Personal profile
Research Interests
Across the presented publications, the research program investigates plant-derived bioactives for antimicrobial applications, emphasizing practical evaluation of extracts and essential oils as natural preservatives and therapeutic agents. The work combines phytochemical screening, quantification of phenolics, and identification of active metabolites with rigorous antimicrobial testing (Kirby-Bauer, MIC, challenge tests) to assess efficacy against skin-associated bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus) and common cosmetic-relevant microbes. Methodologies include TLC for curcuminoids, Folin–Ciocalteu phenolic quantification, bioautography to link metabolites to activity, and standardized microbial assays to determine inhibitory concentrations and preservation performance. The overarching impact is to establish scientifically grounded, plant-based options for acne control, antimicrobial cosmetics, and the broader validation of botanicals as functional ingredients, highlighting specific extracts (acetonic Curcuma longa, Taraxacum officinale, Melissa officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis) and their selective antimicrobial profiles. This body of work advances evidence-based use of natural products in healthcare, food, and cosmetics, with attention to standardization and reproducibility in measurement and practice.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Projects
- 1 Active
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Checking for the presence of lead in the road network of the city of Cuenca and its possible origin
Viloria Avila, T. J. (PI), Hernandez Sanchez, J. B. (Student), Vazquez Silva, E. (Col), Espadero Bermeo, M. J. (Col), Tapia Flores, C. A. (Student), Jaramillo Feijoo, M. A. (Student), Ollague Flores, G. L. (Student), Guartatanga Caivinagua, X. I. (Student) & Gavilanes Pozo, S. C. (Col)
21/11/19 → …
Project: Research and Development
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In vitro Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic and Acetonic Extracts of Curcuma longa Against Propionibacterium acnes (Cutibacterium acnes)
Pacheco, P., Carrión, D., Gavilanes, S. & Espadero, M., 2025, Systems, Smart Technologies, and Innovation for Society - Proceedings of CITIS 2024. Inga Ortega, E. M., Robles-Bykbaev, V. E., García Herranz, N. & Gallego Diaz, E. (eds.). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, p. 292-302 11 p. (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems; vol. 1331 LNNS).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
Open Access -
In vitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity from the Methanolic Extracts of Taraxacum officinale and Melissa officinalis on Staphylococcus aureus
Gómez, N., Gavilanes, S., Malo, I. & Espadero, M., 2025, Systems, Smart Technologies, and Innovation for Society - Proceedings of CITIS 2024. Inga Ortega, E. M., Robles-Bykbaev, V. E., García Herranz, N. & Gallego Diaz, E. (eds.). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, p. 252-260 9 p. (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems; vol. 1331 LNNS).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
Open Access -
Evaluación de la Capacidad Conservante de los Aceites Esenciales de Thymus Vulgaris y Salvia Officinalis en una Formulación Cosmética
Translated title of the contribution :Evaluation of the Preservative Capacity of Thymus Vulgaris and Salvia Officinalis Essential Oils in a Cosmetic Formulation Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper