Florentina Gatea
CS I - Centrul de Bioanaliză
Biografie
Sunt absolventă a Facultății de Biologie din București, secția de Biochimie, angajată de peste 30 de ani în cadrul institutului. Sunt doctor în chimie și cercetător științific gradul I iar în această perioada de activitate am participat la numeroase proiecte de cercetare în calitate de membru al echipei (37 de proiecte naționale și internaționale) sau ca director de proiect (5 proiecte naționale).
În paralel cu activitatea de cercetare, am activat ca șef de lucrări asociat la Universitatea Politehnica din București, Facultatea de Chimie Industrială, susținând cursuri și lucrări practice de laborator la secțiile de Chimie Alimentara și Biochimie.
Am expertiză în dezvoltarea de noi metode de extracție a compușilor biologic-activi din surse vegetale și animale, analiza acestora prin tehnici analitice moderne și includerea lor în produse nutraceutice.
Publicatii
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article
Enhancement Of Cognitive Benefits And Anti-Anxiety Effects Of Phytolacca Americana Fruits In A Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Model Of Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment |
Popovici Lucia-Florina; Brinza Ion; Gatea Florentina; Badea Georgiana Ileana; Vamanu Emanuel; Oancea Simona; Hritcu Lucian | Antioxidants, 2025 | |
RezumatPhytolacca americana fruits exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study aims to investigate the phenolic profile of hydroethanolic extracts from both fresh (PEC) and dried (PEU) fruits of P. americana using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and to evaluate their impact on anxiety-like behavior, memory, oxidative stress, and cholinergic status in zebrafish (Danio rerio, T & uuml;bingen strain) treated with scopolamine (SCO, 100 mu M). Acute administration of PEC and PEU (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/L) was conducted for one hour per day. In silico analyses were performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the phenolic compounds discerned in the two extracts, using platforms such as SwissAdme, Molinspiration, ProToX-III, AdmetLab 3.0, PKCSM, and PASS. Anxiety-like behavior and memory performance were assessed through specific behavioral assays, including the novel tank test (NTT), light/dark test (LD), novel approach test (NAT), Y-maze, and novel object recognition (NOR). Subsequently, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the extent of oxidative stress in the zebrafish brain were investigated. Our findings suggest that both PEC and PEU possess anxiolytic effects, alleviating SCO-induced anxiety and enhancing cognitive performance in amnesic zebrafish. Furthermore, these extracts demonstrated the ability to mitigate cholinergic deficits by inhibiting AChE activity and supporting antioxidant defense mechanisms through increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced lipid and protein peroxidation. These results highlight the potential use of P. americana fruit extracts in managing anxiety and cognitive impairments related to dementia conditions. |
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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
Box-Behnken Design-Based Optimization Of Extraction Parameters Of Phenolics, Antioxidant Activity, And In Vitro Bioactive And Cytotoxic Properties Of Rhus Typhina Fruits |
Cocirlea Maria Denisa; Simionescu Natalia; Calin Teodora; Gatea Florentina; Badea Georgiana Ileana; Vamanu Emanuel; Oancea Simona | Applied Sciences-Basel, 2024 | |
RezumatRhus typhina, an invasive plant species, contains valuable compounds that can be utilized in various fields. The main aim of this paper was to find the optimal conditions for extracting high amounts of bioactive compounds from R. typhina fruits using ultrasound-assisted and bead-beating techniques under different parameters (solvent concentration, solvent/solid ratio, extraction time, bead size, and material). A Box-Behnken design was applied for ultrasound-assisted extraction. The following process parameters were found to be optimal: 20/1 solvent/solid ratio (v/w), 61.51% aqueous ethanol, 10 min extraction time, with a composite desirability of 0.7719. The HPLC profile indicates that p-coumaric acid was the most abundant phenolic compound found in the BBE extract. The BBE extract was subjected to in vitro biological tests. The results indicate a high antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus pyogenes (20 mm inhibition zone) and Salmonella enterica (12 mm inhibition zone). A hemolysis rate of 19.85% was found at an extract concentration of 1000 mu g/mL on sheep erythrocytes. We report for the first time the protective role of the extract on cell viability of human gingival fibroblasts, but also a weak antiproliferative effect on the HepG2 human liver cancer cell line. Overall, we conclude that R. typhina fruits are rich in bioactive compounds that can be recovered using proper extraction conditions. Further research is required to understand and valorize their biological potential. |
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article
Evaluating The Efficacy Of An Extract For Uv Defense And Mitigation Of Oxidative Stress, Transitioning From Biomass To Bioprotection |
Vamanu Emanuel; Lakicevic Milena; Dedovic Nebojsa; Dumitru Georgiana; Badea Ileana Georgiana; Gatea Florentina; Dinu Laura Dorina | Agronomy-Basel, 2024 | |
