Proyectos

Oportunidad: Dentro de los 9 ejes de desarrollo presentados en la política nacional minera 2025 se encuentra el desarrollo de proyectos con un fuerte componente en innovación. En este contexto, en los últimos 5 años nuestro grupo de investigación en la Universidad de O’Higgins, ha trabajado exitosamente en la generación de productos biotecnológicos basados en la utilización de microorganismos obtenidos desde diferentes depósitos mineros, en particular el Relave Cauquenes. Como oportunidad de desafío, en la presente propuesta, pretendemos aplicar estos conocimientos para la obtención de nuevos productos aplicables en minería dentro de los procesos: - Monitoreo y uso de agua: a) Identificación temprana y control de microorganismos involucrados en oxidación y corrosión de tuberías y estructuras. b) Generación de biosurfactantes en base a microorganismos para optimizar el uso de agua mediante reducción de evaporación en piscinas y tanques. - Reducción de huella de carbono: Generación de formulaciones capaces de reducir en al menos un 10% la emanaciones de carbono en base al uso de microorganismos fijadores de CO 2 . - Reducción de aceites contaminantes: Generación de formulaciones en base a microorganismos biorremediadores capaces de degradar aceites remanentes en maquinaria, suelos, salas de lavado y aguas.

El proyecto pretende desarrollar una herramienta que mejore la calidad de servicio en las rutas entregadas a los distintos clientes de Simpliroute, empresa nacional que entrega servicios de ruteo y recomendaciones de logística de última milla. Este desarrollo es en dos principales ámbitos. Primero, poder mejorar la capacidad de rutear a todos los clientes requeridos, detectando y anticipando con IA las ocasiones en donde el algoritmo de ruteo actual no encuentra una solución factible. El objetivo es detectar anticipadamente estos problemas de infactibilidad y proponer alternativas para entregar una mejor solución de ruteo. Segundo, usar la información de ajuste de rutas de los vehículos (detenciones, órdenes de visita, entre otros) para “aprender” de estos cambios usando IA, y mejorar la siguiente ruta a entregar. El prototipo a desarrollar se probará con las instancias de ruteo de diferentes clientes evaluando la calidad de servicio de la ruta y el reparto que realizan en sus operaciones.

La salmonicultura es una de las principales actividades económicas de Chile por valor exportado, solo superada por el cobre y seguida por las cerezas. En 2023, la producción superó el millón de toneladas, alcanzando un valor de 6.463 millones de dólares. A pesar de su crecimiento sostenido, la industria enfrenta importantes desafíos sanitarios, entre ellos, los brotes infecciosos que generan altas pérdidas económicas debido a las mortalidades y costos relacionados con el tratamiento. En este contexto, la Tenacibaculosis ha emergido como una enfermedad de alto riesgo, causada por Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi. Desde 2020, es el segundo patógeno más letal en salmón del Atlántico (Salmo salar), la principal especie cultivada en Chile, después de Piscirickettsia salmonis causante del Síndrome rickettsial del salmón. A pesar de su relevancia, existe escasa información sobre la respuesta inmune del salmón frente a este patógeno, y actualmente no existen vacunas, por lo que se recurre al uso intensivo de antibióticos. Comprender el funcionamiento del sistema inmune frente a T. dicentrarchi es esencial para evaluar el estado sanitario de los peces y diseñar tratamientos efectivos. Un aspecto clave de esta comprensión es el impacto potencial del patógeno sobre la regulación inmune a través de la metilación del ADN genómico. Se ha demostrado que algunas bacterias pueden alterar estos patrones epigenéticos en su beneficio. Este proyecto propone caracterizar la respuesta inmune del salmón del Atlántico frente a una infección por T. dicentrarchi y analizar los cambios inducidos en la metilación del ADN. Hipotetizamos que la infección crónica de T. dicentrarchi desencadena cambios en el patrón de metilación del ADN de salmón del Atlántico favoreciendo la tolerancia a la infección. El objetivo general del presente proyecto es demostrar que la infección crónica por T. dicentrarchi causa cambios en el patrón de metilación del ADN genómico de salmón del Atlántico favoreciendo la tolerancia a la infección a través de la inmunosupresión de la respuesta inmune. Para demostrar esta hipótesis proponemos tres objetivos específicos. El primer objetivo específico es “Caracterizar la respuesta inmune de salmón del Atlántico (Salmo salar) frente a T. dicentrarchi en condiciones de laboratorio”. Para este objetivo estamos realizando actualmente un desafío en salmón del Atlántico con T. dicentrarchi donde tomaremos las muestras a analizar para estos objetivos propuestos. El análisis de la respuesta inmune se realizará en diferentes tejidos a través de RT-PCR. Luego el segundo objetivo específico es “Analizar los cambios en los patrones de metilación del ADN inducidos por una infección de T. dicentrarchi en salmón del Atlántico”. Para lograr este objetivo nosotras realizaremos una secuenciación con tecnología Nanopore disponible en la Universidad de O´Higgins, este análisis se realizará con peces controles y peces infectados. El último objetivo específico es “Correlacionar los cambios en los patrones de metilación del ADN con la respuesta inmune del salmón del Atlántico frente a T. dicentrarchi”. Los resultados esperados son: 1) La caracterización de la respuesta inmune de los peces infectados y controles a través de RT-PCR; 2) Verificación de que T. dicentrarchi desencadena una respuesta inmunitaria del tipo 2 (Th2/M2); 3) Caracterización del cambio de patrones de metilación en el ADN genómico a causa de la infección de T. dicentrarchi; 4) Vincular funcionalmente los cambios epigenéticos con los efectos inmunológicos observados, esto permitirá describir genes potencialmente silenciados que podrían estar implicados en la tolerancia a esta enfermedad y a ser susceptibles frente a otras infecciones. Los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación aportarán información sobre la salud de los animales y el proceso de desarrollo de la enfermedad que contribuirán al conocimiento del estado sanitario del salmón del Atlántico en el contexto de enfermedades bacterianas.

This research proposal aims to study the long-term behavior of solutions to partial differential equations arising from dispersive dynamics, kinetic models, and integro-differential dynamics in ecology; and to study extremals of functional inequalities in connection to the ground states of partial differential equations arising from quantum mechanics and diffusion phenomena. Five major topics are proposed: Relativistic quantum mechanics, Dirac operators and functional inequalities; Symmetry breaking in weighted functional inequalities and weighted diffusions; long time dynamics in dispersive PDEs in one space dimension; long-term dynamics in nonlocal models from ecology; and hypocoercivity and decay to equilibrium in kinetic models with heavy tails. The first topic focuses on establishing connections between spectral problems and functional inequalities for Dirac operators. The aim is to analyse the symmetry of optimal spinors in inequalities of Keller-Lieb-Thirring type, and to obtain the solitary waves of Soler-type nonlinear Dirac equations as optimizers of a nonlinear inequality. The second topic aims to characterize a symmetry range in which optimal functions are radially symmetric for weighted logarithmic Sobolev inequalities and a new family of Caffarelli-Kohn-Nirenberg inequalities. A nonlinear carré-du-champ method will be adapted to prove entropy-type estimates. Rigidity, perturbation, and stability issues will be addressed. The third topic seeks to study the asymptotic stability of topological and non-topological solitions for a class of dispersive PDEs in dimension one. A new method is proposed, based on perturbations in weighted spaces with exponential weights, on the so-called virial identities, and on the study of existence of breathers. The fourth topic concerns the description of evolutionary stable strategies of long-term dynamics of integro-differential models that arise in the modeling of structured populations, and to obtain qualitative and quantitative insights on the concentration dynamics. In the fifth topic, the aim is to extend the Dolbeault-Mouhot-Schmeiser method to study the large-time behavior of solutions for a broad family of kinetic equations in which the confinement potential exhibits heavy tails. The goals of this project are multiple: to strengthen and to create new collaborative research networks between France and Chile in the field of nonlinear partial differential equations and applications, to publish co-authored articles in top-tier journals and disseminate the results in international meetings, and to promote the formation of advanced human capital. In order to achieve these goals, yearly workshops will be organized in France and Chile to account for the progress of the investigations as well as to encourage the participation of students and young researchers. International training of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers will be ensured by allocating resources from this project for exchanges. Considering the history of successful collaboration amongst the members of this project, and their expertise in their research fields, we are confident about the successful termination of the project. In particular, we expect to pave the way for new research avenues. The main scientific contribution of this proposal involves adapting state-of-the-art techniques from PDEs and nonlinear analysis to obtain qualitative and quantitative results for variational problems and partial differential equations, in which the setting plays a crucial role: complex-valued matrices (first topic), nonlinear and weighted (second topic), strongly nonlinear and dispersive (third topic), nonlocal (fourth topic), general assumption on the tail of the confining potential (fifth topic). This proposed research will provide insights into spectral theory, stability theory of equilibria of differential equations, optimal rates of convergence to equilibria, and their relation to optimal constants in functional inequalities. The expected results will help improving the understanding of various real-life phenomena, including population-dynamics, relativistic quantum mechanics, and diffussion processes. The viability of the project is sustained on the expertise of the members of the Chilean and French research teams, including experts in partial differential equations, nonlinear analysis, calculus of variations, and mathematical physics. Their successful collaboration record and significant contributions to these fields only strengthen the potential of this proposal. In conclusion, the present research project will not only foster the scientific cooperation between Chile and France but it will also provide meaningful advancements in the aforementioned fields and their application to various physical phenomena.

Slope-based Variational Analysis and Optimization

Estudio de propiedades métricas y estructurales de los espacios de Wasserstein (provenientes de la teoría de transporte óptimo), y búsqueda de aplicaciones en optimización bajo incertidumbre.

The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of using ultrasonic acoustic imaging as a non-intrusive, in situ technique to assess the plastic behavior of commercial metals and alloys. Specifically, it aims to explore the potential of ultrasonic acoustic imaging to identify and monitor various plastic deformation mechanisms in stainless steel and aluminum. The selection of materials is based on their distinct plastic deformation behaviors: aluminum releases internal energy through dislocation mechanisms, while stainless steel releases energy through deformation, first by dislocation and then by twinning. To achieve this goal, the study will continuously measure changes in sound velocity and the nonlinear acoustic parameter β while subjecting the materials to uniaxial tensile tests at different levels of applied stress. Previous studies conducted by our research group have demonstrated that changes in sound velocity, in relation to strain, offer a reliable means of quantifying dislocation density in local measurements on aluminum, copper, and stainless steel specimens. Furthermore, these studies have observed that alterations in the nonlinear acoustic parameter, specifically second harmonic generation, exhibit more pronounced changes compared to variations in linear acoustics (speed of sound). Building upon these findings, the proposed research involves the generation of both linear and nonlinear acoustic images over wider spatial regions to advance our understanding of the plastic behavior of materials undergoing different microstructural changes. The challenge of applying the results of this research to in situ measurements in the industry is not trivial, as the highly controlled laboratory conditions are not maintained in service components. In this regard, the incorporation of machine learning tools in the proposal aims to identify the parameters most sensitive to the various deformation mechanisms through clustering techniques. It is expected that the correlation of different acoustic parameters with the various plastic deformation mechanisms of both materials under study will generate an optimal database that reflects the variety of scenarios present in service components, thus paving the way for the industrial use of the proposed characterization system. The adoption of diagnostic techniques and the utilization of metallic material state analysis in service significantly enhance our ability to comprehend and control plastic deformation mechanisms, contributing to improved material reliability and robustness, and facilitating informed decision-making and maintenance strategies. Additionally, ex-situ standard microstructural tests, including XRD (X-ray diffraction), EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction), and TEM (transmission electron microscopy), will be performed to characterize the material’s state after deformation. These complementary tests will provide valuable microstructural information, enabling the correlation of deformation states with the acquired acoustic images. All the acoustic and microstructural information described above, in conjunction with previous research group data, will be stored in a robust and comprehensive database. This database will serve as the input for a Machine Learning algorithm, which will facilitate the identification of patterns of correspondence between acoustic and microstructural parameters. This approach aims to enable the future prediction, with a high level of probability, of the specific type of plastic deformation mechanism that a material is undergoing based on the acoustic parameter measurements. The successful development of this research proposal would yield several significant outcomes. Firstly, it would enable the early detection of microstructural changes in materials long before fractures occur. Moreover, it would establish a non-intrusive tool for characterizing materials by identifying the underlying mechanisms driving plastic deformation and monitoring the evolution of materials in service over time. Ultimately, this research has the potential to advance our understanding of the plastic behavior of stainless steel and aluminum, opening avenues for improved analysis, design, and performance evaluation of materials in various industrial applications.

