The development of biotechnology, genetic research, identification of individuals by DNA samples, diagnosis of diseases, cloning, detection of tumor markers… All these advances have been possible thanks to the DNA polymerase of the Phi29 virus, the enzyme discovered by the Spanish biochemist Margarita Salas.
Margarita was born in Asturias in 1938. Already a Doctor of Science, she began her scientific career under the tutelage of Nobel Laureate Severo Ochoa in New York. After four years she returned to Spain to promote molecular biology research in the country, bringing with her an unwavering scientific rigor and an infinite enthusiasm for science.
Margarita created her team at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). And from there she presented one of her most outstanding contributions: she discovered and characterized the DNA polymerase of phage Φ29, an enzyme that possesses marvelous properties to amplify DNA. What does it mean?
- DNA polymerase has the power to replicate genetic material 🧬 accurately, easily and quickly, to be sequenced and studied. Its great advantage is that it achieves this with minimal amounts of DNA, such as exist in a small drop of blood or strand of hair found at a crime scene. So this facilitates and speeds up investigations, medical diagnoses, identifications in criminology, etc.
The innovative scientific trajectory of this exceptional mind is extraordinary, with more than 350 international publications, 8 patents and almost 400 conferences. His numerous and revealing investigations in genetics and molecular biology and his unwavering commitment to the development of science have earned him a multitude of awards.
Margarita Salas opened new doors of knowledge. Her legacy continues to be replicated in every laboratory in Spain and around the world.
In TECNIMUSA we know that innovation is the basis for development. As an engineering company we create eco-efficient automation solutions for efficient and sustainable industrial intralogistics.
