YCN representative - Equador

Guido De La Torre

YCN representative for the Ecuadorian Ceramic Society

uachguid@savba.sk

My name is Guido De La Torre. I did my undergrad at the University of Guayaquil in Chemical Engineer I worked obtaining collagen and its effect as an edible protective layer using nisin as a preservative in meat and cheese products. My master's degree is in chemical engineering from  Budapest University of Technology and Economics. I am currently doing a Ph.D. in the Slovak Academy of Science in the ceramic department under Dr. Monika Tatarkova's supervision in bioceramics. While I was reading about ceramics and bioceramics, I read about the YCN group that creates a willing environment for young researchers as Ph.D. and PostDoc. The Young Ceramic Network (YCN) has helped me make connections with people doing interesting research topics around Europe.

The main focus of my research is to develop a bioceramic with mechanical and biological properties. For this reason, we started to work with silicon nitride as a dense body using spark plasma sintering and with various additives to improve their properties. In addition, we employed different methods to create a bioactive surface. First, one uses plasma or chemical etching, and the second uses oxyacetylene flame. This is my first year in this project; we had generated promising preliminary data about cell viability. Our next step is to start evaluating some parameters. I believe that this position as representative of YCN in Ecuador will help young Ecuadorians motivated to follow a master's or Ph.D. in ceramics and make a connection as I did. Also, they could be involved in webinars or virtual/ presential programs around Europe.

Kind Reagrds,

Guido De la Torre