Ioana Lacatusu

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Multidisciplinary

Scopus Publications

Hybrid Carbohydrate–Lipid Nanocarriers: In Vitro Efficacy Gene-Rated by Association of UV-Absorbers and Raspberry Polyphenols Rich-Fraction
Nicoleta Badea, Diego Samayoa, Alina Moroşan, Cristina Ott, and Ioana Lacatusu
MDPI AG
Background/Objectives: The study aims to investigate an improved version of lipid nanocarriers (NLCs) (formulated with functional coconut butter and marula oil) by designing hyaluronic acid (HA) decorated NLC co-loaded with dual UVA (butyl methoxy dibenzoyl methane, BMDBM), UVB absorbers (ethyl-hexyl-salicylate, EHS) and a Raspberry rich polyphenols fraction (RPRF) for development of more natural NLC-based to-pical formulations. Methods: Quality and quantitative attributes of classic- and HA-NLC have been assigned based on particle size, electrokinetic potential, encapsulation efficiency, spectroscopic characteristics, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. To establish the performance profile of antioxidant activity, release of active substances, sun blocking action, and photostability, in vitro studies were conducted. Results: NLC with an average size of ~150 nm and zeta potentials < −39.5 mV showed 80% and 93.1% of encapsulation efficiency for BMDBM and EHS, and up to 83% for natural RPRF. A long-lasting release of absorbers, with a maximum cumulative release of 2.1% BMDBM and 4.6% EHS was detected. NLC-UV Abs-RPRF-HA assured 72.83% radical scavenging activity. The IC50 for HA-NLC-UV Abs-RPRF was 6.25-fold lower than NLC-UV Abs-HA, which reflects the greater free radical scavenging action. The conditioned NLC–UV Abs-RPRF-HA cream was able to provide a sun protection factor value of 52 and UVA-PF value of 81, which underlines an impressive removal of both categories of UVA and UVB radiation. A significant photoprotective upregulation, four-fold for the topical formulation with NLC-UV Abs-RPRF-HA, resulted after a simulated irradiation process. Conclusions: HA decorated-NLC-conditioned creams might provide a useful platform for developing na-tural and sophisticated dermal delivery systems, for influencing skin permeability, and for synergistically imparting antioxidant and photoprotective actions to cosmetic pro-ducts.


Hybrid Albumin-Decorated Lipid-Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of Polyphenol-Rich Sambucus nigra L. in a Potential Multiple Antitumoural Therapy
Robert Tincu, Mirela Mihaila, Marinela Bostan, Daniela Istrati, Nicoleta Badea, and Ioana Lacatusu
MDPI AG
The current research attempted to address the suitability of bioactive Sambucus nigra extract entrapped in albumin-decorated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a promising “adjuvant” in improving tumour penetration for multiple antitumour therapy. The new hybrid albumin-decorated NLCs were characterised based on, e.g., the particle size, zeta electrokinetic potential, SambucusN entrapment efficiency, and fluorescence spectroscopy and tested for different formulation parameters. The antioxidant activity of NLC-SambucusN was significantly enhanced by a bovine serum albumin (BSA) polymer coating. According to the real-time cell analysis (RTCA) results, NLC-I–SambucusN–BSA behaved similarly to the chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin, with cell viability for LoVo tumour cells of 21.81 ± 1.18%. The new albumin–NLC–SambucusN arrested cancer cells in G1 and G2 cycles and intensified the apoptosis process in both early and late phases. An advanced induction, over 50% apoptosis in LoVo colon cells, was registered for 50 μg/mL of NLC-II-SambucusN-BSA, a fourfold increase compared to that of untreated cells. RTCA and flow cytometry results showed that concentrations of the hybrid NLC–SambucusN up to 50 μg/mL do not affect the proliferation of normal HUVEC cells. This approach provides insightful information regarding the involvement of phytochemicals in future therapeutic strategies. Albumin-decorated NLCs can be considered a noteworthy strategy to be connected to antitumour therapeutic protocols.


PRE-FORMULATION, FORMULATION AND PILOT SCALE-UP STUDIES TO ESTABLISH THE QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION OF AN INNOVATIVE NANOFORM DIETARY SUPPLEMENT FOR MENOPAUSAL THERAPY




Safety of Innovative Nanotechnology Oral Formulations Loaded with Bioactive Menopause Molecules: Influence of Genotoxicity and Biochemical Parameters on a Menopausal Rat Model
Simona Crișan, Anca Lucia Pop, Ioana Lacatusu, Nicoleta Badea, Cosmin Mustaciosu, Mihai Radu, Valentin Nicolae Varlas, Ovidiu Nicolae Peneş, Anne Marie Ciobanu, Manuela Ghica,et al.
MDPI AG
In recent years, nanoparticles have gained significant importance due to their unique properties, such as pharmacological, electrical, optical, and magnetic abilities, contributing to the growth of the science and technology sector. Particular naturally derived biomolecules with beneficial effects on menopause disorder have been the subject of studies of pharmaceutical formulation to obtain alternative pharmaceutical forms with increased bioavailability and without side effects, as in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with such active ingredients. In the present study, one stage of a broader project, we have performed pharmacotoxicology studies for six combinatory innovative nanocapsule pharmaceutical forms containing active natural biomolecules before considering them as oral formulas for (1) in vitro toxicity studies on culture cells and (2) in vivo preclinical studies on a surgically induced menopause model of Wistar female rats, and the influence of the NLCs on key biochemical parameters: lipid profile (TG, Chol, HDL), glycemic markers (Gli), bone markers (Pac, Palc, Ca, phosphorus), renal markers (Crea, urea, URAC), inflammation (TNF), oxidative stress (GSH, MDA), and estrogen–progesterone hormonal profile. The micronucleus test did not reveal the genotoxicity of the tested compounds; the menopause model showed no significant safety concerns for the six tested formulas evaluated using the blood biochemical parameters; and the results showed the potential hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypouricemic, and antioxidant potential of one of the tested formulas containing nano diosgenin and glycyrrhizic acid.


Phytochemical Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Investigation on Cotton and Wool Textiles
Mihaela Cristina Lite, Roxana Constantinescu, Elena Cornelia Tănăsescu, Andrei Kuncser, Cosmin Romanițan, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Ioana Lacatusu, and Nicoleta Badea
MDPI AG
The use of bio-based reagents for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) production has gained much attention among researchers as it has paved the way for environmentally friendly approaches at low cost for synthesizing nanomaterials while maintaining their properties. In this study, Stellaria media aqueous extract was used for silver nanoparticle phyto-synthesis, and the resulting treatment was applied to textile fabrics to test its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi strains. The chromatic effect was also established by determining the L*a*b* parameters. For optimizing the synthesis, different ratios of extract to silver precursor were tested using UV-Vis spectroscopy to observe the SPR-specific band. Moreover, the AgNP dispersions were tested for their antioxidant properties using chemiluminescence and TEAC methods, and the phenolic content was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocâlteu method. For the optimal ratio, values of average size, 50.11 ± 3.25 nm, zeta potential, −27.10 ± 2.16 mV, and polydispersity index, 0.209, were obtained via the DLS technique and zeta potential measurements. AgNPs were further characterized by EDX and XRD techniques to confirm their formation and by microscopic techniques to evaluate their morphology. TEM measurements revealed cvasi-spherical particles with sizes in the range of 10–30 nm, while SEM images confirmed their uniform distribution on the textile fiber surface.


Polygonum cuspidatum Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Dual Inhibition of TNF-α- and IL-6 Cytokines and Free Radical Species
Teodora-Alexandra Iordache, Nicoleta Badea, Mirela Mihaila, Simona Crisan, Anca Lucia Pop, and Ioana Lacatusu
MDPI AG
The main objective of this study was the testing of natural compounds, such as Polygonum cuspidatum (PgnC) loaded into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), which can act as a “double-edged sword” aimed at simultaneously combating dangerous free radicals and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. Resveratrol-rich PgnC extract was paired with another phytochemical, Diosgenin (DSG), in NLC. The lipid nanocarriers carrying both herbals (NLC-DSG-PgnC) had spherical diameters (100 ± 2 50 nm), a polydispersity index of ~0.15, and electrokinetic potentials greater than −46.5 mV. Entrapment efficiencies of 65% for PgnC and 87% for DSG were determined by chromatographic and UV-Vis spectroscopy assays. Cell cytotoxicity analysis proved that 50 µg/mL of NLC-PgnC and dual-NLC ensured a biocompatible effect like the untreated cells. The dual-NLC assured a much slower in vitro release of DSG and PgnC (67% PgnC and 48% DSG) than the individual-NLC (78% PgnC and 47% DSG) after 4 h of experiments. NLC encapsulating PgnC presented a superior ability to capture cationic radicals: 74.5 and 77.9%. The chemiluminescence results pointed out the non-involvement of DSG in stopping oxygenated free radicals, while the antioxidant activity was maintained at a level higher than 97% for dual-NLC. NLC-DSG-PgnC ensured a promising capacity for inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, ranging from 91.9 to 94.9%.


