Student Circles

FacultyEducation

Student research circle of the Discipline of Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis

Coordinators:

Main research topics:

  • Electrochemical analysis methods/ Bioelectrochemistry and Biosensors, printed electrochemical sensors and biosensors for rapid analysis of drugs, pathological and physiological markers, hybrid sensors (electrochemical and SPR) for the analysis of antibiotics in water; composite electrodes (metal film, porous electrodes, molecularly imprinted polymers) for the analysis of drugs, environmental samples, food; study of redox mechanisms of drug degradation – extrapolation of in vivo metabolism; preconcentration probes (functionalized porous silica gel magnetic microparticles, graphite felt); electrochemical synthesis of Au nanoparticles, use of nanomaterials in sensor design,  electrochemical methods involved in the targeted drugs delivery, selection of aptamers by SELEX process and their use in biosensing and targeted delivery of drugs, electrochemical detection of pathogenic bacteria, design of screen-printed electrochemical electrodes/cells – SPE, wearable electrochemical sensors for the non-invasive detection of inflammatory mediators expressed in post-COVID-19 syndrome
  • Aptamer selection by SELEX process
  • Controlled drug delivery
  • Bioanalysis – separation techniques, coupled analysis techniques: Liquid chromatography (HPTLC, HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), analysis of pharmaceutical products, biological, environmental, food, plant samples, analytical couplings: LC-ECD, LC-MS, LC-LIF
  • Capillary electrophoresis (chiral) analysis of drug substances, affinity studies
  • Sensor/method development – spectroscopy, electrochemistry:Raman, μRaman, SERS, NIR spectroscopy (± chemometry), development of methods for analyzing pharmaceutical, biological, environmental, food samples, 3D printing applications – paper sensors, Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical sensors – development of methods for analyzing pharmaceutical, biological, environmental, food samples; fundamental studies of processes at the SERS electrode/substrate interface
  • Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP):molecular recognition elements – electrochemical, optical sensors, drug reservoirs – biomedical applications
  • Various analytical applications:multivariate data analysis/regression, chemometrics, affinity studies (isothermal titration calorimetric – ITC)

 

 

Student research circle of the Discipline of Organic Chemistry

Responsible Prof. Dr. Ovidiu Crișan – e-mail ocrisan@umfcluj.ro

The discipline of Organic Chemistry has three modern laboratories, intended for research, each of the laboratories has a specificity, as follows:

  • Laboratory for the synthesis of new “small molecules” – coordinators: Lecturer Dr. Adriana Grozav and Lecturer Dr. Gabriel Marc. In this laboratory we synthesize bioactive compounds with different heterocyclic structures. For example, one of the current research topics is the synthesis of chromones on the basic structure and other heterocyclic structures. These molecules are used as ligands to obtain ruthenium complexes. Both chromones and their derivatives, as well as their ruthenium complexes, will be screened for their anticancer activity.  Another research topic of this laboratory is to obtain polyphenols whose antioxidant action will be tested.
  • Laboratory for the synthesis of oligopeptides – coordinator : Lecturer Dr. Denisa Leonte. The main research topic is the synthesis of linear or cyclic oligopeptides, but also the asymmetric synthesis of amino acids with heterocyclic structure. These molecules have proven antitumor activity, and we are going to carry out in collaboration with other research centres a screening on cell cultures regarding the anticancer action.
  • Laboratory for Oligonucleotide Synthesis, Analysis and Separation of Synthesized Compounds, Modelling and Molecular Dynamics Studies – coordinators : Lecturer Dr. Gabriel Marc, Lecturer Dr. Denisa Leonte, Lecturer Dr. Adriana Grozav. This laboratory is equipped with specific equipment for chromatographic analysis and separation methods of synthesized substances, as well as an automatic device for oligonucleotide synthesis, but also hardware and software for modelling and molecular dynamics studies.

