Andreia Alecu
CS III - Centrul de Bioanaliză
Biografie
Am studiat la Universitatea din București, Facultatea de Chimie, obținând Diploma de Licență în “Chimie” în 2004 și Diploma de Master în “Chimie Coordinativă” în 2006. În 2012, am obținut titlul de Doctor în Chimie la Universitatea Politehnică din București. Lucrarea mea de doctorat, intitulată “Studiul Efectelor Radicalilor Liberi asupra Modificărilor Oxidative ale Componentelor Proteice”, s-a concentrat pe dezvoltarea unui sistem bio-mimetic pentru cuantificarea efectelor radicalilor liberi asupra unui substrat oxidabil și evaluarea efectelor pro- și anti-oxidante ale unor compuși prezentați în organism. În 2017, am absolvit cursurile de Broker de Tehnologii și Manager de Inovare organizate de CIT-IRECSON Centrul de Informare. Sunt Cercetător (R2) în cadrul institutului, iar domeniul principal al competentelor mele este Bioanaliza, având abilități în obținerea extractelor de natură vegetală, dezvoltarea și validarea metodelor analitice (UV-VIS, fluorescence, IR, MALDI-TOF), evaluarea capacității antioxidante, determinarea conținutului total de polifenoli, analiza structurală a compușilor, evaluarea purității compușilor și dezvoltarea de sisteme bio-mimetice.
Publicatii
| Publication | Authors | Date | |
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article
Infrared Laser-Assisted Extraction Of Bioactive Compounds From Rosa Canina L. |
Alecu Andreia; Albu Camelia; Badea Georgiana-Ileana; Alionte Aurelia; Enache Alin-Alexandru; Radu Gabriel-Lucian; Litescu Simona-Carmen | International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 2025 | |
RezumatThe extraction of bio-compounds from medicinal plants provides opportunities for using the plant extract for health benefits. Rosa canina L. is considered a natural superfood, and the valorization of its active compounds requires an extraction technique that ensures a suitable extraction yield while preserving the compounds' activity. In our study, infrared laser irradiation (IRLIR) technology was used for the first time in the bioactive compound's extraction from Rosa canina L. Different solvents (water-ethanol, hexane-ethanol) and different extraction times were tested to obtain a high extraction yield. Chromatographic and spectrophotometry methods were used to monitor the profile of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The results obtained for IRLIR were compared with those obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), an advanced extraction method. The IRLIR technology proved to be a more reliable analytical tool for the extraction of (+)-catechin, gallic acid, and lutein. In addition, a richer extract formula was obtained by IRLIR extraction with respect to ASE, with the IRLIR process ensuring a short extraction time, low volume of the extraction solvent, low energy consumption, and a less expensive device. |
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article
Optimization Of Green Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Of Carotenoids And Tocopherol From Tomato Waste Using Nadess |
Badea Georgiana Ileana; Gatea Florentina; Litescu-Filipescu Simona Carmen; Alecu Andreia; Chira Ana; Damian Celina Maria; Radu Gabriel Lucian | Molecules, 2025 | |
RezumatThe purpose of this study was to extract the lipophilic fraction from one of the largest source of waste in the industrial sector, namely, the tomato residue from processing the fruit. In order to make this process more environmentally sustainable, this study used a green extraction protocol employing natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) combined with a less energy-consuming technology, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method, to simultaneously recover carotenoids and tocopherol from dried powder tomato waste. Two NADESs, one hydrophilic and one hydrophobic, were prepared and compared to support high extraction efficiency and increase the stability of the extracted compounds. The optimal extraction parameters were identified as choline chloride:1,3-butanediol (1:5)-based NADES, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 (w/v), time of extraction 12 min, temperature 65 degrees C, radiation frequency 37 Hz, and an ultrasound power level of 70%. The extraction process was intensified and resulted in extracts rich in lycopene (215.13 +/- 4.31 mu g/g DW), beta-carotene (206.95 +/- 3.27 mu g/g DW), and tocopherol (130.86 +/- 8.97 mu g/g DW) content, with the highest antioxidant capacity 93.84 +/- 0.18 mM Trolox equivalent. Incorporating NADESs for the extraction of bioactive compounds offers numerous benefits, such as improved sustainability, enhanced extraction efficiency, better protection of sensitive compounds, and reduced environmental impact. These advantages make NADESs a promising alternative to traditional organic solvents, especially in industries that require natural, green, and efficient extraction processes for valuable bioactive molecules. |
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article
Antioxidant And Antidiabetic Activity Of Cornus Mas L. And Crataegus Monogyna Fruit Extracts |
Paun Gabriela; Neagu Elena; Albu Camelia; Alecu Andreia; Seciu-Grama Ana-Maria; Radu Gabriel Lucian | Molecules, 2024 | |
