Colombia’s tropical biodiversity and its chemical richness took center stage at the 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC), held in Italy. At the event, Professor Elena Stashenko of the School of Chemistry at the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) presented research findings that deepen our understanding of native plant species and their potential for the development of high-value-added applications.
During the keynote lecture titled “The Application of Different Chromatographic Methods to the Study of Tropical Plant Biodiversity,” Professor Elena Stashenko presented findings from a study of secondary metabolites derived from native plant species and offered a critical perspective on the use of advanced technologies for the detailed characterization of their molecular profiles in countries such as Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica.
The presentation bridged the gap between high-resolution chromatography and plant ecology, highlighting the role of secondary metabolites—such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and volatile compounds—in plants’ defense, adaptation, and communication mechanisms with their environment.
The research, led by the CROM-MASS and CIBIMOL groups under the direction of Professor Stashenko, demonstrated that the sustainable use of tropical biodiversity by sectors such as the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries requires robust separation methods capable of accurately identifying complex molecular structures.
“We’re not just looking to identify substances; we’re seeking to understand how plants interact with their habitat and how factors such as phenology and soil alter their chemical composition,” explained Professor Elena during her presentation.
The International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography, held in Riva del Garda, Italy, brings together researchers and experts from around the world in the fields of gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The participation of Professor Elena Stashenko, who is also a member of the Symposium’s Scientific Committee, allowed her to share with the international scientific community a comprehensive view of tropical biodiversity as a natural heritage whose chemical richness still offers countless opportunities to generate knowledge, innovation, and solutions with global impact.
