Biology of Cannabis

It is a research group composed of professors, fellows, technicians and researchers from the Biological Research Institute and the Biology Department of the Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences of the UNMdP. The work with cannabis began in 2017 with the creation of the Extension Group "ConCiencia Cannabis" (OCA 1860/17), with the aim of establishing a space of interaction between the scientific community, health professionals, members of civil associations dedicated to cannabis and various levels of the judiciary in order to systematize and disseminate knowledge about cannabis derivatives for medical use.  Within this framework, activities aimed at different sectors of society were carried out and research began in the area of plant biochemistry. In 2021 the team was constituted as a research group, carrying out lines that attempt to comprehensively cover different aspects of cannabis biology:

  • Analytical biochemistry for the characterization of cannabis varieties based on the identification and quantification of their active ingredients (cannabinoids and terpenes).
  • Morpho-anatomical and genetic characterization of different varieties of cannabis.
  • Exploration of different biological properties of active ingredients that add value to cannabis derivatives.
  • Analysis of biomass production in relation to environmental variables.
  • Optimization of seed production and germination.

In addition, the group provides High Level Technological Services (STAN-CONICET):

  • Analysis of cannabinoids in samples of medicinal Cannabis oil by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
  • Morphological and chemical characterization of Cannabis sativa plants.

 

Members

Dr. Débora Nercessian Dr. Débora Nercessian

Director

Débora directs projects related to the study of the biological properties of the active ingredients of the cannabis plant, to develop applications of interest in the health and production sectors. It also explores the use of plant biomass for the generation of bioinputs of interest in different industrial sectors.
Dr. Julieta Renée Mendieta Dr. Julieta Renée Mendieta

Co-director

Julieta studies the antimicrobial activity of naturally occurring compounds on fungi and pathogenic bacteria of plants of agronomic importance. We try to know the inhibitory capacity of growth and development of plant pathogens by delving into its mechanism of action. It also performs in vitro cytotoxicity tests using plant and cell models.
Lic. María Daniela Villamonte Lic. María Daniela Villamonte
Daniela works as CONICET Research Support Staff, one of her main functions is the management of the IIB HPLC, an equipment with which she provides services to researchers from the institute, the university and the private sector. With this instrument, she performs analyses in various samples, mainly biological, development of chromatographic methods, validations thereof and interpretation of the results. Within the research group, she carries out the identification and quantification of cannabinoids in different experimental systems, developing and fine-tuning analytical methods.
Dr. Sebastian D’Ippólito Dr. Sebastian D’Ippólito
Sebastián is interested in knowing the optimal germination conditions for different local varieties of Cannabis sativa. In particular, it is studying the priming effect of environmental and physiological variables on germination capacity and against different stress conditions of the seedlings obtained. On the other hand, it is working on the optimization of seed production through techniques of masculinization and controlled fertilization.
Lic. María Eugenia Vozza Berardo Lic. María Eugenia Vozza Berardo
Eugenia is interested in exploring different biological properties of biomolecules extracted from different organs of the cannabis plant, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity, antimicrobial activity and the formation of nanoparticles to add value to medical products derived from cannabis.
Lic. Marina Landaburu Lic. Marina Landaburu
Marina performs the characterization of local varieties of cannabis, focusing on the use of molecular markers and the diversity of active ingredients. It studies the ecophysiology of the plant to find the best environmental conditions for its development.
Dr. Silvana Lorena Colman Dr. Silvana Lorena Colman
Silvana works on the characterization and study of the genetic diversity of local cannabis varieties using molecular markers. Conduct bioassays to assess plant performance, growth and health. In addition, she participates in scientific outreach activities on medical cannabis.