Carrera de Biotecnología

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Actividad antimicrobiana de aceites esenciales de plantas
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2022-03) Rojas Hechavarría, Miguel Alejandro; Arancibia Soria, Mirari Yosune
Essential oils are volatile compounds product of the secondary metabolism of plants, these can have antimicrobial activity for both bacteria and fungi due to the varied composition of terpenes, phenols, among other molecules, this allows these compounds to be multipurpose in several branches of the industry such as pharmaceuticals or cosmetics, in this last one they also have antioxidant activity. The activity of the essential oils will be different for each plant and for each organism, to obtain a great variety of results, the individual activity of 47 plants was specifically searched, in which they were tested against different types of bacteria and fungi, once the information was collected it was classified according to their results, these focused on tests of inhibition halo using diffusion disc, in which a certain amount or concentration of essential oil is tested to reveal how strong the antimicrobial activity is. Based on these results that are presented in different research studies, they were classified according to their antimicrobial activity as high, moderate, low and no activity. Essential oils have a very varied activity and the information collected is a sample of the great potential that this type of compound can have, so the main objective has been to collect all the relevant information on the subject that can be found in databases of scientific data to facilitate future work with these types of compounds.
Actividad antiviral de aceites esenciales de plantas
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2022-09) Barona Endara, Joselyn Michelle; Arancibia Soria, Mirari Yosune
Essential oils are highly volatile aromatic substances that are extracted from plant material from different parts of plants. It has been shown in various bibliographic sources that these compounds can inhibit different types of viruses due to their varied composition of bioactive substances and represents a potential source of active principles for its use in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the availability of summaries with synthesized information on a variety of these is limited, which leads to a general lack of knowledge of their benefits. The objective of this study is to identify the main essential oils that have antiviral activity. With this aim, the research question is the following: ¿Which essential oils exhibit antiviral activity according to the literature reviewed in bibliographic databases? This is answered through an exhaustive investigation of quantitative data of in vitro antiviral activity of 42 types of plants. The data found are classified according to the percentage of inhibition in the categories of high (total inhibition), high, moderate, low, no activity and no activity with enhancement of viral activity. These results indicate varied antiviral activity, of the essential oils investigated, several of them have a total inhibition capacity of certain viruses, while others, despite not eliminating them, have a high antiviral activity and, on the other hand, certain essential oils demonstrate a viral potentiating ability. Taking this into account, it is recommended to use the tabulated data for future research to verify the efficacy of these substances.
Análisis de la actividad antiinflamatoria y agregación plaquetaria compuestos bioactivos del extracto etanólico de Cedrón (Aloysia citrodora paláu)
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-08) Valencia Armas, Joselin Gabriela; Pérez Aldás, Lander Vinicio
Currently, access to large medical treatments is a global challenge, which drives a renewed interest in traditional medicine and medicinal plants, however, the lack of scientific studies limits their acceptance in public health. This research analyzes the bioactive compounds of the ethanolic extract of cedron (Aloysia citrodora Paláu) for its anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet aggregation activity. The cedron plant, also known as verbena, confers a range of therapeutic uses including the reduction of inflammation and protection against oxidative stress. Wherein, gallic acid reduces inflammation, while quercetin exhibits anticoagulant properties. The extraction yield was 17.01 percent, and the content of total phenols and flavonoids was found to decrease as the extract was diluted, with maximum values of 163.45 milligram (mg) over gram (g) and 99.12 mg over g, respectively, at the highest concentration. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity, the cedron extract showed an inhibition of albumin denaturation of 61.85 percent, lower than diclofenac (95.1 percent), but comparable as it is diluted. In addition, the extract inhibited platelet aggregation similarly to the control drug at all concentrations tested. The flavonoids and phenols present in the ethanolic extract of cedron exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet aggregation activity, standing out as a natural alternative. These findings contribute to the development of new organic products and to the growth of the Flor Andina company.
Análisis de la actividad antioxidante de un microencapsulado de Mangiferina extraída de la cáscara del mango (Mangifera Indica L.)
