BrainMap

Mr. Vasile Lavric

Professor

Professor - UNIVERSITATEA NAȚIONALĂ DE ȘTIINȚĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREȘTI

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: C-3289-2008

Curriculum Vitae (26/02/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Bee-hive based active principles intensified extraction and smart encapsulation for controlled release: a synergistic bioeconomy and bioengineering approach Call name: PNCDI IV, SP 5.7.1 - Proiect experimental demonstrativ
PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-0973 2025 - 2027

Role in this project:

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); ACTIV CPC&I SRL (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

The scope of „Bee-hive based active principles intensified extraction and smart encapsulation for controlled release: a synergistic bioeconomy and bioengineering approach - BeeProdCaps” project is to develop and validate an efficient laboratory technology for the extraction and encapsulation of active principles from bee products. The capsules, endowed with an engineered active compound releasing time profile, should also have adequate qualities for human consumption as nutraceuticals. The demonstration model of the laboratory technology will cover the extraction procedure, the encapsulation step, and the controlled release in solutions at different values of pH. The extraction technology will be based on the experience of the project implementation team and aims to obtain concentrated extracts with high antioxidant activity using acceptable solvents for food processing. The encapsulation materials and techniques will be defined based on the capsules’ characterization and appropriate delivery capability of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant capacity, evaluated by in-vitro experiments simulating the gastro-intestinal conditions. Starting from proven experience in encapsulation of essential oils and omega 3 fatty acids (TRL 2) the project will develop an advanced technology for encapsulating polyphenolic derivatives, classic and using 3D printing, based on selected materials, and ensuring pH-controlled release (TRL4).

A new hybrid technology for bio-refineries: Microwaves (MW) and Ultrasound (US) in one Apparatus Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1286 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

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

Affiliation:

Project website: http://must.chimie.upb.ro

Abstract:

The current project will address the development of a new equipment (MUST) to enable the intensification of processes involved in biorefineries through the combined use of ultrasounds and microwaves. This will be equipped with a unique system for transmitting microwave energy to the reaction medium (up to 2 kW), Internal Transmission Line, and an ultrasound power supply system with different frequencies (200 kHz to 1100 kHz) and adjustable powers. The possibility to adjust the ultrasounds frequency and power will increase the range of possible applications of the equipment.

Due to the metallic construction of the reactor and its double jacket through which a coolant can circulate, an extremely important desideratum can be achieved especially for the biomass treatment processes: the possibility of using high-power densities (of the order of 1-2 W/mL) while maintaining a low temperature of the reaction medium.

The efficiency of the new reactor will be evaluated through three different processes:

• Extraction of liposoluble principles from plants (carotene, lycopene, etc.) in the presence of a new biodegradable and biocompatible solvent (e.g., ethyl esters of fatty acids - FAEE) to obtain new compositions for food supplements.

• Obtaining polyol type compounds from biomass resources and uses in the manufacturing of quality polyurethanes;

• Synthesis of calcium alginate in the presence of microwaves and ultrasounds, as an environmentally friendly heavy metal ion exchanger.

Complete Recovery of Fish and Oilseed Wastes Extracts/Hydrolysates in Microcapsules Usable as Fertilizers or Nutraceuticals Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2019-0877 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

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)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

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

Abstract:

The aim of the "NutraFert" project is the complete recovery of wastes of fish and oilseed as extracts and hydrolysates for microencapsulation, the final product being used as fertilizer or nutraceuticals. The main objective of the project is to design experimental models to obtain PUFA microencapsulated used as nutraceuticals and essential oils microencapsulated used as fertilizers using ultrasonic fields.

In relation to the state of the art aforementioned, the approach is original and innovative by:

- Development of an integrated process for complete recovery of wastes of fish and oilseed using advanced techniques for the extraction process, like microwaves and ultrasounds, followed by cutting-edge separation methods such as molecular distillation or supercritical extraction in order to obtain fractions with a higher content on PUFA.

- Modeling and optimization of the extraction and separation process using first principles based or statistical models.

- Development of the microencapsulation process in ultrasonic field, using optimized experimental conditions.

The specific objectives are:

O1. Development of an integrated process for the complex recovery of fish and oilseeds wastes using advanced techniques. Establishing the best extraction conditions.

O2. Development of a separation process of fatty acid ethyl esters fractions using modern techniques.

O3. Modeling and optimization of the separation process

O4. Development of the experimental model for obtaining of PUFA microencapsulated used as nutraceuticals and essential oils microencapsulated used as fertilizers.

Ultrasonic/Microwave Nonconventional Techniques as new tools for nonchemical and chemical processes (ULTRA - MINT Technologies) Call name:
ID P_37_471, 2016 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://ultramint.chimie.upb.ro/index.php

Abstract:

The project's objective is to create a core of high level scientific and technological competence. This will allow studies ultrasound and microwaves upon chemical and non-chemical as well as on some biological processes

Synergistic conversion of algae: from biodiesel and its additives to syngas. Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-1356 2018 - 2020

Role in this project:

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)

Affiliation: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Project website: http://www.icechim-rezultate.ro/proiect.php?id=28&lang=en

Abstract:

The global reserves of fossil resources are depleting continuously due to the rapid development of the world economy. In this context, biomass has drawn extensive attention as a renewable energy and sustainable resource. Algae culture has the potential to produce larger amounts of biofuel in non-fertile lands. In spite of all these, the major drawback hindering the widespread utilization of algae for biofuel production remains their high cost of cultivation. The present project proposal is an effort to develop a synergistic and economically viable conversion of algae: from biodiesel and its additives – levulinate esters (biodiesel additives) to syngas. Moreover, contributes to the development of knowledge in the biomass producing and processing; especially the development of new cost-efficient technologies for algae biomass growth and synthesis of biofuels from algae biomass bio-refinery. The project objectives are: cultivation, modelling and optimization of algae growth in mixotrophic conditions to reach high carbohydrate or lipids content; conversion of algae biomass to biodiesel and levulinic esters and steam catalytic reforming of residual biomass cake to obtain syngas. The products that will be obtained have potential applicative directions in transport industry (biodiesel), additive, lubricant and flavoring and fragrance industries (levulinate esters) and industrial gases, fertilizers, chemicals and fuels (syngas).

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator	Download (44 kb) 17/05/2016
List of research grants as partner team leader	Download (29.5 kb) 17/05/2016
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	Download (11.53 kb) 17/05/2016