Irina ZGURA

Dr. Irina ZGURA serves as a Scientific Researcher I at the Laboratory of Optical Processes in Nanostructured Materials within Romania's National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP). Her research program bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in biomedical engineering and environmental sustainability, focusing on nanoscale phenomena and surface interactions.

Her research expertise spans multiple domains including nanomaterials synthesis, photocatalysis, surface science, and green chemistry. She specializes in developing multifunctional composites through eco-friendly methods, with emphasis on oxide semiconductors (particularly ZnO), biocompatible coatings, and antimicrobial materials. Her experimental approach combines advanced characterization techniques such as XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and in situ IR analysis to investigate material properties at molecular interfaces.

Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent innovation in sustainable nanotechnology, with recent work emphasizing plant-derived synthesis methods for biomedical applications. Her research demonstrates strong translational potential, particularly in developing antimicrobial surfaces, wound healing materials, and self-cleaning coatings that address real-world challenges in healthcare and environmental protection. The interdisciplinary nature of her work integrates principles from physics, chemistry, and biomedical engineering to create functional materials with precisely engineered surface properties.

Her scientific contributions have been recognized through multiple prestigious awards:

• Romanian Academy Prize "Stefan Procopiu" (2004) for liquid crystal research
• Multiple 1st Prizes at international dental medicine congresses (2010) for biomaterials innovation
• Best Poster Award at EMRS 2014 spring meeting
• Silver Medal and Excellence Awards at EUROINVENT 2014 for diagnostic device development

Dr. ZGURA actively participates in significant research initiatives including the Water4All project "A green approach in the frame of circular economy: robocasted photocatalysts for wastewater treatment" (2024-2027) and multiple JINR-RO collaborations investigating biocomposite materials for medical applications (2019-2021). Her patent portfolio includes methods for viral antigen detection and liquid crystal characterization. She has contributed to several book chapters on wettability of nanostructured surfaces and laser optofluidics, demonstrating her thought leadership in these specialized domains.

Working within NIMP's Laboratory of Optical Processes in Nanostructured Materials, she employs sophisticated fabrication techniques including MAPLE deposition, pulsed laser evaporation, and wet chemical synthesis. Her laboratory infrastructure supports comprehensive materials characterization from molecular interactions to macroscopic functional properties, positioning her research at the forefront of sustainable nanotechnology development in Eastern Europe.