Climate change is significantly altering the quality and fertility of agricultural land, hindering its capacity to retain nutrients, capture moisture, and support vegetation. To combat this phenomenon, the use of microorganisms such as cyanobacteria offers an effective solution.
In response, Usach’s Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, specifically its Plant Biochemistry and Phytoremediation Laboratory, is developing a multifunctional biotechnological tool based on these living organisms to enhance soil adaptability and mitigate the climate crisis.
Led by Dr. Claudia Ortiz Calderón, a researcher and laboratory director, this project is made possible by ANID funding and key collaborations. Partners include Geosim, a company specializing in environmental restoration and rehabilitation, and the NGO Quilidangui. The Vice-Rector’s Office for Research, Innovation, and Creation, specifically its Technology Management Department, also provides vital support.
Dr. Claudia Ortiz explains, “At the laboratory level, we’ve tested cyanobacteria from the northern region, particularly the Atacama Desert, by exposing them to soils with different salinity concentrations. The results revealed their significant ability to fix carbon and nitrogen, capture salts, retain water, and contribute organic matter.”
She added that this year they have field-tested this solution in saline areas in Pirque (Metropolitan Region) and Quilimarí (Los Vilos, Coquimbo Region). “Based on these tests,” she emphasizes, “we have verified that these living organisms can acclimatize to extreme environmental conditions without losing their effectiveness.”
This year, she notes, the solution has been field-tested in saline areas in Pirque, Metropolitan Region, and Quilimarí, Los Vilos, Coquimbo Region. “The tests confirm,” the academic stresses, “that these living organisms can successfully acclimatize to extreme environmental conditions without any loss of effectiveness.”
The team has filed a patent application for the technology, a direct result of their advancements. Their goal is to achieve TRL 5 (Technology Readiness Level 5) upon research completion.
Environmental and Community Impact
The collaborative development of this innovation with Geosim and the NGO Quilidangui is greatly appreciated by both organizations.
Felipe Bravo Ríos, General Manager of Geosim, believes participating in the project has given them “access to cutting-edge research and scientific methodologies that enrich the value proposition of our products and services.”
This academic alliance, he notes, creates strategic opportunities that “strengthen our position as a key player in sustainability and environmental development.” It further enables them to “validate and improve processes, ensuring effective solutions with a positive impact on the market, community, and environment.”
“This research holds immense value for our local community,” stated Jessica Pizarro González, president of the NGO Quilidangui. She particularly noted its potential to restore the saline lands of Quilimarí, heavily impacted by desalination plant pollution.
“Creating these spaces is incredibly important, especially in this agricultural area that has suffered from water shortages for years,” she says. “It instills this culture and vision in our children, teaching them that there are options for combating climate change.”
In closing, she highlighted the significance of the joint work with Usach’s researchers. “I’m grateful for this experience and for the team, and for being able to demonstrate that there are indeed alternatives for our agricultural future,” she stated.