Artículos científicos
URI permanente para esta colecciónhttp://10.0.96.45:4000/handle/11056/14823
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Ítem Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of Passiflora edulis (Passion Fruit) at Three Ripening Stages for Waste Valorization(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2025) Quirós-Cubillo, Mariela; Valdés-Díaz, Sandra; Oviedo-Quirós, Juan; Álvarez-Valverde, Víctor; Syedd-León, RandallAbstract. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of Passiflora edulis (passion fruit) at three ripening stages—intermediate, ripe, and overripe—to determine the optimal consumption time based on the presence of secondary metabolites (polyphenols, alkaloids, and anthocyanins). Fruits from Costa Rica, including pulp and peel, were analyzed. Qualitative assays (Dragendorff, Mayer, Lieberman Burchard, Ferric Chloride, and Shinoda) and quantitative analyses using Folin–Ciocalteu (total polyphenols), ORAC (antioxidant activity), and Kirby–Bauer (antibacterial activity) methods were conducted. Acetone–water (7:3) was the most effective solvent, with three extractions yielding optimal results. Peels contained significantly higher polyphenols (7.2 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g d.w.) and antioxidant activity (2403 ± 519 µmol TE/g d.w.) than pulps. Anthocyanins were abundant in both, while antibacterial activity was more effective in peels, inhibiting Gram-positive bacteria with 25% relative inhibition, but showing no activity against Gram-negative strains. These findings highlight passion fruit peel as a rich source of bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, particularly in intermediate and overripe stages, supporting its potential use in the development of functional ingredients for nutraceutical applications and promoting sustainable waste management.Ítem Performance evaluation of a community-based water management organisation using integrated water quality monitoring(IWA Publishing (Reino Unido), 2024) López-Esquivel, Marian; Mena-Rivera, Leonardo; Sánchez-Gutiérrez, Rolando; Vega-Guzmán, Ilena; Swinscoe, Thomas H.A.Abstract. Community-based water management organisations (CBWMOs) play an important role in providing water services worldwide. However, there is some debate as to their capacity to sustain a safe drinking water supply considering the current socioeconomic and climate scenarios. Here, we present an integrated water quality assessment of the supply system of a CBWMO in Concepción of San Ramon, Costa Rica. Major ions, trace metals, and coliforms were analysed in the households and water sources over a 1-year period. The spring risk assessments and the water quality of the main river in the catchment were also carried out. We found that although the supplied water meets adequate standards, spatial and temporal changes in the water quality of the sources exist. Springwater composition is mainly driven by rock–water interaction processes, but early signs of potential anthropogenic pollution were found. The springs showed concentrations of NO3 - above natural levels and microbial contamination in 37 and 18% of the cases, respectively. River water quality showed a distinct composition, which is consistent with the anthropogenic pressures in the catchment. This study provides useful information on how water quality assessments can be used beyond regulatory processes to improve planning by CBWMOs to ensure water security.Ítem Not what it seems analytical validation and label accuracy of commercial CBD oils using HPTLC(Springer Nature, 2026-03-05) Morales Alfaro, Keilor; Zamora, Gabriel; Sandoval-Barrantes, Manuel; Carballo Arce, Ana Francis; Rodriguez-Corrales, Jose A.ABSTRACT. The rapid growth of the cannabidiol (CBD) market has raised concerns about product labeling accuracy and quality control. This study aimed to validate a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method and apply it to analyze CBD content in commercial oils and e-liquids available in Costa Rica. The HPTLC method was validated following guidelines of the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. Performance parameters assessed included linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, and limits of detection (LOD), and quantification (LOQ). After validation, the method was used to quantify CBD and screen for other phytocannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, and Δ⁹-THC in 5 commercial oils and 3 e-liquids. The method showed excellent linearity (R² > 0.9998), precision (%CV < 2%), and accuracy (99–102% recovery), while successfully detecting CBD concentrations and qualitatively identifying other cannabinoids. Notably, some commercial samples showed CBD over- and underlabeling, and tentative presence of Δ⁹-THC. These findings reveal inconsistencies between the labeled and actual CBD content in several products, mirroring international trends, and represent the first documented evidence of mislabeling in hemp-based products in Costa Rica. The validated HPTLC method offers a cost-effective tool for regulatory surveillance, enabling preliminary cannabinoid profiling and quantification. Its application can support public health policies and consumer protection through improved product transparency and compliance with Costa Rica’s national hemp regulations.