Chemical and Petrochemical Technology / Functional Dyes & Related Materials National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry
Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, Pharmacology, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
66
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Curcumin–Selenium Nanocomposites Integrated into Sol–Gel Siloxane Matrices for Antimicrobial and Delivery Applications Florentina Monica Raduly, Valentin Raditoiu, Alina Raditoiu, Iuliana Raut, Adriana Frone, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Cristian-Andi Nicolae Gels, 2026 Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) represent promising bioactive agents due to their reduced toxicity and multifunctional biological properties. In this study, SeNPs were synthesized via an eco-friendly phytosynthesis approach using Curcuma longa extract, yielding curcumin-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (cur–SeNPs). The composites (cur–SeNPs), either in native extract form or isolated, were incorporated into siloxane hybrid matrices prepared by the sol–gel method from tetraethyl orthosilicate: dimethyldimethoxysilane precursors, with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a structural modifier. The host matrices were differentiated by the ratios between the precursors of the siloxane network, 3:1 for CS0–CS4, respectively, 1:1 for CS5, modified with PVP in the case of CS2 and CS3. These were loaded with cur–SeNPs–T in the cases of CS1, CS2, CS5 or with cur–SeNPs for CS3 and CS4. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses confirmed the formation of amorphous siloxane networks with well-dispersed SeNPs (up to ~12 wt%). PVP incorporation generated ordered mesoporous structures, increasing total pore volume sixfold and enlarging the average pore diameter to 9.26 nm. Studies about selenium ion release demonstrate that mesoporosity significantly enhances diffusion-controlled release. Antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans reveal a synergistic effect between curcuminoids and SeNPs, particularly in matrices with higher nanoparticle loading. The sol–gel technique for obtaining hybrid materials is very versatile regarding the supports on which the resulting materials or the compounds hosted in these host networks can be deposited. The dynamics of the development of hybrid materials is also reflected in the multitude of applications in various fields such as bio-medical, electronics, agriculture or food. Results obtained in this work highlight the potential of the developed systems for antimicrobial coatings on glass substrates and targeted delivery applications.
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) oligomer as a modifier in PHB/nanocellulose composites Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Cătălina-Diana Uşurelu, Gabriela-Mădălina Oprică, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Valentin Rădiţoiu, Monica Florentina Raduly, Diana Constantinescu-Aruxandei, Cristina Elena Stavarache, Mircea Teodorescu, Adriana Nicoleta Frone International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026 In this work, nanocellulose (NC) obtained from a by-product of the mushrooms industry and a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) oligomer (M) obtained through the controlled degradation of PHB were used as modifiers in a PHB biopolymer to improve its properties and reduce costs. NC showed less than 100 nm in width, an aspect ratio higher than 50, and better thermal stability than the lignocellulosic source. The M modifier showed a number-average molecular weight of 11 kDa, an onset degradation temperature over 50 °C higher than the melt processing temperature of PHB, and higher crystallinity compared to the PHB pellets used as source. The AFM investigation of the PHB/NC and PHB/NC/M nanocomposites showed a certain degree of disorder in the PHB's structure after NC addition, while the SEM analysis of the tensile specimens' cross-section indicated differences in the fracture mechanism of PHB after the addition of NC and M, which correlated with the mechanical properties. The highest tensile strength and modulus were obtained for the PHB/NC/M1 nanocomposite (containing 1 wt% M), while PHB/NC/M3 (3 wt% M) exhibited only a slight increase in the storage modulus when compared to PHB, indicating the different role of M in the nanocomposites, as a compatibilizer or processing agent. All nanocomposite films displayed excellent color stability and uniformity, higher transparency as compared to the PHB film, better processability highlighted by the lower torque values, and good water barrier property, similar to that of PET, which recommend them as a good solution for the packaging industry.
