Martín Espariz Email & Phone Number

Argentina

As a scientific researcher, I lead projects focused on studying microbiomes in productive soils, leveraging bioinformatics and microbial genomics to uncover insights into microbial diversity and its applications. I conduct studies on the identification and characterization of microorganisms using genomic information. My role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams, securing funding, and establishing collaborations and partnerships with institutions and researchers. Additionally, I supervise doctoral theses and guide undergraduate students in the completion of their final projects. I actively contribute to the generation of scientific publications and the dissemination of science to broader audiences. By applying advanced genomic and bioinformatic tools, I help advance the understanding of microbial communities, soil health, and productivity.

As the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at TAXON SA, a pioneering bioinformatics startup, my primary role involves spearheading projects dedicated to the development of an innovative AI platform. This platform aims to assess the health of productive soils and provide tailored recommendations for agronomic practices that both conserve soil health and optimize productivity in an environmentally sustainable manner. Leveraging my extensive experience in entrepreneurship, I am deeply engaged in refining our business model, forging strategic partnerships, securing crucial funding, recruiting top-tier talent, and cultivating an extensive network of industry connections to drive our company's growth and success.

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As the head of the bioinformatics department, my role entails supervising crucial courses in the biotechnology undergraduate program, such as "Bioinformatics" and "Bioinformatics Workshop", aimed at acquainting students with essential tools for analyzing biological data, including managing biological sequences and interpreting omics experiments. Moreover, I am responsible for overseeing the postgraduate course "Essential Aspects in Bioinformatics", which enhances the skills necessary for doctoral research. Additionally, I serve as the lead instructor for the "Phage Genomics" course in the SEA-PHAGES program, a collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, in conjunction with UNR.

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The School of Biotechnology is an academic organization responsible for the administrative management, organization, coordination, and evaluation of the Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology at UNR. The School of Biotechnology aims to generate, develop, and transfer knowledge in all its forms.

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Biotechnology and Food Safety in the Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology, Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, and the Specialization in Food Science.

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Biotechnology and Food Safety in the Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology, Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, and the Specialization in Food Science.

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Facultad de Ciencias Bioquimicas y Farmaceuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario.

As principal investigator at the Bioinformatics Laboratory, I successfully secured funding for several technology transfer projects aimed at enhancing the health and productivity of agronomically relevant crops through the development of microbial-based solutions. Notably, I directed projects focusing on Bacillus safensis formulations for soybean cultivation and the study of Bacillus populations in wheat and soybean rhizospheres. Currently supervising three doctoral theses and co-supervising two others, I have published 10 scientific papers during this period. My ongoing research encompasses microbial phylogenomics of clinically, industrially, and/or agronomically significant bacteria, as well as the development of methodologies for selecting biofertilizers and biocontrol agents using genomic techniques and artificial intelligence.

From 2021 to 2022, I founded and served as CEO of VIKAS, a CRDMO specializing in designing and producing biological products. Our platform focused on recombinant protein production, optimized for small pharmaceutical startups requiring biologically derived APIs at a scale of approximately 50g. Our priority was ensuring rapid response and flexibility while maintaining GLP or GMP certification and fostering trust-based relationships with clients beyond contractual obligations.

Rosario, Santa Fe, Ar

During my tenure as a researcher at IBR, I led several research projects and collaborated on others. As an investigator, I supervised 5 projects and mentored 9 undergraduate theses along with one graduate thesis. Additionally, I authored a book chapter, presented 52 studies at conferences, and published 23 scientific articles. Noteworthy projects included the development of GeM-Pro, a tool for genome functional mining and microbial profiling, and the investigation of lipolytic enzymes in bacteria. I also contributed to projects on rumen metagenomics, volatile compound production in lactic acid bacteria, and the characterization of potassium transporter systems in Enterococcus faecalis, among others. Furthermore, I conducted comparative genomic studies, taxonomic analyses integrating genomic data in bacteria, and studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of industrially used bacteria in food or the virulence of bacteria with clinical implications.

Rosario, Santa Fe, Ar

During my postdoctoral research in Christian Magni's laboratory, I contributed to projects investigating transcriptional regulation and enzyme characterization in Enterococcus faecalis. One study elucidated the fine-tuned transcriptional regulation of malate operons in response to malate and glucose, uncovering a carbon catabolite repression mechanism. Another project identified and characterized malic and oxaloacetate decarboxylase enzymes, revealing their roles in malate metabolism and pH homeostasis. These findings provided insights into bacterial adaptation to environmental conditions and metabolic pathways in E. faecalis.

As the Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder of ImaGene - GBT, I led the development of biotechnological products for effluent treatment, garnering international recognition for our innovation and business viability, including awards such as the "Entrepreneurs of the Year" Index in 2008 and fourth place in the BiD Challenge Argentina competition in 2007. Despite closing in 2010, we successfully validated a Bacillus-based product scientifically, whose technology continues to contribute to advancements in effluent treatment

Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering

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Molecular Biology of Pathogenic Microorganisms.

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During my tenure at Nedken, a startup focused on metabolic bioengineering in bacteria, I specialized in designing metabolic strategies for the sustainable generation of high-value compounds. My work was instrumental in driving innovation in biotechnology and contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for global challenges.

Caba, Caba, Ar

During my doctoral studies in Fernando Soncini's laboratory, I contributed to research projects focusing on bacterial resistance to metals, particularly copper and gold, and their implications for virulence in Salmonella enterica. One project investigated the GolS-controlled operon gesABC, which governs a CBA efflux system crucial for gold resistance. Additionally, our research delved into the Salmonella response to copper, emphasizing the critical role of the cue system in managing intracellular copper stress. These studies offered valuable insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms governing metal resistance in Salmonella and their significance for host-pathogen interactions.

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For my Bachelor's thesis in Biotechnology, titled "Molecular Analysis of Microbicidal Peptide-Sensitive Mutants in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium," under the supervision of Fernando C. Soncini, I investigated genes contributing to Salmonella's resistance to microbicidal peptides. This research led to the discovery that a deletion in the rpoN gene increases Salmonella's polymyxin B (PM) resistance independently of the PmrA/PhoP regulatory pathway, shedding light on alternative mechanisms of defense against antimicrobial peptides.

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As an assistant, I contributed to a project investigating the thermodynamic aspects of bovine serum albumin and ovalbumin partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems. The study explored the interactions between proteins and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) of varying molecular weights, revealing insights into the partitioning mechanisms influenced by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.

Phd In Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology - Microbial Genetics - Cell Biology - Bioinformatics

Specialist In Biotechnological Entrepreneurship Management, Business Development

Master'S Degree In Biotechnology, Biotechnology

Programa Intensivo De Desarrollo Emprendedor Profesional, Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies