The Biotransformation Group uses biotechnology as a tool for developing new processes and products that respond to the needs of the industrial sector (cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical, among others) by conducting research projects and technological development and innovation, based on the biotechnological use of agroindustrial waste and by-products.
National cooperation: Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Sanadores Ambientales, Levapan, Sosteli Group, Color Cacao, Universidad El Bosque, Universidad CES, Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia (IUCMA).
International cooperation: University of Surrey, ESPOL, Tu Berlin, UNAM, Universidad de Chile, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (TEC), Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo — Brazil, Dairy Institute of Asturias.
Highlighted Projects
Production at pilot plant scale of polyhydroxyalkanoates-type (PHA) biopolymers produced by fermentation using residues from the sugar-alcohol industry (Minciencias, 2015).
Production of indigenous enzymes from native strains for the elaboration of suero costeño (coastal serum), (Minciencias, 2017)Valorization of agro-industrial waste: A bioelectrochemical system for waste degradation and energy recovery from industrial coffee waste (Newton Price, 2019).
Assessment of antagonistic activity of siderophores produced by native isolates of lead-tolerant Pseudomonas spp. Phases 1 and 2 (UdeA-ColMayor, 2019).
Implementation of a disinfection technology to control the spreading of agents responsible for Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) with pandemic potential through spraying of natural products (Minciencias, 2020).
Key Research Findings
In silico analysis of PhaG-like protein in Ralstonia eutropha H16, potentially involved in polyhydroxyalkanoates synthesis. DOI: 10.33571/rpolitec.v15n29a5.
Real‐time optimization and control for polyhydroxybutyrate fed‐batch production at pilot plant scale. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6500. Online ISSN:1097-4660.
Evaluation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs) production with a bacterial isolate using cassava flour hydrolysates as an alternative substrate. DOI: 10.15446/dyna.v86n208.72019.
Isolation, characterization and continuous culture of Lactobacillus spp. and its potential use for lactic acid production from whey. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/fst.29619. ISSN 1678-457X.
Biotechnological process for the production of a multifunctional matrix rich in polyphenols. Invention Patent NC2017/0002431. In: Colombia. 2020.
Evaluation of a mixed simultaneous vinasse degradation treatment using Komagataeibacter kakiaceti GM5 and Trametes versicolor DSM 3086. 164:425-433. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.08.037.
Services and/or Products Portfolio
Bioprospecting and identification of strains with biotechnological application.
Quantification of sugars, alcohols and organic acids through HPLC.
Development of methods for determining enzymatic activity.
Development and advisory in processes related to bioreactor of 5, 50, and 500 L with pH, aeration, agitation, and temperature control system.
Extraction of antioxidants and bioactive substances from plant matrices using alternative methods.
Scientific advisory on: Improvement of strains with reverse metabolic engineering; valorization of agroindustrial waste; microbial fuel cells; development of active ingredients from microalgae, bacteria, fungi, and plant residues; probiotic products; production of biopolymers and lactic acid.