Novel Bovine Serum Albumin-Decorated–Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Able to Modulate Apoptosis and Cell-Cycle Response in Ovarian, Breast, and Colon Tumoral Cells
Robert Tincu, Mirela Mihaila, Marinela Bostan, Florina Teodorescu, Daniela Istrati, Nicoleta Badea, and Ioana Lacatusu
MDPI AG
A novel nanoscale approach was developed for the improved cellular internalization of hybrid bovine serum albumin–lipid nanocarriers loaded with piperine (NLC-Pip–BSA) in different tumor cells. The effect of the BSA-targeted–NLC-Pip and untargeted-NLC-Pip on the viability, proliferation, and levels of cell-cycle damage and apoptosis in the colon (LoVo), ovarian (SKOV3) and breast (MCF7) adenocarcinoma cell lines was comparatively discussed. NLCs were characterized concerning particle size, morphology, zeta potential, phytochemical encapsulation efficiency, ATR-FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results showed that NLC-Pip–BSA showed a mean size below 140 nm, a zeta potential of −60 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 81.94% for NLC-Pip and 80.45% for NLC-Pip–BSA. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the coating of the NLC with the albumin. By MTS and RTCA assays, NLC-Pip–BSA showed a more pronounced response against the LoVo colon cell line and MCF-7 breast tumor cell lines than against the ovarian SKOV-3 cell line. Flow cytometry assay demonstrated that the targeted NLC-Pip had more cytotoxicity and improved apoptosis than the untargeted ones in MCF-7 tumor cells (p < 0.05). NLC-Pip caused a significant increase in MCF-7 breast tumor cell apoptosis of ~8X, while NLC-Pip–BSA has shown an 11-fold increase in apoptosis.


Influence of basil oil extract on the antioxidant and antifungal activities of nanostructured carriers loaded with nystatin
Gabriela Badea, Alin Gabriel Bors, Ioana Lacatusu, Ovidiu Oprea, Camelia Ungureanu, Raluca Stan, and Aurelia Meghea
Elsevier BV



COMPARATIVE DISSOLUTION STUDY OF A SOLID PHARMACEUTICAL FORM CONTAINING NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIER (NLC) INCORPORATING DIOSGENIN – CONVENTIONAL VERSUS BIORELEVANT DISSOLUTION MEDIA
ANCA LUCIA POP
Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice din Romania



Design of Green Silver Nanoparticles Based on Primula Officinalis Extract for Textile Preservation
Mihaela Cristina Lite, Rodica Roxana Constantinescu, Elena Cornelia Tănăsescu, Andrei Kuncser, Cosmin Romanițan, Ioana Lăcătuşu, and Nicoleta Badea
MDPI AG
The present study aims to bring an addition to biomass resources valorization for environmental-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles. Thus, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed, using a novel and effective reducing agent, Primula officinalis extract. The synthesis was optimized by monitoring the characteristic absorption bands, using UV–Vis spectroscopy, and by evaluating the size and physical stability. The phenolic consumption was established using Folin-Ciocâlteu method (1.40 ± 0.42 mg, representing ~5% from the total amount of poly--phenols) and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using chemiluminescence and TEAC methods. The optimum ratio extract to Ag ions was 1:3, for which the AgNPs presented a zeta potential value of −29.3 ± 1.2 mV and particles size of 5–30 nm. For characterization, EDS and XRD techniques were used, along with microscopy techniques (TEM). The AgNPs dispersions were applied on natural textile samples (cotton and wool), as a novel antimicrobial treatment for textile preservation. The treated fabrics were further characterized in terms of chromatic parameters and antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Penicillium hirsutum strains. The high percentages of bacterial reduction, >99%, revealed that the AgNPs produced are a good candidate for textiles preservation against microbial degradation.


