Gabriel-Lucian Radu
Research Scientist I - Department lead Bioanalysis Center
Biography
From 2003 to the present, I have worked as a senior researcher at the National Institute of Biological Sciences. During this time, I have coordinated and contributed to numerous projects and grants that have had a significant impact in the bioanalytical field (11 Orizont 2000 R&D themes, 3 grants from the Romanian Academy, ANSTI, CNFIS, 14 PNCDI projects, 5 CEEX projects, 7 internal and 5 external bilateral collaborations).
Since 1985, I started teaching various courses at the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry, and at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Faculty of Industrial Chemistry, as an associate assistant. In 1997, I became a PhD supervisor in the field of analytical chemistry, having graduated more than 30 PhD students. From 2002 to 2021, I held the position of full professor at the Department of Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, being responsible for courses such as Instrumental Analysis, Environmental Quality Assessment Systems, Specific Methods and Techniques for Product Control, etc.
In parallel with my research work, I have been actively involved in scientific publications. Between 1998 and 2004, I served as a quality assistant editor or editorial board member of the international journals "Journal of Medicine and Biochemistry" and "Romanian Biotechnological Letters". Since 2020, I have taken the position of editor-in-chief of the Journal of Chemistry and editor of the journal Plastics Materials. Since 2006, I am a member of the Accreditation Council of the Romanian Accreditation Association (RENAR).
I have benefited from numerous internships and research abroad, such as a postdoctoral fellowship at the University Claude Bernard, Lyon, France, implementation of standards for environmental management systems (ISO 14001) and integration with the quality management system (ISO 9001), internships at various internationally renowned laboratories and institutions.
Publications
| Publication | Authors | data | |
|---|---|---|---|
article
4-Phenyl Isothiocyanate Modified Electrode Based On Diazonium Electrodeposition For Heavy Metals Detection In Pharmaceuticals |
Radulescu MC; Bucur MP; Bucur B; Iosageanu A; Radu GL | Talanta, 2025 | |
AbstractA stable layer of 4-phenyl isothiocyanate (4-PITC) was successfully electrografted on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrode modification process was performed in three sequential steps in a single solution: (1) reduction by chronoamperometry of the nitro groups of 4-NITC to amino moieties (2) in situ reaction of amino with nitrous acid to obtain unstable diazonium functional groups and (3) electrografting by chronopotentiometry of diazonium. A thin optimal layer with minimum surface fouling was obtained. The formation of the organic film was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrode was used for detection of Pb(II) and Fe(II) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection 1.2 mu g L-1 for Pb(II) and of 2.0 mu g L-1 for Fe(II) were achieved. The developed electrode was successfully applied to detect Pb(II) and Fe(II) in injectable iron pharmaceuticals used to treat iron deficiency anemia simultaneous with investigation of contamination by Pb(II). |
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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 | |
AbstractCost-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 | |
AbstractThe 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 | |
AbstractThe 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
Pyrolysis And Gasification Of Energy Crops For Phytoremediation In Romania'S Coal Mining Region |
Roman Antoaneta; Bucura Felicia; Botoran Oana Romina; Radu Gabriel-Lucian; Constantinescu Marius | International Journal Of Green Energy, 2025 | |
AbstractThe present study evaluates the potential of sorghum, soybean, and corn residues, grown on unproductive soils from a coal mining region, to generate green energy through pyrolysis and gasification, Sharing knowledge in biomass valorization, the study also delivers explicit insights, useful to various stakeholders (local authorities, energy companies, and policymakers) regarding feedstock selection and process optimization, according to their specific goals. the aim is to optimize the composition of the developed synthesis gases, which are rich in H-2 and CH4, and the energetic properties through the variation of the process conditions. After a comprehensive feedstock characterization, the synthesis gases were continuously investigated through mass spectrometry to assess the chemical properties and calculate the physical ones. The obtained data were analyzed using evolutional charts and statistical tools (Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis), emphasizing the interrelationships between feedstock characteristics and syngas composition. Key findings indicate that sorghum pyrolysis at 800 degrees C-1000 degrees C yielded the highest H-2, while corn generated more CH4 and CO, along with the highest calorific value. The statistical analysis demonstrated correlations between gas yields and biomass properties (e.g. hemicellulose, C/H, and O/H ratios). Biomass type had a greater influence on each process compared to the temperature. |
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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 | |
AbstractThe 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
Acetylcholinesterase And Butyrylcholinesterase Co-Immobilized On A Copper Containing Prussian Blue Modified Electrode For The Broad Screening Of Insecticides |
Bucur M.-P.; Radulescu M.-C.; Bucur B.; Radu G.L. | Analytical And Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2024 | |
AbstractWe have developed a bienzymatic biosensor that contains acetylcholinesterase together with butyrylcholinesterase co-immobilized on the same electrode modified with a stabilized copper containing Prussian blue electrodeposited on electrodes coated with 4-aminothiophenol monolayer using diazonium chemistry and copper nanoparticles for improved sensitivity. There are organophosphorus and carbamate neurotoxic insecticides that inhibit only one of the two enzymes, e.g., pirimicarb inhibits butyrylcholinesterase at much lower concentrations than acetylcholinesterase while methomyl inhibits only acetylcholinesterase. Our system is simple and in a single measurement provides a sensitive signal for insecticides’ presence based on the inhibition of the enzyme with the highest affinity for each toxic compound. The limits of detection are 50 ng/mL pirimicarb for the bienzymatic biosensor in comparison with 400 ng/mL pirimicarb for the acetylcholinesterase biosensor and 6 ng/mL methomyl for the bienzymatic biosensor, while inhibition is obtained for the butyrylcholinesterase biosensor at 700 ng/mL. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature 2024. |
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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 | |
AbstractThe 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
Curcumin-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Electropolymerized On Single-Use Graphite Electrode For Dipyridamole Analysis |
Preda Daniel; Radu Gabriel Lucian; Iorgulescu Emilia-Elena; Cheregi Mihaela-Carmen; David Iulia Gabriela | Molecules, 2024 | |
AbstractA new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based disposable electrochemical sensor for dipyridamole (DIP) determination was obtained. The sensor was rapidly prepared by potentiodynamic electrochemical polymerization on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) using curcumin (CUR) as a functional monomer and DIP as a template molecule. After the optimization of the conditions (pH, monomer-template ratio, scan rate, number of cyclic voltammetric cycles applied in the electro-polymerization process and extraction time of the template molecule) for MIP formation, DIP voltammetric behavior at the modified electrode (MIP_PGE) was investigated. DIP oxidation took place in a pH-dependent, irreversible mixed diffusion-adsorption controlled process. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and adsorptive stripping differential pulse voltammetry (AdSDPV) were used to quantify DIP from pharmaceutical and tap water samples. Under optimized conditions (Britton-Robinson buffer at pH = 3.29), the obtained linear ranges were 5.00 x 10-8-1.00 x 10-5 mol/L and 5.00 x 10-9-1.00 x 10-7 mol/L DIP for DPV and AdSDPV, respectively. The limits of detection of the methods were 1.47 x 10-8 mol/L for DPV and 3.96 x 10-9 mol/L DIP for AdSDPV. |
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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 | |
AbstractThe 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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