Introdução: Recentes progressos feitos na bioengenharia de enxertos cardíacos oferecem nova modalidade terapêutica para a regeneração do tecido cardíaco pós-infarto do miocárdio. O CD34 é marcador que expressa todas as células precursoras hematopoiéticas e endoteliais, e funciona como fator de adesão celular. O anticorpo que correspondente a este marcador é utilizado na imunoistoquímica para avaliar a formação de novos vasos e a presença de células-tronco. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da omentopexia na neovascularização e células-tronco. Métodos:  Revisão colhendo informações publicadas em plataformas virtuais selecionadas (SciELO – Scientific Electronic Library Online, Google Scholar, Pubmed e Scopus).  A busca iniciou-se por descritores relacionados ao tema, identificados por meio do DeCS/MESH nos seguintes descritores: “isquemia miocárdica; revascularização miocárdica; omentopexia; imunoistoquímica; CD34; células-tronco” e seus equivalentes em inglês: “stem cell; myocardial ischemia; myocardial revascularization; omentopexy; immunohistochemistry; CD34”. Foram lidos pelo título e resumo, com busca AND ou OR seguindo-se da leitura na íntegra daqueles com maior relação ao tema. Foram incluídos o total de 23 artigos. Resultados: O omento maior tem propriedade clínica marcante em conter sítios de danos teciduais. Ele aumenta seu volume tecidual em resposta às partículas estranhas e inflamatórias envolvendo diversas células imunomoduladoras com células progenitoras, em um processo chamado “ativação do omento”. Conclusão: A cárdio-omentopexia associada à abrasão mecânica e perfurações miocárdicas, mostra ser eficiente na indução de neovascularização. O omento maior promove células-tronco - confirmadas pelo CD34 -, demonstrando grande potencial como futura terapêutica para restaurar áreas de miocárdio isquêmico.

Introduction: Recent progress in the bioengineering of cardiac grafts offers a new therapeutic modality for the regeneration of cardiac tissue after myocardial infarction. CD34 is a marker that expresses all hematopoietic and endothelial precursor cells, and functions as a cell adhesion factor. The antibody corresponding to this marker is used in immunohistochemistry to evaluate the formation of new vessels and the presence of stem cells. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of omentopexy in neovascularization and stem cells. Methods: Review collecting information published on selected virtual platforms (SciELO – Scientific Electronic Library Online, Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus). The search began with descriptors related to the topic, identified through DeCS/MESH in the following: “myocardial ischemia; myocardial revascularization; omentopexy; immunohistochemistry; CD34; stem cells”. They were read by title and summary, with an AND or OR search followed by the full reading of those most closely related to the topic. A total of 23 articles were included. Results: The greater omentum has a remarkable clinical property in containing sites of tissue damage. It increases its tissue volume in response to foreign and inflammatory particles involving several immunomodulatory cells with progenitor cells, in a process called “omentum activation”. Conclusion: Cardio-omentopexy associated with mechanical abrasion and myocardial perforations proves to be efficient in inducing neovascularization. The greater omentum promotes stem cells - confirmed by CD34 -, demonstrating great potential as a future therapy to restore areas of ischemic myocardium.

Developing biomaterials for tissue regeneration is a promising alternative for the recovery of various tissues, including bone. Atorvastatin (ATV) has a series of beneficial effects which includes bone anabolism, vasodilating, and anti-inflammatory actions. The main objective of this work was to produce and characterize polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices incorporated with ATV. Samples were prepared by the solvent casting technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in vitro release studies were performed. FTIR analysis showed that no chemical bonds were formed between PCL and ATV. SEM analysis showed that the amount of ATV affects sample morphology. According to XRD and thermal analysis, the main ATV characteristics were maintained. The studies showed that PCL/ATV samples release the drug in a prolonged way since its release reaches around 50% after 15000 minutes of analysis and the model that showed the best fit for the studied matrices was the Higuchi model, with a correlation coefficient above 0.95.

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) are typical electromechanical transducing materials suitable for use as soft actuators, bioinspired artificial muscles and sensors. However, IPMC produced with platinum films has the great disadvantage of the large number of cracks and wrinkles, which reduce the performance of the electrode. Polyaniline (PANI) is a promising conductive polymer that can address this issue, especially when it is electropolymerized on the platinum surface. An IPMC/PANI actuator was developed by potentiostatic electropolymerization of PANI at 0.9 V in 0.1 M and 0.3 M aniline solution. The characterization revealed that PANI is preferentially electropolymerized in the platinum film cracks and improve the electronic conduction mechanisms, which is not reported so far. The maximum tip displacement of the IPMC/PANI under 5 V was 8.3 mm, while for the IPMC was equal 5.2 mm. These results provide a simple and effective method to repair IPMCs and enhance their electromechanical performances.

Background Diseases associated with the circulatory system are the main causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality, implying the need for vascular implants. Thus, the production of vascular biomaterials has proven to be a promising alternative to therapies used in studies and research related to vascular physiology. Objectives The present project aims to achieve the artificial development of blood vessels through the recellularization of vascular scaffolds derived from bovine placental vessels. Methods The chorioallantoic surface of the bovine placenta was used to produce decellularized biomaterials. For recellularization, 2.5 x 104 endothelial cells were seeded above each decellularized vessel fragment during three or seven days, when culture were interrupted, and the fragments were fixed for cell attachment analysis. Decellularized and recellularized biomaterials were evaluated by basic histology, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Results The decellularization process produced vessels that maintained natural structure and elastin content, and no cells or gDNA remains were observed. Endothelial precursor cells were also attached to lumen and external surface of the decellularized vessel.Conclusion: Our results show a possibility of future uses of this biomaterial in cardiovascular medicine, as in the development of engineered vessels.

Resumo Fundamento As doenças associadas ao aparelho circulatório são as principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo, implicando a necessidade de implantes vasculares. Assim, a produção de biomateriais vasculares tem se mostrado uma alternativa promissora às terapias utilizadas em estudos e pesquisas relacionados à fisiologia vascular. Objetivos O presente projeto visa ao desenvolvimento artificial de vasos sanguíneos pela recelularização de scaffolds vasculares derivados de vasos placentários bovinos. Métodos A superfície corioalantoide da placenta bovina foi utilizada para produzir biomateriais descelularizados. Para a recelularização, 2,5 x 104 células endoteliais foram semeadas acima de cada fragmento de vaso descelularizado durante três ou sete dias, quando a cultura foi interrompida e os fragmentos foram fixados para análise de adesão celular. Biomateriais descelularizados e recelularizados foram avaliados por histologia básica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e imuno-histoquímica. Resultados o processo de descelularização produziu vasos que mantiveram a estrutura natural e o conteúdo de elastina, e não foram observadas células e gDNA remanescentes. Além disso, células precursoras endoteliais se ligaram ao lúmen e à superfície externa do vaso descelularizado. Conclusão nossos resultados mostram a possibilidade de usos futuros desse biomaterial na medicina cardiovascular, como, por exemplo, no desenvolvimento de vasos artificiais.

Abstract Soil and water bioengineering (SWBE) is a feasible, economical and ecologically friendly alternative to restore the riparian forest areas affected by the Brumadinho mining tailings dam rupture. We evaluated the vegetative propagation capacity by cuttings and initial development of nine native riparian species of the Paraobepa River for use in SWBE techniques. From the results it is possible to separate the species into two distinct groups, namely those that can resprout and produce roots from their cuttings (group 1: Acnistus arborescens (L.) Schltdl., Croton urucurana Baill., Gymnanthes schottiana Müll.Arg., Indigofera suffruticosa Mill. and Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Poir.) and are suitable for use as live cuttings in SWBE techniques; and those which were only able to produce shoots (group 2: Casearia decandra Jacq., Chrysophyllum marginatum (Hook. & Arn.) Radlk., Inga vera Willd. and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) and should only be used in seedling form to increase the diversity of the interventions.

RESUMEN El presente trabajo es una reseña original sobre el libro “Medicine-Based Informatics and Engineering” publicado en la colección Lecture Notes in Bioengineering de Springer, en 2022, cuyos editores son los investigadores Franco Simini y Pedro Bertemes-Filho. La reseña busca sintetizar el contenido de los trabajos presentados en los capítulos centrándose en las soluciones desarrolladas. Los editores, a partir de la diversidad de los aportes, vislumbran la integración de visiones, en lo que denominan "Ingeniería Médica".

ABSTRACT This paper is an original review of the book "Medicine-Based Informatics and Engineering" published in Springer's Lecture Notes in Bioengineering collection, in 2022, whose editors are Franco Simini and Pedro Bertemes-Filho. The review aims to synthesize the content of the papers presented in the chapters focusing on the solutions developed. The editors, from the diversity of the contributions, envision the integration of visions, in what they call "Medical Engineering".

Resumen Introducción y objetivo. Los avances en el campo de la Ingeniería Tisular han promovido el desarrollo de sustitutos de piel y su aplicación en el campo de la Cirugía Plástica. Uno de los principales inconvenientes de la bioingeniería de la piel es la necesidad de obtener una gran cantidad de células viables en periodos cortos de tiempo, lo que conlleva que el proceso de biofabricación sea largo y complejo. En este estudio se pretende valorar los efectos de la aplicación de tres tipos diferentes de secretoma derivados de células madre mesenquimales humanas en cultivos de fibroblastos con el objetivo de favorecer la escalabilidad de los procesos de fabricación de piel artificial. Material y método. Se evaluaron los efectos a las 24, 48 y 72 horas sobre la viabilidad, la proliferación y la migración celular de fibroblastos humanos tras la aplicación de dos concentraciones (C1 y C2) de tres tipos diferentes de secretoma derivado de células madre mesenquimales humanas. Los resultados in vitro fueron contrastados en un modelo in vivo. Resultados. El uso de secretoma derivado de células madre mesenquimales mejoró los protocolos de cultivo de fibroblastos actualmente disponibles. El uso de secretoma se asoció a un aumento de la proliferación y migración celular manteniendo cifras altas de viabilidad. Los datos fueron especialmente positivos para el secretoma de células madre mesenquimales de pulpa dental y de tejido adiposo. Conclusiones. El efecto de la aplicación de secretoma procedentes de células madre mesenquimales permite mantener cifras de viabilidad celular elevadas, además de incrementar el ritmo de proliferación de fibroblastos. Los estudios in vivo e in vitro no evidenciaron efectos adversos a corto plazo.

Abstract Background and objective. Advances in Tissue Engineering promoted the development of skin substitutes. One of the main drawbacks of skin bioengineering is the requirement of a considerable quantity of viable cells in short periods of time, which leads to a challenging biofabrication process. This article aims to analyse the effects of the application of three different types of human mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome in fibroblast cultures. The final goal is to achieve new strategies to promote the scalability of artificial skin manufacturing processes. Methods. The effects of the three different types of human mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome were analyzed at 24, 48 and 72 hours. To study cell viability, cell proliferation and cell migration we exposed human fibroblasts to different secretome concentrations (C1 and C2). An in vivo study was proposed to corroborate in vitro results. Results. The use of mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome improved the currently available fibroblast culture protocols. The use of secretome was associated with increased cell proliferation and cell migration while maintaining high viability values. Data were especially positive when secretome from dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells and adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells were applied. Conclusions. The application of mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretome maintained high cell viability data and increased fibroblast proliferation. In vivo and in vitro studies showed no short-term adverse effects.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. The use of hematopoietic precursor cells and recent advances made in heart graft bioengineering offer a new therapeutic modality for post-myocardial infarction (MI) nbsp;and cardiac tissue regeneration. CD34 is a marker expressed on all hematopoietic and endothelial precursor cells, and functions as a cell adhesion factor. The antibody corresponding to this marker is used in immunohistochemistry to assess the formation of new vessels and the presence of stem cells. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of omentopexy as stem cell donor, on previously infarcted myocardium, using immunohistochemically analysis of CD34. Method: Myocardial infarction was generated in four pigs, by ligature of the 1st and 2nd marginal branches of the circumflex artery. In three animals, abrasion of the infarcted epicardium was performed followed by multiple myocardial perforations and the mobilization of the omentum from the abdominal cavity to the mediastinum, sutured on the infarcted area. In the fourth animal, omentopexy was not performed and only the abrasion and perforation of the infarcted area were performed. All hearts were removed for CD34 immunohistochemically evaluation. Results:nbsp; In the samples from the group submitted to omentopexy, there was a 60% increase in angiogenesis, and in the samples from the control animal there was minimal staining.nbsp; Four samples from different sites of each animal, totaling 16 histopathological samples were evaluated. All samples were immunolabelled for CD34. Conclusions: Omentopexy proved to be effective in seeding previously infarcted myocardium with stem angiogenic cells, seen through immunohistochemistry, using CD34 marker.

Racional: As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte no mundo. O uso de células precursoras hematopoiéticas e os recentes progressos feitos na bioengenharia de enxertos cardíacos oferecem uma nova modalidade terapêutica para a regeneração do tecido cardíaco pós-infarto do miocárdio (IM). O CD34 é um marcador expresso em todas as células precursoras hematopoiéticas e endoteliais, e funciona como fator de adesão celular. O anticorpo que correspondente a este marcador é utilizado na imunohistoquímica para avaliar a formação de novos vasos e a presença de células-tronco. Objetivo: O estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a eficácia da omentopexia na neovascularização e na doação de células tronco de corações suínos previamente infartados, a partir da análise imunohistoquímica do CD34. Método: O infarto do miocárdio foi gerado em 4 suínos, por ligadura do 1°e 2° ramos marginais da artéria circunflexa. Em 3 animais realizou-se abrasão cuidadosa do epicárdio infartado seguido de múltiplas perfurações miocárdicas e a mobilização do omento da cavidade abdominal para o mediastino, envolvendo a área infartada e as perfurações. No quarto animal não foi realizado a omentopexia sendo realizado apenas a abrasão e perfuração da área infartada. Todos os animais foram eutanasiados ao 30º dia pós operatório e os corações retirados para avaliação macroscópica, microscópica e Imunohistoquímica do CD34. Resultados: Nas amostras do grupo submetido a omentopexia, ocorreu um aumento de 60% da angiogênese, sendo que nas amostras do animal controle houve marcação mínima. Foram avaliadas quatro amostras de diferentes sítios de cada coração dos animais, totalizando 16 amostras histopatológicas. Todas as amostras foram imunomarcadas para CD-34. Conclusões: O omento mostrou-se eficiente na indução de neovascularização pela presença de células tronco, vista através da marcação do CD34, demonstrando grande potencial como futura terapêutica para restaurar áreas de miocárdio isquêmico.

RESUMO A erosão em encostas ou taludes demanda o uso de técnicas que promovam a coesão do solo, aumentando sua resistência ao cisalhamento, ao mesmo tempo que contribuam para a recuperação florístico-paisagística. Objetivou-se analisar as características morfológicas dos capins vetiver e paspalum, a fim de compreender sua contribuição para a estabilização do solo, em casa-de-vegetação. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: altura da planta; número de perfilhos por planta; comprimento, diâmetro, volume e matéria seca da raiz. Ambas as espécies mostraram valores semelhantes para comprimento e diâmetro da raiz, embora o número de perfilhos por planta tenha sido maior para o capim paspalum. Em relação à altura da planta, não foram identificadas diferenças estatísticas, mostrando que ambas podem promover boa cobertura do solo. O capim paspalum apresentou desempenho semelhante em várias características morfométricas, quando comparado ao capim vetiver, demonstrando forte potencial para ser adotado como parte das técnicas de recuperação de áreas degradadas relacionadas à estabilização do solo.

ABSTRACT Soil erosion on slopes demands the use of techniques that promote soil cohesion, increasing its shear strength, while contributing to the foristic-landscape recovery. This study aimed to analyze the morphological characteristics of vetiver and paspalum grasses, in order to understand their contribution to soil stabilization, under greenhouse conditions. The following parameters were evaluated: plant height; number of tillers per plant; root length, diameter, volume and dry matter. Both species showed similar values for root length and diameter, while the number of tillers per plant was higher for the paspalum grass. Concerning the plant height, no statistical differences were identified, showing that both can promote a good soil cover. The paspalum grass presented a similar performance in several morphometric characteristics, when compared to the vetiver grass, showing a strong potential to be adopted as part of the techniques on the recovery of degraded areas related to soil stabilization.

Abstract Objective: To review existing literature and provide an update on the current use of Bio-Inks and potential future use. Material and Methods: A MeSH keyword search was conducted to find out relevant articles for this short review. Results: Bio inks used in 3D printing grafting require various properties essential for the selection. Combining multiple methods and improved properties is essential for developing successful bio-inks for 3D grafting of functional tissues and tooth pulp regeneration from stem cells. To date, researchers have made many efforts to grow teeth based on stem cells and inculcate regeneration of teeth along with surrounding tissues like alveolar bones and periodontal ligaments. Conclusion: 3D printing with Bio-Inks requires strict adherence to safety protocols for successful outcomes, making it difficult to employ this routinely.

RESUMO A resina furfurílica (RF) é uma bioresina obtida a partir do álcool furfurílico (AF), extraído de fontes renováveis. Essa resina quando curada apresenta excelentes características, como elevada dureza, estabilidade química e boa resistência mecânica, que viabilizam sua utilização em diferentes áreas, destacando-se os setores aeroespacial e de bioengenharia. No entanto, a sua utilização em larga escala ainda é limitada, devido ao difícil controle do seu processo de síntese, pois a reação de policondensação do AF é extremamente exotérmica. O presente trabalho visa contribuir com a área de síntese da RF, por meio do estudo de sua obtenção em meio ácido e em baixa temperatura (∼50 ºC), variando os tempos de reação (1, 2 e 3 h), visando um maior controle da exotermia do meio reacional. O sucesso das sínteses realizadas foi comprovado por análises de espectroscopia na região do infravermelho com transformada de Fourier, que evidenciaram a presença de cetonas e estruturas de acordo com Diels-Alder e de Dunlop e Peters. Medidas de viscosidade apresentaram baixos valores (230 a 470 mPa.s), os quais são concordantes com as baixas massas molares obtidas por cromatografia de permeação em gel ( M ¯ w: ∼800 g/mol). Esses resultados mostram que as condições de síntese utilizadas desfavoreceram cineticamente o avanço da reação; porém, não promoveram picos exotérmicos. As análises termogravimétricas (TGA) das RFs curadas com ácido p-toluenosulfônico (2 e 3%, m/m) mostraram perdas de massa desde o início da análise, devido à presença de água e de frações de baixa massa molar na amostra. Esses resultados são concordantes com as imagens obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, que mostraram um elevado volume de poros. Resultados relevantes foram observados nas análises de TGA sob atmosfera inerte, com valores elevados de carbono fixo (50–60%), indicando o potencial uso das RFs sintetizadas na área de materiais carbonosos.

ABSTRACT Poly(furfuryl alcohol) (PFA) is a bioresin obtained from furfuryl alcohol (FA) extracted from renewable sources. This resin, when cured, has excellent characteristics, such as high hardness, chemical stability, and good mechanical resistance, which make its use in different areas viable, especially in the aerospace and bioengineering sectors. However, its use on a large scale is still limited due to the difficult control of its synthesis process since the polycondensation reaction of FA is extremely exothermic. The present work aims to contribute to the area of PFA synthesis, through the study of its obtainment in acidic medium and at low temperature (∼50 ºC), varying the reaction times (1, 2, and 3 h), aiming at greater control of the exothermy of the reaction medium. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed the syntheses success, which showed the presence of ketones and structures according to Diels-Alder and the Dunlop and Peters. Viscosity measurements showed low values (230 to 470 mPa.s), which are in agreement with the low molar masses obtained by gel permeation chromatography ( M ¯ w: ∼800 g/mol). These results show that the synthesis conditions used kinetically unfavored the progress of the reaction but avoided exothermic peaks. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the PFAs cured with p-toluenesulfonic acid (2 and 3%, w/w) showed mass losses since the beginning of the analysis due to the presence of water and low molar mass fractions in the sample. These data agree with the images obtained by scanning electron microscopy, which showed a high volume of pores. Relevant results were observed in the TGA analysis under an inert atmosphere, with high values of carbon yield (50–60%), indicating the potential use of synthesized PFAs in the area of carbon materials.

RESUMEN A raíz de la emergencia sanitaria ocasionada por la pandemia COVID-19 y la continuidad del curso en modalidad virtual, se agudizaron algunas dificultades sobre las que se venía trabajando desde la Carrera de Bioingeniería de la Universidad Nacional de San Juan (UNSJ), tales como la demora y deserción universitarias, así como también la adecuación de la formación de los estudiantes a las exigencias del mercado laboral. En el marco de un proyecto de investigación sobre estrategias de articulación y permanencia, este artículo expone una revisión bibliográfica que analiza la relevancia de las competencias transversales para la formación universitaria. Asimismo, presenta los resultados de un cuestionario aplicado a 35 estudiantes sobre la experiencia de la educación a distancia vivida en 2020, a partir de cuyos resultados se fundamenta la iniciativa de organización de unas jornadas intensivas de innovación como alternativa a las problemáticas planteadas. Las conclusiones rescatan la necesidad de reflexionar sobre las competencias, habiéndose convertido en un tema prioritario en las agendas educativas universitarias.

ABSTRACT As a result of the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuity of the course in the virtuality, some difficulties that had been working on from the Bioengineering Career of the National University of San Juan (UNSJ) became more acute, such as the university delay and desertion, as well as the adaptation of the training of students to the demands of the labor market. Within the framework of a research project on articulation and permanence strategies, this article presents a bibliographic review that analyzes the relevance of transversal competencies for university education. Likewise, it presents the results of a questionnaire applied to 35 students on the experience of distance education experienced in 2020, based on how the initiative to organize intensive innovation sessions as an alternative to the problems raised is based. The conclusions rescue the need to reflect on competencies, which has become a priority issue on university educational agendas.

Coral reefs are diverse and productive but sensitive ecosystems. Due to the impact of climate change, these organisms are in danger of dying out, mainly through the process of coral bleaching, which is the process by which zooxanthellae (algal endosymbionts) are expelled from their respective coral hosts, causing the coral to lose colour and become white. Coral bleaching has been linked to increases in sea surface temperatures as well as an increase in light intensity. We reviewed the different zooxanthellae taxa and their ecological traits, as well as the information available on the protective mechanisms present in zooxanthellae cells when they experience environmental stress conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, specifically concentrating on heat shock proteins and their response to antioxidant stress. The eight clades (A-H) previously recognised were reorganised into seven existing genera. Different zooxanthellae taxa exhibit different ecological traits such as their photosynthetic stress responses to light and temperature. Zooxanthellae have the ability to regulate the number and type of heat shock proteins (Hsps) they produce during a heat response. They can also regulate the host's respective Hsps. Antioxidant responses that can prevent coral hosts from expelling the zooxanthellae, can be found both within exposed coral tissue and the zooxanthellae cells. Despite the lower likelihood of bleaching in South African coral reefs, genetic engineering presents a useful tool to understand and adapt traits within zooxanthellae genotypes to help mitigate coral bleaching in the future.SIGNIFICANCE: • Coral bleaching is the expulsion of zooxanthellae (algal symbionts) from the respective coral host, mainly due to elevated sea surface temperatures and light intensities, but numerous other factors, such as changes concerning salinity (ocean acidification), may also cause coral bleaching, although to a much lesser extent. • A specific clade of zooxanthellae can be linked to their coral host's susceptibility to variation in oceanic temperatures, most probably by regulating both the host's respective heat shock proteins as well as their own. • South African reefs have not experienced coral bleaching to the same degree as elsewhere in the world, mainly due to their unique reef topography and oceanic currents. • Genetic bioengineering of zooxanthellae cells provides a plausible solution to save southern African coral reefs before it is too late.

