Carrera de Biotecnología
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Item Elaboración de platos biodegradables germinables a partir de materiales agroindustriales(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Lozada Pérez, Daisy Paola; Moreno Toasa, Gabriel AlejandroIn this research, germinable biodegradable plates were developed from agro-industrial materials to avoid the consumption of disposable single-use plates, which are thrown into landfills, seas and oceans causing damage to the marine flora and fauna. Undoubtedly, since the plates have a germinative character, they become a unique and innovative proposal for the consumer because after its useful life is over, the plate returns to the earth and has the capacity to complete the biodegradation and germination process. As for the methodology, the physicochemical, mechanical and optical properties of germinable biodegradable plates were identified using an experimental design and the best treatment was determined, resulting in 25 percent corn (Zea Mays); 30 percent second-use Kraft paper (without ink, not bleached). In addition, after the statistical analysis it was determined that the seeds of edible species radish (Raphanus sativus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa), do not have significant differences that affect the analysis of the properties. Finally, the plates biodegraded in 45 days while, the germination percentage for radish was 85 percent and lettuce 75 percent. It was demonstrated that the natural fibers of the germinable biodegradable dishes were ideal, and the dishes are an ecological alternative to reduce environmental pollution.Item Bioprospección de microorganismos autóctonos productores de biosurfactantes aislados de suelos contaminados con aceites de lubricadoras en Ambato. 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) Guerrero Carranza, Yadira Lizbeth; Calero Cáceres, William RicardoHydrocarbon contamination represents a global issue due to its high toxicity and recalcitrance. This is mainly attributed to the indiscriminate use of oils of various types, ranging from edible oils to motor lubricants. In particular, motor oils have a significant impact on soil, as their heavy nature and low dispersion in water reduce the bioavailability of hydrocarbons for microorganisms. This phenomenon deteriorates soil structure over time. In this study, bacteria present in soils contaminated with oils from lubricant workshops in the city of Ambato were isolated, identified, and characterized. It is essential to highlight that biosurfactants, surfactant compounds of microbial origin, play a key role in this context. To identify biosurfactant-producing bacteria, various tests were performed, including the drop collapse test, oil spreading, hemolytic activity, emulsification, and the use of CTAB agar. Subsequently, biosurfactant-producing strains were identified using the MALDI-TOF technique to determine their genus and species. The results revealed that the bacteria belonged to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for producing rhamnolipids, a type of biosurfactant. Additionally, their antimicrobial activity was evaluated, and the phylogenetic similarity of these strains was investigated using the ERIC-PCR technique. Finally, an oil biodegradation study was conducted, comparing conditions with and without substrate enrichment to analyze process differences.Item Evaluación de la capacidad fitorremediadora de Chrysopogon zizanioides y Eichhornia crassipes en efluentes secundarios de una curtiembre de la provincia de Tungurahua. Articulado al Proyecto de Investigación aprobado mediante Resolución Nro. UTA-CONIN-2023-0194-R(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Escobar Jumbo, Bruno Manuel; Flores Tapia, Nelly EstherSince the 20th century, the increasing global demand for leather has driven the tanning industry to boost its production in Ecuador. However, this industry is one of the most polluting due to the generation of untreated waste, creating an environmental issue on a global scale. This study aims to evaluate the capacity of a phytoremediation process using Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) and C. zizanioides (Vetiver) to treat a contaminated effluent in the city of Ambato, Tungurahua province. To achieve this, three treatments were formulated in artificial wetlands, with a control and three replicates: T1-E. crassipes, T2-C. zizanioides, and T3-Combination (50:50). Over 45 days, physicochemical analyses were conducted on 14 parameters following TULSMA standards, using Hach, Hanna Instruments, and Velp Scientifica reagents. The results show a significant reduction of contaminants in treatment T3 with the following data: BOD5 84 percent, Cr6+ 75 percent, TSS 61 percent, Nitrogen 71 percent, Ammonium 60 percent, Turbidity 99 percent, Color 79 percent, and Phosphorus 60 percent. Additionally, an initial and final characterization encompassing 34 physicochemical parameters was performed. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment with the combination of both plant species in an artificial wetland. This provides a starting point for studying the interaction of E. crassipes and C. zizanioides in tannery effluents and formulating treatments that help mitigate the environmental impact of the leather and dyeing industry.Item Elaboración de bandejas biodegradables germinables a partir de coronas de piñas(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Arias Benitez, Daimy Fernanda; Moreno Toasa, Gabriel AlejandroThis research focuses on the search for a sustainable alternative that contributes to the reduction of the use of disposable plastics and, at the same time, promotes the regeneration of ecosystems through the growth of new forms of life. The problem lies in the need to reduce the environmental impact generated by non-biodegradable materials, promoting innovative and functional solutions. The methodology employed included the analysis of physicochemical, mechanical and optical properties, using an experimental design that allowed determining the optimal combination of materials. Showing that the best treatment presents a moisture percentage of 10.09 percent, beneficial for maintaining seed stability, a thickness of 3.5 mm ensuring structural integrity, a solubility percentage of 17 percent, the lowest among the treatments, a water vapor permeability of 3. 64E-06 grams, millimeters, hours to the minus one, centimeters to the minus 2, pascals to the minus 1 and a water resistance during 48 hours of monitoring, a color in green and yellow shades and a minimum transparency, protecting the food from exposure to light, high biodegradability in a time of 30 days and a germination potential of 75 percent for radish and 70 percent for coriander. These results confirm the feasibility of developing germinable biodegradable trays as a practical, sustainable solution aligned with current environmental needs.Item Producción de biogás por vertederos biorreactores y biodigestores mediante el tratamiento biológico de lixiviados crudos del relleno sanitario de Ambato. Articulado Al Proyecto De Investigación Aprobado Mediante Resolución Nro. UTA-CONIN-2024-0027-R(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Pérez Pilco, Madeline Solange; Peñafiel Ayala, Rodny DavidThe pollution generated by solid waste in Ecuador constitutes a significant environmental problem due to the formation of leachates with high pollutant loads and the emission of toxic gases such as methane, which could be harnessed as biogas. Given the increasing generation of solid waste and the limitations of treatment systems, the objective of this work was to produce biogas through the use of landfill bioreactors and biodigesters as biological treatment systems. The methodology involved operating two treatment systems over 12 weeks: three columns of landfill bioreactors with layers of sand, compost, green waste, centrifuged sludge, and gravel, and four biodigesters of approximately 4 liters each. Controls and replicates were employed in both systems; the controls received basal medium, while the treatments used real leachate. The landfill bioreactors stood out for their higher efficiency in biogas production and contaminant removal, achieving a significant reduction in the COD of the treated leachates. The biodigesters, although with lower performance, demonstrated stable operation. In conclusion, landfill bioreactors represent a more efficient solution for treating leachates and recovering energy, while biodigesters serve as a complementary alternative. This study contributes to the state of the art by validating sustainable technologies that combine waste management with renewable energy generation, providing practical tools to mitigate environmental impacts in Ecuador and other regions facing similar challenges.Item Producción de biogás por vertederos biorreactores y biodigestores mediante el tratamiento biológico de lixiviados crudos del relleno sanitario de Ambato. Articulado Al Proyecto de Investigación aprobado mediante Resolución Nro. UTA-CONIN-2024-0027-R(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Andrade Meneses, Víctor Andrés; Peñafiel Ayala, Rodny DavidThe pollution generated by solid waste in Ecuador constitutes a significant environmental problem due to the formation of leachates with high pollutant loads and the emission of toxic gases such as methane, which could be harnessed as biogas. Given the increasing generation of solid waste and the limitations of treatment systems, the objective of this work was to produce biogas through the use of landfill bioreactors and biodigesters as biological treatment systems. The methodology involved operating two treatment systems over 12 weeks: three columns of landfill bioreactors with layers of sand, compost, green waste, centrifuged sludge, and gravel, and four biodigesters of approximately 4 liters each. Controls and replicates were employed in both systems; the controls received basal medium, while the treatments used real leachate. The landfill bioreactors stood out for their higher efficiency in biogas production and contaminant removal, achieving a significant reduction in the COD of the treated leachates. The biodigesters, although with lower performance, demonstrated stable operation. In conclusion, landfill bioreactors represent a more efficient solution for treating leachates and recovering energy, while biodigesters serve as a complementary alternative. This study contributes to the state of the art by validating sustainable technologies that combine waste management with renewable energy generation, providing practical tools to mitigate environmental impacts in Ecuador and other regions facing similar challenges.Item Evaluación de la actividad antifúngica de los aceites esenciales microencapsulados de eucalipto (Eucaliptus globulus) y eneldo (Anethum graveolens) frente a Cladosporium fulvum Cooke(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2025-02) Aldás Castro, Kevin Steve; López Hernández, Orestes DaríoThe tomato riñon (Lycopersicon esculentum) is a key vegetable in Ecuador, with a production of 55,550 metric tons, with the highlands being the main producing region. However, the excessive use of pesticides has led to resistance in pests and diseases, such as tomato leaf mold (Cladosporium fulvum), a destructive disease affecting the crop. Essential oils of eucalyptus and dill are used because they contain antimicrobial and antifungal properties, serving as an ecological alternative, though their effectiveness depends on various factors. Additionally, the microencapsulation of oils, using spray-drying techniques with a polymer blend of maltodextrin and gum arabic, helps improve their stability and controlled release. This can be automated in agriculture, reducing environmental contamination and improving the preservation of their bioactive properties. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and dill (Anethum graveolens) oils contain active compounds such as cineole and anethole, known for their potency in controlling pests and diseases, making them a sustainable option for agriculture. The qualitative efficiency of the microencapsulation process was evaluated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Finally, the dilution method in agar and microdilutions confirmed the in vitro effectiveness of the oils at concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 percent. The results showed that microencapsulated essential oils of eucalyptus and dill at concentrations of 30 percent or higher provide effective inhibition against the fungus Cladosporium fulvum Cooke.Item Degradación de polietileno tereftalato (PET) mediante el uso de la enzima IsPETasa N212A/S238Y a escala de biorreactor(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-08) Caguana Tenelema, Wilma Alexandra; García Solís, Mario DanielPlastic production in 2022 reached 400.3 metric tons, of which only 8.9 percent was recycled, while the remainder ended up in the environment. PET accounts for 6.2 percent of total plastic production, which represents a source of pollution of concern due to its low level of degradation and a half-life of more than 2,500 years. Conventional recycling methods (physical and chemical) cause secondary contamination, so biological recycling (biodegradation) through enzymes has been chosen. In this study, the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using the enzyme IsPETase N212A S238Y was evaluated at bioreactor scale. After production of PETase enzyme at bioreactor scale using whey as autoinduction medium, 5 grams micronized commercial PET (PETc) was combined with 0.67 micromol of PETase prepared in 200 milliliters of 100 millimolar KPO4 buffer pH 8 for the degradation process. After 48 hours, biphasic degradation kinetics was observed. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed cleavages and cracked edges in the polymer. The N212A S238Y PETase enzyme PETase showed a 2.8 percent yield in the degradation of commercial PET (PETc) at bioreactor scale. This study suggests a new technology for sustainable PET recycling.Item Caracterización cinética de las variantes silvestre y mutantes I208V, N212A y S238Y de la enzima PETasa de Ideonella sakaiensis(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-08) Sierra Mena, Joselyn Patricia; García Solís, Mario DanielThe accumulation of plastic waste has reached critical levels, with 8 million tons polluting the oceans annually. The resulting microplastics enter ecosystems and organisms, posing a serious threat to environmental health. In response, bioremediation has emerged as a sustainable alternative, employing microorganisms or enzymes to degrade polymers. The enzyme IsPETase from Ideonella sakaiensis is particularly more effective than other PET-degrading enzymes. Thus, mutations close to the active site (S238Y, N212A and I208V) have been recently designed to improve its activity and thermostability, evaluated in qualitative analyses. Therefore, in this research the kinetics of these mutants was characterized by evaluating the kinetic parameters of the reactions catalyzed by these enzymes, using p(NP)-acetate as substrate and varying the temperature (25, 35 and 45 degrees Celsius). The data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism. A reduction in KM was observed in the mutants, indicating that the mutations increased the affinity for the substrate, although the decrease in kcat, reflected a lower catalytic capacity, especially for the I208V variant. Overall, all three mutations are less efficient than the WT variant in hydrolyzing phenyl esters under saturated conditions. Regarding the effect of temperature, the N212A variant showed the highest activity at 45 degrees Celsius, standing out as the most thermostable. This study aims to deepen the catalytic efficiency of IsPETase mutants, contributing to the development of biotechnological recycling for plastic wastes.Item Evaluación de la biodegradación y propiedades mecánicas de diferentes formulaciones de bioplástico obtenidas a partir del aprovechamiento de colágeno residual y almidón de papa (Solanum tuberosum)(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2024-08) Miquinga Lasluisa, Cinthya Alejandra; Flores Tapia, Nelly EstherPlastic pollution is one of the most critical problems we face, as the population continues to prefer this material for its versatility in daily life. However, the accumulation of plastics causes serious problems in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, affecting all beings that inhabit them. In addition, poor waste management has similar repercussions. This study focused on evaluating the biodegradation and mechanical properties of a bioplastic made from biopolymers recovered from organic waste, such as starch and collagen. For the production of bioplastics, collagen and starch were extracted by thermal hydrolysis and the wet method. Different formulations were used, varying the concentrations of starch and collagen, and two plasticizers were used: polyvinyl alcohol and glycerin. The aim was to develop a rapidly degrading material with optimal mechanical strength characteristics. It was determined that the most efficient collagen extraction was achieved at 120 minutes, with the highest yield. The presence of glycerin increased the flexibility of the sheets, while polyvinyl alcohol gave them more rigidity. The sample with a 1:1 ratio of flesh collagen showed higher tensile strength compared to the others. In biodegradation tests, faster decay was observed in water than on land; On land, the sheets with flesh collagen degraded more quickly. Therefore, it can be deduced that sheets made with flesh collagen and wet blue have optimal characteristics for the manufacture of bioplastics.