Microbiology, Microbial Ecology; Extremophiles; Biochemistry,Microbial diversity, Enzymology

SUPERVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE AND Ph.D. THESIS RESEARCH PROJECTS:

Undergraduate Thesis:

Eric Pinto,” Isolation and characterization of novel hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms from extreme environments and their potential for bioremediation.”, Biotechnology Engineer Degree, University of Chile, 2009 graduated.

Maximiliano Amenabar, “Purification and characterization of glutamate dehydrogenase from a microorganism isolated from a drying oven", Biochemistry Degree, University of Santiago, Chile,
2009 graduated.

María Teresa Monsalves "Production, Extraction and Purification of a thermophilic superoxide dismutase” Biotechnology Engineer Degree, INACAP, 2011 graduated.

Verónica Kramm "Design and scale up of a chromatographic method for the separation of compatible solutes” Biotechnology Engineer Degree, University of Santiago, Chile,
2012 graduated.

Paulina Cáceres "Determination of the growth kinetic parameters for growth optimization of the CC2 thermo-acidophile" Biotechnology Engineer Degree, INACAP, 2012 graduated.

Sebastian Muñoz "Production of selenium nanoparticles by the thermophilic microorganism Geobacillus weigelii (GWE1)” Biotechnology Engineer Degree, INACAP, 2013 graduated.

Angela Rifo "Culture optimization of E.coli BL21 DE3 to increase the production of a extremophilic recombinant glutamate dehydrogenase” Biotechnology Engineer Degree, INACAP, 2015 graduated.

Jairo Pereira “Functional Characterization of a recombinant laccase from Bacillus FNT” Biotechnology Engineer Degree, INACAP, 2017 graduated.

Darma Oviedo “Purification and characterization of a thermostable lignin peroxidase from a bacterial thermoacidophile consortium” Biochemistry Degree, University of Chile, 2018.

María Jesus Soruco “Search of novel halophilic endoglucanases of potential industrial application” Biotechnology Degree, University Mayor, 2019 graduated.

Felipe Gutierrez “Study of culture conditions to optimize the production of violacein by an Antarctic microorganism” Biotechnology Engineer degree, University of Santiago Chile, 2021 graduated.

Patricio Uribe “Comparative biochemical studies of a recombinant thermophilic nitrilase and its native Antarctic counterpart” Biochemistry Degree, University of Chile, 2021 graduated.

Gabriel Leiva “Determinant factors in the activity of the recombinant superoxide dismutase from Geobacillus wiegelii (GWE1)” Engineer in Molecular Biotechnology Degree, University of Chile, 2022 graduated.

Gladis Serrano “Study of the corrosive effect on stainless steel AISI 304 by two microbial consortia isolated from different metallic alloys” Biochemistry Degree, University of Santiago Chile, 2022 graduated.

Abigail Pino “Purification, determination of the antibacterial properties and structural characterization of violacein from an Antarctic microorganism” Biochemistry Degree, University of Santiago Chile, 2022 graduated.

Jorge Sanchez "Study of the biodegrading capability of a recombinant thermophilic lacasse on antibiotics", University of Chile, 2023 graduated.

Javiera Villanueva “Comparative Analysis of gamma and ultraviolet radiation resistance of two extremophilic microorganisms isolated from two drastically different extremophilic environments”
Biochemistry Degree, University of Santiago Chile, 2023 graduated.

Valentina Antunez “Biological Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles generated by extremophilic microorganisms” Chemistry Degree, University of Santiago Chile, 2024 graduated.

Constanza Riveros “Catalytic versatility studies of the recombinant laccase from the thermophile Bacillus FNT towards different potential substrates” Chemistry Degree, University of Santiago Chile, 2025 in progress.

Gabriela Abarca “Purification and biochemical characterization of the catalase from the psychrophilic microorganism from the genus Flavobacterium” Biochemistry Degree, University of Santiago Chile, 2025 in progress.

Isabella Castillo “Characteriztion of two antioxidant enzymes from a novel strain of Deinococcus from Atacama desert and its biotechnological potential for the aerospace industry” Engineer in Molecular Biotechnology Degree, University of Chile, 2025 in progress.

Catalina Salgado “Search purification and characterization of a Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO) from an extremophilic microorganism” Chemistry Degree, University of Santiago Chile, 2025 in progress.

Magister Thesis:

Oscar Jeldres “Technological Transference of a beta-galactosidase from a psychrophile to obtain dairy products without lactose” Magister in Technological Management in Biotechnology, Universidad de Santiago, Chile, 2013 graduated.

Francisca Contreras “Isolation and characterization of extremophilic microorganisms with xylanolytic activity” Magister in Environmental Biochemistry, in Universidad de Chile, 2016 graduated.

