectable formulations, their application by minimally invasive surgery represents an important advantage for the comfort of patients. The new injectable smart biomaterials will be synthesized following different stages, and characterized with respect to their chemical and phase composition, micro- and nanostructure, chemical, mechanical, rheological properties, 3D porosity post-application, biodegradability and, when needed, in vitro and in vivo behavior. Rational criteria will be used to select the best scaffolds during an iterative approach. From all points of view these biomaterials will be advantageous alternatives to autologous bone grafts mainly due to their large availability and controlled fabrication and properties. Moreover, they will represent enhanced alternatives to the existing commercially available injectable products for bone repair/filling. The consortium has all necessary complementary competences to achieve this goal: obtaining of smart injectable scaffolds providing in situ nanostructured porous constructs with enhanced bioactivity. It is expected that this project will stimulate the production of biomaterials in Romania.

Innovative polyester/bacterial cellulose composites for biomedical engineering Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1002 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE CHIMICO - FARMACEUTICA - I.C.C.F. BUCURESTI (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); I.C.P.E. BISTRITA S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.tsocm.pub.ro/cercetare/POLYBAC

Abstract:

The project entitled “INNOVATIVE POLYESTER/BACTERIAL CELLULOSE COMPOSITES FOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING”, acronym POLYBAC focuses on the development of new composite materials based on polyhydroxyalkanoates and bacterial cellulose with biomedical applications.

One major major objective consists in the synthesis and characterization of functionalized naturally-occuring biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and bacterial cellulose (BC) composites for bone tissue repairs.

The second major objective refers to the synthesis and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoates and bacterial cellulose composite materials for blood vessel engineering.

The development of innovative composite materials for bone pathology is a very interesting and challenge task with interdisciplinary view involving polymer science, organic chemistry, physics, biology and medicine.

These composite materials should be biocompatible with the living tissue and should provide minimum inflammatory or cytotoxic reactions. In vitro and in vivo tests will show the capacity of this material to come into contact with the living tissue inducing or not a toxic or immunologic response at the level of the entire organism.

At industrial scale, we intend to develop plates and sheets by pressing and milling process, tubes by extrusion and various injected parts that meet the essential conditions according to Directive 93/42 EEC concerning medical devices (including European Pharmacopoeia).

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator
List of research grants as partner team leader
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