Karla A. Barrera-Rivera

Optofluidic variable focus lenses

Here we propose optofluidic spherical microlenses that can change their focal distance by varying the refractive index of the liquid that composes them. These lenses are fabricated in the bulk of a polymeric mixture. Results of a characterization study of the profile of the lenses, the image forming capability, and the behavior of the focal distance as a function of the refractive index are presented. Ionic liquids are suggested as a source of liquids useful for fabricating this type of lens.

Nonlinear optical characterization of ionics liquids

In this work, we show results about the nonlinear optical characterization for four ionic liquids (ILs), namely 1-buthyl-3- methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][TF2N]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate ([EMIM][CF3COO]),1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate ([BMIM][CF3COO]), using z-scan technique.

Synthesis of Biodegradable Polymers Using Biocatalysis with Yarrowia lipolytica Lipase

Yarrowia lipolytica lipase (YLL) was used as catalyst in the enzymatic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone. This low-cost solid-state lipase produces low-molecular-weight polyesters with unique multiphase morphology as determined by carbon-13 NMR. YLL attaches sugar head groups to polycaprolactone in a one-pot biocatalytic pathway. Synthesis of α-ω-telechelic (polymer with two reactive hydroxyl end groups) PCL diols is achieved by enzymatic ROP with YLL immobilized on the macroporous resin Lewatit VPOC 1026, and in the presence of diethylene glycol or poly(ethylene glycol). Biodegradable linear polyester urethanes are prepared by polycondensation between synthesized PCL diols and hexamethylene-diisocyanate.

Theoretical and experimental optical properties in three ionic liquids of [BMIM] family

We study de nonlinear optical properties of three ionic liquids of family [BMIM]. The ionic liquids are 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate, and 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium Bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide. We calculate the static molecular polarizability (α) and hyperpolarizability (β,γ) using PM3 model and determinate experimentally the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ(3), using z-scan technique. Interest in nonlinear optics has grown in recent years. High performance electro-optic switching elements for telecommunications and optical information processing are based on materials with high nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. This NLO are presents when a laser interacts with the materials, and can be studied at to levels: molecular o bulk.

Yarrowia lipolytica Extracellular Lipase Lip2 as Biocatalyst for the Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone

Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) is a “non-conventional” yeast that is capable of producing important metabolites. One of the most important products that is secreted by this microorganism is lipase, a ubiquitous enzyme that has considerable industrial potential and can be used as a biocatalyst in the pharmaceutical, food, and environmental industries. In this work, Yarrowia lipolytica lipase (YLL) was immobilized on Lewatit and Amberlite beads and is used in the enzymatic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters in the presence of different organic solvents. YLL immobilized on Amberlite XAD7HP had the higher protein adsorption (96%) and a lipolytic activity of 35 U/g. Lewatit VPOC K2629 has the higher lipolytic activity (805 U/g) and 92% of protein adsorption. The highest molecular weight (Mn 10,685 Da) was achieved at 90 °C using YLL that was immobilized on Lewatit 1026 with decane as solvent after 60 h and 100% of monomer conversion.