Ítem Extraction and Purification of Coumarins in Ipomoea cairica by TLC and HPLC: An Integrative Experiment for Student Learning Chromatography(ACS Publications (Estados Unidos), 2025) Álvarez-Valverde, Victor; Piedra-Marín, Gilberto; Alfaro-Avendaño, Rocío; Jiménez-Bonilla, Pablo; Borbón-Alpízar, HenryAbstract. Chromatographic techniques played a major role in several separation processes. In this work, an integrative laboratory practice is proposed in which students are expected to isolate scopoletin and umbelliferone from raw Ipomoea cairica. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), preparative chromatography (PC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques are applied to isolate phytochemical bioactive compounds. Scopoletin and umbelliferone are coumarins that have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These metabolites are found in high concentrations in Ipomoea cairica stems, and their methanolic extracts have shown larvicidal properties against Aedes aegypti. The experimental procedure includes fundamental extraction techniques such as liquid extraction and ultrasonic extraction. Additionally, it incorporates more advanced methods, such as chromatographic separation on a thin-layer plate, analytical detection of coumarins using HPLC with a diode array detector, and the isolation of coumarins through preparative plate chromatography. This laboratory experiment allows students to integrate and compare, in two laboratory sessions, the basic principles of TLC and preparative chromatography with more advanced techniques such as HPLC.Ítem El Quitosano: un aliado en el manejo de enfermedades en cultivos(Universidad Técnica Nacional (Costa Rica), 2024) Calvo Araya, José Alonso; Rojas Carrillo, Oscar; Vargas Martínez, AlejandroResumen. La utilización de biopolímeros como el quitosano en la agricultura es una alternativa eficiente y amigable en el manejo de enfermedades de cultivos, principalmente, desde un enfoque agroecológico y sostenibilidad donde hace uso de subproductos de la industria. Generalmente, la acción biocida está basada en inhibición de la germinación de los conidios de hongos, disrupción de la membrana celular de bacterias fitopatógenas, lo cual afecta la eclosión de huevos en nematodos fitoparásitos. Otros tipos de interacciones positivas que median en el control de fitopatógenos están en el crecimiento vegetal, inductor de resistencia en el hospedante, incremento de microorganismos degradadores de quitina en el suelo. En la siguiente revisión se aborda el concepto de quitosano, principales usos en el control de enfermedades, efecto sobre los principales grupos de microorganismos fitopatógenos, inducción de resistencia mediada por quitosano y nuevas aplicaciones en la agricultura. Actualmente, se demuestra que el uso de sustancias alternativas como es el quitosano muestra un buen control de agentes patógenos de plantas y cada vez es mayor su aceptación y utilización dentro del manejo integrado de enfermedades de cultivos. Por lo cual, el objetivo de esta revisión es examinar los principales aspectos relacionados al quitosano y como este es utilizado para controlar ya sea directa o indirectamente los problemas fitosanitarios en los cultivos.Ítem Eco-FriendlyMaterials Composed of Cellulose Fibers from Agave Bagasse with Silver Nanoparticles and Shrimp Chitosan(Tech Science Press (Estados Unidos), 2025) Sulbaran Rangel, Belkis; Caldera Siller, Jorge Armando; García Enríquez, Salvador; Anzaldo-Hernandez, José; Arratia-Quijada, Jenny; ESQUIVEL, MARIANELLYAbstract. In this research, the antibacterial properties of a composite material prepared from agave bagasse cellulose fibers doped with silver nanoparticles and chitosan were studied. The development of composite materials with antibacterial properties and environmentally friendly based on cellulose fibers from agave bagasse with silver nanoparticles prepared by green synthesis and chitosan from shrimp waste enhances the value of these agro-industrial wastes and offers the opportunity for them to have biomedical applications since these raw materials have been poorly reported for this application. The antibacterial properties of chitosan and silver nanoparticles are already known. However, the combination of silver nanoparticles with cellulose fibers and chitosan has been studied poorly. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out, and spherical shape nanoparticles with a size between 20 and 50 nm were obtained by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Additionally, in this research, the cellulose obtained from agave bagasse, the chitosan extracted from shrimp shells, and the composite material were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, mechanical analysis, and antibacterial tests. A decrease in the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria with 100% growth inhibition on cellulose, chitosan, and silver nanoparticles composite material and an increase in mechanical properties from 13.67 MPa of cellulose pure to 110 MPa of composite material was observed. These findings support the idea that the composite material has potential use in wound care dressings for antibacterial care.