Dynamic interchange

PhD student Yina Ortega

In November and December 2024, PhD student Yina Ortega from Universidad de Los Andes and researcher Lorena García from Agrosavia visited the Hereon Institute at the Teltow campus to conduct research activities as part of the Menzypol mission. The primary objectives of their visit were to enhance the expertise of young researchers in material characterization and enzymatic plastic degradation, contribute data for future publications, and generate preliminary results for funding proposals while strengthening research collaborations.
Yina Ortega focused on characterizing a blend of biodegradable polymers and compost—waste derived from the dairy industry’s wastewater. Using SEM/EDX, she identified the elemental composition of the composite material and confirmed the distinct phases of the polymer and compost. Additionally, since the polymer and compost exhibit different stiffness levels, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to further distinguish these phases. Other analyses included Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). These findings will support Yina’s dissertation research.
Lorena García received training in molecular biology techniques to investigate the mechanisms of polyethylene (PET) degradation by a bacterial strain from the Colombian Microorganism Bank. The bacterium’s genome has been sequenced previously, and three regions encoding potential PET-degrading enzymes—triacylglycerol lipase, carboxylic ester hydrolase, and paranitrobenzyl esterase—were selected for gene expression analysis. The technique was standardized, and baseline expression of the three enzymes was successfully determined.