Comparative multifactor optimization of biochar from pyrolysis and gasification: A Taguchi–ANOVA - RSM framework for climate-resilient soil applications Antoaneta Roman, Lucian-Gabiel Radu, Felicia Bucura, Oana Maria Tanislav, Anca Maria Zaharioiu, Marius Constantinescu International Journal of Green Energy, 2026 Biochar is recognized as a multifunctional material for soil remediation, nutrient retention, and carbon sequestration, yet its performance depends on coupled effects between biomass composition and thermochemical processing conditions. Most studies optimize biochar using one-factor-at-a-time approaches or focus on a single feedstock–process combination, limiting the ability to identify robust production windows for targeted soil applications. This study emphasizes a statistically driven multi-factor optimization framework, integrating a Taguchi L36 orthogonal array with ANOVA and Response Surface Methodology to tailor biochars produced from energy-crop residues cultivated on degraded land. Corn, sorghum, and soybean were converted through pyrolysis, air gasification, and CO2 gasification at 700–1000°C. Four functional responses were evaluated: specific surface area, total pore volume, pH, and aromatic ordering. ANOVA identified the thermochemical conversion pathway as the dominant factor controlling the specific surface area and the pore volume, with CO2 gasification producing the highest textural development. Biomass type was the primary driver of alkalinity, while aromatic ordering showed only modest variation and no statistically significant main effects. Taguchi signal to noise ratio analysis and Response Surface Methodology further highlighted interaction-driven sensitivity regions and practical optimal windows, particularly under CO2 at 800°C and 900°C. Overall, this work provides a scalable decision framework for engineering biochars with tailored structural and chemical functionality for soil remediation.
4-Phenyl isothiocyanate modified electrode based on diazonium electrodeposition for heavy metals detection in pharmaceuticals Maria-Cristina Radulescu, Madalina-Petruta Bucur, Bogdan Bucur, Andreea Iosageanu, Gabriel Lucian Radu Talanta, 2025 A stable layer of 4-phenyl isothiocyanate (4-PITC) was successfully electrografted on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrode modification process was performed in three sequential steps in a single solution: (1) reduction by chronoamperometry of the nitro groups of 4-NITC to amino moieties (2) in situ reaction of amino with nitrous acid to obtain unstable diazonium functional groups and (3) electrografting by chronopotentiometry of diazonium. A thin optimal layer with minimum surface fouling was obtained. The formation of the organic film was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrode was used for detection of Pb(II) and Fe(II) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection 1.2 μg L -1 for Pb(II) and of 2.0 μg L -1 for Fe(II) were achieved. The developed electrode was successfully applied to detect Pb(II) and Fe(II) in injectable iron pharmaceuticals used to treat iron deficiency anemia simultaneous with investigation of contamination by Pb(II).
Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Sorbus aucuparia Fruits (Rowanberries) from Romania Elena Neagu, Gabriela Paun, Camelia Albu, Georgiana Badea, Ana Maria Seciu-Grama, Gabriel Lucian Radu Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2025 This study aimed to obtain extracts concentrated in polyphenolic compounds from Sorbus aucuparia fruits and evaluate their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic potential. Two modern extraction methods were used, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), to obtain hydroalcoholic extracts (50% EtOH v/v, 15% mass), then the extracts were purified and concentrated by membrane technologies and analyzed spectrophotometrically and chromatographically. HPLC analysis revealed the predominant polyphenolic compounds as chlorogenic acid (526.08 ± 23.35 µg/mL), rutin (36.07 ± 1.23 µg/mL), and caffeic acid (34.41 ± 1.21 µg/mL). The antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts was analyzed spectrophotometrically by testing their capacity to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and, respectively, hyaluronidase (HYA) and lipoxygenase (LOX). The cytotoxic potential of the extracts was tested on the mouse fibroblast NCTC clone L929 cell line. The concentrated ASE extracts showed a pronounced inhibitory activity on the tested enzymes: IC50α-glucosidase was 13.50 ± 0.96 µg/mL, (IC50acarbose was 20.19 ± 1.67 µg/mL), IC50α-amylase was 23.74 ± 1.32 µg/mL (IC50acarbose was 22.65 ± 1.27 µg/mL), and IC50LOX was 24.30 ± 1.54 µg/mL (IC50ibuprofen was 26.91 ± 1.27 µg/mL), IC50HYA was 43.04 ± 2.19 µg/mL (IC50ibuprofen was 51.54 ± 3.67 µg/mL). Also, the concentrated UAE extracts presented inhibitory activity superior to or close to that of the standard used, as follows: IC50HYA was 48.49 ± 3.15 µg/mL (IC50ibuprofen was 51.54 ± 3.67 µg/mL) and IC50α-glucosidase was 21.53 ± 1.25 µg/mL (IC50acarbose was 20.19 ± 1.67 µg/mL). The results obtained showed that Sorbus aucuparia fruits could be used in products for diabetes and inflammatory diseases.
Analysis of the Antioxidant Capacity of Whole-Fruit Tomato Powder Using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) Assay—An Eco-Friendly Approach for the Valorization of Horticultural Products Iuliana Marcu, Gabriel-Lucian Radu, Annette Madelene Dăncilă Horticulturae, 2025 The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity of tomato powders obtained from whole tomatoes of three local cultivars—Andrada, Hera, and Kristinica—using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. The cultivars were grown in open fields without additional treatments or fertilizer application. Ascorbic acid was used as a reference antioxidant standard. Results indicated that Andrada powder exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, at 248.1 ± 5.3 µmol Fe2+/100 g, followed by Hera (235.6 ± 4.9 µmol Fe2+/100 g) and Kristinica (212.8 ± 5.1 µmol Fe2+/100 g), while ascorbic acid, used as a positive control, showed the highest overall antioxidant capacity (260.0 ± 4.5 µmol Fe2+/100 g). The high lycopene and flavonoid content of the analyzed powders supports their potential as functional ingredients in food applications and their use in horticulture. This research is particularly relevant as it promotes a sustainable approach for the utilization of tomato products, aligning with the principles of circular agriculture.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Melatonin Quantification in Wine Sandra A. V. Eremia, Gabriel Lucian Radu, Camelia Albu Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2025 The identification of melatonin in grapes has led to the publication of numerous studies on melatonin in wines, and the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data on melatonin concentrations in wines. In this context, international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed were searched for relevant articles (437) up to 29 March 2025. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. A total of 15 studies from eight countries, involving various wine types and analytical methods, were included in the meta-analysis. Considerable analytical variation was observed across studies, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with either mass spectrometry (MS) or fluorescence (FL) detection was shown to be the most accurate and sensitive method for quantifying melatonin. The highest concentrations were found in Spanish red Tempranillo wine, Romanian white Noah wine, and Romanian rosé Lidia wine. Red wines, particularly those produced from Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) grapes, were the most frequently studied. The results of this work provide a clearer picture of melatonin levels in wine. Further research is needed to explore the implications of melatonin content in wine for human health and the wine industry.
Assessing Diazinon Exposure: A GC-MS/MS Validation Study of BChE Measurement by Point-of-Care Testing and Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique Andreea-Camelia Hîrjău, Mihaela Emanuela Crăciun, Ilinca-Mihaela Marandiuc, Gabriel-Lucian Radu Molecules, 2025 This study addresses the challenge of accurately assessing diazinon exposure in suspected self-poisoning cases. We evaluated butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) levels using a point-of-care (POCT) whole blood assay (adapted Ellman method) and compared it with the standard plasma Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique (EMIT). Diazinon exposure in four patients was confirmed using a validated gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). A strong positive correlation was observed between POCT and EMIT BChE activity (r = 0.9638, p < 0.0001), indicating general agreement in BChE trends. However, Bland–Altman analysis revealed discrepancies in absolute BChE values. Notably, admission diazinon concentrations (GC-MS/MS) were significantly negatively correlated with BChE activity measured by both POCT (r = −0.9333, p = 0.0205) and EMIT (r = −0.9302, p = 0.0219). The POCT assay offers rapid, preliminary BChE assessments in suspected diazinon intoxication, useful in emergency settings. However, due to observed discrepancies, confirmatory testing with EMIT or GC-MS/MS is recommended for accurate quantification. This research highlights the critical need for robust confirmatory methods, such as GC-MS/MS, to validate rapid assays and improve the accuracy of diazinon intoxication detection.