RezumatThis study evaluated natural extracts from plant biomass for UV protection and oxidative stress reduction. Conducted in Bucharest, Romania, it focused on medicinal mushrooms and pomegranate bark. The biotechnological process involved a two-phase extraction: hot water processing of Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Inonotus obliquus, and Tremella mushrooms, followed by ethanol extraction with pomegranate bark and green tea. The spectrophotometric analysis identified phenolics and flavonoids. The ethanol extract showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity, particularly in DPPH radical scavenging. UVB exposure tests demonstrated its protective effect, comparable to vitamin B3, delaying oxidative stress onset by 30 min. This research underscores the potential of using natural biomass extracts in skincare, promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability by converting agricultural waste into valuable bioactive compounds. |
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article
Gut Microbiota Modulation By Selenium And Zinc Enrichment Postbiotic On Dysbiosis Associated With Hypertension |
Dinu Laura-Dorina; Gatea Florentina; Matei Florentina; Banciu Cristian; Vamanu Emanuel | Current Vascular Pharmacology, 2024 | |
RezumatBackground: Targeting gut dysbiosis to treat chronic diseases or to alleviate the symptoms is a new direction for medical adjuvant therapies. Recently, postbiotics have received considerable attention as they are non-viable probiotic preparations that confer various health benefits to the host without the safety problems associated with using live microbial cells. Objective: The aim of the study is to obtain selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) enriched Saccharomyces boulardii postbiotic biomass and to analyze its modulation effect because these minerals play an important role in reducing gut dysbiosis linked to cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Method The effect of the S. boulardii and Se/Zn enriched yeast postbiotics on CV microbial fingerprint was studied in vitro using the gastrointestinal system (GIS 1) and analyzed by microbiological, chemical, and qPCR methods. Result: There was a 2.2 log CFU/mL increase in the total bacterial load after SeZn postbiotic treatment and in the qPCR counts of Firmicutes phyla for both treatments. Beneficial taxa, Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., as well as Bacteroides spp. were up to 1.5 log higher after mineral-enriched postbiotic application, while the acetic acid level increased. Conclusion: These preliminary studies highlight the therapeutic potential of using Se/Zn enriched yeast postbiotics as adjuvants for clinical treatments of CV diseases. |
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article
In Vitro And In Vivo Antihyperglycemic Effects Of New Metabiotics From Boletus Edulis |
Zanfirescu Anca; Avram Ionela; Gatea Florentina; Rosca Razvan; Vamanu Emanuel | Life-Basel, 2024 | |
RezumatThe increasing incidence of diabetes has prompted the need for new treatment strategies, including natural products that reduce glycemia values. This work examined the in vitro and in vivo antihyperglycemic effects of new metabiotics derived from Boletus edulis extracts. The metabiotics were obtained from 100% B. edulis, and two other products, CARDIO and GLYCEMIC, from Anoom Laboratories SRL, which contain other microbial species related to B. edulis. Our in vitro investigations (simulations of the microbiota of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D)) demonstrated that B. edulis extracts modulate the microbiota, normalizing its pattern. The effects were further tested in vivo, employing a mouse model of T2D. The tested extracts decreased glycemia values compared to the control and modulated the microbiota. The metabiotics had positive effects on T2D in vitro and in vivo, suggesting their potential to alleviate diabetes-associated microbiota dysbiosis. |
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article
In Vitro Wound-Healing Potential Of Phenolic And Polysaccharide Extracts Of Aloe Vera Gel |
Iosageanu A.; Mihai E.; Seciu-Grama A.-M.; Utoiu E.; Gaspar-Pintiliescu A.; Gatea F.; Cimpean A.; Craciunescu O. | Journal Of Functional Biomaterials, 2024 | |
RezumatThe present study aimed to conduct a comparative investigation of the biological properties of phenolic and polysaccharide extracts obtained using an ultrasound-assisted technique from Aloe vera gel and their effects on each stage of the wound healing process in in vitro experimental models. HPLC analysis showed that the phenolic extract contained aloin, ferulic, and caffeic acid, as well as quercetin dihydrate, as major compounds. Capillary zone electrophoresis indicated the prevalence of mannose and glucose in the polysaccharide extract. Cell culture testing revealed the anti-inflammatory properties of the phenolic extract at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL through significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines—up to 28% TNF-α and 11% IL-8 secretion—in inflamed THP-1-derived macrophages, while a pro-inflammatory effect was observed at 0.5 mg/mL. The phenolic extract induced 18% stimulation of L929 fibroblast proliferation at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, enhanced the cell migration rate by 20%, and increased collagen type I synthesis by 18%. Moreover, the phenolic extract exhibited superior antioxidant properties by scavenging free DPPH (IC50 of 2.50 mg/mL) and ABTS (16.47 mM TE/g) radicals, and 46% inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was achieved. The polysaccharide extract demonstrated a greater increase in collagen synthesis up to 25%, as well as antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a bacteriostatic effect at 25 mg/mL and a bactericidal one at 50 mg/mL. All these findings indicate that the phenolic extract might be more beneficial in formulations intended for the initial phases of wound healing, such as inflammation and proliferation, while the polysaccharide extract could be more suitable for use during the remodeling stage. Moreover, they might be combined with other biomaterials, acting as efficient dressings with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties for rapid recovery of chronic wounds. © 2024 by the authors. |
