Dr. Enrique Raga Carbajal

Established high-throughput enzyme assays for activity measurement. Developed methodology for the evaluation of enzyme protectants against stress-induced inactivation. Collaborated in the biochemical and kinetic characterization of a novel bacterial dioxygenase enzyme.

Managed the implementation of lab protocols, equipment (included a new HPAEC-PAD system) and grad/undergrad student training in a newly established independent research group. Responsible for developing analysis and maintenance of HPLC and FPLC systems. Co-mentored two undergrad students, validated data and wrote result reports for a project focused on the enzymatic production of hybrid oligosaccharides with potential prebiotic activity.

Performed discoloration/purification of sugarcane juice employing adsorption and ultrafiltration technology. Evaluated process parameters of the enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane juice to produce inverted sugar in a packed-bed reactor at laboratory level. Co-author of one publication.

Graduated with honors. Performed exhaustive analysis of poly- and oligosaccharides produced by a glycoyltransferase to clarify the enzymatic reaction. Solved a crystallographic enzyme-product complex and designed site-specific mutants to synthesize defined-size products.

Graduated with honors. Immobilized and characterized an invertase enzyme to produce fructose syrups from sugarcane juice.