Center for Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

- CCBBM -

CENTER DIRECTOR

Miruna Silvia Stan

Conf. Dr. habil.

Purpose:

CCBBM aims to develop scientific research in biochemistry and molecular biology, to promote academic excellence and to train human resources in these fields.

Mission:

Promoting basic and applied scientific research, training and further training of human resources, as well as capitalizing on research results through dissemination and technology transfer.

OBJECTIVE:

  • Developing national research capacity in biochemistry and molecular biology,
  • Integrate into international research networks and promote interdisciplinary collaborations,
  • Supporting the training of PhD, Master and PhD students through access to modern infrastructure,
  • Organization and participation in national and international scientific events.

RESEARCH DIRECTIONS:

  • Molecular Toxicology and Nanotoxicology – Assessment of the impact of nanoparticles and nanomaterials on cells and tissues, investigation of the biochemical mechanisms involved in toxicity (oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, genotoxicity, changes in signaling pathways), and study of the toxic effects of nano- and microplastics.
  • Interaction nanoparticles – biomolecules – Characterization of the interactions between nanoparticles and proteins, lipids, nucleic acids to understand the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic or toxicological applications.
  • Screening for new compounds with therapeutic potential – Identifying and testing molecules with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor activity.
  • Drug Delivery Systems – Development and evaluation of nanosystems for targeted cancer therapy (including combination and photodynamic therapy), magnetic nanohydrogels, light-activated porphyrin complexes and sequence-labeled drug-delivery systems.
  • In vitro and in vivo studies for tissue regeneration – Investigating cell-material interactions for the development of metallic, polymeric and ceramic biomaterials for the regeneration of hard, soft and nervous tissues.
  • Stem cell biology and cell differentiation – Studying the molecular mechanisms involved in stem cell differentiation, in particular under the influence of biomaterials with graphene and magnetic nanoparticles.
  • Molecular markers and genetics – Identification and validation of genetic markers to discriminate cryptic species, interspecific hybrids and those involved in stem cell differentiation or cancer progression.
  • Regenerative medicine and implantable biomaterials – Studies on the biocompatibility and inflammatory potential of biomaterials, including for bone implantology and tissue reconstruction.
  • Biomimetic and organ/tumor-on-chip models – Development and use of in vitro platforms for testing the efficacy of oncology treatments and investigating interactions between cells and nanomaterials.
  • Liquid biopsies and cancer diagnostics – Optimization of methods for the identification of tumor markers in circulating tumor cells and the use of liquid biopsies for prognosis and personalized therapy.
  • Cancer metastasis and mechanisms of tumor progression – Investigation of factors contributing to the progression and dissemination of malignant tumors, with a focus on malignant melanoma.
  • Interaction of immune cells with biomaterials and bioactive compounds – Modulation of inflammation by natural or synthetic materials and compounds, with impact on macrophages and their intercellular communication.
  • Study of the transcriptome and non-coding RNA – Gene expression analysis and the role of non-coding RNA in regeneration and oncology.
  • Genome editing and advanced biotechnologies – Development and optimization of CRISPR and PiggyBac techniques for gene and protein expression modification.
  • Genetic selection and aquaculture – Biochemical characterization of aquaculture by-products, genetic selection of aquaculture stocks for higher productivity and development of economically efficient farming methods.
  • Magnetic field-nanomaterials-cell interaction – Investigating the effect of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic field on cell cytoskeleton and cell biological activity.
  • Nanoparticle transport across biological barriers – Assessing how nanoparticles traverse 3D models of biological barriers and optimizing these processes for biomedical applications.

RESEARCH GROUPS:

Projects ongoing or completed in the period 2023-2024

  • PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1375 / 81TE/2022 – Dynamics of nanoparticle transport across cellular barriers – relevance in toxicology and drug delivery systems, Project Director: Prof. Dr. Miruna Stan (12.05.2022-11.05.2024)
    https://unibuc.ro/cercetare/promovarea-rezultatelor-cercetarii/proiecte-de-cercetare/proiecte-cu-finantare-nationala/trans-nano-bio/?lang=en
  • PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0423 / 612PED/2022 – Antimicrobial nanocomposites based on polyurethane foam for biomedical applications, synthesized by radiation assisted technology , Project Director: Prof. Dr. Miruna Stan (24.06.2022-24.06.2024)
    https://www.icpe-ca.ro/puma/
  • PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1660 / 104TE/2022 – Improvement of pharmacological parameters of original compounds with antitumor action using targeted nanosystems for cancer therapy , Project Director: Prof.Dr. Bianca Galateanu (13.05.2022 – 12.05.2024)
    https://scienceonlinero.wixsite.com/research/104teoncotarget
  • PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2021-0663 / 66PTE/2022 – Validation and implementation of liquid biopsy as a current molecular profiling method by NGS for prognostic and therapy modulation in breast cancer , Project Director: Prof. Dr. Bianca Galateanu (30.06.2022 – 29.06.2024)
    https://scienceonlinero.wixsite.com/research/66pte-oncoguard
  • PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2917 / 622PED/2022 – Design, modeling and validation of a novel biohybrid for tissue engineered wound healing applications , Project Director: Prof. Dr. Sorina Dinescu (23.06.2022-20.06.2024)
    https://sorinadinescu.wixsite.com/622pedhealskin
  • PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1650 / 583PED/2022 – Novel technology for the fabrication of 3D printable and reinforced composite filament implants for guided bone regeneration, Project Director: Prof. dr. habil. habil. Anișoara Cipean (30.06.2022-28.06.2024)
    https://www.florinmiculescu.ro/bonegapfill/
  • ELI-RO/RDI/2024_022 – Photodynamic therapy with ionizing radiation for targeted cancer treatment , Project Director: Prof. Mihaela Balaș (13.09.2024 – 30.06.2026)
    https://sol.inflpr.ro/projects/in-progress

This post is also available in: Română (Romanian)