BrainMap

Mr. Razvan Ghiarasim

PhD in chemistry

Research Assistant - INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Other affiliations

Postdoc researcher - INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE ONCOLOGIE IAŞI (Romania)

Researcher

Experienced researcher specializing in the development of advanced nanosystems for biomedical applications, with a strong focus on drug delivery. Expertise includes the design of inorganic nanoparticles coated with polymers functionalized with bioactive compounds for theranostic purposes, copolymeric micelles loaded with drugs and surface functionalized with peptides/proteins for targeted delivery, as well as non-viral vectors for gene therapy. In addition, hands-on experience in microfluidics for the controlled assembly of liposomes and other nanocarriers further strengthens the drug delivery expertise. Proven track record of successful collaborations within international and multidisciplinary research teams.

Web of Science ResearcherID: HNR-3382-2023

Curriculum Vitae (21/09/2025)

Expertise & keywords

National Multidisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence for Drug-Resistant Infections Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.6.1 - Centre de excelență, CoEx2024
PN-IV-P6-6.1-CoEx-2024-0196 2026 - 2030

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE BOLI INFECTIOASE ''PROF.DR.MATEI BALS'' (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CRAIOVA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE "CORIOLAN DRĂGULESCU" (RO); MOLECULAR GENOMICS S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

The ARES (AntiRESistance) project is a collaborative initiative aiming to establish the National Multidisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence for Drug-Resistant Infections, a dynamic platform integrating multiple functions for addressing one of the top ten global health challenges: the antimicrobial resistance (AMR). ARES combines the expertise of leading research and educational institutions, consolidating Romania's fragmented efforts to tackle AMR through game-changing, cutting-edge research, career development, and capacity building. ARES embodies a philosophy of integration and innovation, fostering a unified, OneHealth approach across human, animal, and environmental sectors to enhance understanding and management of AMR. Our strategic objectives include developing and validating innovative diagnosis tools and drugs. We also aim to develop novel models to study the complex host-pathogen-microbiome-anti-infective drugs crosstalk. This strategy is designed to influence national and international AMR policies through robust data collection, analysis, and strategic partnerships. ARES will establish a state-of-the-art distributed infrastructure and interactive platform dedicated to AMR research, introduce new antimicrobial drugs and groundbreaking tools for rapid diagnosis of drug-resistant pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility testing, as well as pioneering therapeutic strategies that could be adopted globally, and align with European and global research networks.

Understanding the Process and Formulation Variables in the Design of pH-Sensitive Liposomes for Anticancer Drug Delivery Call name: PNCDI IV, P 5.8 - SP 5.8.3 - Proiecte complexe bilaterale cu Republica Moldova, PCB-RO-MD-2024
PN-IV-PCB-RO-MD-2024-0363 2025 - 2027

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE ONCOLOGIE IAŞI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE ONCOLOGIE IAŞI (RO); State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Nicolae Testemitianu (MD)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.iroiasi.ro/proiecte-eu/pn-IV-proiect-bilateral-romania-republica-moldova-ro

Abstract:

Engineering nanocarriers for antitumor pharmaceuticals focuses on targeting and accumulating in the tumor. Then, the release of their cargo under local stimuli, e.g. pH, temperature, and ionic strength occurs. pH is a critical stimulus as it varies between normal and tumor cells, as well as inside and outside cells, creating a gradient exploitable for developing effective nanocarriers for cancer treatment. The OncoSensLip project aims to develop optimized pH-sensitive liposomal formulations to enhance anticancer drug delivery. pH-responsive nanocarriers include liposomes with known biocompatibility and the ability to encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. This project seeks to advance current liposomal designs by systematically exploring the impact of formulation and process variables (e.g., lipid type) and preparation method (e.g., thin-film hydration, microfluidics) on key physico-chemical properties of liposomes. OncoSensLip will evaluate optimized liposomal formulations for controlled drug release under various biological-like experimental conditions with focus on pH. Then, in vitro studies in glioblastoma and breast cancer models will assess the therapeutic efficiency and cytotoxicity of these liposomal systems. The outcomes will contribute to translational nanomedicine, offering optimized protocols for pH-sensitive liposome production and enhancing technical capabilities through training and collaborative research between Romanian and Moldovan institutions.

