Ionut-Iulian Lungu

Dr. Ionut-Iulian Lungu

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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23 May 2025 in Polymers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ASAlina Stefanache
Alina Stefanache
Ionut-Iulian LunguIonut-Iulian Lungu
Ionut-Iulian Lungu
Nicoleta AntonNicoleta Anton
Nicoleta Anton
DDDaniela Damir
Daniela Damir
CGCristian Gutu
Cristian Gutu
MBMonica Boev
Monica Boev
The effectiveness and uses of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) in drug delivery systems are examined in this work. Important results include the improved drug encapsulating efficiency: CNPs showed up to 90% encapsulation for different therapeutic agents. Furthermore, the research shows that CNPs provide extended-release patterns, greatly enhancing medication bioavailability especially for hydrophobic compounds. One interesting outcome was the greater drug stability in acidic surroundings, which are common in the stomach, where CNPs turn into a gel and later inflate in the intestine where the drug is released. Moreover, CNPs showed a 2–3-fold improvement in the absorption of encapsulated pharmaceuticals relative to traditional formulations, therefore indicating their capacity to overcome the problems of low oral bioavailability. These nanoparticles’ pH-sensitive character produced a 50–70% increase in drug release at certain pH values, hence maximizing therapeutic results. Significantly less systemic toxicity was seen in the in vivo tests, and at therapeutic dosages there were no noted side effects. Histological study confirmed the biocompatibility and non-toxicity of CNPs, therefore attesting their fit for long-term usage. These results highlight the great potential of CNPs in providing effective, focused, continuous drug release, hence improving therapeutic effectiveness and patient compliance.

1 November 2023 in Journal of Immunology Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ASAlina Stefanache
Alina Stefanache
Ionut-Iulian LunguIonut-Iulian Lungu
Ionut-Iulian Lungu
IBIoan-Adrian Butnariu
Ioan-Adrian Butnariu
GABRIELA CALIN (MIHALACHE)GABRIELA CALIN (MIHALACHE)
GABRIELA CALIN (MIHALACHE)
CGCristian Gutu
Cristian Gutu
DDDaniela Damir
Daniela Damir
Sufficient mineral supply is vital not only for the innate immune system but also for the components of the adaptive immune defense, which encompass defense mechanisms against pathogens and the delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory regulation in the long term. Generally, a well-balanced diet is capable of providing the necessary minerals to support the immune system. Nevertheless, specific vulnerable populations should be cautious about obtaining adequate amounts of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. Inadequate levels of these minerals can temporarily impair immune competence and disrupt the long-term regulation of systemic inflammation. Therefore, comprehending the mechanisms and sources of these minerals is crucial. In exceptional circumstances, mineral deficiencies may necessitate supplementation; however, excessive intake of supplements can have adverse effects on the immune system and should be avoided. Consequently, any supplementation should be approved by medical professionals and administered in recommended doses. This review emphasizes the crucial significance of minerals in promoting optimal functioning of the immune system. It investigates the indispensable minerals required for immune system function and the regulation of inflammation. Moreover, it delves into the significance of maintaining an optimized intake of minerals from a nutritional standpoint.

18 April 2025 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DBDenisa Batir-Marin
Denisa Batir-Marin
MBMonica Boev
Monica Boev
Oana CioancaOana Cioanca
Oana Cioanca
Ionut-Iulian LunguIonut-Iulian Lungu
Ionut-Iulian Lungu
GMGeorge-Alexandru Marin
George-Alexandru Marin
MHMonica Hancianu
Monica Hancianu
Nanoparticles (NPs) have revolutionized biomedical and pharmaceutical applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, their widespread use has raised concerns regarding their potential toxicity, particularly mediated by oxidative stress mechanisms. This redox imbalance, primarily driven by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a central role in NP-induced toxicity, leading to cellular dysfunction, inflammation, apoptosis, and genotoxicity. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a powerful in vivo model for nanotoxicology, offering advantages such as genetic similarity to humans, rapid development, and optical transparency, allowing real-time monitoring of oxidative damage. This review synthesizes current findings on NP-induced oxidative stress in zebrafish, highlighting key toxicity mechanisms and case studies involving metallic (gold, silver, copper), metal oxide (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide), polymeric, and lipid-based NPs. The influence of NP physicochemical properties, such as size, surface charge, and functionalization, on oxidative stress responses is explored. Additionally, experimental approaches used to assess ROS generation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and oxidative damage biomarkers in zebrafish models are examined. In addition to toxicity concerns, pharmaceutical applications of antioxidant-modified NPs are evaluated, particularly their potential in drug delivery, neuroprotection, and disease therapeutics. Notably, studies show that curcumin- and quercetin-loaded nanoparticles enhance antioxidant defense and reduce neurotoxicity in zebrafish models, demonstrating their promise in neuroprotective therapies. Furthermore, cerium oxide nanoparticles, which mimic catalase and SOD enzymatic activity, have shown significant efficacy in reducing ROS and protecting against oxidative damage. Challenges in zebrafish-based nanotoxicology, the need for standardized methodologies, and future directions for optimizing NP design to minimize oxidative stress-related risks are also discussed. By integrating insights from toxicity mechanisms, case studies, and pharmaceutical strategies, this review supports the development of safer and more effective nanoparticle-based therapies while addressing the challenges of oxidative stress-related toxicity.

