Camelia Albu
CS II - Centrul de Bioanaliză
Biografie
M-am alăturat Institutului Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Științe Biologice in 2003, iar din 2018 dețin funcția de cercetător științific gradul II în cadrul Centrului de Bioanaliză. Am acumulat o vastă experiență în activități de cercetare-dezvoltare, participând ca responsabil de proiect pentru 3 proiecte si membru al echipei in peste 35 de proiecte din Programe Naționale și 3 Programe Europene (PC6 și PC7). Expertiza mea se concentrează în domeniul chimiei analitice, cu competențe în dezvoltarea și validarea de metode, în special metode cromatografice și spectrometrice utilizate în analiza compușilor activi din alimente, băuturi, extracte vegetale, țesuturi biologice, etc.
În prezent, sunt director de proiect in cadrul Tinere Echipe, intitulat “Abordare analitică pentru înțelegerea efectelor sinergice pozitive ale melatoninei asupra profilului polifenolic și a capacității antioxidante”.
Publicatii
| Publication | Authors | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
article
Advances In Cost-Effective Chemosensors For Sustainable Monitoring In Food Safety And Processing |
Albu Camelia; Chira Ana; Radu Gabriel-Lucian; Eremia Sandra A. V. | Chemosensors, 2025 | |
RezumatCost-effective chemosensors have become an indispensable tool for sustainable monitoring in food safety and processing, where there is an urgent need for affordable, efficient, and real-time analytical solutions. This review discusses recent advances in low-cost chemosensor technologies, highlighting developments in materials, miniaturization, and integration into portable and accessible platforms. The focus is on applications for detecting contaminants, monitoring quality, and ensuring safety in food production and processing. This review also addresses the challenges related to sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and operational stability and provides insights into future directions and the role of low-cost chemosensors in supporting sustainable practices in these important sectors. |
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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
Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Melatonin Quantification In Wine |
Eremia SAV; Radu GL; Albu C | Applied Sciences-Basel, 2025 | |
RezumatThe identification of melatonin in grapes has led to the publication of numerous studies on melatonin in wines, and the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data on melatonin concentrations in wines. In this context, international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed were searched for relevant articles (437) up to 29 March 2025. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. A total of 15 studies from eight countries, involving various wine types and analytical methods, were included in the meta-analysis. Considerable analytical variation was observed across studies, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with either mass spectrometry (MS) or fluorescence (FL) detection was shown to be the most accurate and sensitive method for quantifying melatonin. The highest concentrations were found in Spanish red Tempranillo wine, Romanian white Noah wine, and Romanian ros & eacute; Lidia wine. Red wines, particularly those produced from Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) grapes, were the most frequently studied. The results of this work provide a clearer picture of melatonin levels in wine. Further research is needed to explore the implications of melatonin content in wine for human health and the wine industry. |
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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
N-Doped Nanocrystalline Graphite Electrochemical Sensor For Oleuropein Detection From Extra Virgin Olive Oils |
Albu Camelia; Chira Ana; Stoica Alice; Radu Gabriel-Lucian; Radoi Antonio; Stoian Marius; Simionescu Octavian-Gabriel; Eremia Sandra A. V. | Chemosensors, 2024 | |
RezumatA nitrogen-doped nanocrystalline electrochemical graphite sensor for the sensitive determination of oleuropein (OL) from extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) is presented. The sensor was developed by the deposition of nanocrystalline graphite (NCG) using plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) on silicon wafers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were used to characterise the microstructure and morphology of the developed materials. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) were used to investigate the electrochemical properties of the material and the performance of the sensor. The developed sensor showed good analytical performance against OL over a concentration range of 5.00-500.00 mu M, with a good detection limit of 3.93 mu M and a good sensitivity of 0.057 mu A mu M-1. The reproducibility of the electrochemical sensor was excellent, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 8.56% for seven measurements. |
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article
Valorization Of Bioactive Compounds From Lingonberry Pomace And Grape Pomace With Antidiabetic Potential |
Neagu Elena; Paun Gabriela; Albu Camelia; Radu Gabriel Lucian | Molecules, 2024 | |