RezumatThe present study evaluated three green extraction methods, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and laser irradiation extraction (LE), for the polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C extraction of Cornus mas L. and Crataegus monogyna fruit extracts. The polyphenols and vitamin C of extracts were quantified using HPLC-DAD, and the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH and reducing power), and antidiabetic activity were also studied. The antidiabetic activity was examined by the inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, and in vitro on a beta TC cell line (beta-TC-6). The results showed significant differentiation in the extraction yield between the methods used, with the ASE and LE presenting the highest values. The C. mas fruit extract obtained by ASE exhibited the best antioxidant activity, reaching an IC50 value of 31.82 +/- 0.10 mu g/mL in the DPPH assay and 33.95 +/- 0.20 mu g/mL in the reducing power assay. The C. mas fruit extracts obtained by ASE and LE also have the highest inhibitory activity on enzymes associated with metabolic disorders: alpha-amylase (IC50 = 0.44 +/- 0.02 mu g/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 0.11 +/- 0.01 mu g/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm) and alpha-glucosidase (IC50 of 77.1 +/- 3.1 mu g/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 98.2 +/- 4.7 mu g/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm). The evaluation of in vitro antidiabetic activity demonstrated that the treatment with C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts obtained using ASE stimulated the insulin secretion of beta-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and hyperglycemic conditions, as well. All results suggest that C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts are good sources of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. |
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article
Evaluating The Antioxidant And Antidiabetic Properties Of Medicago Sativa And Solidago Virgaurea Polyphenolic-Rich Extracts |
Paun Gabriela; Neagu Elena; Alecu Andreia; Albu Camelia; Seciu-Grama Ana-Maria; Radu Gabriel Lucian | Molecules, 2024 | |
RezumatThe present study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds. The extracts were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and laser irradiation. Then, microfiltration was used for purification, followed by nanofiltration used to concentrate the two extracts. The obtained extracts were analyzed to determine their antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power methods. The antidiabetic properties have been investigated in vitro on a murine insulinoma cell line (beta-TC-6) by the inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. M. sativa obtained by laser irradiation and concentrated by nanofiltration showed the highest DPPH center dot scavenging (EC50 = 105.2 +/- 1.1 mu g/mL) and reducing power activities (EC50 = 40.98 +/- 0.2 mu g/mL). M. sativa extracts had higher inhibition on alpha-amylase (IC50 = 23.9 +/- 1.2 mu g/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 26.8 +/- 1.1), while S. virgaurea had the highest alpha-glucosidase inhibition (9.3 +/- 0.9 mu g/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 8.6 +/- 0.7 mu g/mL for concentrated extract obtained after laser extraction). The obtained results after evaluating in vitro the antidiabetic activity showed that the treatment with M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts stimulated the insulin secretion of beta-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and under hyperglycemic conditions as well. This paper argues that M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts could be excellent natural sources with promising antidiabetic potential. |
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article
Winemaking Technologies For The Production Of Cabernet Sauvignon And Feteasca Neagra Wines Enriched With Antioxidant Active Principles Due To The Addition Of Melatonin |
Eremia Sandra A. V.; Albu Camelia; Radu Gabriel-Lucian; Alecu Andreia; Stoica Alice G.; Brinduse Elena | Foods, 2024 | |
RezumatIn recent years, various studies have been carried out to increase the concentration of antioxidant active principles in red wines as a consequence of the effects of winemaking techniques on the polyphenols content. In this study, in order to obtain the most optimal wine in terms of content and efficiency of antioxidant activity, various winemaking technologies (punching-down and pumping-over maceration) were tried with diverse gradations (Feteasca Neagra and Cabernet Sauvignon wines) and the addition of different concentrations of melatonin in must. Suitable HPLC and spectrophotometric methods were used to follow the evolution of the antioxidant compounds from wines during aging (for 12 months). After comparing the acquired results, an increase was observed in the antioxidant compound concentrations, particularly in resveratrol (85%), peonidin-3-glucoside (100%) or cyanidin-3-glucoside (100%), and antioxidant activity (10-40%). The most enriched wine was obtained in the case of Feteasca Neagra by the addition of 0.5 mg of melatonin per 1 kg of must using the punch-down technology and, in the case of Cabernet Sauvignon, by the addition of 0.05 mg of melatonin per 1 kg of must using the pumping-over technique. This study can provide winemakers with an approach to enhance red wines with antioxidant compounds. |
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article
