Last June, Iberchem sponsored and took part in the University of Murcia’s IV Symposium on Physical and Chemical Sciences for Young Researchers. On this occasion, Vasco Fontes Marques Da Silva, Neuroscience Specialist in Iberchem’s Technology Department, presented “Electroencephalography – from Motor Neuron Diseases to Olfactory Emotional Impact”, which addressed the theory and practice of electroencephalography (EEG) in the study of emotions.

During the symposium, we had the opportunity to interview Félix Zapata Arráez, Secretary of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Murcia.

How are olfactory aspects covered on Chemistry courses? What activities are carried out or encouraged?

Félix Zapata [FZ]: Some of the laboratory exercises carried out by Chemistry students involve synthesising aromas or compounds, such as the chemical synthesis of isoamyl acetate (banana aroma), ethyl butyrate (pineapple aroma) and camphor. Similarly, right from their first day, Chemistry students learn why the sense of smell is so important for chemists, as well as in accident prevention and high-risk scenarios. For example, we explain why they have to work in a fume cupboard to prepare acetic acid or ammonia solutions, and why mercaptan or tetrahydrothiophene are added to methane and other odourless fuel gases.

Neuroscience is a branch of science that studies the neuronal response to different stimuli, such as smells, and their impact on our emotions. What has your research contributed to Chemistry?

FZ: I think we have all experienced, on more than one occasion, the close relationship between our sense of smell and our emotions. We all smelled something that suddenly brings back a childhood memory or reminds us of a specific place. We now know that scents and smells “biochemically” awaken these memories and emotions. Each scent is made up of volatile molecules that, once inhaled through our noses, interact with millions of receptor cells, triggering a response that is rapidly transmitted to the brain, where it is processed and linked to memories and emotions.

Biochemistry and neuroscience have a fundamental role in understanding this process. As chemists, we know that chemistry is everywhere. Everything made of atoms and molecules can be explained chemically. As both aromas and human cells are composed of atoms and molecules, chemistry can undoubtedly provide answers to help us understand our sense of smell. Perhaps the right question is: How has chemistry contributed to the study of smell and emotion? For chemists, and for chemistry in general, it is wonderful that every other branch of science, including neuroscience, has recognised chemistry’s importance and centrality.

What does Iberchem’s involvement in this symposium mean to you?

FZ: Iberchem’s involvement and their sponsorship of this symposium, as well as that of the other companies and associations, is a sign that the research carried out at the Faculty of Chemistry and the work of its professors and researchers is not only staying within the University of Murcia, but is going beyond the Faculty and reaching scientists from other academic institutions, as well as spreading out into society and reaching businesses in the Region of Murcia. This is an incentive to continue promoting our research at the Faculty of Chemistry, and, if possible, to increase our partnership with companies in the Region of Murcia and transfer our knowledge to society in Murcia.

The fragrance industry is of high relevance in the Region of Murcia. As a matter of fact, