NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES www.dbioro.eu under the authority of Ministry of Science and Education of Romania National Authority for Scientific Research of Romania Address: Splaiul Independentei, no. 296, sector 6, postal code 060031, C.P. 17-16 Bucharest, Romania Phone: +4021-220.77.80 Fax: +4021-220.7695 E-mail: office@dbio.ro Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Organizational structure The institute was founded in 1996 when the following research institutes The Biological Research Institute Cluj (founded 1948), The Biological Research Institute Iasi (founded 1956). The Biological Research Centre “STEJARUL” Piatra Neamt (founded in 1956) were brought together under the same umbrella. Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences The main task of the institute is the fundamental and applicative research in the vast field of life sciences. To promote excellent quality research and development, advanced education and technology transfer, ensuring national and international competitiveness in the domains of Biology, Biotechnology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Ecology. To develop and transfer technologies in bioproducts. The Institute works in close cooperation with universities from all over the country and abroad, with hospitals, other research centres and economical agents working in the field of pharmacology. Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Main activities of INCDSB Frame Programme 7 topics  Departments of the Institute Biology and medicine (health, medical biotechnology); Agriculture and food supply (food and food safety issues, fisheries, agricultural biotechnology); Environment and climate (environmental protection); Information and communication technology (key words: discrete models, proteines, health). Cellular and Molecular Biology Biotechnologies Biomatherials and Bioproducts Bioanalysis and Bioinformatics Microbiology Ecotoxicology Ecology, Taxonomy, Biological Control, Resources and Environment Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Cross-thematic approaches The domains of bio-, nano- and information technology have an interdisciplinary character. They contribute to different industrial sectors and policy objectives, they are synergic and sometime complementary. That is why our research themes are interaction between the topics from FP7 and that is why our research fields are referring to: Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Cross-thematic approaches Systems biology/bioinformatics – relevant to themes: Health and Information and communication technology Factors impacting health – relevant to Health Biodiversity and its sustainable exploration for the production of biological resources - relevant to Environment, which deals with the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources Novel biotechnology approaches and improved biotechnologies for the production of renewable biomaterials- relevant to biomaterial research under Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production technologies Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Personnel 200 people working in the main office and in the branches. 120 researchers working in the main office and in the branches 65% having a PhD degree 2 scientific coordinators Average researchers age - under 40 years Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Where do the funds come from ? National and international competitions National Programme II Partnerships Capacities Ideas 25 national programmes as coordinators and 100 as partners International projects: FP6, FP7 Bilateral agreements Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

EU Projects - Present and Forecast Theme: 'Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology' FP6-STREP Contract FOOD-023044/2006 Ready to eat food for breakfast and sport activity with high content of nutraceutics reducing a disease risk and promoting public health Coordinator CNR Italy The project aims the realisation of ready-to-eat food with a high content of compounds endowed with functional activity like carotenoids, alliin and allicin, phenolics, rosmarinic acid, ferulic acids and derivatives (e.g. curcumin). Main objectives of the Nutra-Snacks project: Selection of organisms producing natural biologically active metabolites with recognized antioxidant activity. Realization of a bioreactor/sensors for innovative plant cell and in vitro systems suitable for nutrient production Development of safety and quality control protocols for the new ready-to-eat-food. Theme: ‘Environment and Climate Change' FP6- SUSTDEV – 2005 - 3.III.1.1 Challenges in assessing and forecasting biodiversity and ecosystem changes in EUROPE Coordinator Universite Joseph Fourier, France Advanced modelling approaches has been used so far to assess the impact of global change on biodiversity and ecosystems. These approaches yield projections of the distribution of species, communities and biomass and the functioning of ecosystems. Future goods and services are then asessed from these projections. However four main limitations remain associated to these approaches. Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

EU Projects - Present and Forecast FP7-SME-2008-1 - Research for the benefit of specific groups 232522/2008 Biosensors and Sensors for the industrial biosynthesis process of widely used commercial antioxidants: nutraceuticals as additives for food and aquaculture promoting public health and safety Coordinator BIOSENSORS Italy The purpose of this 2-years project is to develop sensors and biosensors for on-line monitoring growth parameters of industrial bioprocesses for the production of algal biomass and antioxidant compounds such as Xanthophylls. Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Finalized International Projects IntraBioaDiv - Specific Targeted Research Project 2004 – 2006 Title: “Tracking surrogates for intraspecific biodiversity: towards efficient selection strategies for the conservation of natural genetic resources using comparative mapping and modelling approaches” Coordinator Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France Realisation of a Chorological Atlas for subalpine and alpine panerogam species of the Carpathian mountains and Alpes within Gloria Europe, INTRABIODIV international projects. Realisation a synthesis for conservation stade of Romanian Natural Reservation subalpines and alpines panerogam species – international projects Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Bilateral Agreements Universities of Montpellier, Perpignan, Lyon, Strasbourg (France), University of Bari (Italy), University of Athens (Greece) Unité mixte de Rechérche CNRS/USTL No 8576 Franta, Director: Profesor Jean Claude Michalski, Pr. Emerit Jean Montreuil Université des Science et Technologie de Lille, Laboratoire de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle Universitaté Paris 7, Laboratoire EMI - U 9922 INSERM – Centre Hospitalier Bichat, France, Profesor Jean Claude Ameisen Les Laboratoires Pharmaceutiques MacoPharma, Tourcoing, France, Directeur General Francis Goudaliezl Institut Pasteur Paris, Unite de Physiopathologie des Infections Lentivirales, France, Dr.Jerome Estaquiez Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Facilities Biological Compounds Separation, Identification & Quantification Chromatography: High-liquid chromatography– diode array detection Bidimensional Ultra Flow Liquid Chromatography – Fluorescence detection-diode array detection- MALDI Spectrometry: Fourier Transformed InfraRed, UV-Vis, Fluorescence Electrochemistry: quartz crystal microbalance, electrochemical systems AUTOLAB, VOLTALAB Capillary electrophoresis Proteomics: Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Time of Flight analysis Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Facilities Cellular and molecular biology, biomaterial characterisation: Flow cytometer Cell separator Transmission Electron Microscope Advanced Biosafety Cabinet Class II Laboratory CO2 incubator Inverted microscope Zeiss Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Facilities The Cell Culture Laboratory set up in order to implement the specific European directives (93/42/EEC) Aim: to replace in vivo testing on laboratory animals In vitro cytotoxicity assessing of medical devices; Currently in process of accreditation according to SR EN ISO/CEI 17025:2005 standard directives. Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results 2007 – 2008 Papers 1. Influence of polysaccharides from Viscum album L. on human dermal fibroblasts in vitro, Craciunescu O., Balan M., Gherghina E., Moldovan L., Planta Medica, 73(9), p. 900, 2007 2. Antioxidant activity, phenol and flavonoid contents of some selected Romanian medicinal plants, Alexandru V., Balan M., Gaspar A., Coroiu V., Planta Medica, 73(9), p. 905, 2007 3. ESEM observations on new polyurethane-based materials for biomedical applications: structure and cell adhesion, Craciunescu O., Moldovan L., Bojin D., Vasile C., Zarnescu O., Acta Microscopica, 16 (1-2, Suppl. 