Thermochemical processing of agricultural waste into biochar with potential application for coal mining degraded soils Antoaneta Roman, Felicia Bucura, Oana Romina Botoran, Gabriel-Lucian Radu, Violeta-Carolina Niculescu, Amalia Soare, Daniela Ion-Ebrasu, Irina Vagner, Emilia-Cornelia Dunca, Claudia Șandru, Marius Constantinescu Results in Engineering, 2025 This study presents a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of biochar obtained from sorghum, soybean, and corn residues (stems and leaves) grown on degraded soils in Romania's coal mining region, through pyrolysis and gasification processes at 700 °C - 1000 °C. The investigation revealed that corn-derived biochars exhibited the highest carbon content (up to 41 wt. %) and potassium concentrations, supporting superior chemical stability, while soybean-derived biochars showed highly alkaline profiles (pH up to 11.7) due to elevated Ca and Mg levels, making them ideal candidates for ameliorating acidic soils. Sorghum-derived biochar demonstrated a high lignin-based aromatic structure and porosity beneficial for improving soil structure. Thermogravimetric analysis established a direct correlation between process temperature and mass loss behavior, confirming greater structural densification at higher temperatures. FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy showed progressive deoxygenation and condensation of aromatic structures, with an average I D /I G ratio of 0.856 and crystallite size (L a ) reaching 14.63 nm. Nitrogen adsorption analysis confirmed the development of micro- and mesoporosity, with specific surface areas up to 285.23 m²/g for corn biochar at 800 °C, highlighting its potential suitability for nutrient retention and water management. The H/C atomic ratio (0.08 - 0.31) indicated advanced carbonization stages, and Van Krevelen analysis predicted half-lives exceeding 100 to over 1000 years for the most stable biochars. These findings provide theoretical insights into optimizing biochar production from energy crops specifically grown on degraded soils, aiming to enhance soil resilience, carbon sequestration, and environmental remediation, thus offering a sustainable strategy aligned with phytoremediation and climate mitigation objectives, without performing field testing.
Advances in Cost-Effective Chemosensors for Sustainable Monitoring in Food Safety and Processing Camelia Albu, Ana Chira, Gabriel-Lucian Radu, Sandra A. V. Eremia Chemosensors, 2025 Cost-effective chemosensors have become an indispensable tool for sustainable monitoring in food safety and processing, where there is an urgent need for affordable, efficient, and real-time analytical solutions. This review discusses recent advances in low-cost chemosensor technologies, highlighting developments in materials, miniaturization, and integration into portable and accessible platforms. The focus is on applications for detecting contaminants, monitoring quality, and ensuring safety in food production and processing. This review also addresses the challenges related to sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and operational stability and provides insights into future directions and the role of low-cost chemosensors in supporting sustainable practices in these important sectors.
Infrared Laser-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Rosa canina L. Andreia Alecu, Camelia Albu, Georgiana-Ileana Badea, Aurelia Alionte, Alin-Alexandru Enache, Gabriel-Lucian Radu, Simona-Carmen Litescu International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025 The extraction of bio-compounds from medicinal plants provides opportunities for using the plant extract for health benefits. Rosa canina L. is considered a “natural superfood”, and the valorization of its active compounds requires an extraction technique that ensures a suitable extraction yield while preserving the compounds’ activity. In our study, infrared laser irradiation (IRLIR) technology was used for the first time in the bioactive compound’s extraction from Rosa canina L. Different solvents (water–ethanol, hexane–ethanol) and different extraction times were tested to obtain a high extraction yield. Chromatographic and spectrophotometry methods were used to monitor the profile of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The results obtained for IRLIR were compared with those obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), an advanced extraction method. The IRLIR technology proved to be a more reliable analytical tool for the extraction of (+)-catechin, gallic acid, and lutein. In addition, a richer extract formula was obtained by IRLIR extraction with respect to ASE, with the IRLIR process ensuring a short extraction time, low volume of the extraction solvent, low energy consumption, and a less expensive device.
QUANTIFYING ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION: A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR ORGANOPHOSPHATE POISONING UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2025
OXYTETRACYCLINE ELECTROCHEMICAL DETERMINATION AT DISPOSABLE PENCIL GRAPHITE ELECTRODE UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2025
THE EFFECT OF FREEZING ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF TOMATO FRUITS (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2024
NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISATION OF HEMP SEEDS AND CAKE AS FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS IN RUMINANTS’ NUTRITION UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2023
THE EFFECT OF PEEL AND SEED REMOVAL ON THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE TOMATO FRUITS (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2022
Modern and contemporary textile museum collections: Optimization method for pesticide analysis UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2020
Detection of adulterants by FTIR and GC-MS in herbal slimming food supplements UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2015
Microencapsulated cinnamon aroma determined by 'Electronic Nose' UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2015
Total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity from anthocyanin extracts UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2015
Antioxidant properties and polyphenols composition of some Roumanian propolis samples Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2015
HPLC evaluation of the ascorbic acid yield in the microencapsulation process Revista De Chimie, 2015
Statistical approach of high - Performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection data from Romanian propolis Revista De Chimie, 2015
Application of capillary zone electrophoresis methods for polyphenols and organic acids separation in different extracts Capillary Electrophoresis Ce Principles Challenges and Applications, 2015
Accurate quantitation of 17 polyphenols from propolis extracts by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with diode array detection Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2014