Ítem Mini review: Ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of the tropical American family Marcgraviaceae(Frontiers Media S.A. (Suiza), 2025) Carballo Arce, Ana Francis; Villegas-Peñaranda, Luis Roberto; Garro-Álvarez, Raúl Esteban; Alfaro-Ureña, Yohana; Sandoval-Barrantes, Manuel; Mullally, Martha; Arnason, John ThorAbstract. The Marcgraviaceae is a neotropical family of lianas and shrubs that has received limited investigation for its medicinal properties. Characterized by prominent, nectar-rich terminal inflorescences, the family comprises 7 genera and 136 species. Traditional uses among Indigenous communities in the Americas include treatments for anxiety, sleep disorders, mental health conditions, and various dermatological ailments. Pharmacological and phytochemical studies have confirmed that extracts from the genus Marcgravia, traditionally used for dermatological conditions, inhibit bacterial quorum sensing, with active principles identified as naphthoquinones. Schwartzia brasilensis (syn. Norantea brasilensis) has demonstrated antiviral activity against Dengue virus, in vivo antimalarial efficacy, anti-inflammatory properties, and DNA-protective effects, but active principles remain to be accurately determined. Ruyschia phylladenia, containing triterpenes and isofraxidin, has shown promising antileishmanial, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pharmacological research on Souroubea spp. from Central America has revealed strong anxiolytic properties in animal models, with active compounds identified as the triterpenes betulinic acid, α-amyrin, and β-amyrin. Following toxicity and efficacy trials, Souroubea sympetala leaf extracts have been developed into a practical veterinary formulation for the management of noise aversion in dogs. Given the extensive diversity and wide distribution of this tropical American family, Marcgraviaceae offers considerable untapped potential for the discovery of new medicinal properties and phytochemicals.Ítem Regulating Nanotechnology: Ensuring Responsible and Safe Innovation in the Advancement of Science and Technology(Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (Guatemala), 2023) Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Camacho, Melissa; Araya, Andrea; Corrales-Brenes, RebecaAbstract. Nanotechnology has significant potential in industries, medicine, and technology, but its rapid development raises concerns about health and environmental risks. Implementing regulations is crucial for responsible and safe use. Costa Rica has adopted policies and strategies, including standardization processes, to promote innovation and sustainable development. However, challenges and opportunities persist in implementing nanotechnology regulations. This article examines key challenges and opportunities, such as corporate culture, training, education, and international cooperation. It concludes that appropriate regulations can create significant opportunities for sustainable industry and economic development. Corporate culture barriers can be addressed through policies promoting social responsibility and sustainability. Training and education are essential for risk awareness and mitigation. International cooperation establishes global standards and prevents fragmented regulation. Implementing suitable nanotechnology regulations in Costa Rica fosters industry responsibility, enhances reputation and competitiveness, and stimulates investment in sustainable technologies. Despite challenges, it is vital to implement regulations for the responsible and safe use of nanotechnology.Ítem Consideraciones de los Desafíos Legales y Éticos en la Ingeniería de Tejidos y Dispositivos Médicos: Perspectivas y Estrategias para una Innovación Responsable en Life Sciences(LEAD University (Costa Rica), 2024) Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Murrell, Manfred; Campos, Allan; Cordero, CinthyaResumen. Este artículo examina las dimensiones legales y éticas esenciales que deben considerar profesionales, investigadores y formuladores de políticas para equilibrar los avances científicos con la protección del paciente. Se discuten los marcos regulatorios actuales de la FDA en Estados Unidos y la EMA en Europa, y se analiza su adaptación a las necesidades cambiantes de la investigación y la aplicación clínica en la ingeniería de tejidos. Se exploran las implicaciones éticas del uso de material biológico humano, la edición genética, la privacidad de datos y el acceso equitativo a terapias emergentes. También se proponen estrategias para fomentar una innovación responsable, como el desarrollo de marcos regulatorios flexibles, la promoción del acceso equitativo y la implementación de una vigilancia efectiva.Ítem Nanotecnología en la Arquitectura: Una Visión Integral en el Uso de Nanomateriales(LEAD University (Costa Rica), 2024) Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Juarez-Moreno, KarlaResumen. El presente trabajo explora el impacto transformador de la nanotecnología en el ámbito de la arquitectura y la construcción, destacando sus aplicaciones innovadoras, beneficios potenciales y desafíos asociados. La nanotecnología, mediante el desarrollo de materiales a escala nanométrica, promete revolucionar la construcción de edificaciones al mejorar significativamente su eficiencia energética, resistencia, y sostenibilidad. Los nanomateriales, con propiedades únicas como la auto reparación y la adaptabilidad ambiental, ofrecen nuevas posibilidades para diseñar edificios que no solo sean estéticamente avanzados, sino también más duraderos y amigables con el medio ambiente. Sin embargo, a pesar de estos avances prometedores, el trabajo subraya la importancia de abordar los riesgos potenciales para la salud humana y el medio ambiente que conlleva el uso de nanomateriales. Se enfatiza la necesidad de un marco regulador robusto y de prácticas éticas en la aplicación de la nanotecnología en la arquitectura, para asegurar que su implementación sea segura y sostenible. A través de un análisis exhaustivo, este estudio resalta el papel crucial de los arquitectos y profesionales de la construcción en el uso responsable de la nanotecnología, equilibrando la innovación con la responsabilidad hacia la sociedad y el planeta.Ítem Nature‑inspired innovations: unlocking the potential of biomimicry in bionanotechnology and beyond(Springer Nature (Alemania), 2024) Paniagua, Sergio A.; Batista Menezes, Diego; Camacho Murillo, María Fernanda; Castillo Henriquez, Luis; Jose-Roberto, Vega-BaudritAbstract. Bionanotechnology research has surged to the forefront of scientific innovation, propelling the exploration of cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Biomimicry, which harnesses nature's ingenuity, drives the development of novel research-based solutions in diverse fields such as vaccines, medicine, and biomedical devices. Nature's role is becoming increasingly pivotal in addressing complex challenges related to environmental conservation, human health, and pandemic preparedness, including those posed by SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging pathogens. Progress in this domain encompasses understanding nature´s mechanisms to develop advanced materials inspired by biological structures. Biomimetic innovations have the potential to revolutionize industries, reduce environmental impacts, and facilitate a more harmonious relationship between humans and nature while considering bioethics, underlining the necessity of conducting responsible research and implementing biomimetic advancements conscientiously. As biomimicry continues to grow, integrating ethical guidelines and policies will ensure these nature-inspired technologies' sustainable development and application, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and adaptive society. This mini-review article broadly overviews bionanotechnology applications based on natural examples.Ítem Biorefinery of Lignocellulosic and Marine Resources for Obtaining Active PVA/Chitosan/Phenol Films for Application in Intelligent Food Packaging(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2025) Lopretti Correa, Mary Isabel; Batista-Menezes, Diego; Cunha de Rezende, Stephany; Santamaria-Echart, Arantzazu; Barreiro, Maria-Filomena; Jose-Roberto, Vega-BaudritAbstract. This study focuses on the extraction of phenolic compounds from the fermentation of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Gloeophyllum trabeum. The main goal was to synthesize phenol/chitosan microspheres and PVA films and characterized using FTIR, TGA, DSC, SEM, and mechanical tests to evaluate their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties for antimicrobial packaging applications. Homogeneous chitosan microspheres loaded with lignin-derived phenols were obtained, showing controlled release of antimicrobial compounds. The incorporation of phenolic microspheres into PVA/chitosan films resulted in significant improvements in mechanical properties: the films exhibited an elastic modulus of 36.14 ± 3.73 MPa, tensile strength of 12.01 ± 1.14 MPa, and elongation at break of 65.19 ± 5.96%. Thermal tests revealed that chitosan-containing films had enhanced thermal stability, with decomposition temperatures (T10) reaching 116.77 °C, compared to 89.28 °C for pure PVA. In terms of antimicrobial activity, PVA/chitosan/phenol films effectively reduced Lactobacillus growth and milk acidity, maintaining quality for up to 96 h at room temperature, outperforming controls with acetic acid and H2O2. The films also inhibit yeast growth for one week. In conclusion, phenols can be effective antimicrobial agents in dairy, but their use should be monitored. Additionally, PVA/chitosan-phenol films offer biodegradability, antimicrobial properties, and sustainability for diverse applications.