Cannabis Research in Biotechnology

New cannabis research from the National University of Hurlingham (UNAHUR) in Argentina is looking to use cannabis in biotechnology applications. Specifically, the researchers are interested in extracting anti-microbial substances found in cannabis for use in topical creams used to treat skin infections, such as those caused by burns, diabetes, ulcerative wounds, or other injuries and conditions.

A technological platform for the analysis of medicinal properties and the development of new phytotherapeutic compounds will begin to be developed within the framework of a research project presented by the National University of Hurlingham (UNAHUR) in Argentina. Recently approved by the Argentine National Ministry of Health through Resolution 1439/2021, it is aimed at the cultivation of cannabis for medical and scientific research purposes.

But this isn’t the only cannabis-based research project that’s currently being carried out. Keep up to date with all the latest cannabis research and news using our companion Hemp.im cannabis news app.

Does Cannabis Have a Use in Treating Skin Infections?

Many of the molecules generated by cannabis plants are related to their antimicrobial activity. The intention of the project is to evaluate these formulations so that creams or products for topical application in skin infections, such as those caused by burns, diabetes or ulcerative wounds, can be generated from them,” said Paulo Maffia, director of the project, who will be in charge of its organization, planning and design.

“We are very proud of the progress of this research project as it responds to a struggle of thousands of Argentine men and women on the possible medicinal, therapeutic and palliative uses of the cannabis plant. This was proposed by Congress last year,” said the Secretary of University Policies and Rector on leave of absence of the UNAHUR, Jaime Perczyk.

Program Framed by Special Cannabis Research Laws

Law 27,350 created the National Program for the Study and Research of the Medicinal Use of the Cannabis Plant, its derivatives and non-conventional treatments, within the orbit of the Ministry of Health, which among its objectives incorporates the development of scientific evidence on different therapeutic alternatives to problems that are not addressed by conventional medical treatments; and research on the therapeutic and scientific purposes of the cannabis plant and its derivatives in human therapeutics.

Within this framework, the National University of Hurlingham also informed that it will have its first doctoral fellow in Science and Technology, who will carry out her doctorate within the research project for the cultivation of cannabis for scientific purposes. She is Ingrid Corleto, who won the scholarship co-financed by the Argentine National Agency of Public Laboratories (ANLAP), which is attached to the National Ministry of Health, and the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET).

Increasing Interest in Plant Biotechnology

“Since its beginnings, UNAHUR has been interested in plant biotechnology, which was spearheaded by the acquisition of the Biofactory. This project concretizes our permanent aspiration to put knowledge and research in Basic Sciences at the service of those who need it most,” explained Walter Wallach, Vice President.

In August it will be three years since the inauguration of the laboratory for in vitro micropropagation of plant species. This is the UNAHUR Biofactory, a mobile laboratory specialized in plant biotechnology. It has been in operation for several months now after intense calibration work.

It takes a considerable time to set up a laboratory of this type, requiring numerous adjustments and tests for it to work properly. Although there are still some modifications to be made to the equipment to finalize operational details, the laboratory will soon be able to make its first plants available to the community.

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