Salicin and Hederacoside C-Based Extracts and UV-Absorbers Co-Loaded into Bioactive Lipid Nanocarriers with Promoted Skin Antiaging and Hydrating Efficacy
Ioana Lacatusu, Brindusa Balanuca, Andrada Serafim, Cristina Ott, Mariana Prodana, and Nicoleta Badea
MDPI AG
Conventional and herbal active principles can be combined in a beneficial harmony using their best features and compensating for the certain weaknesses of each. The study will answer the question, “how can willow bark extract (Wbe) or ivy leaf extract (Ile) influence the photoprotective, skin permeation and hydration properties of Bioactive Lipid Nanocarriers (BLN) loaded with UV-filters and selected herbals?”. BLN-Wbe/Ile-UV-filters were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, thermal behavior, entrapment efficiency and drug loading. The formulated BLN-hydrogels (HG) were subjected to in vitro release and permeation experiments. The in vitro determination of sun protection factors, as well as comparative in vitro photostability tests, rheology behavior and in vivo hydration status have been also considered for hydrogels containing BLN-Ile/Wbe-UV-filters. Photoprotection of BLN-HG against UVA rays was more pronounced as compared with the UVB (UVA-PF reached values of 30, while the maximum SPF value was 13). The in vitro irradiation study demonstrated the photostability of BLN-HG under UV exposure. A noteworthy cosmetic efficacy was detected by in vivo skin test (hydration effect reached 97% for the BLN-Wbe-UV-filters prepared with pomegranate oil). The research novelty, represented by the first-time co-optation of the active herbal extracts (Wbe and Ile) together with two synthetic filters in the same nanostructured delivery system, will provide appropriate scientific support for the cosmetic industry to design novel marketed formulations with improved quality and health benefices.


CURCUMIN CO-LOADED WITH A LIPID MEDIATOR IN THE SAME NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID DELIVERY SYSTEM
LUCIA MARINA CRISTINA COC 
Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice din Romania



THE INFLUENCE OF VEGETABLE OIL AND SELF-ORGANIZING AGENTS’ COMPOSITION ON OBTAINING STABLE NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS




Challenges in coopted hydrophilic and lipophilic herbal bioactives in the same nanostructured carriers for effective bioavailability and anti-inflammatory action
Teodora-Alexandra Iordache, Nicoleta Badea, Mirela Mihaila, Simona Crisan, Anca Lucia Pop, and Ioana Lacatusu
MDPI AG
There is ongoing research on various herbal bioactives and delivery systems which indicates that both lipid nanocarriers and herbal medicines will be fine tunned and integrated for future bio-medical applications. The current study was undertaken to systematically develop NLC-DSG-yam extract for the improved efficacy of herbal Diosgenin (DSG) in the management of anti-inflammatory disorders. NLCs were characterized regarding the mean size of the particles, morphological characteristics, physical stability in time, thermal behaviour, and entrapment efficiency of the herbal bioactive. Encapsulation efficiency and in vitro antioxidant activity measured the differences between the individual and dual co-loaded-NLC, the co-loaded one assuring a prolonged controlled release of DSG and a more emphasized ability of capturing short-life reactive oxygen species (ROS). NLCs safety properties were monitored following the in vitro MTS ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium reduction assay) and RTCA (Real-Time Cell Analysis) assays. Concentrations less than 50 μg/mL showed no cytotoxic effects during in vitro cytotoxicity assays. Besides, the NLC-DSG-yam extract revealed a great anti-inflammatory effect, as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) was significantly inhibited at 50 μg/mL NLC (e.g., 98.2% ± 1.07 inhibition of TNF-α, while for IL-6 the inhibition percentage was of 62% ± 1.07). Concluding, using appropriate lipid nanocarriers, the most desirable properties of herbal bioactives could be improved.


Multifaced role of dual herbal principles loaded-lipid nanocarriers in providing high therapeutic efficacity
Ioana Lacatusu, Teodora Alexandra Iordache, Mirela Mihaila, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Anca Lucia Pop, and Nicoleta Badea
MDPI AG
Although many phytochemicals have been used in traditional medicine, there is a great need to refresh the health benefits and adjust the shortcomings of herbal medicine. In this research, two herbal principles (Diosgenin and Glycyrrhiza glabra extract) coopted in the Nanostructured Lipid Carriers have been developed for improving the most desirable properties of herbal medicine—antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The contribution of phytochemicals, vegetable oils and of lipid matrices has been highlighted by comparative study of size, stability, entrapment efficiency, morphological characteristics, and thermal behavior. According to the in vitro MTS and RTCA results, the dual herbal-NLCs were no cytotoxic toward endothelial cells at concentrations between 25 and 100 µg/mL. A rapid release of Glycyrrhiza glabra and a motivated delay of Diosgenin was detected by the in vitro release experiments. Dual herbal-NLCs showed an elevated ability to annihilate long-life cationic radicals (ABTS•+) and short-life oxygenated radicals (an inhibition of 63.4% ABTS•+, while the ability to capture radical oxygen species reached 96%). The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was significantly inhibited by the newly herbals-NLC (up to 97.9% inhibition of TNF-α and 62.5% for IL-6). The study may open a new pharmacotherapy horizon; it provides a comprehensive basis for the use of herbal-NLC in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.


Effective Lipid Nanocarriers Based on Linseed Oil for Delivery of Natural Polyphenolic Active
Lucia Marina Cristina Coc, Ioana Lacatusu, Nicoleta Badea, Marcela Elisabeta Barbinta-Patrascu, and Aurelia Meghea
Hindawi Limited
The main purpose of the present research was to test the ability of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to efficiently host a hydrophilic polyphenol active with health-promoting activities (caffeic acid (CA)). The caffeic acid-loaded lipid nanocarriers (CA-NLCs) were obtained by high-pressure homogenization technique using a surfactant mixture of Tween 20 and L-α-phosphatidylcholine in association with a lipid mixture of linseed oil, hexadecyl palmitate, and glycerol monostearate. In the first stage, the proportion between surfactant mixture and lipid phase has been varied to obtain appropriate stable nanocarriers. The optimized NLCs have been further loaded with different amounts of caffeic acid and were analyzed in terms of physical stability, size characteristics, and encapsulation efficiency. The antioxidant activity of CA-loaded NLCs and their release behavior have been tested by specific in vitro methods, e.g., ABTS (2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay and release experiments, by Franz cell diffusion. The ABTS assay highlighted a high antioxidant potential of the caffeic acid in association with linseed oil. The capacity to capture ABTS cationic radicals was superior for the NLC entrapping an initial amount of 1.5% CA, the level of antioxidant capacity being 91.3%. The in vitro release experiments showed a different release behavior, depending on the initial amount of caffeic acid used. NLC loaded with a higher concentration of CA manifests a gradual slow release, e.g., 45% CA after 24 h of in vitro experiments, while the NLC loaded with smaller concentration of CA assured a higher release in time, around 65%.


The association effect of cocoa butter with vegetable oils on the obtaining of lipid nanocarriers loaded with antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs
Aurelia BRATU, , Cristina OTT, Brindusa BALANUCA, Nicoleta BADEA, Ioana LACATUSU, , , , and
Romanian Academy - Revue Roumaine De Chimie



Azelaic acid-willow bark extract-panthenol – Loaded lipid nanocarriers improve the hydration effect and antioxidant action of cosmetic formulations
Laura Vasilica Arsenie, Ioana Lacatusu, Ovidiu Oprea, Natalita Bordei, Mihaela Bacalum, and Nicoleta Badea
Elsevier BV



Synergism of plant extract and vegetable oils-based lipid nanocarriers: Emerging trends in development of advanced cosmetic prototype products
I. Lacatusu, D. Istrati, N. Bordei, M. Popescu, A.M. Seciu, L.M. Panteli, and N. Badea
Elsevier BV



The association effect of cocoa butter with vegetable oils on the obtaining of lipid nanocarriers loaded with antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs




Advanced bioactive lipid nanocarriers loaded with natural and synthetic anti-inflammatory actives
I. Lacatusu, N. Badea, G. Badea, M. Mihaila, C. Ott, R. Stan, and A. Meghea
Elsevier BV



Improved anti-obesity effect of herbal active and endogenous lipids co-loaded lipid nanocarriers: Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
I. Lacatusu, N. Badea, D. Udeanu, L. Coc, A. Pop, C. Cioates Negut, C. Tanase, R. Stan, and A. Meghea
Elsevier BV



New cosmetic formulations with broad photoprotective and antioxidative activities designed by amaranth and pumpkin seed oils nanocarriers
Ioana Lacatusu, Laura Vasilica Arsenie, Gabriela Badea, Ovidiu Popa, Ovidiu Oprea, and Nicoleta Badea
Elsevier BV



Marigold extract, azelaic acid and black caraway oil into lipid nanocarriers provides a strong anti-inflammatory effect in vivo
I. Lacatusu, G. Badea, M. Popescu, N. Bordei, D. Istrati, L. Moldovan, A.M. Seciu, M.I. Panteli, I. Rasit, and N. Badea
Elsevier BV



Naringenin improves the sunscreen performance of vegetable nanocarriers
Gabriela Badea, Nicoleta Badea, Lorelei I. Brasoveanu, Mirela Mihaila, Raluca Stan, Daniela Istrati, Teodora Balaci, and Ioana Lacatusu
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Naringenin enhances the UV protection, photostability and cell viability of lipid based vegetable nanocarriers.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Hybrid Carbohydrate–Lipid Nanocarriers: In Vitro Efficacy Gene-Rated by Association of UV-Absorbers and Raspberry Polyphenols Rich-Fraction
N Badea, D Samayoa, A Moroşan, C Ott, I Lacatusu
Pharmaceuticals 18 (1), 16 2024



Hybrid Albumin-Decorated Lipid-Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of Polyphenol-Rich Sambucus nigra L. in a Potential Multiple Antitumoural Therapy
R Tincu, M Mihaila, M Bostan, D Istrati, N Badea, I Lacatusu
International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25 (20), 11206 2024



PRE-FORMULATION, FORMULATION AND PILOT SCALE-UP STUDIES TO ESTABLISH THE QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION OF AN INNOVATIVE NANOFORM DIETARY SUPPLEMENT FOR MENOPAUSAL
S CRISAN, AL POP, P HENTES, I LACATUSU, N BADEA, C ZETU, ...
Farmacia 72 (2) 2024



Safety of innovative nanotechnology oral formulations loaded with bioactive menopause molecules: influence of genotoxicity and biochemical parameters on a menopausal rat model
S Crișan, AL Pop, I Lacatusu, N Badea, C Mustaciosu, M Radu, ...
Nutrients 15 (23), 4951 2023



Phytochemical Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Investigation on Cotton and Wool Textiles
MC Lite, R Constantinescu, EC Tănăsescu, A Kuncser, C Romanițan, ...
Materials 16 (11), 3924 2023



Polygonum cuspidatum Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Dual Inhibition of TNF-α- and IL-6 Cytokines and Free Radical Species
TA Iordache, N Badea, M Mihaila, S Crisan, AL Pop, I Lacatusu
Materials 16 (9), 3492 2023



Novel Bovine Serum Albumin-Decorated–Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Able to Modulate Apoptosis and Cell-Cycle Response in Ovarian, Breast, and Colon Tumoral Cells
R Tincu, M Mihaila, M Bostan, F Teodorescu, D Istrati, N Badea, ...
Pharmaceutics 15 (4), 1125 2023



COMPARATIVE DISSOLUTION STUDY OF A SOLID PHARMACEUTICAL FORM CONTAINING NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIER (NLC) INCOR-PORATING DIOSGENIN–CONVENTIONAL VS. BIORELEVANT DISSOLU-TION MEDIA.
SCDEDA UNEI, F FARMACEUTICE, SCCLNNLC CARE, ...
2023



Curcumin co-loaded with a lipid mediator in the same nanostructured lipid delivery system.
L COC, M CRISTINA, I LACATUSU, N BADEA, O PENES, ...
Farmacia 70 (5) 2022