Joaquín Atalah “Purification and characterization of a new laccase isolated from the Antarctic thermophilic microorganism Geobacillus sp. ID17” Magister in Environmental Biochemistry, Universidad de Chile, 2017 graduated.

Elizabeth Hormazabal "Development of a novel thermostable bacterial recombinant laccase” Biotechnology Engineer Degree, Andrés Bello University, 2017 graduated.

Diego Salas "Obtention and Characterization of a recombinant lipase from a thermophilic microorganism from Deception Island, Antarctica.", Magister in Environmental Biochemistry, Universidad de Chile, 2023 graduated.

Constanza Bueno "Oxidation of aromatic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by a recombinant thermophilic laccase" Magister in Protein Biochemistry, Universidad de Chile, 2023 graduated.

Gabriel Leiva "Effect of mutations in the recombinant laccase FNT on its redox potential and catalysis of recalcitrant and highly contaminant substrates" Magister in Protein Biochemistry, Universidad de Chile, 2025 in progress.

Diego Sanchez "Optimization of the recombinant expression of a nitrilase from the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus sp. M24D13 and its specificity towards substrates of pharmaceutical interest" Magister in Protein Biochemistry, Universidad de Chile, 2025 in progress.

Doctoral Thesis:

Leticia Barrientos, “Molecular Characterization of rizospheral bacterial communities of Deschampsia antarctica. ”Ph.D. in Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, 2009 graduated.

Freddy Boehmwald, “Identification and purification of compatible solutes from halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms form the Atacama desert”. Ph.D in Biotechnology, University of Santiago, 2009 graduated.

Ncebakazi Galada, “Exploring diversity and ecology of nanorchaea in hydrothermal biotopes”. Ph.D in Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, South Africa, 2012 graduated.

Daniela Correa-Llantén, “Pigments of microbiological origin with biotechnological Applications”. Ph.D in Biotechnology, University of Santiago, 2011 graduated.

Patricio Muñoz “Thermophilic lipases of Antarctic origin: effect of ionic liquids on their activity”. Ph.D in Biotechnology, University of Santiago, 2013 graduated.

Rocío Peralta “Biotransformation of lignin into functional polymers by an antarctic thermophilic enzyme” Ph.D in Biotechnology, University of Santiago, 2016 graduated.

Patricio Flores “Characterization of a thermophilic glutamate dehydrogenase from an Antarctic thermophilic microorganism” Ph.D in Biotechnology, University of Santiago, 2013 graduated.

Geraldine Dennett “Purification and Characterization of a thermostable nitrilase from an hyperthermophilic Antarctic culture” Ph.D in Biotechnology, University of Santiago, 2015 graduated.

María de los Angeles Cabrera “Cloning, expression and characterization of a thermoactive nitrilase from a hyperthermophilic antarctic microorganism” Ph.D in Biotechnology, University of Santiago, 2017 graduated.

Claudia Alvarado “Study of Biocorrosion in AA 2024-T3 by Antarctic microorganisms” Ph.D in Chemistry, University of Santiago, 2017 graduated.

Sebastían Marquez “Purification and characterization of a novel transaminase from a thermophilic microorganism” Ph.D in Biotechnology, University of Santiago, 2018 graduated.

Paulo Molina “Synthesis of SiO2 nanocontainers and their surface modification through functionalization with coupling agents” Ph.D in Chemistry, University of Santiago, 2019 graduated.

Monica Acuña “Biosynthesis of Ce and Gd Nanoparticles generated by Geobacillus sp. ID17, evaluation of the potential role of nitrate reductase NADH-dependant in the bioprocess”, Ph. D in Microbiology, University of Santiago, 2025 in progress.

Hardy Guzmán “Characterization of the hydrolitic activity of catalytic amiloids for the degradation of lipidic residues” Ph. D in Biotechnology, University of Santiago, 2025 in progress.

Post Doctoral Projects:

Daniela Correa-Llantén: Antarctic Pigments of biotechnological applications, 2011-2013.

Patricio Muñoz: Study of thermophilic lipases of Antarctic origin, 2013-2015

Rocío Peralta: Biotechnology of antarctic thermophilic multi-copper enzyme, 2016-2018

Patricio Flores: Biotechnology applications of thermophilic glutamate dehydrogenase from an Antarctic microorganism, 2013-2015

Sebastían Marquez: Applications Biotechnology of thermophilic microorganism from an Antarctic microorganism, 2018-2020

Diego Muñoz: Characterization of a peptídic sequence as inducer of celullar penetratión for therapeutic péptides , 2024-2027