The research activity is centred on the development of advanced polymeric hydrogels based on natural and synthetic polymers, with particular expertise in radiation-induced crosslinking using electron-beam irradiation. The developed hydrogels undergo extensive physicochemical, structural, mechanical, and functional characterization to establish relationships between formulation, irradiation conditions, network structure, swelling behaviour, and application performance. A major research direction focuses on multifunctional hydrogel systems incorporating therapeutic agents, essential oils, nanoparticles, or other bioactive compounds for controlled drug delivery, wound healing, and related biomedical applications. Recent work also addresses the influence of environmental parameters, such as water electrical conductivity and pH, on hydrogel structure and swelling dynamics. In addition, the research activity includes expertise in radiation dosimetry, employing chemical and film dosimetry, ionization chambers, and calorimetric methods for accurate absorbed-dose assessment during irradiation processes. The developed polymeric systems have potential applications in controlled drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, agriculture, and environmental remediation.
National Institute for Laser Plasma and Radiation Physics
Bucharest, Bucureşti, Romania