Research  »  DEP
CELL AND TISSUE ENGINEERING

 

 

About

The Department of Cell and Tissue Engineering is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of cell-based, integrating expertise in cell biology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine to therapies develop novel therapeutic approaches for addressing healthcare challenges.

A primary focus of our research is the utilization of stem cells and their derivatives in regenerative medicine. Our objective is to leverage the distinctive properties of stem cells to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration, thereby advancing the development of more efficacious therapeutic interventions for cutaneous and osseous injuries and disorders.

Furthermore, our research encompasses the evaluation of collagen-based biomaterials for cutaneous regeneration and the investigation of organic compounds, metals, and ceramics for potential application in the fabrication of osseous implants. Our objective is to develop advanced materials capable of seamless integration with biological systems, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes for patients requiring tissue repair or replacement.

Also, our laboratory also offers training for individuals interested in learning cell culture techniques, providing hands-on experience and expert guidance in this essential area of biomedical research.  

 

Infrastructure link in EERTIS platform

https://eertis.eu/erlb-2300-000m-0723

 

Team

RESEARCH STAFF: PhD Irina Titorencu Head of department (email: irina.titorencu@icbp.ro); PhD Ana Maria Rosca, PhD Raluca Tutuianu, PhD Student Daniela Madalina Ghetu, Sergiu-Marian Vatamanu, Constanta Stan technical assistant, Roxana Vladulescu technical assistant

FORMER RESEARCH STAFF: PhD Victor V. Jinga, Head of the Department 1979-2017

FORMER TEAM MEMBERS:  Ioana Manolescu, Camelia Elena Matei, Simona Savin, Ana Maiovski, Luminita Radulescu, Gabriela Florea, Vasile Pruna

Patents

  • Patent application (OSIM) A/00760/28.11.2023, D.M. Vranceanu, I.D. Titorencu, A. Vladescu (Dragomir), E. Ungureanu, V. Pruna, A.C. Parau, C.M. Cotrut, “Bioactive ceramic-based biomimetic coating for titanium implantable medical devices”.
  • Patent application (OSIM) A/00370/26.06.2021 M. Simionescu, I. Titorencu, AM Rosca, V. Pruna, R. Tutuianu, MD Ghetu, I. Lascar, T. P. Neagu, L. Mogoanta, I.A.  Checherita, G.D. Mogosanu, N.D. Pirici, C.T. Streba, A.C. Barca, A.C. Burdusel, A.E. Stoica, A. M. Grumezescu, C. Chircov „Composite polymeric hydrogels with antibacterial and healing properties and process for obtaining them”.
  • BOPI nr. 6/2021: Vladescu A, Cotruț CM, Kiss AE, Braic M, Titorencu I, Braic V, „Thin inorganic bioactive osteoconductive layers based on hydroxyapatite deposited on magnesium alloy substrate”.
  • BOPI nr. 3/2019:  Albu MG, Lascăr I, Stancu IC, Titorencu I, Zamfirescu DG, Zegrea I, Marin S, Lungu A, Nitipir C, Țuțuianu R, Simionescu M, “Porous stratified scaffolds for the personalized treatment of difficult wounds and process for preparing the same”.
  • BOPI nr. 12/2012: Albu M. G., Lascar I, Zamfirescu DG, Simionescu M, Zegrea I, Titorencu I, Popescu M, Bumbeneci G, “Nervous conductors made of collagen and process for preparing the same”.

 

Awards

  • Gold Medal for patent application „Nervous conductors made of collagen and process for preparing the same”, Inventors: Albu M. G., Lascar I., Zamfirescu D. G., Simionescu M., Zegrea I., Titorencu I., Popescu M., Bumbeneci G., EUREKA, Brussels, 2013.
  • AGEPI Prize (Agence d’État pour la Propriété Intellectuelle,) for: „Nervous conductors made of collagen and process for preparing the same”, 62nd edition of the International Invention, Research and New Technology Fair - INNOVA, Brussels, 2013.
  • Gold Medal for presentation “Optimization of human mesenchymal stem cells interaction with innovative biomimetic structures for tissue engineering applications”, A. Vladescu, A.C. Parau, I. Titorencu, V. Pruna, C. M. Cotrut, D. M. Vranceanu, Proiect no. 621PED/2022, (registration cod PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-4275) International Exhibition INVENTCOR, 4th Edition, 14 -16.09.2023, Deva, Romania.
  • Gold Medal and Special Prize at the International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations "Traian Vuia", 7th Edition, October 8–10, 2022, Timișoara, Romania, for the patent “Layered porous supports for personalized treatment of difficult wounds and method of obtaining them”, authors: Albu Kaya M.G., Lascăr I., Stancu I.C., Titorencu I.D., Zamfirescu D.G., Zegrea I., Marin S., Lungu A., Tutuianu R., Simionescu M.
  • Silver Medal at theInternational Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations "Traian Vuia", Timișoara, Romania, May 15–17, 2023, for “Optimization of human mesenchymal stem cells interaction with innovative biomimetic structures for tissue engineering applications”, authors: Alina Vlădescu, Anca C. Părau, Irina Titorencu, Vasile Prună, Cosmin M. Cotruț, Diana M. Vrănceanu.
  • Gold Medal at the International Exhibition INVENTCOR, 4th Edition, September 14–16, 2023, Deva, Romania, for “Optimization of human mesenchymal stem cells interaction with innovative biomimetic structures for tissue engineering applications”, authors: Alina Vlădescu, Anca C. Părau, Irina Titorencu, Vasile Prună, Cosmin M. Cotruţ, Diana M. Vrănceanu; Project No. 621PED/2022 (registration code: PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-4275).
  • “ICECHIM Award” at the International Exhibition INVENTCOR, 4th Edition, September 14–16, 2023, Deva, Romania, for “Optimization of human mesenchymal stem cells interaction with innovative biomimetic structures for tissue engineering applications”, authors: same as above; Project No. 621PED/2022 (registration code: PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-4275).
  • Gold Medal and Special Prize awarded by "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu for patent application No. A/00760/28.11.2023 – authors: D.M. Vrănceanu, I.D. Titorencu, A. Vlădescu (Dragomir), E. Ungureanu, V. Prună, A.C. Părau, C.M. Cotruț; at the 10th Edition of the International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations "Traian Vuia", June 13–15, 2024, Timișoara, Romania.

 

Main international collaborations

Leiden University Medical Center, Anatomy and Embryology Department, Leiden, the Netherlands Dr. Karine Raymond

 

Main national collaborations

  • National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest
  • National Research and Development Institute for Textiles and Leather Bucharest
  • National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics - INOE 2000
  • Central Military Emergency University Hospital "Dr. Carol Davila"
  • Zetta Hospital
  • Emergency Clinical Hospital Bucharest
  • Lascar Clinic
  • University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova
  • “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy

 

National projects

Stem cells, biomaterials, and bone regeneration

2025-2027: Innovative antimicrobial collagen based three dimensional scaffolds for craniofacial   reconstruction, PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-1446

2022-2024: Optimization of human mesenchymal stem cells interaction with innovative biomimetic structures for tissue engineering applications,PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-427

2018-2020: Bioactive nanostructures for innovative therapeutic strategies, PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0749

2014-2016 Biodegradable Implants from Magnesium Alloys used in Foot and Ankle Surgery, PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2267

2014-2016 Multifunctional coatings for load bearing implants made of a novel titanium-based alloy, PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1958

 

Stem cells and skin regeneration

2022-2024: Enhancing the paracrine properties of fibroblasts by three-dimensional aggregation for chronic wounds therapy, PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1344

2018-2020: Mesenchymal stromal cells contribution to the re-epithelialization process of the biomimetic skin cultures by differentiation and paracrine factors, PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2016-1592

2014-2016 Rational design and synthesis of smart bioactive scaffolds for personalized treatment of acute and chronic cutaneous wounds, PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0816

 

Stem cells and cardiovascular regeneration

2010-2012 The interrelation of human osteoprogenitor cells with human endothelial cells studied in vitro on bicameral models and three-dimensional supports; initiation and promotion of angiogenesis, PN-II-RU-PD-2010-1

2007-2008 In vitro effect of the ischemic myocardium released factors in the cardiomyocyte differentiation of adult stem cells, CNCSIS TD 371

 

International grants

2023-2026 Enhancing the endogenous anti-oxidant and cholesterol removal potential by gene editing in fatty liver disease; pre-clinical studies, Prof. Shlomo Sasson, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel

2022-2026: COST Action CA21108, European Network for Skin Engineering and Modeling, Chair of the Action: Sandrine DUBRAC (AU)

2016-2021: COST Action CA16119 CellFit, “In vitro 3-D total cell guidance and fitness”, Chair of the Action: Prof Tiziana BREVINI (IT)

2010-2013: RAMSES FP7 - Research Potential REGPOT-2009-2: RAMSES: Reinforcement of the Adult stem cell research area through Mobility and Scientific networking between Egypt, Romania and a German consortium for Strengthening the international scientific competency. Grant agreement no. 245691, Coordonator Stiintific pentru IBPC “N. Simionescu”: Dr. Marilena Lupu

 

Training and formation

Training stages and courses

  • Raluca Tutuianu   - Visiting PhD at Unit of Cell and Gene Therapies – Cell Factory Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan Italy –September 15, 2025 –December 15, 2025
  • Madalina Daniela Ghetu (Iacomi) – Training School ”3D Skin Cultures - From Methods to Applications” as part of the COST Action CA21108 "European Network for Skin Engineering and Modelling (NETSKINMODELS) Nijmegen, Netherlands, Radboud University Medical Center –June 28, 2025- July 4, 2025
  • Raluca Tutuianu- Federation for Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) 10th International Course “Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: mice, rats and zebrafish” (ID 051/15), University of Crete - Department of Biology and Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, 17 April - 7 June 2024
  • Madalina Daniela Ghetu (Iacomi) - Visiting PhD Student at Leiden University Medical Center, Anatomy and Embryology Department, Leiden, the Netherlands, September 2023 – June 2024
  • Raluca Tutuianu   - Training School Advancing skills in 3D skin and epidermal biology computer modelling, Cost action CA21108- European Network for Skin Engineering and Modeling, University of Surrey, United Kingdom, July 10-12, 2023
  • Raluca Tutuianu- SciFi: from Scientists to Innovators for Industry, EIT Health, September –November 2022
  • Raluca Tutuianu- Practical training stage on exosomes isolation and characterization- UMC, Utrecht, the Netherlands, August 2018, Supervisor: Magdalena Lorenowicz, PhD.
  • Irina Titorencu- Training stage in human endothelial progenitor cells isolation from umbilical and peripheral blood and in vitro expansion- Centre for Vision and Vascular Science, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK, May-June 2012
  • Irina Titorencu- Training stage in biocomposite synthesis and characterization, Group for Advanced Biomaterials Research, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria, March-April 2012
  • Irina Titorencu- Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine: from molecular and cell biology to tissues and organs repair, Department of Materials Engineering and Industrial Technologies and the BIOtech Interdepartment Research Center of the University of Trento, in collaboration with the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and the TERMIS-EU, Italy, September 2011
  • Irina Titorencu-Bioactive/Biocompatible polymeric materials, Centre of polymer and Carbon Materials Zabrze, Poland, March 2011
  • Ana Maria Rosca –Practical Course: “MicroRNA profiling: From in-situ hybridization to next-generation sequencing” organized by EMBO, Galway, Ireland; May 2011 
  • Irina Titorencu- Advanced Summer Course in Cell-Materials interactions- Bioinspired matrices for tissue regeneration, Instituto de Engenharia Biomedica, Porto, Portugal, June 2008

 

Doctoral studies / Ph.D. program

2021 – 2025 Madalina Daniela Ghetu (Iacomi), Ph.D. supervisor Acad. Maya Simionescu

2014 - 2021 Raluca Tutuianu, Ph.D. supervisor Acad. Maya Simionescu

 

Publications

2025

BV. Sorca, DA. Kaya, MG. Albu Kaya, M. Enachescu, D-M. Ghetu, L-B. Enache, I. Boerasu, AE. Coman, LC. Rusu, R. Constantinescu, I. Titorencu. Bone Fillers with Balance Between Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Properties., Biomimetics. 10(2):100, 2025. (IF/2024=3.9)

DM. Ghetu, K. Raymond, I. Titorencu, M. Simionescu, Innovative Strategies: Use of Stromal Cell-Derived Secretome for Chronic Wound Therapy, IJMS, 26:12, 2025. (IF/2024=4.9)

I. Luca, MG. Albu Kaya, I. Titorencu, CE. Dinu-Pîrvu, MM. Marin, L. Popa, AM. Rosca, A. Antoniac, V. Anuta, RM. Prisada, et al. Influence of Mucoadhesive Polymers on Physicochemical Features and Biocompatibility of Collagen Wafers, ACS Polym Au. 5:3, 282–297, 2025. (IF/2024=6.9)

AF. Vladu, MG. Albu Kaya, A. Ficai, D. Ficai, R. Tutuianu, L. Motelica, VA. Surdu, OC. Oprea, RD. Truşcă, I. Titorencu, Localized Combination Therapy Using Collagen–Hydroxyapatite Bone Grafts for Simultaneous Bone Cancer Inhibition and Tissue Regeneration. Polymers 17(16), 2239, 2025. (IF/2024=4.9)

2024

DM. Vranceanu, E. Ungureanu, IC. Ionescu, AC. Parau, V. Pruna, I. Titorencu, M. Badea, C-Ș. Gălbău, M. Idomir, M. Dinu, et al. In Vitro Characterization of Hydroxyapatite-Based Coatings Doped with Mg or Zn Electrochemically Deposited on Nanostructured Titanium. Biomimetics 9, 244, 2024. (IF/2024=3.9)

F. Popescu, I. Titorencu, MG. Albu Kaya, F. Miculescu, R. Tutuianu, AE. Coman, E. Danila, MM. Marin, D-L. Ancuta, C. Coman, et al. Development of Innovative Biocomposites with Collagen, Keratin and Hydroxyapatite for Bone Tissue Engineering. Biomimetics 9, 428. 2024. (IF/2023=3.9)

2023

Luca, M. G. Albu Kay, I. Titorencu, CE. Dinu-Pîrvu, MM. Marin, L. Popa, A-M. Roșca, A. Antoniac, V. Anuța, MV. Ghica, Design and Evaluation of New Wound Dressings based on Collagen-Cellulose Derivatives, Materials and Design 236, 112469, 2023. (IF/2023=7.6)

2022

DM Iacomi (Ghetu), AM Rosca, R Tutuianu, TP Neagu, V Pruna, M Simionescu, I Titorencu. Generation of an immortalized human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cell line suitable for wound healing therapy. Int J Mol Sci. 23: 8925, 2022. (IF/2022=5.6)

E. Dănilă, R. Stan, MA. Kaya, G. Voicu, MM. Marin, A. Moroşan, I. Titorencu, R. Ţuţuianu, Valorization of Cyprinus Carpio skin for biocompatible collagen hydrolysates with potential application in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, Waste Biomass Valor, 13: 917-928, 2022. (IF/2022=3.2)

2021

R.  Tutuianu, A-M. Rosca, MD. Iacomi, M. Simionescu, I. Titorencu, Human mesenchymal stromal cell-derived exosomes promote in vitro wound healing by modulating the biological properties of skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts and stimulating angiogenesis, IJMS, 22,6239, 2021. (IF/2023=6.208)

Micheu MM, Rosca AM, Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells as "disease-in-a-dish" models for inherited cardiomyopathies and channelopathies - 15 years of research. World J Stem Cells, 26;13(4):281-303, 2021. (IF/2021=3.124)

2019

R. Ţuţuianu, AM. Roşca, G. Florea, V. Prună, DM. Iacomi, LA. Rădulescu, TP. Neagu, I. Lascăr, I. Titorencu, Heterogeneity of human fibroblasts isolated from hypertrophic scar, Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology, 60(3):793-802, 2019. (IF/2019=1.411)

A.Vladescu, V. Pruna, S. Kulesza, V. Braic, I. Titorencu, M. Bramowicz, A.  Gozdziejewska, A. Parau, C. M.Cotrut, I. Pana, M. Dinu, M. Braic,Influence of Ti, Zr or Nb carbide adhesion layers on the adhesion, corrosion resistance and cell proliferation of titania doped hydroxyapatite to the Ti6Al4V alloy substrate, utilizable for orthopaedic implants, Ceramics International 45(2)A: 1710-1723, 2019. (IF/2019=3.830)

Mocioiu, Ana Maria; Tutuianu, Raluca; Cursaru, Laura Madalina; Piticescu, Roxana Mioara; Stanciu, Paul; Vasile, Bogdan Stefan; Trusca, Roxana; Sereanu, Viviana; Meghea, Aurelia, 3D structures of hydroxyapatite obtained from Rapana venosa shells using hydrothermal synthesis followed by 3D printing, Journal of Materials Science, 2019, Vol 54, Issue 22, p13901. (IF/2019=3.553)

 

Book chapters

A-M Rosca, R. Tutuianu, I. Titorencu, Advances in Skin Regeneration and Reconstruction. In book: Frontiers in stem cells and regenerative medicine research Vol. 9, Ed. Atta-ur- Rahman and Shazia Adjum, 143-187, Bentham Science Publishers LTD, ISBN: 978-1-68108-436-7, 2020.

M. Dinu, S. Franchi, V. Prună, C. M. Cotruț, V. Secchi, M. Santi, I. Titorencu, C. Battocchio, G. Iucci, A. Vlădescu, Ti-Nb-Zr system and its surface biofunctionalization for biomedical applications. „Titanium for Medical and Dental Applications - A review of all aspects of titanium use in the medical and dental industries”, Ed. F. Froes, M. Qian, Elsevier, ISBN 9780128124567, 2018.

N. Alexandru, I. Titorencu, S. Frunzã, E. Bãdilã, A. Georgescu,Endothelial Progenitor Cell Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Vascular Complications of Diabetes, “Advances in biochemistry in health and disease”, Ed C.C. Kartha, S. Ramachandran, M Radhakrishna Pillai, Springer, ISBN 978-3-319-60323-0, p.159-208, 2017.

I. Titorencu, V. Pruna, VV. Jinga, M. Simionescu, Bone replacement therapy. Advanced biocompatible structures for prospective bioengineering: Concepts and Strategies, Ed: M. Costache, M. Simionescu, The Publishing House of the Romanian Academy, ISBN 978-973-27-2317-3, 2013.

MG. Albu, I.Titorencu, MV. Ghica, “Collagen-based Drug Delivery Systems for Tissue Engineering” in book: Biomaterials Applications for Nanomedicine, InTech, ISBN  978-953-307-661-4, 2011.

I.Titorencu, MG. Albu, V. Jinga. The future of cardiovascular medicine: Biomaterials for tissue therapy. In book: From Vascular Cell Biology to Cardiovascular Medicine, Ed: Adriana Georgescu, Felicia Antohe, published by RESEARCH SIGNPOST TRANSWORLD RESEARCH NETWORK, ISBN - 978-81-7895-503-2, 2011.