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-02) Navarro Otavalo, Juan Eduardo; López Hernández, Orestes Darío
Mango peel, a by-product of mango processing, has been identified as a valuable source of polyphenols. As such, research on the extraction of mangiferin-rich phenolic compounds from this waste peel is of great interest. The mangiferin has attracted scientific attention due to its various applications in health, nutrition and cosmetics, especially for its and cosmetics, especially for its antioxidant capacity. The extraction of phenolic compounds was carried out through response surface methodology, using dehydration, crushing, and infusion with a water-ethanol mixture at various concentrations for different time intervals. The determination of the total polyphenol content (TPC) was carried out using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, achieving a TPC of 93.5928 mg GAE per gram of dry base, with a concentration of 70 percent ethanol. The identification of mangiferin was carried out with UV-Vis and infrared spectrophotometry. The microencapsulation, using a water-extract-maltodextrin mixture, showed an efficiency of 95,146 with a total solids content of 30 percent. The radical inhibition capacity was evaluated by means of the DPPH method, obtaining promising antioxidant promising percentages of antioxidant capacity: 88.373 per cent for the crude extract and 43.165 per cent for the microencapsulated extract. In summary, this study concludes that the microencapsulation process not only overcomes the limitations associated with polyphenols, but also contributes significantly to the increase of the free radical scavenging capacity, highlighting the potential of mango peel in various industrial applications.
Análisis de la capacidad antimicrobiana de un péptido obtenido en un sistema de expresión Escherichia coli J53 frente a cepas de Staphylococcus spp.
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Llambo Charco, Darwin Marcelo; Garcés Moncayo, María Daniela
Pathogenic microorganisms of the Staphylococcus spp. genius have represented one of the main causes of infections in nosocomial environments, immunosuppressed population, and patients with medical devices. The S. aureus strain has been particularly worrying due to its increasing resistance to antibiotics such as methicillin (MRSA) and certain beta-lactams such as cephalosporin and penicillin due to the presence of the mecA gene. Obtaining proteins from expression systems is a viable alternative for the development of new therapeutic avenues for infections caused by the Staphylococcus spp. genus. This research project was developed with the aim of analyzing the antimicrobial capacity of the peptide Alpha-1-Purothionine obtained in an E. coli J53 expression system against strains of S. aureus and coagulase-negative S. (CoNS). The process began with the cellular chemically competent of the host, induction with IPTG and the analysis of the expression by means of SDS PAGE, where a certain level of basal expression is evident. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated. Finally, it was determined that the peptide presented antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth and development of the S. aureus and CoNS strains through colorimetric verification using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), showing values of 8,5 micrograms per millimeters for S. aureus and 17,0 micrograms per millimeters for CoNS.
Análisis de la influencia de la calidad de agua sobre la microbiota intestinal presente en las heces de pollos de engorde de la empresa Grupo Casa Grande
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-02) Aguilar Castillo, Carla Melanie; Garcés Moncayo, María Daniela
The gut microbiota includes commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms that inhabit complex multicellular organisms. Among the main functions, the following stand out: regulation of metabolic activities, absorption of nutrients and prevention of colonization by pathogens. However, the microbiota can be altered by various factors such as water, food, antibiotic intake and geographical location. In this study, it was known whether water quality influences the intestinal microbiota of Cobb 500 broiler chickens from two farms (San José and Las Orquídeas) belonging to the Grupo Casa Grande company. For this purpose, a metagenomic amplicon analysis of the 16s rRNA gene was carried out, using DNA extracted from 4 fecal samples of broiler chickens. Data processing was performed on the Galaxy platform linked to QIIME2. The analysis of water quality was within the limits established by INEN 1108 standards and the Cobb 500 Chicken Management Manual, with the exception of water hardness (Las Orquídeas farm). The Shannon index and PCoA revealed that samples from both farms present a high microbial diversity of OTUs and a minimal difference in the composition of the microbial community. The analyzes of relative abundance, differential abundance and alpha rarefaction showed that the most abundant and richest taxa of the fecal microbiota were Lactobacillus sp and Romboutsia sp. The water quality of the farms did not influence the composition of the intestinal microbiota of the chickens.
