Production of Essential Oils through Hydrodistillation of Native Plants for the Development of a Bioactive Formulation with Therapeutic Impact

This project focuses on the research, extraction, and development of products based on essential oils (EOs) obtained from native plants, addressing the growing global demand for natural alternatives in health and cosmetics. The methodology is structured in key phases: initially, an exhaustive literature review is conducted to select 15 Ecuadorian plant species with medicinal potential. Subsequently, EO extraction is performed via hydrodistillation using Clevenger or Dean Stark equipment, ensuring correct botanical identification and proper storage. Physicochemical characterization is carried out using Gas Chromatography coupled with a Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID), employing Helium as the carrier gas, and component identification is validated against mass spectral libraries (NIST/Wiley). Furthermore, the biological activity of the EOs is evaluated using the micro-dilution plate technique against bacterial strains and phytopathogens. Finally, the collected data is used to select the best EOs and develop a final product, specifically an environmental air freshener, which undergoes an organoleptic study and statistical analysis for subsequent patenting and production, including a detailed unit cost and sensitivity analysis.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To sustainably develop an innovative bioactive formulation using essential oils extracted from native plants, with the ultimate goal of creating products that contribute to improving human health and well-being.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Chemistry applied to life sciences<br/>Technologies applied to natural resources<br/>biological activity