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article
Pesticidal Potential Of Essential Oil Obtained From A New Variety Of Marigold (Tagetes Patula L., Fam. Asteraceae) |
Tudora Catalina; Nenciu Florin; Muscalu Adriana; Burnichi Floarea; Gatea Florentina; Boiu-Sicuia Oana Alina; Israel-Roming Florentina | Applied Sciences-Basel, 2024 | |
RezumatEssential oils (EOs) extracted from various medicinal plants offer a promising alternative to non-selective chemical substances commonly employed in conventional agriculture. Their chemical composition includes several classes of chemical compounds with beneficial properties, such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids, which can selectively control microbiological elements in soil and plants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the essential oils and floral waters obtained from a new variety of marigold (Tagetes patula L., fam. Asteraceae, Nanuk variety) across various parameters, including biochemical characterization using GC-MS, antioxidant activity evaluated under three methods (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), antimicrobial properties (for three G(-) bacteria: Perctobacterium carotovorum, Pseudomonas marginalis, Pseudomonas syringae and against three phytopathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea), and insecticidal activity. The results showed that when applied in high concentrations, marigold essential oil has a potential bactericidal effect on P. carotovorum, as well as a potential fungicidal effect on B. cinerea. |
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article
Boletus Edulis Extract-A New Modulator Of Dysbiotic Microbiota |
Avram Ionela; Pelinescu Diana; Gatea Florentina; Ionescu Robertina; Barcan Alexandru; Rosca Razvan; Zanfirescu Anca; Vamanu Emanuel | Life-Basel, 2023 | |
RezumatThe regular administration of antibiotics is a public concern due to the prejudices of large population groups and the high frequency with which antimicrobial products are prescribed. The current study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of a new extract from Boletus edulis (BEE) on the human microbiota. One of the disadvantages of this extensive use is the disruption of the human microbiota, leading to potential negative health consequences. The in vitro evaluation of BEE consisted in determining its cytotoxicity, influence on the concentration of four types of cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-1 & beta;, TNF & alpha;), and capacity to modulate the human microbiota after administering antibiotics. The latter was assessed by microbiome analysis and the evaluation of short-chain fatty acid synthesis (SCFAs). Simultaneously, the content of total polyphenols, the antioxidant capacity, and the compositional analysis of the extract (individual polyphenols composition) were determined. The results showed that BEE modulates the microbial pattern and reduces inflammatory progression. The data demonstrated antioxidant properties correlated with the increase in synthesizing some biomarkers, such as SCFAs, which mitigated antibiotic-induced dysbiosis without using probiotic products. |
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article
Boletus Edulis Extract—A New Modulator Of Dysbiotic Microbiota |
Avram I.; Pelinescu D.; Gatea F.; Ionescu R.; Barcan A.; Rosca R.; Zanfirescu A.; Vamanu E. | Life, 2023 | |
RezumatThe regular administration of antibiotics is a public concern due to the prejudices of large population groups and the high frequency with which antimicrobial products are prescribed. The current study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of a new extract from Boletus edulis (BEE) on the human microbiota. One of the disadvantages of this extensive use is the disruption of the human microbiota, leading to potential negative health consequences. The in vitro evaluation of BEE consisted in determining its cytotoxicity, influence on the concentration of four types of cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, TNFα), and capacity to modulate the human microbiota after administering antibiotics. The latter was assessed by microbiome analysis and the evaluation of short-chain fatty acid synthesis (SCFAs). Simultaneously, the content of total polyphenols, the antioxidant capacity, and the compositional analysis of the extract (individual polyphenols composition) were determined. The results showed that BEE modulates the microbial pattern and reduces inflammatory progression. The data demonstrated antioxidant properties correlated with the increase in synthesizing some biomarkers, such as SCFAs, which mitigated antibiotic-induced dysbiosis without using probiotic products. © 2023 by the authors. |
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