Análisis de la influencia de la calidad de agua sobre la microbiota intestinal presente en las heces de pollos de engorde de la empresa Grupo Casa Grande
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-02) Manzaba Yépez, Angela Nicole; Garcés Moncayo, María Daniela
The gut microbiota includes commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms that inhabit complex multicellular organisms. Among the main functions, the following stand out: regulation of metabolic activities, absorption of nutrients and prevention of colonization by pathogens. However, the microbiota can be altered by various factors such as water, food, antibiotic intake and geographical location. In this study, it was known whether water quality influences the intestinal microbiota of Cobb 500 broiler chickens from two farms (San José and Las Orquídeas) belonging to the Grupo Casa Grande company. For this purpose, a metagenomic amplicon analysis of the 16s rRNA gene was carried out, using DNA extracted from 4 fecal samples of broiler chickens. Data processing was performed on the Galaxy platform linked to QIIME2. The analysis of water quality was within the limits established by INEN 1108 standards and the Cobb 500 Chicken Management Manual, with the exception of water hardness (Las Orquídeas farm). The Shannon index and PCoA revealed that samples from both farms present a high microbial diversity of OTUs and a minimal difference in the composition of the microbial community. The analyzes of relative abundance, differential abundance and alpha rarefaction showed that the most abundant and richest taxa of the fecal microbiota were Lactobacillus sp and Romboutsia sp. The water quality of the farms did not influence the composition of the intestinal microbiota of the chickens.
Análisis de la rizósfera de cultivos de fresa selectos de la Unión de Productores Agroecológicos de Tungurahua aplicando técnicas de meta-taxonomía 16s Rrna. Articulado al Proyecto de Investigación aprobado mediante Resolución Nro. UTA-CONIN-2023-0294-R
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Cajas Corrales, Kathelyn Noemi; Calero Cáceres, William Ricardo
This study analyzes the rhizosphere microbiota of F. x ananassa Albión Californiana cultivated in Tungurahua, Ecuador, highlighting its critical role in soil health and agricultural sustainability. Understanding the composition and functionality of microbial communities in the rhizosphere is essential for developing efficient agricultural practices and enhancing crop resilience to environmental stressors. This research provides foundational insights for future studies exploring the potential of these microbial communities to improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity under specific agroecological conditions. Samples were collected from six representative localities and analyzed using bioinformatics tools such as QIIME 2, EzBiocloud, and PICRUSt to assess microbial diversity and predict functional profiles. Proteobacteria was identified as the dominant phylum, followed by Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria. The highest microbial richness was observed in La Florida and Chiquicha Chico, with Chao1 values surpassing four thousand, whereas Yacupamba exhibited lower diversity due to acidic soils and low organic matter levels. Key metabolic pathways such as nitrogen fixation and antimicrobial compound synthesis were identified, with notable microorganisms including A. xylosoxidans and A. calcoaceticus. Although statistical differences were not significant, the results are highly relevant for generating hypotheses about the relationship between microbial composition and soil health. Expanding the scope of this study with larger sample sizes and integrating advanced techniques like functional metagenomics and metabolomics could facilitate the development of specific biofertilizers and sustainable agricultural strategies, ultimately enhancing crop resilience and productivity under changing environmental conditions.
Análisis de la rizósfera de cultivos de fresa selectos de la Unión De Productores Agroecológicos De Tungurahua aplicando técnicas de meta-taxonomía 16s Rrna. Articulado al Proyecto de Investigación aprobado mediante Resolución Nro. UTA-CONIN-2023-0294-R
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Rojas Fernández, Juliana Antonella; Calero Cáceres, William Ricardo
cultivated in Tungurahua, Ecuador, highlighting its critical role in soil health and agricultural sustainability. Understanding the composition and functionality of microbial communities in the rhizosphere is essential for developing efficient agricultural practices and enhancing crop resilience to environmental stressors. This research provides foundational insights for future studies exploring the potential of these microbial communities to improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity under specific agroecological conditions. Samples were collected from six representative localities and analyzed using bioinformatics tools such as QIIME 2, EzBiocloud, and PICRUSt to assess microbial diversity and predict functional profiles. Proteobacteria was identified as the dominant phylum, followed by Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria. The highest microbial richness was observed in La Florida and Chiquicha Chico, with Chao1 values surpassing four thousand, whereas Yacupamba exhibited lower diversity due to acidic soils and low organic matter levels. Key metabolic pathways such as nitrogen fixation and antimicrobial compound synthesis were identified, with notable microorganisms including A. xylosoxidans and A. calcoaceticus. Although statistical differences were not significant, the results are highly relevant for generating hypotheses about the relationship between microbial composition and soil health. Expanding the scope of this study with larger sample sizes and integrating advanced techniques like functional metagenomics and metabolomics could facilitate the development of specific biofertilizers and sustainable agricultural strategies, ultimately enhancing crop resilience and productivity under changing environmental conditions.
Análisis de microarrays para la expresión diferencial del gen LRRK2 asociado a la enfermedad de Parkinson
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-03) Santamaría Jácome, David Sebastián; Galarza Galarza, Cristian Fernando
Neurodegenerative diseases are in a constant state of evolution; however, many of them have not been fully understood, leading to limited knowledge about their implications on the organism. This is notably observed in the case of Parkinson's disease. In this context, bioinformatics tools emerge as a hopeful avenue for understanding the biological functions affected by the disease. This is achieved through the application of algorithms such as differential expression analysis or machine learning for early telemonitoring. Data extracted from neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from embryonic stem cells (hESCs) carrying a pathogenic LRRK2 (G2019S) mutation were used for Omics data analysis. Functional enrichment of the samples allows for the determination of the transcriptomics of the mutation. Regarding the telemonitoring method, three machine learning algorithms were employed, utilizing a dataset with 52 variables and 252 observations, corresponding to voice samples from patients with and without Parkinson's disease. This is crucial as the disease tends to manifest dysphonia symptoms shortly after contraction. A total of 139 genes linked to this mutation and consequently to Parkinson's disease and its development were identified. The majority of these genes are present in cerebral processes, particularly in nerve impulses and structural components of the central nervous system. The developed predictive method boasts an accuracy level of 0.81 through the application of a robust and scientifically impactful machine learning algorithm known as Random Forest.
Análisis de secuencias de genoma completo de Escherichia coli aisladas de vegetales y comida callejera de Ecuador
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2023-03) Sánchez Gavilanes, Lissette Katherine; Calero Cáceres, William Ricardo
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a fundamental tool for the analysis and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factors, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in bacterial genomes. Despite their advantages for epidemiological analysis, applying WGS in Ecuador is scarce and limited to Academia. The present study focused on in silico characterization of WGS of Escherichia coli isolated from vegetables and street food from markets in Ambato and Riobamba. The research line of this research is Microbiology and Biotechnology. For this study, paired-end read length sequences of 300 bp were used. In silico characterization was carried out through bioinformatics tools to detect ARGs, virulence, and MGE genes. Two isolates harbor the stx2 genes and various virulence factors. It was also identified that three strains carried the blaTEM and blaCMY genes, and different ADR determinants confer resistance to aminoglycosides, quinolones, tetracyclines, and sulfamethoxazole. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the evolutionary interactions of resistance genes, virulence factors, and plasmid types did not correlate with the geographic origin and source of isolation, showing high diversity. These findings highlight the need to use WGS as a surveillance tool to analyze pathogenic E. coli in food matrices, taking into account a One Health perspective.
Análisis de variantes de splicing y factores de transcripción (HSF1, CBP y Sp1) en la evolución de la enfermedad de Huntington
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Silva Gamboa, Christopher Joel; Galarza Galarza, Cristian Fernando
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the expansion of CAG repeats in the HTT (Huntingtin) gene, leading to significant molecular dysfunctions. In the present study, the impact of splicing variants (SV) and transcription factors (TF) on disease progression was investigated using an in-silico approach with sequencing data based on RNA-seq technologies. Differential splicing variants were identified and their possible influence on the generation of aberrant HTT gene isoforms was analysed. Among these variants, the 109CAG condition showed a particularly severe impact on mRNA processing, primarily affecting huntingtin protein stability. In addition, the functional networks of the HSF1, CBP, and Sp1 factors were constructed and analysed. CBP and Sp1 emerged as central nodes, indicating that they play key roles in global epigenetic and genetic regulation, while HSF1 does not show significant connections with the others. These results suggest that interactions between SVs and TFs exacerbate cellular dysfunction, contributing to HD progression. Finally, the research concludes that both splicing variants and transcription factors represent critical components in HD pathogenesis. These findings provide a solid basis for exploring therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating these molecular processes.
Análisis de variantes genéticas en la Esclerosis Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA) y diseño de ARN guías (sgARN)
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-08) Villafuerte Guastay, Mery Carolina; Galarza Galarza, Cristian Fernando
The present research focuses on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease characterised by wide genetic variability. More than 40 ALS related genes have been identified, with C9orf72 being the most common, associated in approximately 40 percent of cases. This gene and others such as CBS, FIG4, FUS, OPTN, SETX, SOD1, TARDBP, UBQLN2 and VAPB play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease through mechanisms such as protein aggregate formation and vesicular trafficking dysfunction. Using differential expression analysis with the DataSet GSE833, differentially expressed genes were identified between sporadic ALS, familial ALS and control samples. Results showed greater variability in sporadic ALS samples, suggesting a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genes such as UBE3A, ARHGAP25, GDF10, SELL, FPR1, SPP2, PTGDR, FURIN, ELN, ITGB2 and BAK1 were highlighted by under- or over-expression, implying alterations in biological processes such as calcium ion regulation, phagocytosis and apoptosis. As an alternative to address these genetic variants, guide RNA (sgRNA) sequences were designed using tools such as CHOPCHOP, CRISPOR and CCTop. These sgRNAs are specific and targeted to the most significant variants in the BAK1, GDF10 and SPP2 genes; GC content, self-complementarity, efficiency and specificity are assessed. The optimal sequence for each variant was selected for future proofreading trials, with the aim of improving the understanding and potential treatment of ALS.
Análisis genómico de Escherichia coli portadoras de genes de resistencia mcr-1 y blaOXA-48 de origen ambiental ecuatoriano utilizando secuenciación de tercera generación
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-02) Jaramillo Mariño, Vivian Arlette; Calero Cáceres, William Ricardo
The present research emphasizes the importance of analyzing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) both globally and in Ecuador, focusing on the analysis of two complete genome sequences of E. coli strains (62A and 17A) of environmental origin, which harbor resistance genes. The relevance of this work in global public health is significant, highlighting the urgency to address this issue. Using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing technique and bioinformatics tools, a detailed characterization of the chromosomes and plasmids of the strains was achieved. The analysis was carried out on the platform of the Center for Genomic Epidemiology (CGE-DTU), allowing the identification of resistance genes, virulence factors, plasmids, sequence types, including multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Additionally, the genetic environment was studied using DiGAling and phylogeny through the cgMLST method of the Galaxy platform, using the iTOL tool for visualization. The results revealed that both strains have an approximate genomic size of 4.8 Mb, and the resistance genes are located on IncFII type plasmids. They also share phylogenetic profiles and antibiotic resistance, particularly highlighting the E. coli 17A strain, being the first in Ecuador reported with the blaOXA-48 gene. These discoveries are vital for the surveillance and control of E. coli, underscoring the importance of an integrated One Health approach, which considers the relationship between human, animal, and environmental health; allowing for coordinated strategies against the challenges of antibiotic resistance.
