Georgiana Grigore
Research Assistant - Arctic and Antarctic Research
Biography
PhD student at the Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, with a thesis entitled: "Isotopic and microbiological approaches for paleoecological studies in the context of global climate change". She has a master's degree in Applied Microbiology and Immunology, with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, and currently works as a research assistant at the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest and is a volunteer at the Institute of Speleology "Emil Racoviță". Her research activities focus on the analysis of stable isotopes from different natural archives for paleoclimate and paleoenvironment reconstructions using the Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry technology, and on the characterization of microbial communities from karst environments, using culture and molecular-based approaches. She enjoys working with students and guiding them on their academic journey.
Areas of expertise: Microbiology, Immunobiology, Molecular Biology, Geochemistry-Stable Isotopes, Speleology, Paleoecology.
Publications
| Publication | Authors | data | |
|---|---|---|---|
article
From Microbial Ecology To Clinical Challenges: The Respiratory Microbiome'S Role In Antibiotic Resistance |
Niculescu Adelina-Gabriela; Mitache Mihaela Magdalena; Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai; Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen; Mihai Mara Madalina; Tantu Monica Marilena; Tantu Ana Catalina; Popa Loredana Gabriela; Grigore Georgiana Alexandra; Cristian Roxana-Elena; Popa Mircea Ioan; Vrancianu Corneliu Ovidiu | Pathogens, 2025 | |
AbstractAntibiotic resistance represents a growing public health threat, with airborne drug-resistant strains being especially alarming due to their ease of transmission and association with severe respiratory infections. The respiratory microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining respiratory health, influencing the dynamics of antibiotic resistance among airborne pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, this review proposes the exploration of the complex interplay between the respiratory microbiota and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the implications of microbiome diversity in health and disease. Moreover, strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance, including stewardship programs, alternatives to traditional antibiotics, probiotics, microbiota restoration techniques, and nanotechnology-based therapeutic interventions, are critically presented, setting an updated framework of current management options. Therefore, through a better understanding of respiratory microbiome roles in antibiotic resistance, alongside emerging therapeutic strategies, this paper aims to shed light on how the global health challenges posed by multi-drug-resistant pathogens can be addressed. |
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article
From Microbial Ecology To Clinical Challenges: The Respiratory Microbiome’S Role In Antibiotic Resistance |
Niculescu A.-G.; Mitache M.M.; Grumezescu A.M.; Chifiriuc M.C.; Mihai M.M.; Tantu M.M.; Tantu A.C.; Popa L.G.; Grigore G.A.; Cristian R.-E.; Popa M.I.; Vrancianu C.O. | Pathogens, 2025 | |
AbstractAntibiotic resistance represents a growing public health threat, with airborne drug-resistant strains being especially alarming due to their ease of transmission and association with severe respiratory infections. The respiratory microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining respiratory health, influencing the dynamics of antibiotic resistance among airborne pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, this review proposes the exploration of the complex interplay between the respiratory microbiota and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the implications of microbiome diversity in health and disease. Moreover, strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance, including stewardship programs, alternatives to traditional antibiotics, probiotics, microbiota restoration techniques, and nanotechnology-based therapeutic interventions, are critically presented, setting an updated framework of current management options. Therefore, through a better understanding of respiratory microbiome roles in antibiotic resistance, alongside emerging therapeutic strategies, this paper aims to shed light on how the global health challenges posed by multi-drug-resistant pathogens can be addressed. © 2025 by the authors. |
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article
Current Perspectives On Biological Screening Of Newly Synthetised Sulfanilamide Schiff Bases As Promising Antibacterial And Antibiofilm Agents |
Coanda Maria; Limban Carmen; Draghici Constantin; Ciobanu Anne-Marie; Grigore Georgiana Alexandra; Popa Marcela; Stan Miruna; Larion Cristina; Avram Speranta; Mares Catalina; Ciornei Mariana-Catalina; Dabu Aura; Hudita Ariana; Galateanu Bianca; Pintilie Lucia; Nuta Diana Camelia | Pharmaceuticals, 2024 | |
AbstractGrowing resistance to antimicrobials, combined with pathogens that form biofilms, presents significant challenges in healthcare. Modifying current antimicrobial agents is an economical approach to developing novel molecules that could exhibit biological activity. Thus, five sulfanilamide Schiff bases were synthesized under microwave irradiation and characterized spectroscopically and in silico. They were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Their cytotoxic potential against two cancer cell lines was also determined. Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to the action of these compounds. Derivatives 1b and 1d inhibited S. aureus's growth (MIC from 0.014 mg/mL) and biofilm (IC from 0.029 mg/mL), while compound 1e was active against E. faecalis's planktonic and sessile forms. Two compounds significantly reduced cell viability at 5 mu g/mL after 24 h of exposure (1d-HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, 1c-LN229 glioblastoma cells). A docking study revealed the increased binding affinities of these derivatives compared to sulfanilamide. Hence, these Schiff bases exhibited higher activity compared to their parent drug, with halogen groups playing a crucial role in both their antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. |
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article
Insights Into The Effects Of Lanthanides On Mammalian Systems And Potential Applications |
Constantin Marian; Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen; Vrancianu Corneliu Ovidiu; Petrescu Livia; Cristian Roxana-Elena; Crunteanu Ioana; Grigore Georgiana Alexandra; Chioncel Mariana F. | Environmental Research, 2024 | |
AbstractLanthanides, a group of elements with unique chemical properties, have garnered significant attention for their varied biological effects, ranging from cytotoxic to protective, depending on concentration, cell type, and exposure conditions. This review provides a detailed examination of the biological interactions of lanthanides with mammalian systems, including humans, by exploring their impact on different cell lines and organisms. Through a systematic assessment of current research, this work highlights the dual nature of lanthanides, identifying them as both potential therapeutic agents and environmental toxins. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of understanding their mechanisms to mitigate health risks, particularly for those exposed occupationally or via environmental sources. The review concludes with an overview of knowledge gaps and future research directions necessary for unlocking the therapeutic potential of lanthanides while ensuring safety and sustainability in their applications. |
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article
Role Of Probiotics In Managing Various Human Diseases, From Oral Pathology To Cancer And Gastrointestinal Diseases |
Petrariu Oana-Alina; Barbu Ilda Czobor; Niculescu Adelina-Gabriela; Constantin Marian; Grigore Georgiana Alexandra; Cristian Roxana-Elena; Mihaescu Grigore; Vrancianu Corneliu Ovidiu | Frontiers In Microbiology, 2024 | |
AbstractThe imbalance of microbial composition and diversity in favor of pathogenic microorganisms combined with a loss of beneficial gut microbiota taxa results from factors such as age, diet, antimicrobial administration for different infections, other underlying medical conditions, etc. Probiotics are known for their capacity to improve health by stimulating the indigenous gut microbiota, enhancing host immunity resistance to infection, helping digestion, and carrying out various other functions. Concurrently, the metabolites produced by these microorganisms, termed postbiotics, which include compounds like bacteriocins, lactic acid, and hydrogen peroxide, contribute to inhibiting a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. This review presents an update on using probiotics in managing and treating various human diseases, including complications that may emerge during or after a COVID-19 infection. |
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article
Antimicrobial Resistance In Romania: Updates On Gram-Negative Escape Pathogens In The Clinical, Veterinary, And Aquatic Sectors |
Barbu Ilda Czobor; Gheorghe-Barbu Irina; Grigore Georgiana Alexandra; Vrancianu Corneliu Ovidiu; Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen | International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 2023 | |
AbstractMultidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and members of the Enterobacterales order are a challenging multi-sectorial and global threat, being listed by the WHO in the priority list of pathogens requiring the urgent discovery and development of therapeutic strategies. We present here an overview of the antibiotic resistance profiles and epidemiology of Gram-negative pathogens listed in the ESCAPE group circulating in Romania. The review starts with a discussion of the mechanisms and clinical significance of Gram-negative bacteria, the most frequent genetic determinants of resistance, and then summarizes and discusses the epidemiological studies reported for A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and Enterobacterales-resistant strains circulating in Romania, both in hospital and veterinary settings and mirrored in the aquatic environment. The Romanian landscape of Gram-negative pathogens included in the ESCAPE list reveals that all significant, clinically relevant, globally spread antibiotic resistance genes and carrying platforms are well established in different geographical areas of Romania and have already been disseminated beyond clinical settings. |
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