Plasma thiols concentration levels and their correlation with health patients condition UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2014
Optimized dna extraction and southern hybridization in different Solanaceae species UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2014
Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Salvia officinalis concentrated by ultrafiltration Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 2014
Spectrofluorimetric analysis of cefotaxime sodium by using 4-fluoro-7-nitrobenzofurazan as derivatization agent UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2014
New type of chitosan/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin composite membrane for gallic acid encapsulation and controlled release Acta Chimica Slovenica, 2014
Analysis of L-thyroxine and 3,3′,5-triiodo-L-thyronine using potentiometric microsensors UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2014
Amperometric microsensors based on inulins for the assay of L-T3 and L-T4 UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2014
Detection by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of adulterated food supplements Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 2014
Indole-3-acetic acid producing bacteria and their effect on the growth of pisum sativum Studia Universitatis Babes Bolyai Chemia, 2014
Study of electrochemically modified electrode with synthesized n-benzyl-4,4'-bipyridine with anti-fouling properties for oxygen and hydrogen peroxide detection International Journal of Electrochemical Science, 2014
Confirmation of long term excreted metabolites of metandienone by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2012
A comparative study of gold electrodes modification methods with aromatic compounds based on diazonium and thiol chemistry UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2012
Hyaluronic acid detection from natural extract by diode array-capillary electrophoresis methods Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2012
Beta-carotene and lycopene determination in new enriched bakery products by HPLC-DAD method Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 2012
Use of the Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy in characterization of specific samples UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2012
Preliminary data on Borsáros raised bog natural reserve Bryophyte associated bacteria UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2011
Chitosan usage in synthesis of hydrogel-biomaterials with controlled properties for biomedical/biotechnological applications Focus on Chitosan Research, 2011
Application of the nanofiltration process for concentration of polyphenolic compounds from geranium robertianum and salvia officinalis extracts Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Quarterly, 2011
Phytochemical study of some Symphytum officinalis extracts concentrated by membranous procedures UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2011
Enantioselective dot sensor based on carbon paste and 5,10,15,20- Tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphine for S-captopril analysis UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2011
Antioxidant capacity of some salvia officinalis concentrated extracts Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2011
Evaluation of urinary steroid profile after administration of pharmaceutical preparations Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 2011
Cytostatic activity of Viscum album L. extract processed by microfiltration and ultrafiltration Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 2011
A rapid determination of radical scavenger properties of plant extracts using electrochemical approach Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2011
Construction, activation and modification of platinum microelectrodes for (bio)sensors development Digest Journal of Nanomaterials and Biostructures, 2011
Structural characterization of chitosan coated silicon nanoparticles -A FT-IR approach UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2010
Antioxidant capacity of some Symphytum officinalis extracts processed by ultrafiltration Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 2010
Concentration of the bioactive principles in Geranium robertianum extracts through membranare procedures (ultrafiltration) Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 2010
Rapid and non-destructive analytical techniques for measurement of apricot quality Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 2010
Improvements in the confirmation of stanozolol abuse in doping control UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2010
Reflectance spectroscopy as a useful tool for monitoring apricot fruit quality and ripening UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2010
Electrochemical evaluation of polyphenols preservative effect against lipoperoxidation UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2010
Membrane processes for the purification and concentration of helleborus purpurascens extracts and evaluation of antioxidant activity Revista De Chimie, 2010
Quantification of physico-chemical changes during apricot ripening through non-destructive methods Revista De Chimie, 2010
The ultrafiltration performance of composite membranes for the concentration of plant extracts Romanian Biotechnological Letters, 2009
Antiradical activities of salvia officinalis and Viscum album L. extracts concentrated by ultrafiltration process Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Technologia Alimentaria, 2009
An optical reflectance nondestructive method for studying apricot Fruit color Revista De Chimie, 2009
Improvement of the storage stability for biosensors based on alcohol oxidase immobilized by entrapment in a photopolymerisable matrix Revista De Chimie, 2007
Composite membranes on the basis of new nanomaterials in the class MCM-41 modified with metals and SAPO applied in wastewater purification Revista De Chimie, 2007
The procedure to obtain an electrode with chemical modified surface using L-cisteine and metallic ion determination with consequences in physiological processes Revista De Chimie, 2007
Determination opf hydrosoluble vitamins content and antioxidant capacity of some yeast strains with probiotic potential Revista De Chimie, 2007
Electrochemical study of pH influence on the behaviour of the cystine-cysteine system Revista De Chimie, 2006
Chitosan-hyaluronic acid films for enzyme immobilization studied by confocal scanning laser microscopy Revista De Chimie, 2006
Low density lipoprotein modified electrode for phenolic additives antioxidative effect evaluation UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2001
Electrochemical characterization and development of polymer modified biosensors UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2001
The determination of molybdenum by catalytic polarography and adsorptive stripping voltammetry UPB Scientific Bulletin Series B Chemistry and Materials Science, 2001