Ítem Diplomacia Científica en la Investigación Biotecnológica en Costa Rica: Una Necesidad Apremiante(LEAD University (Costa Rica), 2025) Vargas Solórzano, Monserrat; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Lopretti, MaryResumen. La ciencia y la tecnología son motores fundamentales del desarrollo sostenible, especialmente en el contexto del mundo altamente interconectado en el que vivimos. Costa Rica, con su sólido compromiso con la protección ambiental y el creciente protagonismo de la biotecnología y la innovación, enfrenta el desafío urgente de fortalecer su diplomacia científica. Este artículo explora cómo la diplomacia científica puede actuar como catalizador para potenciar la investigación biotecnológica en el país, articulando los esfuerzos de instituciones clave como el CONAGEBIO, mientras se alinean con los estándares internacionales de la OCDE y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) de las Naciones Unidas. La integración estratégica de estos elementos puede posicionar a Costa Rica como un referente en innovación biotecnológica con una perspectiva de sostenibilidad.Ítem Posibilidades de Desarrollo Sostenible: La Sinergia entre Biorrefinería, Nanotecnología y Energías Limpias(LEAD University (Costa Rica), 2025) Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Batista Menezes, Diego; Lopretti, MaryResumen. El documento aborda la integración de la biorrefinería, nanotecnología y energía limpia como una solución sinérgica para promover la sostenibilidad. Se explora el uso de catalizadores nanométricos, sistemas de nanofiltración y nanosensores en biorrefinerías para mejorar la eficiencia y calidad de productos como biocombustibles y bioplásticos. Además, se destacan los beneficios ambientales y económicos de valorizar residuos agroindustriales y marinos, promoviendo la economía circular y reduciendo emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Finalmente, se discuten los desafíos de implementación, incluyendo la escalabilidad, regulación y aceptación pública, proponiendo la inversión en I+D y políticas públicas claras como estrategias clave para maximizar los beneficios de estas tecnologías en la transición hacia una economía sostenible y baja en carbono.Ítem Nanochitin and Nanochitosan in Pharmaceutical Applications: Innovations, Applications, and Future Perspective(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2025) Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Lopretti, Mary; Montes de Oca, Gabriela; Camacho, Melissa; Batista, Diego; Corrales, Yendry; Araya, Andrea; Bahloul, Badr; Corvis, Yohann; Castillo-Henríquez, LuisAbstract. Nanochitin is a nanoscale form of chitin—a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, and some fungal cell walls—that is newly garnering significant attention in the pharmaceutical space. Its good properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and an easily adjustable surface, render it attractive for various medical and pharmaceutical applications. Nanochitin, from drug delivery systems and wound-care formulations to vaccine adjuvants and antimicrobial strategies, has demonstrated its strong potential in meeting diverse therapeutic needs. This review covers the background of nanochitin, including methods for its extraction and refining and its principal physicochemical and biological properties. It further discusses various hydrolysis and enzymatic approaches for the structural and functional characterization of nanochitin and highlights some pharmaceutical applications where this biopolymer has been studied. The review also addresses toxicity issues, regulatory matters, and challenges in large-scale industrial production. Finally, it underscores novel avenues of investigation and future opportunities, emphasizing the urgent requirement for standardized production methods, rigorous safety assessment, and interdisciplinary partnerships to maximize nanochitin’s potential in pharmaceutical research, demonstrating the importance of chitin in drug delivery.Ítem Microplastic pollution in Costa Rican marine ecosystems: Origins, ecotoxicological impacts, and mitigation strategies(Elsevier (Países Bajos), 2025) Zúñiga Umaña, Juan M.; Paniagua, Sergio A.; Corrales Brenes, Rebeca; Jose-Roberto, Vega-BaudritAbstract. Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become ubiquitous worldwide, posing complex challenges for marine organisms, ecosystems, and human health. In Costa Rica alone, approximately 4000 tons of solid waste are generated daily, of which about 11 % is plastic. Nearly 600 million single-use plastic bottles are produced yearly, with ∼90 % not being collected. Consequently, reports of MPs in beaches, crustaceans, fishes, and bivalves are increasing on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Evidence suggests these plastic fragments can induce oxidative stress and inflammation in organisms, affect fundamental physiological processes (e.g., feeding, reproduction), and may even cross the blood–brain barrier. Recent policies in Costa Rica, including Law N°9786 (single-use plastics) and a proposed ban on MPs in cosmetics (Bill No. 23,694), mark progress. However, enforcement challenges remain—particularly given the country’s limited wastewater treatment coverage. This review discusses key sources of MPs (e.g., wastewater, synthetic fibers, tire wear), current sampling and characterization protocols, and ecotoxicological consequences for marine life and humans. We further analyze existing legislation, highlighting gaps and prospective solutions, and propose an integrated approach involving technological upgrades, biodegradable polymers, and microbial degradation strategies to mitigate plastic pollution.