Daniela Gherghel
Research Scientist III - Biologie Experimentală și Aplicată
Publications
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article
Biocomposite Complex Hydrogels With Antimicrobial Activity Suitable For Wound Healing |
Rata Delia Mihaela; Cadinoiu Anca Niculina; Vochita Gabriela; Gherghel Daniela; Lakkaboyana Sivarama Krishna; Fuioaga Codrin Paul; Atanase Leonard Ionut; Ichim Daniela Luminita | Journal Of Polymer Science, 2025 | |
AbstractSkin defects caused by injuries such as burns that exceed a certain diameter no longer heal spontaneously and require more complex interventions. Hydrogels have received special attention due to their unique ability to block the penetration of bacteria into wounds as they can absorb contaminated exudates and exhibit a high degree of flexibility. This study is focused on the preparation and characterization of novel antibacterial biocomposite hydrogels based on two carbohydrates, alginate and hyaluronic acid (HA), with immobilized ZnO NPs and curcumin-loaded electrospun nanofibers to improve the efficacy of the wound healing process. The hydrogel matrix was obtained after crosslinking HA and alginate in the presence of the DMT-MM activator. Hydrogels were physicochemically characterized by FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and the swelling degree was also investigated. It appeared that the swelling behavior of the biocomposite hydrogels was influenced by the amount of ZnO NPs and by the presence of nanofibers. Biodegradability, hemolysis, cell viability, antimicrobial, and in vitro irritability tests were carried out to assess their biological properties. The obtained results highlighted that these hydrogels are biodegradable, hemocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and non-irritating and have good antimicrobial activity. Based on the obtained results, these materials might be interesting candidates for wound healing treatment. |
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Double Peptide-Functionalized Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Coated Liposomes Loaded With Dexamethasone As A Potential Strategy For Active Targeting Drug Delivery |
Iftode Loredana; Cadinoiu Anca Niculina; Rata Delia Mihaela; Atanase Leonard Ionut; Vochita Gabriela; Radulescu Luminita; Popa Marcel; Gherghel Daniela | International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 2025 | |
AbstractLiposomes are intensively used as nanocarriers for biology, biochemistry, medicine, and in the cosmetics industry and their non-toxic and biocompatible nature makes these vesicles attractive systems for biomedical applications. Moreover, the conjugation of specific ligands to liposomes increases their cellular uptake and therapeutic efficiency. Considering these aspects, the aim of the present study was to obtain new formulations of cationic liposomes coated with dual-peptide functionalized carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) for the treatment of inner ear diseases. In order to achieve efficient active targeting and ensuring a high efficacy of the treatment, CMCS was functionalized with Tet1 peptide, to target specific ear cells, and TAT peptide, to ensure cellular penetration. Furthermore, dexamethasone phosphate was loaded as a model drug for the treatment of ear inflammation. The infrared spectroscopy confirmed the functionalization of CMCS with the two specific peptides. The mean diameter of the uncovered liposomes varied between 167 and 198 nm whereas the CMCS-coated liposomes ranged from 179 to 202 nm. TEM analysis showed the spherical shape and unilamellar structure of liposomes. The release efficiency of dexamethasone phosphate after 24 h from the uncoated liposomes was between 37 and 40% and it appeared that the coated liposomes modulated this release. The obtained results demonstrated that the liposomes are hemocompatible since, for a tested concentration of 100 mu g/mL, the liposome suspension had a lysis of erythrocytes lower than 2.5% after 180 min of incubation. In addition, the peptide-functionalized CMCS-coated liposomes induced a non-significant effect on the viability of normal V79-4 cells after 48 h, at the highest doses. Values of 71.31% were recorded (CLCP-1), 77.28% (CLCP-2) and 74.36% (CLCP-3), correlated with cytotoxic effects of 28.69%, 22.72%, and 25.64%. |
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Comparative In Vitro Study Between Biocompatible Chitosan-Based Magnetic Nanocapsules And Liposome Formulations With Potential Application In Anti-Inflammatory Therapy |
Vochita Gabriela; Cadinoiu Anca Niculina; Rata Delia-Mihaela; Atanase Leonard Ionut; Popa Marcel; Mahdieh Athar; Mihai Cosmin-Teodor; Stache Alexandru-Bogdan; Moldovan Cristina-Veronica; Bacaita Elena Simona; Condriuc Iustina Petra; Gherghel Daniela | International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 2024 | |