The Influence Of Melatonin Treatment In The Vinification Of Feteasca Neagra And Cabernet Sauvignon Wines On The Profile Of Polyphenolic Compounds And Antioxidant Activity |
Eremia Sandra A. V.; Albu Camelia; Radu Gabriel-Lucian; Alecu Andreia; Brinduse Elena | Antioxidants, 2023 | |
RezumatUntil recently, the main antioxidant role among wine constituents was attributed to polyphenolic compounds, but once the presence of melatonin in wines was confirmed, an interesting new field of research opened up due to its possible synergistic effects with other antioxidants in the winemaking process, which may lead to a change in the profile of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. In order to investigate the evolution of active principles from the phenylpropanoid metabolism associated with the synergistic effects of melatonin, for the first time, a melatonin treatment was performed in the pre-stage of the different winemaking processes of Feteasca Neagra and Cabernet Sauvignon wines with different melatonin concentrations. After comparing the acquired results for the evolution of the polyphenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity of treated wines, we ascertained an increase in the antioxidant compound concentrations, especially in resveratrol, quercetin, and cyanidin-3-glucoside, directly proportional to the used melatonin concentration; an intensification in activity of PAL and C4H enzymes; and the modification in the expression of specific anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, especially UDP-D-glucose-flavonoid-3-O-glycosyltransferase. It was also shown that the application of melatonin in the pre-stage of the winemaking process can be successfully used to obtain red wines with increased antioxidant activity (almost 14%). |
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conference
Electrochemical Sensors Versatility In Contaminants Analysis |
Simona Carmen Litescu–Filipescu; Ioana Vasilescu; Ramona Penu; Andreia Alecu; Mirela Diaconu; Sandra Eremia; Gabriel-Lucian Radu | International Conference Chimia 2018, Constanta, Romania, 2018 | |
Rezumat |
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article
Voltammetric Analysis Of Naringenin At A Disposable Pencil Graphite Electrode - Application To Polyphenol Content Determination In Citrus Juice |
David Iulia Gabriela; Litescu Simona Carmen; Popa Dana Elena; Buleandra Mihaela; Iordache Lorelei; Albu Camelia; Alecu Andreia; Penu Ramona Liliana | Analytical Methods, 2018 | |
RezumatThe electrochemical behaviour of the flavonoid naringenin (NGN) was investigated for the first time by cyclic voltammetry (CV), using a disposable electroactivated pencil graphite electrode (PGE*). In this electrochemical sensor, NGN is irreversibly oxidized, giving rise to two pH-dependent peaks due to mixed (diffusion- and adsorption-controlled) electrode processes involving the same number of electrons and protons, namely two and one, respectively. Exploiting these peaks, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) at PGE* in 0.05 mol L-1 potassium hydrogen phthalate were applied for quantitative determination of NGN. The new proposed methods presented linear ranges covering more than three orders of magnitude (7.86 x 10(-8) to 1.82 x 10(-4) mol L-1 NGN for DPV and 7.50 x 10(-8) to 1.00 x 10(-4) mol L-1 NGN for SWV) and low limits of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) (LoD = 3.06 x 10(-8) mol L-1, LoQ = 1.02 x 10(-7) mol L-1 NGN for DPV and LoD = 4.40 x 10(-8) mol L-1, LoQ = 1.11 x 10(-7) mol L-1 NGN for SWV), similar to or better than those reported in the literature. The developed voltammetric methods were applied with good results to determine the intermediate antioxidant power polyphenolics content expressed as mg naringenin equivalent per L grapefruit juice. |
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conference
Characterization Of Structural Modification Of The Low Density Lipoproteins Particules Under The Stress Factor By Analytical Tools |
Alecu A.; Litescu S.-C.; Diaconu M.; Radu G. L | The International Conference Of 3D Modelling Techniques For Biomedical Engineering (Mobile), Bucuresti/Romania, 2016 | |
Rezumat |
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article
Electrochemical Determination Of Hydrogen Peroxide Using A Prussian Blue-Copper Modified Platinum Microelectrode |
Radulescu Maria-Cristina; Bucur Madalina-Petruta; Alecu Andreia; Bucur Bogdan; Radu Gabriel Lucian | Analytical Letters, 2016 | |
RezumatPrussian blue modified with copper was electrodeposited on a platinum microelectrode for the amperometric determination of hydrogen peroxide at -50 mV. The Prussian blue-copper layer was stable for 2 h at pH 7.4 and a storage period of 2 months. The Prussian blue-copper modified microelectrodes were used to develop oxidase based microbiosensors for ethanol and lactate. Lactate and alcohol oxidases were immobilized by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. No interferences were observed from possible interfering compounds up to a concentration of 0.5 mM. The calibration plot of the lactate microbiosensor was linear between 0.005 and 0.2 mM with a limit of detection of 0.0035 mM lactate. The linear dynamic range of the alcohol microbiosensor was between 0.05 and 2 mM and the limit of detection was 0.02 mM ethanol. The developed microbiosensors were used for the analysis of pickled cucumber juice, yogurt, and wine. |
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