Ítem UAS Infrared Photogrammetry at the Poás Volcano Costa Rica; Digital Modeling of Volcanic Craters Used to Assist with Thermal Energy Release Estimations(DergiPark Akademik (Turquía), 2025) Godfrey, Ian; Sibaja Brenes, José Pablo; Avard, Geoffroy; Martínez Cruz, María; Meghraoui, KhadijaAbstract. Unmanned Aerial Systems frequently abbreviated UAS or drones are quickly emerging as an economical solution to compliment work in various sectors. UAS are being used successfully in analytical services, data collection and algorithm processing, advancements in modern aeronautical practices, data fusion, scientific synergy, UAS hardware solutions for information gathering, regulations for air space and requirements for remote pilots. Today drones are being successfully used in hazard assessment and making valued contributions to the scientific community such as the creation of the thermal 3-D digital model of the Poás Volcano National Park in Costa Rica. Drones were used in Costa Rica during the month of May of 2023 to assist Universidad Nacional with gathering data on the active crater and Laguna Caliente of the Poás Volcano National Park. The objective for using UAS at the summit of the volcano was to generate crater depth and other distance measurements, collect images used with georeferencing software to measure crater radius and estimating amounts of geological material in volume. UAS with IR sensors were used to monitor the dispersion of relative thermal energy release inside and around the active West Crater. The thermal energy release UAS survey was in cooperation with LAQAT-UNA Study of Volcanic Emissions and They´re Effects on the Local Communities.” UAS were used to try to monitor the temperature of the fumaroles individually from within the active crater. Drones were also deployed to gather videography of the degassing state observed from the aerial perspective from within the active crater of the Poás Volcano. All remote flights were completed using the SINAC Special Use UAS Research Permit – SINAC-ACC-PI-LC-037-2021.Ítem Deploying UAS Directly Inside the Active Crater of Turrialba for Photogrammetry Data Collection Designed for Active Volcano Monitoring(DergiPark Akademik (Turquía), 2025) Godfrey, Ian; Sibaja Brenes, José Pablo; Avard, Geoffroy; Martínez Cruz, María; Meghraoui, KhadijaAbstract. Modern UAS or drones are quickly advancing when it comes to the collection of high-resolution images which are georeferenced and can be used to create a high resolution 3-D model of complex topography. Researchers in the field are making quick progress with new algorithms and analytical applications. These drones are being used in the field of volcanology in quite a useful manner as active volcano craters are one of the more challenging and complex areas to access. UAS have now assisted several departments of Universidad Nacional with data collection, analytics and optimization practices. In May of 2023 with the assistance of the Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory of Universidad Nacional LAQAT-UNA and the Volcanic and Seismic Observatory of Costa Rica OVSICORI-UNA showed that our efforts using UAS at active volcanoes was greatly beneficial and the collective efforts proved the usefulness of deploying UAS around active degassing volcanoes such as the Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica. Researchers in several departments at Universidad Nacional are keen on collaborating with others in international institutions for data fusion and synergy, to work together on gathering information on how to create better UAS hardware and payload components, and to cooperate for a better understanding of user needs, regulations and requirements for the safe operation of UAS. UAS allow for collection of accurate images which keep the researchers and remote pilots safe and out of the danger zone. UAS assist with the rapid accumulation of data, they can be pre- programmed for a specific type of UAS flight mission designed for a certain objective of gathering images for complex terrain or topography. The system can be used around active volcano craters, it can monitor mountains and cliffs subject to cracking, erosion and rock falls. Different extreme and complex environments can be documented and digitalized using this same method such as glacier zones and other sophisticated regions with difficult to access areas. All remote flights were using the SINAC Special Use UAS Research Permit – SINAC-ACC-PI-LC-037-2021