2) p.199-200, 2007 4. Lipid nanostructures as carriers for targeting pharmacological active agents; formulation and in vitro studies, Trif M., Moisei M., Chelu F., Moldovan L., Craciunescu O., Roseanu A., Proceedings of European and International Forum on Nanotechnology, Dusseldorf, Germany, 80-82, 2007 5. Nouveaux critères d’évaluation de la viabilité des hématies destinées à la transfusion Mitrofan-Oprea L., Palii C., Tissier J-P., Héron A., Verpoort T., Behague M. , Goudaliez F., Smagghe E., Schooneman, F. Huart J-J., Montreuil J., Bratosin D., Transfus. Clin. Biol., 14, 393-401, 2007 6. Simulating FAS-induced apoptosis by using P systems, S. Cheruku, A. Paun, F.J. Romero-Campero, M.J. Perez-Jimenez, O.H. Ibarra; Progress in Natural Science, 17(4), 424-431, 2007, (ISI Impact factor : 0.531); Review: review number in MathSciNetdata base: MR2332695 (2008e:92015) Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results 2007 – 2008 Papers 7. Normal forms for spiking neural P systems, O. H. Ibarra, A. Paun, Gh. Paun, A. Rodríguez-Patón, P. Sosík, S. Woodworth; Theoretical Computer Science 372(2-3), 2007, 196-217. (ISI Impact factor: 0.843). Review: review number in MathSciNet data base: MR2303146 (2008a:68058) 8. Small universal spiking neural P systems, A. Paun, Gh. Paun, BioSystems, 90 (1), 2007, pp. 48-60. (ISI impact factor:1.080) 9. The influence of refugial population on Lateglacial and early Holocene vegetational changes in Romania, Feurdean, A., Wohlfarth, B., Bjorkman, L., Tantau, I., Bennike, O., Willis, K.J., Farcas, S., Robertsson, A.M., 2007, Review of Paleobot. & Palynology, 145, 305-320. Impact factor: 0.886 10. Weak and variable relationships between environmental severity and small-scale co-occurrence in alpine plant communities, Dullinger S., Kleinbauer I., Pauli H., Gottfried M., Brooker R., Nagy L., Theurillat J.-P., Holten J.I., Abdaladze O., Benito J.-L., Borel J.-L., Coldea G., Ghosn D., Kanka R., Merzouki A., Klettner C., Moiseev P., Molau U., Reiter K., Rossi G., Stancisi A., Tomaselli M., Unterlugauer P., Vittoz P., Grabherr G., 2007, J. Ecol. 95, 1284-1295, 2007. Impact factor: 2.7 11. Cryopreservation of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) shoot tips by encapsulation-vitrification, Halmagyi, A., Deliu, C., 2007, Scientia Horticulturae, 133(3), 300-306. Impact factor: 0.697 Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results 2007 – 2008 Papers 12. The procedure to obtain an electrode with chemical modified surface using L-cisteine and metallic ion determination with consequences in physiological processes Vasilescu, I., Litescu, S., Penu, R., Radu, G.L., 2007, Chemistry Journal, 58 (12), pp. 1101-1166 13. Determination opf hydrosoluble vitamins content and antioxidant capacity of some yeast strains with probiotic potential, Teodor, E., Birsan, C., Smarandache, D., Penu, R., Radu, G.L., 2007, Chemistry Journal, 58 (12), pp. 1249-1252 14. Composite membranes on the basis of new nanomaterials in the class MCM-41 modified with metals and SAPO applied in wastewater purification, Roman, G.P., Parvulescu, V., Radu, G.L., Su, B.-L., 2007, Chemistry Journal, 58 (1), pp. 98-101 15. Stress and displacement in cantilever-based transducers for biosensing application, Bineva, I., Voicu, R., Esinenco, D., Dinescu, A., Muller, R., Bucur, B., Diaconu, M., Radu, L.G. ,2007, Proceedings of the International Semiconductor Conference, CAS, 1, art. no. 4063200, pp. 223-226 16. Improvement of the storage stability for biosensors based on alcohol oxidase immobilized by entrapment in a photopolymerisable matrix, Bucur, B., Bucur, M.P., Radu, G.L., 2007, Chemistry Journal, 58 (11), pp. 1145-1148 Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results 2007 – 2008 Papers 17. On the Hopcroft's minimization technique for DFA and DFCA, A. Paun, M. Paun, A. Rodriguez-Paton, Theoretical Computer Science, Accepted, 0.843 18. Discrete nondeterministic modeling of the FAS pathway, J. Jack, A. Paun, A. Rodriguez-Paton, International Journal of Foundations of Computer Science, Accepted 19. Computing with Cells: Membrane Systems - Some Complexity Issues, O.H. Ibarra, A. Paun, Accepted at Journal of Cellular Automata 20. Spiking neural P systems with extended rules: universality and languages, Chen, H.; Ionescu, M.; Ishdorj, TO; Păun, A.; Păun, Gh.; Pérez-Jiménez, M.. Nat. Comput. 7 (2008), no. 2, 147-166. Review: review number in MathSciNet data base: MR2403208 21. On spiking neural P systems and partially blind counter machines Ibarra, Oscar H.; Woodworth, Sara; Yu, Fang; Păun, Andrei. Nat. Comput. 7 (2008), no. 1, 3—19. Review: review number in MathSciNet data base: MR2407929 22. Sequentiality Induced by Spike Number in SNP Systems, Pre-proceedings of Fourteenth meeting on DNA Computing (DNA14), O.H. Ibarra, A. Paun, A. Rodriguez-Paton, June 2-6, 2008, Prague, Czech Republic, pp. 36-47 Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results 2007 – 2008 Papers 23. Hopcroft's minimization technique: queues or stacks?, A. Paun, M. Paun, A. Rodriguez-Paton, CIAA 13, July 21-24, 2008, San Francisco, USA 24. Effects of HIV-1 Proteins on the Fas-Mediated Apoptotic Signaling Cascade: A Computational Study of Latent CD4+ T Cell Activation, J. Jack, A. Paun, A. Rodriguez-Paton, accepted at Ninth Workshop on Molecular Computation, WMC9, Edinburgh (UK) July 28-31, 2008, 20pp 25. Determination of S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine from human blood samples by HPLC-Fl, Camelia Birsan, SC Litescu, N Cucu, GL Radu, 2008, Analytical Letters, 41(10), 1720-1731 26. EPDM-HDPE blends with differentcure systems/mechanical and infra-red spectrometric properties, Moldovan Z, Ionescu F, Simona Litescu, I Vasilescu, GL Radu,, 2008, Journal of Applied Sciences 8 (1), 86-94 27. Genetic characterisation of some Romanian red wine grapevine varieties, LC Ghetea, RM Motoc, AM Niculescu, SC Litescu, VF Duma, CF Popescu,, 2008, Progress in Biomedical Optics and Ima ging-Proceedings of SPIE 6991, art no 699128 28. Analysis of methanol-ethanol mixtures from falsified beverages using a dual biosensors amperometric system based on alcohol dehydrogenase and alcohol oxidase, Bucur, B., Radu, G.L., Toader, C.N., 2008, European Food Research and Technology, 226 (6), pp. 1335-1342 Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results 2007 – 2008 Papers 29. Obtaining and caracterization of biocompatible supports as microparticles and chitosan-alginate films with immobilized urease, Roman, G.P., Neagu, E., Radu, G.L., Teodor, E., 2008, Chemistry Journal, 59 (2), pp. 208-211 30. Optimization of hydroxyl radical formation using TiO2 as photocatalyst by response surface methodology, Eremia, S.A.V., Chevalier-Lucia, D., Radu, G.-L., Marty, J.-L., 2008, Talanta. Article in Press 31. Inhibition of Low - Density Lipoprotein Peroxidation by BHA use. Fluorimetric Assay,Sandra Eremia, SC Litescu, JL Marty, GL Radu, accepted 2008, in press Analytical Letters 32. The procedure to obtain an electrode with chemical modified surface using L-cisteine and metallic ion determination with consequences in physiological processes, Ioana Vasilescu, Simona Liţescu, R. Penu, G. L. Radu 2007, Chemistry Journal, 58(12), 1101-1106 Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results Books and journals Experimental Techniques in Bioanalysis - ISBN 973-718-373-8 Bioinformatics - Vol I : Molecular computing and simulating methods ISBN (10) 973-31-2299-8 Romanian Biological Sciences (since 1998) - ISSN 1584-0158 Other over 10 books Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results Products Products based on the results of the research made in our institute Produced by PlantaVorel: 1. Products with antiiflamatory and antirheumatic actions: REUMA- solution and REUMA- cream that contains the phytocomplex with antiinflamatory properties and of stimulating the circulatory system, produced from Amoracia rusticana 2. Product with a detoxifying action: DETOX A - tablets with a complex action of eliminating the residues and toxic substances from the organism, assuring its rebalancing 3. Products with antioxidant action: ANTIOXIDANT - capsules and OREGANO hydroalcoholic solution, preventing the formation of the free radicals by an adequate contribution of antioxidants with the aim to maintain a metabolic balance essential to the health state of the organism Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results Products Products based on the results of the research made in our institute Produced by PlantaVorel: 4. Products with immunostimulating, adaptogen, general tonic actions: IMUNOSTIM A - tablets and BASIL - glycerinated solution with a complex, general tonic action of the organism functions and of increasing the unspecific defending resistance of the organism 5. Products with sedative, cardiotonic action: CALMOTON - cardiotonic solution with a complex action on the central nervous system, neurovegetative and against the functional vegetative disorders of the heart Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results Products Products based on the results of the research made in our institute Produced by Hofigal: Gamut of Bio-products based on matricial biopolymers and plant extracts used in the treatment of tissue diseases, improving and sustaining the health of the orgamism. These products are biocompatible, non-allergenic and biodegradable. 1. PLANTINTIM – The product is a gel formula based on bioactive principles, essential oils with an marked antiseptic effect. Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results Products Products based on the results of the research made in our institute Produced by Hofigal: 2. Bucoprotect – This gel can be used in the treatment of painful and bleeding gums. It can be also used in inflammatory diseases of the mouth This bio-product has antiinflamatory, antibacterians, antifungic and cicatrizing effects. 3. Epifin - a formula that contains hidrosoluble collagen, an vegetable oil rich in vitamines, and a volatile oil with antiseptic effect. Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results Patents Diplomas and gold medals were achieved at the International Inventica Saloon – Geneva 2002, 2003, 2004 and in the Worlds Showroom Eureka in Brussels 2003 for bioproducts based on vegetal and animal extracts. Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Results Patents and patent applications Methode pour stimuler la proliferation de cellules differenciees appurtenant au lignage chrondrogenique, French patent No. 0707113/10.10.2007. Authors: Bratosin Daniela, Buia Luminita, Heron A. Montreuil Jean.. INTERNATIONAL PATENT Afinity support and obtain proceedingd for heparine. PATENT No. 98-01052/04.06.1998, Decision No. 3/404/27.10.2005. Authors: Luminita Tcacenco, Ghiocel Radu Paul, Maria Caloianu, Eugenia-Dumitra Teodor, Lucia Moldovan, Daniela Pomponiu. Chromatographic method for polyphenols determination, Patent application No. A/00766/30.09.2008. Author: Gatea Florentina. Chromatographic method for antocyanidins determination, Patent application No. A/00765/30.09.2008. Author: Gatea Florentina. Characteristics improvement for simultaneous analysis of methanol and ethanol without analytes separation by using a biosensor based on AOX extracted from Hansenula polymorpha”, Patent application No. A696/11.09.2008  Authors: Bucur Bogdan, Bucur Madălina Petruța, Radu Gabriel Lucian, Rădulescu Cristina. Biopolymeric materials based on mixtures of polyurethane and natural polymers and preparation method, Patent application No. A/00539/2008. Authors: Lungu Maria, Moldovan Lucia, Craciunescu Oana, Zarnescu Otilia, Vasile Cornelia Biocompatible materials prepared by polyurethane cover with biopolymers and preparation method, Patent application No. A/00468/2008. Authors:Moldovan Lucia, Lungu Maria, Craciunescu Oana. Nanostructured material based on magnetic nanoparticles and hydrogel, and its obtain process, Patent application No. A/00453/26.06.2007. Authors: Eugenia Teodor, C. Petcu, Veronica Lazăr, Mihaela Mihalache. Obtaining method for lypase with Yarrowia lipolitica stem, Patent application No. A/001 178/08.03.2007. Authors: Luminita Tcacenco, Diana Gabriela Groposila Constantinescu, Camelia Filofteia Diguta, Andreea Cozea, Diana Pelinescu, Elena Sasarman. Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Organizing of Scientific Meetings "Biological Diversity – Biotechnologies – socio-economical development“ - national symposium "Bioanalysis versus Biotechnology” - Workshop "Natural Sciences“ – Romanian – Austrian Symposium "Microbiology and Biotechnology“ - Symposium National Congress of Biology "Emil Racovita“ "General and applied entomology“ - National Conference "Entomofaunistics in Central Europe“ - International Symposium "Medicinal Plants - present and perspectives“ - National Symposium Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences

Thank You ! Brussels, November 2008 National Institute R&D for Biological Sciences