ANA PUENTE SANTAMARÍA
Since December 2024, Ana Puente Santamaría has been a researcher at the Polymer Technology Laboratory (LATEP) at Rey Juan Carlos University, specializing in the mechanical recycling of plastics, with a particular focus on the reintegration of recycled polyolefins into food packaging applications.
She graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of Salamanca in 2021. Her Bachelor's Thesis focused on benzene synthesis for the determination of carbon-14 (14C) in marine organisms. Motivated by her interest in research, she was awarded a collaboration scholarship at the Ionizing Radiation and Dating Laboratory of the University of Salamanca, where she contributed to an environmental radiological monitoring program funded by the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council.
She subsequently completed a Master's Degree in Chemical Science and Technology at the Complutense University of Madrid, graduating in 2023 with the award for the highest academic achievement in her class. Her Master's Thesis investigated the behavior of biopolymers in solution and at interfaces, with applications in the cosmetics industry. During this period, she was a member of the Complex Systems Research Group, studying the applicability of biopolymers and the interactions occurring at polymer–surfactant interfaces.
Throughout her career, Ana has participated in a variety of research projects ranging from environmental pollution assessment to the circularity of plastic waste. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications on topics such as the use of chitosan in hair-care formulations and interactions in polyelectrolyte–surfactant systems. She has also presented her research findings at both national and international scientific conferences.
With a strong background in polymers, recycling technologies, and materials science, Ana Puente Santamaría continues to advance her career in research focused on sustainability and the optimization of polymeric materials.
Research profiles:
Keywords:
Polymers, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Polyolefins, Recycling