 

 

Student research circle of the Discipline of Toxicology

Research group coordinator: Lecturer dr. Ionel Fizeșan, e-mail: ionel.fizesan@umfcluj.ro

Within the Toxicology Department of the Faculty of Pharmacy, a student research club operates, dedicated to deepening knowledge and developing practical skills for students passionate about toxicology. The club provides an interactive environment where students can engage in research activities and laboratory experiments, under the coordination of Lecturer Dr. Ionel Fizeșan. The main objective of the club is to familiarize students with modern methods used in toxicological research and to encourage critical and analytical thinking regarding the issues of potentially toxic substances and their impact on human health and the environment.

The topics addressed are diverse and reflect current research directions. One significant research area is the development and biological characterization through in vitro evaluation of magnetic nanoparticles for use in cancer treatment via magnetic hyperthermia. Another topic of interest involves the in vitro investigation of the biological activity of extracts from plant products, including medicinal plants and underutilized agricultural by-products, aimed at evaluating their antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, research includes analyzing these extracts to highlight their dermatological and cosmetic potential. This research direction aligns with current European strategies regarding sustainability and the smart use of natural resources.

In addition to practical activities, the club includes theoretical training sessions and the initiation of personal projects, which may lead to the writing of scientific articles or dissertation papers with a practical component. Participation in the club offers students a valuable opportunity to strengthen their professional training, work in a team, develop research skills, and interact with faculty members and active researchers in the field.

 

 

Student research circle of the Discipline of Pharmaceutical biochemistry and Clinical laboratory

Teaching staff involved: Associate Professor Elena Cristina Crăciun – cristina.craciun@umfcluj.ro

Research topics :

  • Study of vitamin D status in adolescents and preadolescents
  • Research on natural compounds for the prevention of diabetes complications
  • Evaluation of vitamin B12 status in the Romanian population

 

 

Student research circle of the Discipline of Pharmaceutical Botany

Coordinators:

Research subjects:

  • Determination and identification of vegetal medicinal species from the Romanian flora
  • Inventory and conservation of vegetal medicinal species and with therapeutic potential
  • Stereomicroscopic analysis of morphological characters of vegetal medicinal species
  • Microscopic study of vegetative and reproductive organs of vegetal medicinal species
  • Microscopic analysis of vegetal medicinal products
  • Analysis of animal cells and tissues by different staining methods
  • Study of techniques for isolating nucleic acids from animal and vegetal tissues
  • Research on optimizing the extraction process of active principles from vegetal species
  • Study of modern techniques for extracting bioactive compounds from various vegetal matrices
  • Spectrophotometric determination of some bioactive metabolites from vegetal extracts
  • Spectrophotometric evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of vegetal extracts
  • Spectrophotometric analysis of the enzymatic inhibition potential of some bioactive metabolites from medicinal species

 

 

Student research circle of the Discipline of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition

Coordinator of the student scientific circle: Prof. Dr. Lorena Filip, email: lfilip@umfcluj.ro

The research activity within the department’s student scientific circle includes the following topics:

  • research in the field of nutrition and dietetics;
  • the study of bioactive substances in different food matrices;
  • water quality analysis;
  • the determination of phenolic compounds in Romanian wines;
  • the study of the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds in Romanian wines and their role as prophylactic and therapeutic agents in various diseases;
  • the evaluation of the influence of factors such as species, breed, behavior, and animal diet on the composition of cow and goat milk, especially on the profile of liposoluble components beneficial for human health;
  • the study of the biological activity of different components in milk, allowing their use in the prevention and adjuvant therapy of various diseases;
  • the detailed study of the mechanisms underlying drug-food interactions;
  • the analysis of mycotoxins in food matrices and biological fluids;
  • the study on the role of the pharmacist in implementing a healthy lifestyle;
  • the role of diet in the prevention and treatment of digestive disorders;
  • research on nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life.

