Stage 1 - P3 2016
The project implementation schedule
Phase no. 1
Responsible: Dr. Felix SIMA
Deadline: 15.04.2016
Title: "Intelligent surfaces and interfaces developed by pulsed lasers for cell manipulation"
Abstract: The project aims the fabrication of 2D and 3D biomaterial structures with biocompatible properties by hybrid subtractive and additive laser processing methods. The objective is the control and understanding of interaction mechanisms at the cell-biomaterial interface. It is thus proposed the synthesis of inorganic and organic materials with variable geometries and compositions by advanced hybrid laser technologies. By this study one can develop new intelligent surfaces and bio-interfaces in order to improve the properties of titanium based metallic implants.
Phase no. 2
Responsible: Dr. Valentin CRACIUN
Deadline: 15.04.2016
Title: "The synthesis of nanostructured or amorphous, protective and biocompatible coatings"
Abstract: The synthesis of nanostructured or amorphous, protective and biocompatible coatings
Abstract: The aim of our recent research studies was to evaluate the structural, mechanical and biological performances of pulsed laser deposited thin films based on carbides and nitrides of transition metals, in order to develop nanostructured protective coatings for titanium-based implantable devices. Nowadays, the prostheses made from titanium and titanium alloys are widely used for hard tissue replacement, since these materials have adequate osseointegration properties. The long-term performances of titanium-based implants depend on the specific implant-tissue interactions (including herein the alveolar bone, the connective tissue of teeth and the gingival epithelium). Regarding the long-term immersion of titanium in physiological fluids, recent studies have reported slow release and diffusion of metallic ions within the human body, the process being more intense when wear occurs for the metallic components. Moreover, the mechanical forces that act on titanium implants may cause the displacement and migration of crystalline grains towards the surrounding tissues, being thus responsible for local inflammation that may require surgical and/or drug therapy. In order to diminish or even eliminate such unwanted effects, a current approach consists in coating the metallic implantable devices with thin protective films that will enhance the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, the biocompatibility and osseointegration process. Within our experiments, we evaluated the TiN, ZrN and ZrC films deposited onto titanium substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. With respect to the development of the concerned nanocrystalline inorganic coatings, the experiments were performed at room temperature conditions. The obtained thin films were investigated in terms of physicochemical, mechanical and electrochemical behaviours. Also, preliminary biological assays were performed. The electrochemical tests revealed that the deposited coatings provide an enhanced protection against corrosive processes that occur in human-derived biological fluids. At the same time, the previous investigations have shown that the concerned thin films may successfully act as a diffusion barrier for the released metallic ions. The quantitative biocompatibility of nitride-based and carbide-based coatings was assessed by considering the cellular viability of osteoblast-like cells.
Phase no. 3
Responsible: Dr. Angela STAICU
Deadline: 15.06.2016
Title: "The effect of laser radiation on polidocanol foams used in photodynamic sclerotherapy"
Abstract: The research aims to establish the photophysical properties of a sclerotic agent to better understand their action mechanisms in the photodynamic sclerotherapy, consider the encouraging therapeutic results comparing with conventional medical methods. The photodynamic sclerotherapy is a method recently used in the cure of varicosities which combines two medical techniques, namely the sclerotherapy immediately followed by Nd:YAG laser therapy. Lately the sclerosing drugs are used as foams, which shows a number of benefits compared with solutions injection. Polidocanol is one of the most used sclerosing agent. It is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to alkyl polyglycol ether group and is the active substance of Aethoxysclerol drug. Using Tessari method we prepared different foam samples. Their stability was evaluated as function of their lifetime, as well as by dynamic surface tension measurements on hanging droplets. Solution, and foams samples of Aethoxysclerol and Polidocanol in water/ethanol were exposed to 266 nm radiation emitted by the FHG of the Nd:YAG laser. Their optical properties were recorded before and after laser exposure by spectroscopic methods (UV/VIS and FTIR absorption, and Raman scattering).
Phase no. 4
Responsible: Dr. Monica NEMTANU
Deadline: 15.06.2016
Title: "Impact of ionizing radiation on spectroscopic features of edible vegetable oils"
Abstract: The aim of the work was to evaluate the impact of the electron beam irradiation on colorimetric and spectral features of sea buckthorn and corn oils in order to find the suitable range of irradiation dose wherein the properties of these oils are minimally affected. The electron beam irradiation led to the changes of chromatic parameters of the studied edible vegetable oils. Thus, the color of sea buckthorn oil became more yellow, intense and lighter, while the corn oil bleached as the irradiation dose increased. For both investigated oils, no color changes were distinguishable by the human eye for samples irradiated up to 3 kGy, but the total color difference indicated significant changes involving a two-step pattern associated with slow degradation of oil color (rate of 0.51±0.06 kGy-1 for sea buckthorn oil and rate of 0.44±0.04 kGy-1 for corn oil) up to 3 kGy, followed by a fast degradation (rate of 1.79±0.42 kGy-1 for sea buckthorn oil and rate of 1.85±0.13 kGy-1 for corn oil) up to 8 kGy. Conversely, although the spectral features of the irradiated oil samples were apparently similar to control, some differences related to the frequency and intensity of some bands have been found after irradiation indicating radiation-induced alteration of the oil structural integrity. Therefore, electron beam irradiation up to 3 kGy can be an effective eco-friendly mean of ensuring oil safety with minimal undesirable changes in its quality. An appropriate balance between favorable and possible side effects of oil irradiation might be achieved by responsible and proper use of irradiation technique. In addition, it is important to accept that some potential loss of chemical compounds with bioactive role can be compensated by the improved hygiene of the irradiated food.
Phase no. 5
Responsible: Dr. Bogdan MIHALCEA
Deadline: 15.06.2016
Title: "Investigation of multipole Paul trap geometries for aerosol and nanoparticle mass spectrometry applications, with an aim to achieve environment monitoring"
Abstract: Trapping of microparticles and aerosols is of great interest for physics and chemistry. We investigate nanoparticle trapping in case of multipole linear Paul trap geometries operating în air, under Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure (SATP) conditions. An 8-electrode and a 12-electrode linear trap geometries have been designed and tested with an aim to achieve stable trapping for larger number of particles and to study nanoparticle dynamical stability in electrodynamic fields. The dynamical time scales associated with trapped particles lie in the tens of milliseconds range, while microparticles can be individually observed using optical methods. As the background gas is dilute, particle dynamics exhibits strong coupling regimes characterized by collective motion. We report emergence of 2D and 3D ordered structures of microparticles, depending on the a.c. trapping frequency and particle specific charge ratio. The electric potential within the trap is mapped using the electrolytic tank method. Particle dynamics is simulated using a stochastic Langevin equation. We emphasize extended regions of stable trapping with respect to quadrupole traps, as well as good agreement between experiment and numerical simulations. According to the preliminary results we have obtained, multipole ion traps can be coupled to an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer în order to qualitatively investigate atmospheric aerosol (nano)particles, which makes them very well suited for environment monitoring studies.