Two papers written by UPS professor Christian Larenas were published in international journals. The first is titled "Potential of Near Infrared Spectroscopy for classification of different delignificant pre-treatments on banana rachis" and the second "Growth and survival of fingerlings rainbowtrout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using three different diets enriched with essential oils".

The first was published by the International Journal of Analitical & Bioanalytical Techniques which is part of OMICS International. The research is on the process of delignification of banana rachis by a method of "Green Chemistry" based on oxidizing species produced "on site" through an electro-chemical process.

This method was applied to banana rachis since Ecuador is a producer that generates large amounts of waste which is not used properly. The delignification process allows us to obtain cellulose by fermentation with microorganisms, it generates lactic acid which can be used in the production of bioplastics.

For Larenas, this research generates basic research knowledge because it develops a methodology that can be used by other researchers and works as an alternative tool for other research with vegetable materials. This research is part of his doctoral studies in Universidad de Ferrera, where his tutor is Dr. Elena Tamburini.

The second article was published in the AACL –BiofluxSociety Journal, indexed to Scopus. The aim of the research is to improve production levels of rainbow trout using locally produced essential oils like ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass. These plants have well known growth properties and are antibacterial and antifungal agents. The addition of essential oils in balanced food produced a statistically significant improvement in growth parameters and survival of trout. UPS students Jonathan Rios and Walter Ubidia took part in this research, which seeks an alternative to replace chemicals and artificial additives in fish production.

Read the papers: 

http://www.omicsonline.org/analytical-bioanalytical-techniques-abstract.php?abstract_id=72164

http://www.bioflux.com.ro/docs/2016.634-637.pdf