ABSTRACT In order to describe the Biochemical Engineering, including its university studies creation and development, as precursory antecedent of the Biotechnology in Cuba, it was done a bibliographic research and interviews to teachers and specialists participants or witness in that process. Within 1940 to 1959, the Bioengineering was already applied formally in international scientific researches; here was outstanding (1959/1960) the Cuban Institute for Research in Sugar cane Derivates (ICIDCA). Then in Chemical Engineering was didn’t include a formation for industrial scale up of new biologic processes, until the Havana University creates the specialization in Biochemical Engineering. (1960/61) which, later, was developed into career; first it was Food Engineering (1973) and then Biochemical and Food Productions Technology (1982). With an ambitious investment plan, from 1970 to 1989 Cuba developed new industrial enterprises including the fermentative, food and pharmaceutical ones. A new integral Chemical Engineering with wider profile was restructured in 1987 focused also to bioengineering; the study Plan improvement, in 1990, implied a higher methodological “revolution” with the new Integrating Discipline “Process Engineering”, but without modification of the chemical-biochemical integrality based on the antecedents of the 1960 decade. The actual chemical engineers are equally competent for the traditional chemical industries and the biochemical-biotechnological ones. The postgraduate level as master programs was also developed and improved; in CUJAE are in: Environment Engineering, Food Engineering (with collaboration of the Research Institute of the Food Industry) and Biotechnological Processes Engineering (with personnel and installations of the Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Center).

RESUMEN Para describir la Ingeniería Bioquímica, incluyendo surgimiento y desarrollo de sus estudios universitarios, como antecedente de la Biotecnología en Cuba, se realizó revisión bibliográfica y entrevistas a profesores y especialistas participantes o testigos del proceso. Entre 1940 y 1959 la Bioingeniería ya se aplicaba formalmente en investigaciones científicas internacionales; acá destacaba (1959/1960) el actual Instituto Cubano de Investigaciones en Derivados de Caña de Azúcar (ICIDCA). La Ingeniería Química no incluía formación para escalado industrial de nuevos procesos biológicos, hasta que la Universidad de La Habana (1960/61) creó la especialización Ingeniería Bioquímica que, después, evolucionó a ser carrera; primero fue Ingeniería de Alimentos (1973) y posteriormente Tecnología de Producciones Bioquímicas y Alimentarias (1982) en el Instituto Superior Politécnico (CUJAE). Con ambicioso plan inversionista, entre 1970 y 1989 Cuba desarrolló nuevas industrias que incluyeron las fermentativas, alimentarias y farmacéuticas. En 1987 se reestructuró una nueva Ingeniería Química integral y de perfil amplio, enfocada también a la bioingeniería; el perfeccionamiento de 1990 implicó mayor revolución metodológica con la nueva Disciplina Integradora “Ingeniería de Procesos”, aunque sin modificar la integralidad químico-bioquímica basada en los antecedentes de la década de 1960. Los ingenieros químicos actuales son competentes por igual para las industrias bioquímico-biotecnológicas y las químicas tradicionales. También el postgrado se desarrolló, con maestrías nuevas o fortalecidas; por la CUJAE en: Ingeniería Ambiental, Ingeniería Alimentaria (con colaboración del Instituto de Investigaciones de la Industria Alimentaria) e Ingeniería de los Procesos Biotecnológicos (con personal e instalaciones del Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología).