BrainMap

Mrs. Ruxandra- Mihaela Cretu (Petrut)

PhD, Scientific Researcher 3rd degree

Researcher - INCDSB BUCURESTI SUCURSALA CENTRUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE '' STEJARUL'' PIATRA NEAMT

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: B-3278-2019

Curriculum Vitae (29/11/2022)

Expertise & keywords

Development of a functional model for sustainable capitalization of genetic and phytochemical diversity of Arnica montana L. wild populations in the Northern area of the Romanian Eastern Carpathians Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0791 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ŞTEFAN CEL MARE" DIN SUCEAVA (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation: CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Project website: http://ccb-stejarul.ro/2014/ARMOREC.html

Abstract:

The ARMOREC project has as the general aim the optimizing the capitalization of the Arnica montana L. natural populations from the north of the Eastern Carpathians by developing a new innovative model for the sustainable production of raw material (collecting, cultivation, conditioning) and of some eco-efficient processing methods of the vegetal material.

In this respect, it is necessary to develop inter- and transdisciplinary studies in the fields of biology, ecology, geomorphology, biotechnology and phytochemistry, grouped in 3 major components: the environment componen with connex aspects, the phytochemical and economical component – the capitalization by the industrial partner (SME).

The members of the concortium, by their expertise and experience in the project domain has the competences necesary to the development of the researches with a high degree of complexity and interdisciplinarity.

To attain the general objective of the project, we will process a series of activities grouped in 5 work packages corresponding the specific objectives:

1. Evaluating the bioproductive potential in the natural populations of A. montana from the north of thr Eastern Carpathians, on the basis of the quantitative and qualitative determinations onthe biomass yield, as well as the content of biologically active principles.

2. Evaluating the preservation status of the A. montana species in the target area, correlated to the main pressure factots.

3. Elaboration of a model of developing a coplimentary source of raw material by conventional and biotechnological methods.

4. The development of some eco-efficient methods of extraction and phytochemical anaysis for the main biologically avtive compounds – sequiterpen-lactons, flavonoids and phenolic acids, essential oil.

5. The development of an experimental model for the sustainable capitalization of A. montana (natural populations and experimenta cultures) by obtaining and characvterizing the specific phytocomplexes with multiple uses.

The originality of the project resides both in selecting the study and analysis methods and in the holistic approach of the problem that aim the whole capiatlizing chain of the principles of sustainable growth. It is the first time when an interdisciplinary approached is proposed to model the effect of the abiotic fators on the distribution of A.montana on the basis of a spacial analysis model.

Reaching the aims will promote the sustainable capitalization of the species in the north of the Eastern Carpathians, that will have complex , interdisciplinary stadie at the basis (with economic and scientific importance) and will generate added value over the whole chain of capitalization and will also assure the biodiversity conservation.

Although for A. montana he interst kept itsel at a high international level, in România, the species is slightly capitalized, both economically and scientifically. Thus, thorough studies are scrace, integrated in the present state of the species in the natural populations, in the preservation and capitalizing and promoting of autochthonous products. The majority of the studies achieved in Romania refer to the Apuseni Mountains, in the Eastern Carpathians, the species being only mentioned in some floristic studies.

By developing this project, we aim the sustainable capitalization of the species at local and regional level, in relation to the peculiarities of the species, and of its status as a rare and vulnerable species and the demands of the market.

Approaching a species that has already for long been studied worldwide, represents a reason to elaborate a capitalization plan of the species, this being in the same time a very good model to capitalize other medicinal, aromatic and food species of the mountain zone. In the time, this model of sustainable capitalization may be adapted and extrapolated to all the Romanian areals of this species.

Obtaining new vector types for their phytotherapeutical principles, by means of biotechnological processes and the modeling of the phytotherapeutical principle's release mechanism Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0034 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (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); UNIV.DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE - CAROL DAVILA (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation: CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/NEWBIOVECT/index.htm

Abstract:

The goal of the NEWBIOVECT consortium is to develop a new biomimetic biovectors – complex of the multi-membranes and active principles of a phytocomplex obtained from Symphytum officinale, Betonica officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Impatiens L. species concentrated extracts, such as polyphenols (can mimic the effects of cytokines, they have also been involved in the regulation of cell division and expansion), flavones, saponins (anti-inflammatory compounds that mimic the action of steroids), allantoin and polysaccharides (stimulate proliferation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts). The project also aims to release in vitro and in vivo a therapeutic dosage of drug that heals wounds and reduces the inflammatory effects. The new biovectors will be will be kinetically characterized and will be establish of the mechanisms involved in the kinetic processes.

The development of new, advanced systems biovector phytotherapeutic compounds (active ingredients) aim to the skin wounds’ treatment improvement as well as shorter the hospital recovery time. This project focuses also on the superior valorizing of some well-known medicinal herbs (Symphytum officinale and Salvia officinalis), as well as the higher valorizing of Impatiens L. Species and Betonica officinalis which has not yet been introduced in Romania, for research and proceeding by now. Additionally, this project aims to transfer the new knowledge in the economic environment for a more efficient use of medicinal and aromatic plant species, and increase the quality and competitiveness of Romanian’s phyto-pharmaceutic products on domestic and foreign market.

The project results will get a technological impact considering the development of some new, nonconventional processes with high efficiency, in Romania, for obtaining and processing the herbs extracts.

The main objectives of the NEWBIOVECT project are: i) design and synthesis of novel polymeric and composite multi-membrane systems, macroporous and nanoporous membranes for active principles of a phytocomplex obtained from Symphytum officinale, Betonica officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Impatiens L. species concentrated extracts delivery; ii) kinetic studies concerning the active principles in vitro release from the obtained supports, and testing the obtained support for their biocompatibility; iii) accomplishment of the biovectors’ experimental lots for the phytopharmaceutical products with reproducible characteristics and evaluate in vivo therapeutic efficacy.

Higher Valorisation of Vegetal By-Products and Wastes to Support Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0361 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO); COSFEL ACTUAL S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Project website: http://www.incdsb.ro/p/HIVEGRES/index_ro.html

Abstract:

The project Higher Valorisation of Vegetal By-Products and Wastes to Support Sustainable Use of Natural Resources - HIVEGRES- proposes, in general terms, new technologies able to improve the natural resources use (wastes and by-products) and to increase the efficiency of bio-products formulation in terms of process control and formulation technology. The project frames in the general field of Industrial Green Technology aiming to acquire, by safe methods, an enhanced content of high quality natural nutraceutics to be used as supplements and additives in obtaining efficient functional phyto-products.

HIVEGRES project aims to provide industrial innovative solutions (sustained by a strong scientific basis) to cover the industrial activities which are supporting the base for launching new healthy products, conforming to EU regulations and claims, with lower processing and production costs while enhancing the natural resources sustainable use; the project is focusing mainly on the phyto-pharmaceutical products sector.

In the frame of present project the practical addressed issues are:

1) Improved, sustainable use of natural resources by recycling vegetal wastes and by-products, improving the production yields and, consequently saving material from disposal while improving the whole process

2) Introducing new tools to control and monitor the production process and to assess the products quality: nano-sized biosensors array and flow injection analysis (FIA) methods and device

3) To create new opportunities for functional phyto-products diversification and opening new prospects in the market segment for the involved Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

To achieve the main goals of the project within the proposed 24 months project, the following main active principles are envisaged: the most efficient xanthophylls (Lutein and Zeaxanthin), carotenoids and anthocyanins from vegetal by-products, respectively wastes. For each active principle a specific vegetal source will be addressed, accordingly to the existing by-products and wastes and to the expected content of compounds occurring in each source.

Targeted vegetal materials are: by-products resulted from Vaccinium vitis-idaea, (cowberry), Myrtilli fructus and leaves (bilberry), Cynosbati fructus and leaves (rosehip), Hippopheas fructus (sea-buckthorns) and leaves (wild and cultivated in Romania, mainly Northern part) and vegetables wastes resulted from cultivars (all over the country) of tomatoes, carrots and egg plants.

Two important innovative approaches are proposed by HIVEGRES: in the products quality control (raw material and final products) by introducing nano-sized sensors able to provide information which comply to EU claims, and in natural resources processing technology, by proposing an improved extraction technology able to lead to higher extraction yield of active principles.

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: Partner team leader

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: CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (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.

SUPERABSORBENTS BIOPOLYMER MATERIALS FOR AGRICULTURE USES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0115 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Affiliation: CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

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

Abstract:

The aim of the SABIOM project is to obtain new superabsorbent materials which could be used in agriculture for water reserving and soil conditioning, starting from biopolymers and using especially green chemistry methods.The superabsorbent materials which will be prepared will also have the capacity of active agrochemicals delivery to the plants in order to protect them against different diseases or to enhance their growth. The novelty of this project is to use bacterial cellulose and other biopolymers in order to obtain superabsorbent hydrogels. This choice was determined by the fact that the majority of the superabsorbent polymers used as commercial products are synthetic polymers as crosslinked polyacrylates or polyacrylamide, and hydrolized cellulose polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or starch-PAN graft copolymers. This project is enrolled in the research efforts which are devoted to develop natural-based superabsorbent polymers starting from polysaccharides and polypeptides (proteins).

EXPLOITATION OF SPONTANEOUS FLORA RESOURCES BY NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE OBTAINING OF HIGH BIOACTIVE HYPERICIN CONCENTRATES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0548 2012 - 2016

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); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Affiliation: CENTRUL DE CERCETARE SI PRELUCRARE A PLANTELOR MEDICINALE PLANTAVOREL SA (RO)

Project website: http://www.icechim-pd.ro/en/pol_hitech/polimeri_hitech_spoflorahyp_en.html

Abstract:

The naphthodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin occur in the flowers and leaves of SJW. Hypericin act as an antibiotic and non-specific kinase inhibitor. Hypericin, is being clinically evaluated as an antiviral agent in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Hypericin was proven to be anti cholesterol and useful for blood circulation. In addition, hypericin is under research as an agent in photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and therapy (PDT), of cancer.

The project target is to elaborate the production technologies for molecular imprinting of polymers with hypericin 1 enantiomer and for using these new materials in selective separations (MISPE), in order to obtain high bioactive concentrates of hypericin. This will allow the better exploitation of the resources of spontaneous flora and hereby to obtain by the “green chemistry” approaches dietary supplements able to prevent or to cure some diseases of the population. The main novelty of the project proposal is that it is intended to obtain molecularly imprinted polymer materials using as template the enantiomer 1 of hypericin, the materials being appropriate for preparative extraction of this enantiomer from primary SJW extracts. The second novelty of the project is the identification of technological parameters for MISPE separation of hypericin on the new materials. The third novelty of the project is the obtaining of high bioactive dietary supplements (concentrates) of hypericin. The many original idea involved in the project realization insures the deposition of at least 2 patent askings.

The hypericin concentrates that we intend to produce from St. John’s Wort are a world novelty. Such products are not yielded in Romania or abroad. Their enhanced bioactivity in preventing or curing some very dangerous diseases such as cancer, HIV, blood circulation disorders and depressions, will enable them to penetrate quickly on national and European markets.

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List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader	Download (13.67 kb) 28/01/2019
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects