Dr Claudiu Vasile Giuraniuc

Biography

Claudiu Giuraniuc has a BSc in Physics from “Al.I. Cuza” University, Iasi, Romania and a MSc in Physics from Lille 1 University, France. He obtained a PhD in Physics in 2006 from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. He has experience in mathematical modeling, computer simulations, microfabrication, image analysis and cell tracking.

After his PhD he worked in the field of biological and medical research, acquiring also knowledge of molecular biology techniques, microfluidics and microscopy. He was a post-doc in the Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Lille, France and in Institute of Systems & Synthetic Biology, Evry, France.

Since 2010 he works at the University of Aberdeen on gene regulatory networks modelling and analysis, microfluidics, microbiology, medical image analysis and electrophysiology.

Research Overview

Microfluidics, also called lab-on-a-chip or organ-on-a-chip, is a state-of-the-art technology which offers tremendous experimental possibilities. Cells can be cultured in miniaturized culture chambers and their behaviour observed in real-time for extended periods using complex conditions in which chemical gradients, electrical stimulation and recording, mechanical stress and drug exposure are varied. 

Mathematical modelling plays an increasingly important role in biology. It allows exploration of a wide range of parameters, sometimes even outside experimental possibilities. Conclusions drawn from modelling inform experimental choices, revealing unexpected properties while saving time and resources.

Funding and Grants

PI:

2021-2022: “Microfluidic tools for personalized medicine” - NHS Endowment grant -£11,964.48

2021: “Novel experimental possibilities trough active involvement with microfluidic culture chambers manufacturers” - Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Award  - £5,900), together with ibidi® as industrial partner.

Co-I:

2021-2022: “Novel nanoparticle-embedded membranes for long-term bioactive SARS-CoV-2 prevention” - NHS Endowment grant, PI - Dr. Alfonso Martinez-Felipe - £11,602

2019: “Development of microfluidic devices for nerve-muscle co-cultures as a multimodal test platform for neuro-muscular function and disease studies” - “Investment in School PIs” internal IMS funding competition, PI - Dr. Guy Bewick - £4,800.