Medium manganese steels (MMnS) are currently a subject of active scientific research due to a number of reasons. First, their unique combination of strength and ductility makes them promising candidates for lightweight structural applications in automotive and aerospace industries, where reducing weight without sacrificing mechanical properties is critical. Second, their ability to retain austenite at room temperatures offers advantages in terms of formability and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, which are significant challenges in steel manufacturing. Third, medium Mn steels have shown potential in enhancing wear and impact resistance, making them suitable for applications in mining, construction, and machinery sectors. Additionally, their corrosion resistance and potential for cost-effective alloying with other elements further expand their utility across various engineering fields. Scientific research on medium Mn steels aims to optimize their microstructure, processing parameters, and alloy compositions to unlock their full potential, thereby contributing to the development of advanced materials that meet the performance requirements of modern industries while promoting sustainability and efficiency in manufacturing processes. The proposed research aims to investigate the stability of austenite in medium manganese steels within ternary Fe-C-Mn and Fe-C-Mn-X systems (X: Al, Si, Cr), focusing on its correlation with processing parameters. The primary objective is to assess the stability of austenite via (i) experimentally determining the martensite start temperature (thermal stability) using dilatometry and thermal analysis techniques, and (ii) to evaluate the fraction of austenite as a function of strain (mechanical stability) under tensile test. These measurements will provide crucial data to understand how variations in processing conditions influence austenite stability. Else, the study will correlate austenite stability with mechanical properties through mechanical tests and in-depth microstructural characterization, aiming to establish predictive models. Additionally, thermodynamic and kinetic calculations will aid in assessing the phase transformation behavior under different thermal histories. The research will extend its scope to evaluate impact and wear properties in relation to austenite stability, crucial for applications in industries requiring high strength and toughness, such as mining and construction. By systematically exploring these relationships, the project seeks to advance the fundamental understanding of medium Mn steels, potentially leading to the development of lightweight, durable materials with enhanced performance characteristics. Ultimately, the findings aim to contribute to the optimization of steel manufacturing processes and the realization of more efficient and reliable engineering solutions in demanding operational environments

Uso de la química de elementos altamente siderófilos y calcófilos para discriminar rocas asociadas a yacimientos minerales productivos

Climate projections anticipate an increase in frequent droughts, episodes of extreme fire behavior, in addition to heat waves and unstable atmospheric conditions, all phenomena related to climate change. Drought intensification has been projected to increase in frequency in several regions across the globe, including the southwestern part of South America, the European Mediterranean Basin, Northern Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, Australia, and the USA. Particularly, the former three areas have been recognized as locations highly likely to face unprecedented droughts during the 21st century, and within Southwestern South America, Chile has been alarmingly pointed out as the country earlier in this era experiencing this phenomenon, regardless of the greenhouse gas emissions scenario. Catastrophic effects such as extreme droughts and changes in fire behavior are important drivers of ecosystem degradation in arid, semiarid, dry temperate and Mediterranean ecosystems. Mediterranean ecosystems of central Chile have been indicated as the earliest in its type experiencing effects of climate change; where an accelerated aridification is already registered; therefore, representing a scenario to anticipate the effects of climate anomalies at other ecosystems of its type. Persistent droughts and land burning can compromise belowground conditions that are essential to support aboveground life in terrestrial ecosystems. Nevertheless, despite their importance for ecosystem functioning and recovery after environmental disturbances, there still a considerable lack of comprehension on how belowground attributes respond to combined stressors such as droughts and fires. This is of particular concern in conditions where post-fire plant and soil recovery have been shown to be inhibited or retarded due to severe droughts. Therefore, this project aims to evaluate individual and combined effects of drought and fires over time in soil microbial communities and carbon and nitrogen functional dynamics along with the relationship of these attributes and the state of sclerophyll vegetation in Mediterranean forests of central Chile. To accomplish this goal a multiscale approach will be applied in this research by integrating scientific disciplines from landcape ecology to molecular biology. By using remote sensing study site will be selected within an area known to be affected by an extended drought period (since 2010), in addition to hyper-dry years (2019 and 2021), which in addition has experienced the occurrence of historical wildfires as the case of 2017. From this initial screening 18 study conditions resulting from three climate anomaly categories identified (high, medium, low) according to differences in precipitation with respect to historical average, three categories for forest response to drought (recovered, unaffected and unrecovered) based on analysis of Normalized Burn Index (NBR = [NIR - SWIR] / [NIR + SWIR]) and two burned conditions (with and without) will be obtained for soil and vegetation assessments. Classical soil physicochemical analyses and NG-sequencing techniques including high-throughput amplicon sequencing (metabarcoding), whole genome sequencing (metagenomics), and gene expression (metatransciptomics), in addition to soil physiological analyses will be performed. Moreover, vegetation recovery following drought and fire will be evaluated. Results from this study will allow to better understand the individual versus the combined effects of drought and fires in soil microbial community structure and carbon and nitrogen functionality, which are expected to be exacerbated with the combined occurrence of these phenomena, giving insights on the resilience capacity of soil microbiomes and carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles. From this work, results will also allow to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the linkages between soil functionality and vegetation responses to drought and fires over time, which will allow to identify ecological drivers related to ecosystem stability.