The University of Santiago de Chile (USACH) has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art Liquid Nitrogen Plant at its Faculty of Chemistry and Biology. Attended by university leadership, the ceremony marked the launch of a cryogenic facility that stands as a unique technological milestone in Latin America.
This modern plant will supply the essential cryogenic resources needed to support safe scientific research, advanced experimentation, and high-precision sample preservation across the entire institution.
Capable of producing 5 liters of liquid nitrogen per hour, the plant will not only fuel internal research at Usach but will also support medical and healthcare facilities nationwide.
Dr. Andrea Mahn Osses, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Creation (VRIIC), emphasized that fostering institutional synergy is vital to solving complex modern problems:
“At a time when the use of public funding in higher education is heavily scrutinized, this project proves that when the government trusts state universities, we deliver. Responsible resource management allows us to build tangible, long-term capabilities for Chile’s growth and development,” she noted.
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Bernardo Morales Muñoz, Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, added that investing in this specialized infrastructure and cutting-edge scientific equipment is fundamentally an investment in the country's future.
“This nitrogen plant is not simply a new facility. It is a tool and an investment that will strengthen research, enhance our students’ education, and help ensure that the ideas born in this faculty continue to make an impact both within and beyond our borders,” he noted.
Furthermore, he added: “The world is facing profound transformations, where scientific evidence is more necessary than ever to address environmental, health, and technological challenges; having quality infrastructure is no longer just an aspiration but has become a responsibility. That is why this day holds special significance.”
Finally, Dr. Romina Lorca Contreras, a professor in the Department of Materials Chemistry, noted that the liquid nitrogen plant is essential for the operation of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometer, one of the faculty’s most in-demand and impactful pieces of scientific equipment.
“The new plant we are inaugurating today stems precisely from our ability to anticipate needs and ensure the continuity of strategic scientific infrastructure (…) In a context of multiple demands and limited resources, it is essential to reaffirm that investment in science, technology, and innovation should not be viewed as an expense, but rather as a strategic commitment to Chile’s development,” the professor concluded.
Versatility of Liquid Nitrogen Applications
In construction and public works, it is used to temporarily freeze a section of piping to prevent its contents from spilling. It is also used in the production of electronic devices. In welding processes, it can serve as a shielding gas.
In laboratory settings, liquid nitrogen is widely used to remove gaseous solvents or water through cryogenic condensation. Within the healthcare sector, it is the cornerstone of cryosurgery, where abnormal tissues—such as tumors or warts—are targeted with extreme cold for destruction and removal. It is also indispensable for the long-term cryopreservation of cellular samples, tissues, and organs destined for research or clinical transplantation.
Furthermore, this cryogenic agent is vital for preserving human and animal reproductive cells. In the food industry, it powers the flash-freezing of agricultural and animal-derived products, securing their quality, flavor, and safety during long-distance transportation and storage.