From Biobío to the world: the Chilean laboratory that deciphers the protein "code" for the medicine of the future

With technology capable of detecting proteins in very low concentrations, MELISA Institute, based in San Pedro de la Paz, Biobío Region, is positioned today as a unique technological hub in Chile and Latin America, capable of competing worldwide in advanced proteomics. After obtaining a patent in the United States and exporting highly complex scientific services, the institute leads research ranging from the development of biomedical solutions to the study of life in extreme environments such as Antarctica and the Atacama Trench.

More than a laboratory, MELISA Institute articulates cutting-edge scientific research, world-class technological infrastructure, and international collaboration, working with universities, research centers, and companies in Chile and abroad.

Frontier science: what is proteomics?

To understand the impact of proteomics, a simple analogy is enough: if DNA is the body's instruction manual, proteins are the ones that do the work. They are responsible for cells functioning, responding to diseases and reacting to treatments.

In this area, MELISA has the Bruker timsTOF Pro mass spectrometer, a true molecular "super magnifying glass" that allows thousands of proteins to be identified and quantified from a single sample droplet, even when they are in extremely low concentrations. This ability opens the door to understanding diseases before they manifest symptoms, evaluating bioactive compounds and characterizing microorganisms with a level of detail previously inaccessible in the region.

Scientific milestones: from Antarctica to patent in the United States

The technological capabilities of the institute have been key to addressing highly complex research in extreme contexts. MELISA participates in studies that analyze samples from unique ecosystems, such as Antarctica and the Atacama Trench, where the challenge is not only to obtain the samples, but also to interpret their molecular information in environments of very high biological and environmental complexity.

In addition to this work, there is a strategic milestone in terms of innovation: the recent obtaining of a patent in the United States, which validates that the science developed in Chile is at the level of the great global centers and can be transformed into solutions with international impact.

 Chilean intelligence export

In parallel to scientific development, MELISA Institute has advanced in the internationalization of its services, positioning itself as the only laboratory in Chile that exports advanced proteomics services. In partnership with ProChile, the institute seeks to close the existing technological gap in Latin America, offering analyses that today force many countries in the region to depend on laboratories in Europe or the United States.

"Chile no longer only exports raw materials; Today we also export highly complex scientific services, based on knowledge, technology and innovation," is one of the key messages that drives this regional expansion strategy.

"We don't just do science; we are building the necessary infrastructure so that Latin America does not depend on laboratories in Europe or the United States to solve its health and biotechnology problems. The patent in the U.S. is a clear sign that from Chile we can compete and lead globally," said Dr. Elard Koch, Chairman of MELISA Institute.