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) modified with toughening agents and surface treated by atmospheric cold plasma for tissue engineering Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Sorin Vizireanu, Monica Florentina Raduly, Veronica Sătulu, Cristian Stancu, Valentina Marascu, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Gabriela Mădălina Oprică, Cătălina Diana Uşurelu, Iuliana Caraş, Adriana Nicoleta Frone International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025 In this work, we report an eco-friendly strategy to add improved toughness and hydrophilicity to the valuable properties of biobased poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). To increase toughness and hydrophilicity, PHBV was modified with flexible polymers such as polyethylene glycol, poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate), and a biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane through melt blending, and the obtained blends were surface treated with atmospheric cold plasma. The polymeric modifiers reduced the melt viscosity and storage modulus of PHBV, increasing its toughness. Argon plasma treatment of PHBV and blends' surface led to a strong decrease in the contact angle by 30-55 % and improved surface hydrophilicity due to the formation of polar groups like hydroxyl, amino, and carboxylate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the atomic percentage of nitrogen increased while that of carbon decreased after plasma treatments, indicating important changes in the surface chemistry. Plasma treatment of the PHBV blends led to better cell adhesion and good cell viability as demonstrated by in vitro biocompatibility tests. This facile strategy can be applied to obtain biobased materials for tissue engineering applications.
A Dual-Sensitizer Strategy for Enhanced Photocatalysis by Coupling Perylene Tetracarboxylic Acid and Copper Phthalocyanine Tetracarboxylic Acids on TiO2 Alina Raditoiu, Florentina Monica Raduly, Maria Grapin, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Bogdan Trica, Valentin Raditoiu Materials, 2025 Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely used photocatalyst, yet its activity is limited to ultraviolet light due to its large band gap. To extend absorption into the visible spectrum, this study developed a dual-sensitizer strategy by coupling perylene tetracarboxylic acid (PTCA) and copper phthalocyanine tetracarboxylic acid (CuPcTC) onto TiO2. Both dyes were selected for their strong visible light absorption, photostability, and efficient charge transfer properties. Hybrid photocatalysts were prepared via an ultrasonication–coprecipitation method and incorporated into coatings. Optical, morpho-structural, thermal, and electrochemical methods were used to characterize the hybrid photocatalysts, while photocatalytic performances were evaluated by UV–Vis spectroscopy, hydroxyl radical generation, and Methylene Blue degradation under simulated solar light. The dual-sensitized TiO2 composites exhibited broadened absorption across 400–750 nm, effective charge separation, and stable radical generation. Among the tested samples, the PTCA–CuPcTC hybrid (P3) demonstrated the highest activity, achieving efficient degradation of Methylene Blue with sustained performance over repeated cycles. Characterization confirmed uniform distribution of sensitizers, high crystallinity, and adequate thermal stability. These findings indicate that combining PTCA and CuPcTC provides synergistic benefits in light harvesting, charge transfer, and durability. The dual-sensitizer approach offers a promising route for visible-light-responsive photocatalysts in environmental remediation.
Delivery Systems for Curcumin Derivatives Based on Calcium Carbonate Structures for Biomedical Applications Alina Raditoiu, Valentin Raditoiu, Maria Grapin, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Monica Florentina Raduly Crystals, 2025 One of the most researched minerals in terms of how to produce it and the range of uses for it is calcium carbonate. This work describes how to generate hybrid materials by co-precipitating calcium carbonate loaded with either bis-dehydroxycurcumin (CCOH) or the calcium complex of bis-dehydroxycurcumin (Ca(CCOH)2). Composite materials with various morphologies were produced when calcium carbonate and different amounts of curcumin derivatives were precipitated in alcoholic media. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for structural and morphologic characterization of the materials, while thermal stability was verified by thermal-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and porosity analysis was performed to evaluate surfaces and pore sizes. The hybrid materials were embedded in a cosmetic matrix lacking a sun protective effect in order to assess the UV-shielding properties. The transmittance spectra were subsequently measured in the 290–400 nm region, and the sun protection factor (SPF) was calculated. Thus, the co-precipitation approach produced hybrid materials loaded with curcumin derivatives, which were further evaluated for possible applications in the medical field for the delivery of drugs or in skincare products.
Influence of Cold Plasma Treatment on Cellulose Modification with Different Oxidizing Agents Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Sorin Ionuţ Vizireanu, Gabriela Mădălina Oprică, Cătălina Diana Uşurelu, Cristian Stancu, Veronica Sătulu, Marius Ghiurea, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Monica Florentina Raduly, Adriana Nicoleta Frone Materials, 2025 Cellulose is a versatile biopolymer increasingly applied in medicine and industry due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility, along with the renewability and large availability of source materials. However, finding simple, eco-friendly, and effective methods to modify cellulose to provide it with new functionalities remains a challenge. This work presents a new, inexpensive, and eco-friendly method to chemically modify microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by the submerged cold plasma treatment of an aqueous suspension of MCC containing different oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), or sodium periodate (NaIO4). Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that plasma treatment intensified the oxidizing effect of H2O2, NaClO, and NaIO4, with plasma-assisted NaClO treatment yielding the highest MCC oxidation level. XPS indicated that the plasma-assisted oxidations also resulted in different degrees of chemical degradation of MCC, a finding further supported by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data revealed a different effect of the oxidizing agents on the crystalline and amorphous regions in MCC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the combined treatment with plasma and chemical oxidizing agents led to MCC fragmentation and varying degrees of defibrillation into nanofibers.
Development of Collagen - Based Artificial Microenvironment PET Membranes, a Promising Material for Biomedical Applications Elena Danila, Monica Raduly, Madalina Axinie, Dana Stan, Vasilica Ţucureanu, Oana Brincoveanu, Raluca Gavrila, Sorin Mocanu Proceedings of the International Semiconductor Conference CAS, 2025 Experimental reproducibility in biomedical devices is a challenging issue, mainly caused by cell adhesion and proliferation problems. Several surface treatment methods have been suggested to solve these problems but the use of an intermediate layer of covalent bounded proteins appears to be the most encouraging strategy. In this study an artificial polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membrane suitable for 3D cell culture coated with collagen was developed and characterized in order to create a device for biomedical applications. To assess the procedure, we evaluated how the functionalization process impacted the structural and physical stability of the membranes.
De- and Re-Structuring of Starch to Control the Melt and Solid State Visco-Elasticity as Method for Getting New Multi Component Compounds with Scalable Properties Doina Dimonie, Ramona-Marina Grigorescu, Bogdan Trică, Monica Raduly, Celina-Maria Damian, Roxana Trusca, Alina-Elena Mustatea, Stefan-Ovidiu Dima, Florin Oancea Polymers, 2024 The aim of the article was to design and develop new thermodynamically stable starch-based compounds, with scalable properties, that are melt-processable into finished products by classic or 3D printing methods. This is based on phenomena of de-structuring, entanglement compatibilization, and re-structuring of starch, along with the modification of the polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), by following an experimental sequence involving pre-treatment and melt compounding in two stages. The new compounds selection was made considering the dependence of viscoelastic properties on formulation and flowing conditions in both the melted and solid states. Starting from starch with 125 °C glass transition and PVA with a Tg at 85 °C, and following the mentioned experimental sequence, new starch-PVA compounds with a high macromolecular miscibility and proven thermodynamic stability for at least 10 years, with glass transitions ranging from −10 °C to 50 °C, optimal processability through both classical melt procedures (extrusion, injection) and 3D printing, as well as good scalability properties, were achieved. The results are connected to the approaches considering the relationship between miscibility and the lifetime of compounds with renewable-based polymer content. By deepening the understanding of the thermodynamic stability features characterizing these compounds, it can be possible to open the way for starch usage in medium-life compositions, not only for short-life applications, as until now.
Direct Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Zr–Ce-Incorporated SBA-15 Catalysts for the Pyrolysis Reaction of Algal Biomass Simona-Bianca Ghimiș, Florin Oancea, Monica-Florentina Raduly, Andreea-Luiza Mîrț, Bogdan Trică, Mihaela Cîlțea-Udrescu, Gabriel Vasilievici Energies, 2024 In recent years, algae have emerged as a promising feedstock for biofuel production, due to their eco-friendly, sustainable, and renewable nature. Various methods, including chemical, biochemical, and thermochemical processes, are used to convert algal biomass into biofuels. Pyrolysis, a widely recognized thermochemical technique, involves high temperature and pressure to generate biochar and bio-oil from diverse algal sources. Various pyrolytic processes transform algal biomass into biochar and bio-oil, including low pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis, catalytic pyrolysis, microwave-assisted pyrolysis, and hydropyrolysis. These methods are utilized to convert a range of microalgae and cyanobacteria into biochar and bio-oil. In this publication, we will discuss catalytic pyrolysis using mesoporous materials, such as SBA-15. Mesoporous catalysts have earned significant attention for catalytic reactions, due to their high surface area, facilitating the better distribution of impregnated metal. Pyrolysis conducted in the presence of a mesoporous catalyst is viewed more as efficient, compared to reactions occurring within the smaller microporous cavities of traditional zeolites. SBA-15 supports with incorporated Zr and/or Ce were synthesized using the direct hydrothermal synthesis method. The catalyst was characterized using structural and morphological technical analysis and utilized for the pyrolysis reaction of the algal biomass.
Functionalized Palygorskite as a Delivery Platforms for Bioactive Asymmetric Beta-Diketone Dyes Florentina Monica Raduly, Valentin Raditoiu, Alina Raditoiu, Maria Grapin, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Iuliana Raut, Mariana Constantin Crystals, 2024 Natural clay minerals are among the most versatile materials used in the biomedical field. Palygorskite has found various applications in this field, from the treatment of diarrheal diseases in the past to materials with antibacterial properties and platforms carrying bioactive compounds used in the treatment of diseases, cosmetic and healthcare products in the present. In this study, a possible delivery method of some bioactive asymmetric β-diketonic compounds is presented. Palygorskite modified with amphionic groups (P) and copper ions (PCu) was used as a platform to load bioactive curcumin derivatives (1 and 2). By varying the copper ions, the amounts of charged active compounds were monitored. Studies have shown that the hybrid materials resulting from the loading of 1 and 2 compounds on palygorskite with 30% copper ions (PCu30) can be used as delivery methods for these asymmetric curcumin derivatives, while palygorskite with 50% copper ions(PCu50) loaded with the same type of bioactive compounds has antibacterial properties.
Biomedical Promise of Sustainable Microwave-Engineered Symmetric Curcumin Derivatives Cristina Doina Niţu, Maria Mernea, Raluca Ioana Vlasceanu, Bianca Voicu-Balasea, Madalina Andreea Badea, Florentina Monica Raduly, Valentin Rădiţoiu, Alina Rădiţoiu, Speranta Avram, Dan F. Mihailescu, Ionela C. Voinea, Miruna Silvia Stan Pharmaceutics, 2024
REMOVAL OF PHENOL AND NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS FROM WATER MATRICES USING DOPED HYDROXYAPATITE UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2024
COMPOSITE MATERIAL WITH ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT FOR THE PRESERVATION OF WATERLOGGED WOOD CULTURAL HERITAGE OBJECTS UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2024
EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2022
STRUCTURAL, MORPHOLOGICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE THIN FILMS BASED ON SILVER-SILICA MATERIALS Romanian Journal of Physics, 2022
Synthesis and characterization of some hybrid materials based on curcumin derivatives embedded in modified palygorskite UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2019
Surface coating on cellulose fabrics with nonionic dyes-silica hybrids Materiale Plastice, 2015
Lycopene determination in tomatoes by different spectral techniques (UV-VIS, FTIR and HPLC) Digest Journal of Nanomaterials and Biostructures, 2011
5-[4-(2-Hydroxy-ethanesulfonyl)-phenylazo]-quinolin-8-ol - polysiloxane hybrid materials for extraction and removal of Fe3+ ions from aqueous solutions Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials, 2011
Disperse dyes functionalized with trialkoxysilane groups Revista De Chimie, 2011
Synthesis, characterization and photoisomerization behavior of some organic modified silica - azo dye hybrid films Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials Rapid Communications, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of some xanthene fluorophors - Markers for petroleum products Revista De Chimie, 2010
Azomethine chromogens derived of 4-(β-sulphato-ethylsulphonyl)- phenylamine Revista De Chimie, 2010
Hybrid materials obtained from organic modified silica and an azo dye by sol-gel method Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials, 2010
Studies on the template synthesis of some phthalocyanines on ferrites support and their characterization using Mössbauer spectroscopy UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2009
Curcumin derivatives with potential biological activity Revista De Chimie, 2009
Functionalized azobenzenes chromogens with aromatic amino primary groups Revista De Chimie, 2009