RezumatIn recent years, increased attention has been paid to the recovery of bioactive compounds from waste and by-products resulting from the agro-industrial sector and their valorization into new products, which can be used in the health, food, or agricultural industry, as innovative and sustainable approaches to waste management. In this work, two of these by-products resulting from the fruit-processing industry were used for the recovery of bioactive compounds (polyphenols), namely lingonberry pomace (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and grape pomace (Vitis vinifera). Two green extraction techniques were employed to obtain hydroalcoholic extracts (solvent: 50% EtOH, 10% mass): ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). The extracts were subjected to micro- and ultrafiltration processes, and further analyzed to determine the bioactive compound content through spectrophotometric (UV-Vis) and chromatographic (HPLC-PDA) methods. Additionally, the extracts exhibited significant enzyme inhibition, particularly against alpha-amylase and beta-glucosidase, suggesting potential anti-diabetic properties. The extracts characteristics, polyphenolic content, antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory ability, were statistically compared, and significant differences were found between the two extraction methods. The grape pomace concentrated extracts showed a pronounced inhibitory activity on both analyzed enzymes compared to the lingonberry pomace concentrated extracts, closer to the standard used; e.g., IC50 alpha-amylase = 0.30 +/- 0.01 mu g/mL (IC50 acarbose = 0.3 +/- 0.01 mu g/mL), IC50 alpha-glucosidase = 0.60 +/- 0.01 mu g/mL (IC50 acarbose = 0.57 +/- 0.02 mu g/mL). These findings highlight the potential of agro-industrial residues as bioactive compound resources, with their valorization through application in food, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical industries therefore contributing to the sustainable development and promotion of circular economy principles with the recovery of valuable inputs from plant by-products. |
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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
Artemisia Abrotanum And Symphytum Officinale Polyphenolic Compounds-Rich Extracts With Potential Application In Diabetes Management |
Neagu Elena; Paun Gabriela; Albu Camelia; Eremia Sandra Ana-Maria Victoria; Radu Gabriel Lucian | Metabolites, 2023 | |
RezumatLately, there has been increased interest in the development of phytochemical alternatives for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, the alternatives that are able to reduce or prevent glucose absorption by inhibiting digestive enzymes. In this context, this study aims to analyze the inhibitory alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activities of Artemisia abrotanum and Symphytum officinale polyphenolic compound-rich extracts obtained by membrane technologies (micro- and ultrafiltration). Polyphenols and flavones content, HPLC-MS polyphenolic compounds profiling, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic potential of these herbs were determined. Major phenolic acid compounds were chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid. The flavone content was higher in the case of A. abrotanum extracts, and the major compounds were rutin and umbelliferone. The polyphenolic-rich extract of A. abrotanum had the highest quantities of polyphenols, 977.75 mu g/mL, and flavones, 552.85 mu g/mL, as well as a pronounced alpha-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 1881.21 +/- 1.8 mg/mL), a value close to acarbose inhibitory activity (IC50 1110.25 +/- 8.82 mg/mL) that was used as the control for both enzymes. The alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity was higher for both herb extracts, more pronounced for S. officinale polyphenolic-rich extract (IC50 291.56 +/- 2.1 mg/mL), a value higher than that of acarbose (IC50 372.35 +/- 3.2 mg/mL). These plants show potential as a complementary therapy for type 2 diabetes management. |
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article
Different Extraction Approaches For The Analysis Of Melatonin From Cabernet Sauvignon And Feteasca Neagra Wines Using A Validated Hplc-Fl Method |
Eremia Sandra A. V.; Albu Camelia; Radu Gabriel L.; Ion Marian | Molecules, 2023 | |
RezumatIn recent years, the wine industry has shown a considerable degree of interest in the occurrence of melatonin in wines. Sample pretreatment may be the most important step in trace analysis. Since wine is a complex matrix and melatonin is present in low amounts (ppb), an adequate extraction technique is required. In this study, the effect of several extraction methods, such as solid phase extraction (SPE), Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe extraction (QuEChERS), and dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction (DLLME) was studied and the variable parameters that can arise throughout the extraction process were optimized to obtain the best results. A high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FL) method was adapted and validated, including measurement uncertainty, for the analysis of melatonin in wines and to assess the efficiency of the extraction yield. After comparing the acquired results, the DLLME method was optimized. Extraction recoveries values ranging from 95 to 104% demonstrated that the approach may be successfully applied for the extraction and concentration (enrichment factor of almost eight) of melatonin in wine samples prior to HPLC-FL analysis. The first report of melatonin levels in Feteasca Neagra wines has been made. The data obtained for Cabernet Sauvignon revealed that the final levels of melatonin in the wines are dependent on the winemaking process. |
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