 

 

Student research circle of the Discipline of Pharmacognosy

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ilioara Oniga – ioniga@umfcluj.ro

Coordinators;

Research topics:

Pharmacognostic analyses (qualitative and quantitative analyses of active compounds such as: flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives, tannins, volatile oils, etc.) of plant products obtained from medicinally relevant species: Betula sp., Crataegus sp., Thymus sp., Rosmarinus officinalis, Satureja hortensis,  Cichorium intybus, Taraxacum officinale, Lavandula officinalis, Bidens trifoliata, Achillea sp., Polianthes sp. etc.

 

 

Student research circle of the Discipline of Dermopharmacy and Cosmetics

Coordinator:  Prof. Mirela Moldovan, PhD, email: mmoldovan@umfcluj.ro

Presentation

The student circle of the Dermopharmacy and Cosmetology discipline targets students interested in skin health and beauty. The activity of the circle aims to deepen theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of dermocosmetology, deepen skills related to the development and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of dermocosmetic products, as well as the techniques and procedures used in the field of medical cosmetics.

Aims

  • Promoting scientific research in the field of dermopharmacy, cosmetology and medical cosmetics.
  • Developing critical analysis capacity through thematic presentations and interactive discussions on the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic products.

Proposed Activities

  • Research topics in the field of development and characterization of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products for topical use: solutions, emulsions, creams, foams, films, products obtained through nanotechnology, as well as in the evaluation of cosmetic product efficacy.
  • Debates, case studies, and projects focused on the safety assessment of cosmetic products.
  •  Participation in workshops organized by the Department of Dermopharmacy and Cosmetics on topics of interest related to dermopharmacy, cosmetology, and medical cosmetics.
  • Interactive presentations and meetings with professionals from the field of medical cosmetics.
  • Competitions organized by the Department of Dermopharmacy and Cosmetology on topics related to dermopharmacy, cosmetology, and medical cosmetics.

Who can participate?

  • Students from the Pharmacy study programs in Romanian and in French, Faculty of Pharmacy.
  • Students from the Medical cosmetics and cosmetic product technology study program, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences.

 

 

Student research circle of the Discipline of Pharmaceutical Legislation and Management

Student circle: Pharmaceutical legislation and ethics

Coordinator: Prof. dr. Ofelia Crișan, email: toma.alexandra@umfcluj.ro

Coordinator of the French section: Lecturer dr. Alexandra Toma

Topics covered: legislation and ethics of the pharmacist profession, legislation on medicine and other health products, legislation on pharmacovigilance

 

 

Student circle: Management and Marketing

Coordinator: Assoc. prof. dr. Anamaria Boboia, email: aboboia@umfcluj.ro

Topics covered: management methods, quality management systems, marketing analysis regarding the pharmaceutical market

 

 

Student research circle of the Discipline of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics

Coordinator: prof.dr. Ioan Tomuță, email: tomutaioan@umfcluj.ro

Research topics:

  • Solid oral dosage forms (pre-formulation, formulation and manufacturing process optimization of immediate release solid dosage forms and modified release solid dosage forms; development of pharmaceutical products within the Quality by Design concept; use of Process Analytical Technology;
  • Paediatric dosage forms (preparation and characterisation of innovative dosage forms tailored for the paediatric population);
  • 3D printed dosage forms (preparation and characterization of solid dosage forms obtained by 3D printing via fussed deposition modeling; physico-chemical and pharmaceutical characterization of filaments obtained by hot melt extrusion);
  • Microparticulate drug delivery systems;
  • Nanosystems (preparation and characterization of liposomes,ethosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipidnanoparticles intended as drug delivery systems);
  • Topical products (preparation and characterization of gels, creams, ointments, lotions, polymeric films);
  • Extractive preparations;
  • Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability (preclinical or clinical studies for determination of drugbioavailability, bioequivalence and pharmacokinetics, pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions, pharmacokinetic modelling, in vitro – in vivo correlations)