Salicin and hederacoside C-based extracts and UV-absorbers co-loaded into bioactive lipid nanocarriers with promoted skin antiaging and hydrating efficacy
I Lacatusu, B Balanuca, A Serafim, C Ott, M Prodana, N Badea
Nanomaterials 12 (14), 2362 2022



The Influence of Vegetable Oil and Selforganizing Agents’ Composition on Obtaining Stable Nanostructured Lipid Carriers
TA Iordache, L Coc, AL Mihai, N Badea, I Lacatusu, A Meghea
UPB Sci Bull B Chem Mater Sci 84 (1), 97-108 2022



Challenges in Coopted Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Herbal Bioactives in the Same Nanostructured Carriers for Effective Bioavailability and Anti-Inflammatory Action
TA Iordache, N Badea, M Mihaila, S Crisan, AL Pop, I Lacatusu
Nanomaterials 11 (11), 3035 2021



Multifaced role of dual herbal principles loaded-lipid nanocarriers in providing high therapeutic efficacity
I Lacatusu, TA Iordache, M Mihaila, DE Mihaiescu, AL Pop, N Badea
Pharmaceutics 13 (9), 1511 2021



Research Article Effective Lipid Nanocarriers Based on Linseed Oil for Delivery of Natural Polyphenolic Active
LMC Coc, I Lacatusu, N Badea, ME Barbinta-Patrascu, A Meghea
2021



Effective lipid nanocarriers based on linseed oil for delivery of natural polyphenolic active
LMC Coc, I Lacatusu, N Badea, ME Barbinta-Patrascu, A Meghea
Journal of Nanomaterials 2021 (1), 8853941 2021



Azelaic acid-willow bark extract-panthenol–Loaded lipid nanocarriers improve the hydration effect and antioxidant action of cosmetic formulations
LV Arsenie, I Lacatusu, O Oprea, N Bordei, M Bacalum, N Badea
Industrial Crops and Products 154, 112658 2020



Synergism of plant extract and vegetable oils-based lipid nanocarriers: Emerging trends in development of advanced cosmetic prototype products
I Lacatusu, D Istrati, N Bordei, M Popescu, AM Seciu, LM Panteli, N Badea
Materials Science and Engineering: C 108, 110412 2020



The association effect of cocoa butter with vegetable oils on the obtaining of lipid nanocarriers loaded with antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs
A Bratu, C Ott, B Balanuca, N Badea, I Lacatusu
Revue Roumaine de Chimie 65 (1), 57-67 2020



Advanced bioactive lipid nanocarriers loaded with natural and synthetic anti-inflammatory actives
I Lacatusu, N Badea, G Badea, M Mihaila, C Ott, R Stan, A Meghea
Chemical engineering science 200, 113-126 2019



Improved anti-obesity effect of herbal active and endogenous lipids co-loaded lipid nanocarriers: Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
I Lacatusu, N Badea, D Udeanu, L Coc, A Pop, CC Negut, C Tanase, ...
Materials Science and Engineering: C 99, 12-24 2019

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Lipid nanoparticles based on omega-3 fatty acids as effective carriers for lutein delivery. Preparation and in vitro characterization studies
I Lacatusu, E Mitrea, N Badea, R Stan, O Oprea, A Meghea
Journal of functional Foods 5 (3), 1260-1269 2013
Citations: 142



Highly antioxidant carotene-lipid nanocarriers: synthesis and antibacterial activity
I Lacatusu, N Badea, O Ovidiu, D Bojin, A Meghea
Journal of Nanoparticle Research 14, 1-16 2012
Citations: 90



New cosmetic formulations with broad photoprotective and antioxidative activities designed by amaranth and pumpkin seed oils nanocarriers
I Lacatusu, LV Arsenie, G Badea, O Popa, O Oprea, N Badea
Industrial Crops and Products 123, 424-433 2018
Citations: 80



Rice bran and raspberry seed oil-based nanocarriers with self-antioxidative properties as safe photoprotective formulations
G Niculae, I Lacatusu, N Badea, R Stan, BS Vasile, A Meghea
Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences 13, 703-716 2014
Citations: 75



