PROJECTS
UMSA - SIDA Program 2012 - 2020
Valorization of low molecular weight bioactive compounds in food
Project objectives: Strengthen research and training in Food Chemistry through the creation of CEIQA, the academic development in undergraduate and graduate programs, the enhancement of Bolivian foods with bioactive components, and the promotion of Food Security and Sovereignty.
2 Ph.D. graduates, under the sandwich model.
8 Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Sciences.
12 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
22 scientific articles published in international journals.
49 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 1,909,616.81 Bs. for the Institute of Chemical Research.
Valuation of the agro-industrial and food potential of plant biodiversity, both originating from the Andean civilizational matrix and from biodiversity.
Promotion of the knowledge obtained about phenolic antioxidants in foods or the agro-industrial use of plant species that exist and/or are cultivated in Bolivia.
Promotion of the ancient Central Andean culinary heritage whose history spans over 5000 years.
Rescue of the viceroyalty cuisine, and the projection of a neo-Bolivian gastronomy; with methodical support provided by scientific knowledge.
Generation of synergies with research teams from the Institute of Chemical Processes (IDEPROQ) of the Faculty of Engineering, with the Biotechnology Studies Unit of the Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Research of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry at UMSA.
Valorization of Foods based on their functional macromolecular properties
Project objectives: To investigate the interaction and formation of aggregates between the antioxidants in Bolivian foods and biological macromolecules such as proteins and digestive enzymes.
High-tech equipment in the laboratories of the Institute of Chemical Research at UMSA, including the Asymmetric Flow Field Fractionation - AF4, for the characterization of macromolecules in food, the first of its kind in the region.
3 Ph.D. graduates, under the sandwich model.
6 M.Sc. graduates.
26 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
38 scientific articles published in international journals.
1 edited book.
25 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 2,627,742.00 bolivianos for the Institute of Chemical Research.
Enhancement of Bolivian foods through the study of molecular interactions and the proposal of new food formulations.
Creation of a Swedish-Bolivian Spin-Off Company SWEBOL Biotech, with an international perspective.
In terms of interaction, this project collaborated with producer communities and industry, as well as the technical figure to provide services to external entities based on the available technological infrastructure.
Biocontrol techniques aimed at improving agricultural recovery
Project objectives: Identify the critical components and interactions between: biocontrol (Trichoderma sp BOL12QD), pathogen (Peronospora variabilis), and Quinoa, to improve production in the country's agricultural crops.
Ph.D. completed under the sandwich model.
5 M.Sc. graduates.
10 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
4 scientific articles published in international journals.
24 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 900,317.60 bolivianos for the Institute of Chemical Research.
Equipment of the Molecular Biology and Plant Genetics laboratories of the Chemical Sciences program and a greenhouse under controlled conditions for in vivo cultivation.
Equipment for the study of Food, including the Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation AF4, Fluorescence Microscope for the characterization of macromolecules in food, the first of its kind in the region.
Formation of a Swedish-Bolivian spin-off based on research results and formulation of new foods for commercialization in both local and international markets.
Pollution and Aquatic Bioremediation
Project objectives: To investigate and evaluate the current quality of water, the biogeochemistry of pollutants, and the development of remediation techniques in the highland region, as well as to establish the foundations for an interdisciplinary research and training program at the master's and doctoral levels at UMSA.
2 Ph.D. completed under the sandwich model.
10 M.Sc. graduates.
12 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
36 scientific articles published in international journals.
6 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 1,103,384.00 bolivianos for the Institute of Chemical Research.
Training and specialization of 2 doctors in the issues of Bioremediation and Hydrochemistry of surface waters, groundwater, and sediments, as well as their interrelation.
Definition of specific thematic areas that are being incorporated into the local Master's programs in Chemistry and Biology at the Faculty of Pure and Natural Sciences.
Water and sustainable development of the high plateau
Project objectives: To promote the training of human resources at the doctoral level in the area of water resources management through research.
2 Ph.D. obtained through the sandwich model.
1 M.Sc. graduates.
2 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
22 scientific articles published in international journals.
15 equipment items acquired and in operation equivalent to 274,558.10 bolivianos for the Institute of Hydraulics and Hydrology, Faculty of Engineering.
Improvement of the research and technological capabilities of the Institute of Hydraulics and Hydrology.
Improvement of the database and scientific information on surface and groundwater resources.
Training of human resources at different academic levels.
New research alliances.
Energy and hydrocarbons for sustainable development
Project objectives: Generate scientific and technological knowledge, specialized human resources, equipped laboratories for research, and services and networks for the transfer of research and innovation results in the field of renewable energies and hydrocarbons.
2 Ph.D. obtained through the sandwich model.
7 M.Sc. graduates.
8 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
19 scientific articles published in international journals.
2 published books.
New methods for synthesizing materials for the sectors: i) energy storage systems (cathode materials for lithium batteries) with the state-owned Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos – currently in the patent process, ii) catalytic processes for the petrochemical field – with YPFB (in the patent process), and photocatalysis for environmental remediation in water, developed.
Construction of a development strategy for communities in rural areas "Smart Ayllu," based on a hybrid energy efficiency system, implemented in synergy with the Faculty of Humanities of UMSA.
Based on the integration of the "Smart Community" and the "Ayllu Aymara" way of life. Currently being implemented in 3 communities of the municipality of Colquencha – La Paz.
Where the transfer of results from the field of energy efficiency takes place.
Implementation of 1 laboratory for the field of catalytic processes for the petrochemical field (the only one in the country).
Implementation of 1 alternative energy laboratory and a laboratory for photocatalytic processes for environmental remediation, contributing to the expansion of research infrastructure, along with the investment in laboratory equipment financed by Asdi, which in this stage of cooperation amounts to 673,025.00 Bs.
Non-metallic minerals as resources for sustainable development
Project objectives: Develop R&D (technological-social) projects that enable scientific training and the generation of processes for the transformation of non-metallic natural resources that can be implemented in productive units (community or private).
2 Ph.D. graduates trained under the sandwich model.
2 M.Sc. graduates.
16 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
4 scientific articles published in international journals.
2 published books.
Knowledge transfer and training for beneficiaries.
Implementation of a Ceramic Training Center in the beneficiary community of Micaya.
Scientific training of the research team.
Signing of an Agreement with the Ministry of Rural Development and Land for the application of research results developed in the project.
Production of a technical database on non-metallic resource deposits in Bolivia that includes physical, mineralogical, structural characterization, and the potential for possible basic and industrial applications.
11 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 1,411,505.00 Bs. for the Institute of Geological and Environmental Research, Faculty of Geological Sciences.
Academic training of university students in the fields of Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Metallurgy, and others.
Support for research infrastructure not only at UMSA but also at other universities, including private ones, as well as institutions in the field of materials science.
Scientific training for the work team.
Agreement with the Ministry of Rural Development and Land 2017.
Technical database on various deposits of Non-Metallic Resources in Bolivia.
Agricultural and industrial biomass biorefinery for the production of bioenergy, refined derivatives, and platform chemicals (Whitebio)
Project objectives: Establish biotechnological and engineering processes (bioprocesses) in the field of biomass biorefinery from industrial/municipal waste for the production of refined derivatives, platform chemicals, and bioenergy.
2 Ph.D. graduates trained under the sandwich model.
10 M.Sc. graduates.
66 undergraduate students completed their degree.
37 scientific articles published in international journals.
3 published books.
9 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 1,400,325 Bs. for the Institute of Pharmaceutical Biochemical Research and the Institute of Research and Development of Chemical Processes. - Refrigerated centrifuge - 2 fermenters of 5 and 10 L - Shaker - HPLC - Baseline related to the projects Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology and Development of Chemical Processes.
Contribution to the establishment of the concept of biomass biorefinery based on agricultural and industrial sources for the production of bioenergy, refined derivatives, and chemical platforms, Studies of the main concepts of biodiversity and bioprocess technology over 12 years.
