- The delegation toured the plant nanobiotechnology, nanobiomedicine, nanosafety and nanostructure chemistry laboratories, showing special interest in projects to recover native species and medical applications of nanotechnology.
A delegation of 8 Regional Councilors from Tarapacá, together with the Regional Ministerial Secretary of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation for the Arica y Parinacota and Tarapacá regions, Alexia Vásquez Pino, visited the Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA) on Wednesday, in a visit organized by the Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH).
The aim of the visit was to strengthen ties between the Regional Government and the center’s scientific capabilities, exploring collaboration opportunities to boost research, development and innovation (R&D&I) in the northern macro-zone.
From the USACH auditorium, Rector Rodrigo Vidal highlighted the importance of scientific developments going beyond the academic environment: “Research must not only be carried out in laboratories, it must go out and have an impact on society; that is what we hope for. We firmly believe in science outreach but also in the democratization of knowledge“.
During the activity, the visitors saw four of CEDENNA’s main laboratories:
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Plant Nanobiotechnology: research on the culture in vitro of native species, with applications in ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation and bioactive production. This work sparked particular interest from the General Director of Innovation of the Universidad de Tarapacá, Raúl Castillo, who extended an invitation to the Center’s researchers to visit Iquique.
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Nanobiomedicine: development of controlled drug release systems and nanoparticle-based cancer therapies, with clinical potential for treating different types of cancer.
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Nanostructure Chemistry: synthesis and characterization of materials with functional properties at the nanoscale, including conductive polymers, hybrid materials and compounds for energy, health and sensor applications.
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Nanosafety: assessment of health and environmental risks associated with the use of nanomaterials, including the use of ELPI+ equipment to characterize airborne nanoparticles. This laboratory is accredited by the National Standards Institute (INN) for cytotoxicity testing.
The Regional Ministerial Secretary of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, Alexia Vásquez Pino, praised the visit:
“Being here at CEDENNA and learning first-hand about the research being carried out is essential to broaden the perspective of each region. Here we saw laboratories linked to agriculture and medical applications, and we saw how nanotechnologies and nanoparticles can contribute to solutions for current and future diseases. This is an opportunity to think about how to build regional knowledge from the capabilities that exist in the country”.
Regional Councilor Hugo Estica Esteban said:
“I greatly appreciate the preparation and the way we were received, as well as the opportunity to learn that this type of technology is being developed in Chile. It leaves me impressed, but it also raises a question: how can we bring this to my region? That is the challenge I intend to take on in these four years”.
Meanwhile, Regional Councilor Lucero Callpa Flores said:
“I am impressed by the research that has been carried out here. Our great challenge is to promote technology and research in our region, aligning them with our Regional Development Strategy and our innovation and rural development policies. This could be a key strategic axis for the growth of our universities and the region”.