Coencapsulation of Butyl‐Methoxydibenzoylmethane and Octocrylene into Lipid Nanocarriers: UV Performance, Photostability and in vitro Release
G Niculae, N Badea, A Meghea, O Oprea, I Lacatusu
Photochemistry and Photobiology 89 (5), 1085-1094 2013
Citations: 66



Design of soft lipid nanocarriers based on bioactive vegetable oils with multiple health benefits
I Lacatusu, G Niculae, N Badea, R Stan, O Popa, O Oprea, A Meghea
Chemical Engineering Journal 246, 311-321 2014
Citations: 61



Novel bio-active lipid nanocarriers for the stabilization and sustained release of sitosterol
I Lacatusu, N Badea, R Stan, A Meghea
Nanotechnology 23 (45), 455702 2012
Citations: 61



The encapsulation effect of UV molecular absorbers into biocompatible lipid nanoparticles
I Lacatusu, N Badea, A Murariu, A Meghea
Nanoscale research letters 6, 1-8 2011
Citations: 58



Photostability enhancement by encapsulation of α-tocopherol into lipid-based nanoparticles loaded with a UV filter
G Niculae, I Lacatusu, A Bors, R Stan
Comptes Rendus Chimie 17 (10), 1028-1033 2014
Citations: 54



Synergism of plant extract and vegetable oils-based lipid nanocarriers: Emerging trends in development of advanced cosmetic prototype products
I Lacatusu, D Istrati, N Bordei, M Popescu, AM Seciu, LM Panteli, N Badea
Materials Science and Engineering: C 108, 110412 2020
Citations: 53



Lipid nanocarriers based on natural oils with high activity against oxygen free radicals and tumor cell proliferation
I Lacatusu, N Badea, G Badea, O Oprea, MA Mihaila, DA Kaya, R Stan, ...
Materials Science and Engineering: C 56, 88-94 2015
Citations: 51



Antioxidant activity of solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with umbelliferone
I Lacatusu, N Badea, A Murariu, O Oprea, D Bojin, A Meghea
Soft Materials 11 (1), 75-84 2013
Citations: 49



Phyto-mediated nanostructured carriers based on dual vegetable actives involved in the prevention of cellular damage
D Istrati, I Lacatusu, N Bordei, G Badea, O Oprea, LM Stefan, R Stan, ...
Materials Science and Engineering: C 64, 249-259 2016
Citations: 45



Improved anti-obesity effect of herbal active and endogenous lipids co-loaded lipid nanocarriers: Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
I Lacatusu, N Badea, D Udeanu, L Coc, A Pop, CC Negut, C Tanase, ...
Materials Science and Engineering: C 99, 12-24 2019
Citations: 43



Lipid nanoparticles based on butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane: in vitro UVA blocking effect
G Niculae, I Lacatusu, N Badea, A Meghea
Nanotechnology 23 (31), 315704 2012
Citations: 41



Lipid nanocarriers based on natural compounds: An evolving role in plant extract delivery
I Lacatusu, N Badea, G Niculae, N Bordei, R Stan, A Meghea
European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology 116 (12), 1708-1717 2014
Citations: 39



Influence of vegetable oil on the synthesis of bioactive nanocarriers with broad spectrum photoprotection
G Niculae, I Lacatusu, N Badea, A Meghea, R Stan
Open Chemistry 12 (8), 837-850 2014
Citations: 39



Effect of UV sunscreens loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles: a combinated SPF assay and photostability
I Lacatusu, N Badea, A Murariu, D Bojin, A Meghea
Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals 523 (1), 247/[819]-259/[831] 2010
Citations: 38



Naringenin improves the sunscreen performance of vegetable nanocarriers
G Badea, N Badea, LI Brasoveanu, M Mihaila, R Stan, D Istrati, T Balaci, ...
New Journal of Chemistry 41 (2), 480-492 2017
Citations: 35



Azelaic acid-willow bark extract-panthenol–Loaded lipid nanocarriers improve the hydration effect and antioxidant action of cosmetic formulations
LV Arsenie, I Lacatusu, O Oprea, N Bordei, M Bacalum, N Badea
Industrial Crops and Products 154, 112658 2020
Citations: 34