1 June 2024 in Separations
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Oana CioancaOana Cioanca
Oana Cioanca
Ionut-Iulian LunguIonut-Iulian Lungu
Ionut-Iulian Lungu
IMIoana Mita-Baciu
Ioana Mita-Baciu
SRSilvia Robu
Silvia Robu
ABAna Flavia Burlec
Ana Flavia Burlec
FCFlorina Crivoi
Florina Crivoi
This review study explores the complex methods involved in the extraction and purification of polyphenols, specifically catechins, prominent compounds that are bioactive and found in plant-based extracts and foods like tea. This study also addresses the challenges that may arise from the complex chemical structure of catechins and their inherent variability across botanical sources. Despite these shortcomings and obstacles, catechins and catechin derivatives present significant potential, particularly in healthcare but also in the food industry. Their enhanced antioxidant properties have been exhaustively investigated and associated with countless health benefits, making them promising agents with numerous applications, most notably in healthcare against chronic diseases. Furthermore, catechins have numerous applications across various industries, including food and beverage, cosmetics, agriculture, and materials science. This review is a compilation of the most notable and recent research found in the literature and emphasizes the importance of continued research and innovation in catechin separation, extraction, and utilization, which hold promise for advancing human health and technological progress across multiple domains.

17 June 2025 in Appliedchem
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ASAlina Stefanache
Alina Stefanache
MAMarcinschi Alexandra
Marcinschi Alexandra
GMGeorge-Alexandru Marin
George-Alexandru Marin
AMAndreea-Maria Mitran
Andreea-Maria Mitran
Ionut-Iulian LunguIonut-Iulian Lungu
Ionut-Iulian Lungu
MHMonica Hancianu
Monica Hancianu
The Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe addresses the environmental implications at all stages of the life cycle of pharmaceuticals, from design and production through use to disposal. In the last decade, “green chemistry” has transformed pharmaceuticals by promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. This review discusses the latest developments in green chemistry approaches, which are applied in drug design and production, including the concepts, innovative techniques, and methodologies. This review is notably built on over 80 documents and demonstrates the practical application of green chemistry principles in pharmaceutical synthesis, emphasizing successful implementation and the environmental benefits achieved. Therefore, this review discusses the positive changes brought by green chemistry to pharmaceutical production and highlights the need for further research in designing and manufacturing “greener” substances, as well as in pollution abatement.

7 March 2026 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Ionut-Iulian LunguIonut-Iulian Lungu
Ionut-Iulian Lungu
ASAlina Stefanache
Alina Stefanache
Nicoleta AntonNicoleta Anton
Nicoleta Anton
ALAndreea Lungu
Andreea Lungu
VPVera-Maria Platon
Vera-Maria Platon
MHMonica Hancianu
Monica Hancianu
Copper-based nanoparticles, especially metallic copper (Cu NPs) and copper oxide (CuO NPs), have attracted increasing attention due to their redox activity, biological efficacy, and technological applications. However, conventional chemical synthesis often involves toxic reagents, limiting their biomedical applicability. In this context, plant-mediated green synthesis has evolved and has become a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the biosynthesis of Cu and CuO nanoparticles using plant extracts. The main synthesis pathways are examined, with emphasis on the role of phytochemicals as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents, as well as the influence of reaction parameters on nanoparticle yield. The review highlights the diversity of plant species and extract types used and clarifies their effects on nanoparticle size, morphology, oxidation state, and surface chemistry. Key physicochemical characterization techniques (ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy, and zeta potential analysis) are systematically discussed. Moreover, a summary of in vitro and in vivo biological activities is provided, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, anticancer, wound-healing, and plant-growth-promoting effects. Overall, plant-mediated copper-based nanoparticles demonstrate significant potential as biofunctional nanomaterials. Nevertheless, challenges concerning reproducibility, mechanistic understanding, standardization and toxicological evaluation must be addressed to facilitate reliable translation into biomedical applications.