AbstractThis study describes the comparison between the interaction of a series of peptide-functionalized chitosan-based nanocapsules and liposomes with two cell lines, i.e., mouse macrophages RAW 264.7 and human endothelial cells EA.hy926. Both types of nanocarriers are loaded with magnetic nanoparticles and designed for anti-inflammatory therapy. The choice of these magnetic nanostructures is argued based on their advantages in terms of size, morphology, chemical composition, and the multiple possibilities of modifying their surface. Moreover, active targeting might be ensured by using an external magnetic field. To explore the impact of chitosan-based nanocapsules and liposomes on cell cytophysiology, the cell viability, using the MTT assay, and cell morphology were investigated. The results revealed low to moderate cytotoxicity of free nanocapsules and significant cytotoxicity induced by chitosan-coated liposomes loaded with dexamethasone, confirming its release from the delivery system. Thus, after 48 h of treatment with nanocapsules, the viability of RAW 264.7 cells varied between 88.18% (OCNPM-1I, 3.125 mu g/mL) and 76.37% (OCNPM-1, 25 mu g/mL). In the same conditions, EA.hy926 cell viability was between 99.91% (OCNPM-3, 3.125 mu g/mL) and 75.15% (OCNPM-3, 25 mu g/mL) at the highest dose (25 mu g/mL), the values being comparable for both cell lines. Referring to the cell reactivity after dexamethasone-loaded liposome application, the lowest viability of RAW 264.7 cells was 41.25% (CLDM5CP-1, 25 mu g/mL) and 58.20% (CLDMM2CP-1 1.25 mu g/mL) in the endothelial cell line, proving a selective character of action of nanocarriers. The cell morphology test, performed to support and confirm the results obtained by the MTT test, revealed a differentiated response for the two types of nano-carriers. As expected, an intense cytotoxic effect in the case of dexamethasone-loaded liposomes and a lack of cytotoxicity for drug-free nanocapsules were noticed. Therefore, our study demonstrated the biocompatible feature of the studied nanocarriers, which highlights them for future research as potential drug delivery systems for pharmacological applications, including anti-inflammatory therapy. |
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article
In vitro cytophysiological response induced by three food additives on some mammalian cell line models |
Gherghel D., Mihai C.-T., Vochita G., Rosu C. M. | Journal of Experimental and Molecular Biology, 2024 | |
AbstractThis research is focused on cellular response to sodium metabisulphite (E223), sodium benzoate (E211), and sodium nitrite (E250) application on two normal mammalian cells, namely MCF-12A (ATCC CRL-3598) and Vero (ATCC CCL-81). The monitored parameters were cell viability (MTT assay), cell morphology (optical microscopy) and cell survival (clonogenic assay). The treatment was applied in doses of 12.5; 25; 50 and 100 µg/mL. According to all tests assessed, our results proved a dose-response relationship, the most sensibility presented the MCF-12A cell line. |
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article
Α-Chitosan And Β-Oligochitosan Mixtures-Based Formula For In Vitro Assessment Of Melanocyte Cells Response |
Schroder Verginica; Gherghel Daniela; Apetroaei Manuela Rossemary; Gijiu Cristiana Luminita; Isopescu Raluca; Dinculescu Daniel; Apetroaei Miruna-Maria; Enache Laura Elena; Mihai Cosmin-Teodor; Rau Ileana; Vochita Gabriela | International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 2024 | |
AbstractChitosan is a natural polymer with numerous biomedical applications. The cellular activity of chitosan has been studied in various types of cancer, including melanoma, and indicates that these molecules can open new perspectives on antiproliferative action and anticancer therapy. This study analyzes how different chitosan conformations, such as alpha-chitosan (CH) or beta-oligochitosan (CO), with various degrees of deacetylation (DDA) and molar mass (MM), both in different concentrations and in CH-CO mixtures, influence the cellular processes of SK-MEL-28 melanocytes, to estimate the reactivity of these cells to the applied treatments. The in vitro evaluation was carried out, aiming at the cellular metabolism (MTT assay), cellular morphology, and chitinase-like glycoprotein YKL-40 expression. The in vitro effect of the CH-CO mixture application on melanocytes is obvious at low concentrations of alpha-chitosan/beta-oligochitosan (1:2 ratio), with the cell's response supporting the hypothesis that beta-oligo-chitosan amplifies the effect. This oligochitosan mixture, favored by the beta conformation and its small size, penetrates faster into the cells, being more reactive when interacting with some cellular components. Morphological effects expressed by the loss of cell adhesion and the depletion of YKL-40 synthesis are significant responses of melanocytes. beta-oligochitosan (1.5 kDa) induces an extension of cytophysiological effects and limits the cell viability compared to alpha-chitosan (400-900 kDa). Statistical analysis using multivariate techniques showed differences between the CH samples and CH-CO mixtures. |
