The Second International AlQui (Alginate-Chitosan) Workshop, held at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology during the last week of May, brought together the public sector and scientific researchers currently working in the field.
The event was attended by representatives from the University of Santiago de Chile, the University of Chile, the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, the University of Los Lagos, Santo Tomás University, and the National University of San Marcos (Peru). It addressed topics such as regulations, biotechnological applications, hydrogel production, and the preparation of nanoplexes and organic nanoparticles related to this natural compound extracted from algae and used in various industries.
“The conference was enriching, establishing connections with diverse research areas and benefiting from the participation of a regulatory body like the Undersecretary of Fisheries,” stated Fabián Martínez, a Faculty of Chemistry and Biology academic and event organizer. The Outreach and Virtualization Unit supported the activity.
Marcos Troncoso, representing the Undersecretary of Fisheries as head of the Fisheries Administration Division’s Crustacean Unit, praised the event. He noted its significance for both learning about new research and effectively guiding the regulatory body’s efforts.
“The main challenge we face as a sector, in my opinion, is the absence of these critical forums where the university, via its Community Outreach, can connect the public and private sectors. Our aim is to unite all sectors, fostering common ground to enhance the nation’s productive development,” he remarked.
Beyond emphasizing the need for enhanced collaborative work between sectors and research groups, academic Fabián Martínez specifically acknowledged the significant contributions of researchers such as Dr. Betty Matsuhiro and Dr. Alejandra Moenne to the study of these compounds.
“The Faculty of Chemistry and Biology has been—and still is—very fortunate to have academics who’ve worked in polysaccharides and stand as important promoters and pioneers in algae research,” said the organizer. He, alongside academic Alexander Gamboa, represented the Faculty at the meeting.