Pruneanu Stela Maria

Dr. Stela Maria Pruneanu is a Senior Researcher I (Cercetător principal R4) at the National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (INCDTIM) in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She works in the Department of Materials, Energy and Advanced Technologies within the Isotopic, Elemental and Molecular Printing research group. With over 20 years of research experience, she maintains an active research program focused on graphene-based nanomaterials and their applications.

Her educational background includes a BSc in Physics (1987) and a PhD in Physical Chemistry (1999), both from Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. Her research expertise spans multiple areas of nanomaterials science with particular focus on graphene synthesis and modification.

Dr. Pruneanu's research interests center on nanomaterials development, specifically focusing on

• Synthesis of graphene and graphene-based compounds
• Development of graphene-modified electrodes
• Electrochemical detection of biomolecules and pollutants
• Nanocomposites for dental applications
• Template synthesis of metal nanostructures
• Electrochemical degradation processes

Her work bridges physics, chemistry, and materials science with practical applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and dentistry.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on graphene-based technologies, with particular emphasis on electrochemical applications. Her work demonstrates consistent innovation in graphene functionalization methods and their application to detection systems for biomarkers, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollutants. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects materials science with practical applications in healthcare and environmental protection.

Dr. Pruneanu has led and participated in multiple significant research projects including:

• Graphene-porphyrin supramolecular assemblies for hydrogen peroxide detection (2015-2017)
• New nanocomposites for dental applications (2014-2017)
• Graphene-metal nanoparticles electrodes for pharmaceutical pollutant detection (2011-2016)
• Synthesis of high purity graphene for DNA oxidation studies (2011-2016)

These projects demonstrate her leadership in developing innovative graphene-based solutions for real-world problems.

She works within the Isotopic, Elemental and Molecular Printing research group at INCDTIM, utilizing advanced facilities for nanomaterial synthesis and characterization. Her research contributes significantly to Romania's scientific output in nanotechnology and materials science, with applications spanning healthcare, environmental protection, and advanced materials development.