BIOMAT4CAST - PETRU PONI INSTITUTE OF MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY MULTI-SCALE IN SILICO LABORATORY FOR COMPLEX AND SMART BIOMATERIALS Call name: P 5.8 - SP 5.8.1 - Premiere Orizont Europa - Instituții - Competiția 2023
PN-IV-P8-8.1-PRE-HE-ORG-2023-0048 2023 - 2027

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icmpp.ro/projects/l1/about.php?id=69

Abstract:

The aim of the BioMAt4CAST - Support project is to strengthen the institutional capacity of ICMPP, through the institutional award given to organizations that successfully apply and implement projects financed by the European Commission's Innovation Research Framework Program. The funding allocated through the BioMAt4CAST – Support project supports the project signed with the European Commission, BioMat4CAST (GA 101086667), by creating new support activities. The funding obtained through the European project is mainly focused on the molecular modeling and simulation team and less on the experimental team. For this reason, BioMat4CAST - Support will be directed to the priority financing of experimental research activities that are not provided in the already signed project with the European Commission, procurement activities for the development of the research infrastructure and those for disseminating the results. Thus, the proposed activities will lead to the strengthening of the institutional capacity to sustainably participate in new competitions organized in the Innovation Research Framework Program of the European Commission.

Multifunctional hybrid 3D architectures based on hollow GaN nano-micro-tetrapods for advanced application Call name:
PNRR-III-C9-2023-I8 2024 - 2026

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" ()

Project website: https://icmpp.ro/multipodgan/

Abstract:

Restore Her2 dependent sensibility using AXL inhibitors packed in pH dependent nanostructures Call name: EEA Grants - Proiecte Colaborative de Cercetare
EEA-RO-NO-2018-0246 2021 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE ONCOLOGIE IAŞI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE ONCOLOGIE IAŞI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); OSLO UNIVERSITETSSYKEHUS HF (NO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Project website: https://www.nanoher2restore.ro/

Abstract:

This project (NANOHER2RESTORE) proposes to apply modular supramolecular assembly consisting of pH sensitive units, recognition moieties and functional molecules to build up therapeutic entities sensitive to the tumour microenvironment and to investigate mechanisms for targeted breast cancer treatment in vitro and in vivo.

Our concept is based on the utilization of the specific extratumoral pH values as trigger for the targeted localized delivery by nano modular assemblies. The pH dependent self-assembly of the modules is ensured by the presence of block copolymers able to self-assemble into bilayers or vesicles. Furthermore, increasing the hydrophilic volume fraction favors the formation of structures with greater interfacial curvature, such as cylindrical or spherical micelles. These nano/micro structures can be used to encapsulate therapeutics (HER2 blockers and AXL inhibitor, doxorubicine, etc.), to protect the therapeutic agent (upon injection into the body) and to improve circulation times, thereby increasing the amount of active drug that reaches the targeted site. Specific coupling will be used for targeting molecules (trastuzumab) in order to protect Her antigen recognition site and use this recognition to enhance distribution in tumor site, based on over expression of Her on cellular membranes. Once the nano carrier reaches its target site, the drug is released by stimulus-triggered changes to the micelle, passive EPR effect on vesicle nanostructure to accomplish its therapeutic goal. We will use the modified acidic microenvironment of the tumor to produce a structural change in the co-polymeric blocks leading to disorganization of micelle type nanostructures, leading to drug deployment of the desired drug. Axl inhibitors are targeting the Her2 pozitive breast cancer cells in an effort to block an escape mechanism after long standing Her blockade.

The advantage of this delivery method is that we target tumor tissue using pH variations in the microenvironment and concentrate in the same area a dual approach of the tumor cells with both Her2 antibodies (trastuzumab) which remains active on the copolymer branch, as well as an AXL inhibitor. Delievered in the same are they aim to reactivate the Her2 blockade efficacy and render breast cancer cells sensitive to trastuzumab.

Modular Approach to the Synthesis of Multifunctional Polymer Coated Nanoparticles for Applications in Nanomedicine Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-0922 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://sorinibanescu.wixsite.com/modnanompol

Abstract:

Nanomedicine has the potential to enable early detection and prevention and to drastically improve diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of many diseases including cancer but not only. It will provide the right tools for personalized, targeted and regenerative medicine by delivering the next level of new drugs, treatments and implantable devices to clinicians and patients, for real breakthroughs in healthcare. The main objective of the project is to prepare new materials as modular and versatile platforms based on inorganic core coated with multifunctional polymers, belonging to the 4th generation of nanocarriers, with potential application in molecular detection, imaging and drug delivery systems. Various systems could be realized based on the model platform developed within this project using libraries of nanoparticles, ligands and active principles. To prove the efficiency and the practicality of such a system magnetite will be used as core nanoparticle, taking advantage of its response to external factors (magnetic field) and its suitability for imagistic technique. The research will also benefit from the non-fouling proprieties from polymeric materials with PEG side-chains such as poly hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA) and poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (POEGAMA) and the high density of hydroxyl functional groups offered by the grafting from approach. Folic acid will be used as a ligand towards tumour cells as they present an excess of folate receptor. Two systems will be also generated where folic acid will be coupled to the polymer brush modified nanoparticles via pH sensitive imine bonds or stable amide bonds. All synthesized materials will be fully characterized regarding their physico-chemical properties and biocompatibility. Also their ability to selectively bind to receptor cells will be verified.

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