Articulation of two research teams belonging
to the Institute of Pharmaceutical Biochemical Research (IIFB) and to the Institute of Research and Development of Chemical Processes (IIDEPROQ).
Biomolecules of medicinal and industrial interest for antiparasitic use
Project objectives: To develop research capabilities in Bolivia, in the long term, qualified scientists who are able to seek and study novel compounds from local biodiversity that could be developed for medicinal and/or industrial purposes.
2 Ph.D. graduates trained under the sandwich model.
6 M.Sc. graduates.
14 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
13 scientific articles published in international journals.
1 published book with 152 studied species summarizing field and laboratory results. Document for the exchange and rescue of ancestral knowledge “Traditional Tacana Knowledge and Biological Activity”.
13 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 1,600,984.90 Bs. for the Institute of Pharmaceutical Biochemical Research. Among them, a supercritical fluid extraction system and an HPLC-MS system.
From 2013 to 2020, 152 medicinal species from the Tacana ethnic group were documented and collected in the Communities of Buena Vista, San Silvestre, Santa Rosa de Maravilla, and San Miguel, and were classified in the National Herbarium of La Paz (HLP). All were evaluated in vitro against parasites of: Leishmania spp, Trypanosoma cruzi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Giardia intestinalis. The most active plants in each model are known. This serves as a basis for future academic work.
Biomolecules of medicinal and industrial interest – anticancer
Project objectives: To investigate the potential of Bolivian natural products for use in the treatment of cancer and other related non-communicable diseases.
1 Ph.D. graduates trained under the sandwich model.
6 M.Sc. graduates.
16 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
Implementation of a new line of research at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology related to the determination of molecules against cancer, obtaining the necessary equipment and trained personnel.
Implementation of a chromatography laboratory at IIQ with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography equipment, which greatly expands the research spectrum of natural products.
21 equipment acquired in this stage of cooperation, with a budget equivalent to 1,370,627.38 Bs.
Diarrheal Diseases
Project objectives: Contribute to the improvement of the management and prevention of diarrheal diseases in Bolivia.
1 Ph.D. graduates trained under the sandwich model.
2 M.Sc. graduates.
4 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
16 scientific articles published in international journals.
Biological implications of polyparasitism
Project objectives: The study describes the most common parasitic infections and aims to assess the immunological and nutritional conditions in children and contribute to improving the quality of life of schoolchildren in urban and rural areas of the Altiplano and Tropics of the Department of La Paz.
1 Ph.D. completed under the sandwich model.
1 Trained specialist.
3 scientific articles published in international journals.
23 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 1,378,922.65 bolivianos for the Parasitic Immunology Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, and Medical Technology of UMSA.
Participation of 880 children, more than 1000 schoolchildren received treatment for the parasites found in the study areas.
Type 2 Diabetes New Therapies
Project objectives: Improve the therapy for Type 2 Diabetes through the research of potentially nutraceutical food plants and the training of human resources in the area.
1 Ph.D. completed under the sandwich model.
5 M.Sc. graduates.
2 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
13 scientific articles published in international journals.
1 edited book.
30 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 550,538.00 Bs. for the Institute of Pharmaceutical Biochemical Research.
Infecciones tropicales virales de transmisión sexual
Project objectives: Improve the health conditions of women in the Amazon through research on the biological characterization of HPV and HSV infections, the evaluation of the innate immunity of our population, and the identification of natural products with potential preventive and/or treatment effects for these infections.
1 Ph.D. completed under the sandwich model.
3 M.Sc. graduates.
2 undergraduate students completed their degree in the research line of the project.
4 scientific articles published in international journals.
11 edited books.
11 equipment acquired and in operation equivalent to 612,629.69. For the Laboratory of Virology, Immunity, and Infection, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Sciences.
400 people (women from rural areas) accessed immunological-molecular laboratory studies for the diagnosis of active infection by HPV, HSV, and other related agents.