Análisis genómico de Escherichia coli portadoras de genes de resistencia mcr-1 y blaOXA-48 de origen ambiental ecuatoriano utilizando secuenciación de tercera generación
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-02) Villacís López, Keyla Monserrath; Calero Cáceres, William Ricardo
The present research emphasizes the importance of analyzing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) both globally and in Ecuador, focusing on the analysis of two complete genome sequences of E. coli strains (62A and 17A) of environmental origin, which harbor resistance genes. The relevance of this work in global public health is significant, highlighting the urgency to address this issue. Using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing technique and bioinformatics tools, a detailed characterization of the chromosomes and plasmids of the strains was achieved. The analysis was carried out on the platform of the Center for Genomic Epidemiology (CGE-DTU), allowing the identification of resistance genes, virulence factors, plasmids, sequence types, including multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Additionally, the genetic environment was studied using DiGAling and phylogeny through the cgMLST method of the Galaxy platform, using the iTOL tool for visualization. The results revealed that both strains have an approximate genomic size of 4.8 Mb, and the resistance genes are located on IncFII type plasmids. They also share phylogenetic profiles and antibiotic resistance, particularly highlighting the E. coli 17A strain, being the first in Ecuador reported with the blaOXA-48 gene. These discoveries are vital for the surveillance and control of E. coli, underscoring the importance of an integrated One Health approach, which considers the relationship between human, animal, and environmental health; allowing for coordinated strategies against the challenges of antibiotic resistance.
Análisis genómico de los bacteriófagos líticos f6 y f14 de Salmonella enterica Serovar Infantis
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-02) Gavilanes Tiban, Joselyn Micaela; Calero Cáceres, William Ricardo
Food contamination by Salmonella represents an emerging global public health crisis, with poultry farms being the principal reservoirs of this pathogen. The excessive use of antibiotics on these farms contributes to the increase in antibiotic resistance. In response to this situation, lytic bacteriophages emerge as a promising alternative for the biocontrol of Salmonella. However, it is essential to perform a detailed analysis of the complete genome of these bacteriophages before their implementation, in order to identify the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes that could affect the safety of their in vivo implementation. In this study, two lytic bacteriophages of S. enterica serovar Infantis, named F6_melonhead and F14_guaytamphage, were sequenced using third-generation Oxford Nanopore technology. Genomic characterization revealed that F6 has a length of 29,097 bp and a GC content of 48.57 percent, encoding 30 functional proteins, while F14 has a length of 59,339 bp, a GC content of 56.44 percent, and encodes 49 functional proteins. In both bacteriophages, the presence of genes producing toxins, bacterial virulence factors, or antibiotic resistance genes was ruled out. Genetic comparison and phylogenetic analysis placed F6_melonhead and F14_guaytamphage within the Berlinvirus and Chivirus genera, respectively. These findings position F6_melonhead and F14_guaytamphage as promising candidates for the biocontrol of Salmonella in the poultry sector in Ecuador.
Análisis genómico de los bacteriófagos líticos f6 y f14 de Salmonella enterica Serovar Infantis
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-02) Altamirano Cisneros, Karen Analía; Calero Cáceres, William Ricardo
with poultry farms being the principal reservoirs of this pathogen. The excessive use of antibiotics on these farms contributes to the increase in antibiotic resistance. In response to this situation, lytic bacteriophages emerge as a promising alternative for the biocontrol of Salmonella. However, it is essential to perform a detailed analysis of the complete genome of these bacteriophages before their implementation, in order to identify the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes that could affect the safety of their in vivo implementation. In this study, two lytic bacteriophages of S. enterica serovar Infantis, named F6_melonhead and F14_guaytamphage, were sequenced using third-generation Oxford Nanopore technology. Genomic characterization revealed that F6 has a length of 29,097 bp and a GC content of 48.57 percent, encoding 30 functional proteins, while F14 has a length of 59,339 bp, a GC content of 56.44 percent, and encodes 49 functional proteins. In both bacteriophages, the presence of genes producing toxins, bacterial virulence factors, or antibiotic resistance genes was ruled out. Genetic comparison and phylogenetic analysis placed F6_melonhead and F14_guaytamphage within the Berlinvirus and Chivirus genera, respectively. These findings position F6_melonhead and F14_guaytamphage as promising candidates for the biocontrol of Salmonella in the poultry sector in Ecuador.
Análisis in silico de la influencia de las redes y vías regulatorias en las funciones biológicas de genes afectados en la Púrpura trombocitopénica inmune (ITP)
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Jumbo Criollo, Paola Monserrath; Galarza Galarza, Cristian Fernando
This work highlights the importance of in silico analysis to understand the regulatory networks and pathways associated with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease characterized by a marked decrease in platelet count. Key genes such as HSPA5, CRACD, RELB, HBM, and JUND were identified, which play fundamental roles in processes like apoptosis, inflammation, and platelet homeostasis. These findings provide a solid foundation for the development of targeted and personalized therapies. The methodology employed included bioinformatics tools such as Reactome, Cytoscape, and KEGG, complemented by differential expression analysis (DEG) and functional enrichment. These tools enabled the mapping of genes within regulatory networks and critical metabolic pathways, such as UPR, MAPK, and IL-17. Furthermore, gene and pathway interactions were evaluated, confirming their statistical relevance, and regulatory models were constructed linking these genes to essential functions in the pathogenesis of ITP. Functional analysis suggests innovative therapeutic strategies, such as modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress through HSPA5 and regulating inflammation mediated by RELB and JUND. This comprehensive approach expands the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ITP, proposing alternative pathways that could serve as a basis for developing personalized therapies aimed at improving patients' quality of life.
Anotación genómica de genes expresados en la biosíntesis de compuestos fenólicos en pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) expuesta a condiciones de estrés
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-08) Molina Valencia, Erick Santiago; Galarza Galarza, Cristian Fernando
The lack of complete genetic information on the pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) genome and the absence of annotations in biological databases hinder the precise identification of genes expressed under stress conditions. To address this challenge, this study focused on annotating genes involved in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in pitaya under biotic (pathogen infection) and abiotic (flowering induction with supplementary light) stress conditions. Using various bioinformatic techniques, transcriptomic data were analyzed to assemble de novo sequences from raw reads for each stress condition. The quality of these assemblies was rigorously evaluated, and a consensus sequence was generated to analyze its homology with related species. Structural and functional annotation of the assemblies was conducted using ab initio and de novo prediction tools, resulting in annotations in GFF3 format that detail both the structure and biological functions of the predicted genes. Subsequently, a differential expression analysis (DEG) was performed to identify genes expressed in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds under different stress conditions. The results revealed nine key enzymes involved in the metabolic pathways of phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Additionally, a MYB transcription factor that regulates gene expression in these pathways was identified. This research underscores the complexity of pitaya's adaptive mechanisms in response to stress, highlighting its activation of specific biosynthetic processes that enhance antioxidant capacity and adaptive ability under adverse conditions.
Aplicación de aceites esenciales como aditivos naturales en los sistemas alimentarios
(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2022-03) Cofre Santo, Daniela Marilú; Arancibia Soria, Mirari Yosune
Chemical additives are widely used within the food industry, however, in recent years they've lost acceptance by consumers, who continuously demand safer and better quality products. Essential oils have received great attention as natural additives and potential substitutes for derivatives of synthetic origin. Due to their chemical composition, essential oils have pleasant odors and, above all, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, etc., so their application in food is promising. In this sense, the present work consisted of a bibliographical research on the potential use of 46 types of essential oils as aromatizing, flavoring and preservative additives in food systems. Its application in meat products, dairy products, fish, beverages, fruits, vegetables, and others, has been widely discussed, emphasizing the study of the incorporation of these compounds in the preservation and extension of the shelf life of foods, as well as, in the development of new technologies such as the encapsulation or incorporation of essential oils in edible films and coatings in order to improve their activity and avoid undesirable effects on the organoleptic characteristics of food products.