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article
Cytogenetic And Biochemical Responses Of Wheat Seeds To Proton Irradiation At The Bragg Peak |
Oprica Lacramioara; Vochita Gabriela; Grigore Marius-Nicusor; Shvidkiy Sergey; Molokanov Alexander; Gherghel Daniela; Les Anda; Creanga Dorina | Plants-Basel, 2023 | |
AbstractThe present study aimed to evaluate the morphological, cytogenetic and biochemical changes in wheat seedlings as affected by seed exposure to a proton beam at the Bragg peak. The average energy of the proton beam was of 171 MeV at the entrance into the irradiator room while at the point of sample irradiation the beam energy was of 150 MeV, with the average value of the Linear Energy Transfer of 0.539 keV/mu m and the dose rate of 0.55 Gy/min, the radiation doses being of the order of tens of Gy. Cytogenetic investigation has revealed the remarkable diminution of the mitotic index as linear dose-response curve as well as the spectacular linear increase of the aberration index. Analyzing some biometric parameters, it was found that neither dry matter nor water content of wheat seedlings was influenced by proton beam exposure. Studying the biochemical parameters related to the antioxidant defense system, we found that the irradiation caused the slight increasing tendency of peroxidase activity as well as the decreasing trend in the activity of superoxidedismutase in the seedlings grown from the irradiated seeds. The level of malonedialdehyde (MDA) and total polyphenols showed an increasing tendency in all seedling variants corresponding to irradiated seeds, compared to the control. We conclude that the irradiation clearly induced dose-response curves at the level of cytogenetic parameters together with relatively slight variation tendency of some biochemical parameters related to the antioxidant defense system while imperceptible changes could be noticed in the biometric parameters. |
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article
Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized From Abies Alba And Pinus Sylvestris Bark Extracts: Characterization, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, And Antibacterial Effects |
Macovei Irina; Luca Simon Vlad; Skalicka-Wozniak Krystyna; Horhogea Cristina Elena; Rimbu Cristina Mihaela; Sacarescu Liviu; Vochita Gabriela; Gherghel Daniela; Ivanescu Bianca Laura; Panainte Alina Diana; Nechita Constantin; Corciova Andreia; Miron Anca | Antioxidants, 2023 | |
AbstractIn recent years, phytofunctionalized AgNPs have attracted great interest due to their remarkable biological activities. In the present study, AgNPs were synthesized using Abies alba and Pinus sylvestris bark extracts. The chemical profile of these bark extracts was analyzed by LC-HRMS/MS. As a first step, the synthesis parameters (pH, AgNO3 concentration, ratio of bark extract and AgNO3, temperature, and reaction time) were optimized. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, DLS, SEM, EDX, and TEM. Their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties were evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, MTT, and broth microdilution assays, respectively. Abies alba and Pinus sylvestris bark extract-derived AgNPs were well-dispersed, spherical, small (average particle size of 9.92 and 24.49 nm, respectively), stable (zeta potential values of -10.9 and -10.8 mV, respectively), and cytotoxic to A-375 human malignant melanoma cells (IC50 = 2.40 +/- 0.21 and 6.02 +/- 0.61 mu g/mL, respectively). The phytosynthesized AgNPs also showed antioxidant and antibacterial effects. |
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article
Elemental Analysis And In Vitro Evaluation Of Antibacterial And Antifungal Activities Of Usnea Barbata (L.) Weber Ex F.H. Wigg From Calimani Mountains, Romania |
Popovici Violeta; Bucur Laura; Calcan Suzana Ioana; Cucolea Elena Iulia; Costache Teodor; Rambu Dan; Schroder Verginica; Gird Cerasela Elena; Gherghel Daniela; Vochita Gabriela; Caraiane Aureliana; Badea Victoria | Plants-Basel, 2022 | |
AbstractThis study aims to complete our research on Usnea barbata (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg (U. barbata) from the Calimani Mountains, Romania, with an elemental analysis and to explore its antibacterial and antifungal potential. Thus, we analyzed twenty-three metals (Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, Al, Ag, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Ni, Tl, V, Mo, Pd, Pt, Sb, As, Pb, Cd, and Hg) in dried U. barbata lichen (dUB) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For the second study, we performed dried lichen extraction with five different solvents (ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water), obtaining five U. barbata dry extracts (UBDE). Then, using an adapted disc diffusion method (DDM), we examined their antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial species-four Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae) and three Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa)-and two fungi species (Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis). Usnic acid (UA) was used as a positive control. The ICP-MS data showed a considerable Ca content (979.766 mu g/g), followed by, in decreasing order, Mg, Mn, Al, Fe, and Zn. Other elements had low levels: Ba, Cu, Pb, and Cr (3.782-1.002 mu g/g); insignificant amounts (<1 mu g/g) of Hg and V were also found in dUB. The trace elements Ag, As, Cd, Co, Li, Tl, Mo, Pd, Pt, and Sb were below detection limits (<0.1 mu g/g). The DDM results-expressed as the size (mm) of the inhibition zone diameter (IZs)-proved that the water extract did not have any inhibitory activity on any pathogens (IZs = 0 mm). Gram-positive bacteria displayed the most significant susceptibility to all other UBDE, with Enterococcus casseliflavus showing the highest level (IZs = 20-22 mm). The most susceptible Gram-negative bacterium was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (IZs = 16-20 mm); the others were insensitive to all U. barbata dry extracts (IZs = 0 mm). The inhibitory activity of UBDE and UA on Candida albicans was slightly higher than on Candida parapsilosis. |
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article
Antioxidant And Cytotoxic Activities Of Usnea Barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg. Dry Extracts In Different Solvents |
Popovici Violeta; Bucur Laura; Popescu Antoanela; Schroder Verginica; Costache Teodor; Rambu Dan; Cucolea Iulia Elena; Gird Cerasela Elena; Caraiane Aureliana; Gherghel Daniela; Vochita Gabriela; Badea Victoria | Plants-Basel, 2021 | |
AbstractLichens represent a significant source of antioxidants due to numerous metabolites that can reduce free radicals. Usnea barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg. has been recognized and used since ancient times for its therapeutic effects, some of which are based on its antioxidant properties. The present study aims to analyze the phytochemical profile and to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of this lichen species. Five dry extracts of U. barbata (UBDE) in different solvents (acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, water) were prepared by refluxing at Soxhlet to achieve these proposed objectives and to identify which solvent is the most effective for the extraction. The usnic acid content (UAC) was quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The total polyphenols content (TPC) and tannins content (TC) were evaluated by spectrophotometry, and the total polysaccharides (PSC) were extracted by a gravimetric method. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical method was used to assess the antioxidant activity (AA) and the Brine Shrimp Lethality (BSL) assay was the biotest for cytotoxic activity evaluation. The ethyl acetate extract had the highest usnic acid content, and acetone extract had the highest content of total polyphenols and tannins. The most significant antioxidant effect was reported to methanol extract, and all the extracts proved high cytotoxicity. The water extract has the lowest cytotoxicity because usnic acid is slightly soluble in this solvent, and it was not found at UHPLC analysis. All extracts recorded a moderate correlation between the content of usnic acid, polyphenols, tannins, and AA; furthermore, it has been observed that the cytotoxicity varies inversely with the antioxidant effect. |
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Cytotoxic Effect Of Chloroform Extracts From Tanacetum Vulgare, T. Macrophyllum And T. Corymbosum On Hela, A375 And V79 Cell Lines |
Ivanescu Bianca; Pop Carmen Elena; Vlase Laurian; Corciova Andreia; Gherghel Daniela; Vochita Gabriela; Tuchilus Cristina; Mardari Constantin; Teodor Cosmin Mihai | Farmacia, 2021 | |
AbstractThe effect of Tanacetum extracts on cell viability was assessed by MTT method on HeLa (human cervical epithelioid carcinoma), A375 (human malignant melanoma) and V79 (Chinese hamster pulmonary fibroblasts). Apoptosis, cell cycle analysis, and genotoxicity tests were performed to identify the possible mechanism of action. Also, the antimicrobial activity was investigated, and LC-MS analysis of extracts was carried out. Tanacetum extracts substantially reduced the viability of all tested cells, normal cells being more sensitive than cancer cells. T. vulgare and T. macrophyllum extracts induced apoptosis in normal cells V79, while none of the extracts induced apoptosis on HeLa or A375 neoplastic cells. T. vulgare extract arrested cell cycle progression of V79 and A375 cells at the G(2)/M phase and exhibited mild genotoxicity on melanoma cells A375. All extracts showed moderate antimicrobial activity against tested Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. |
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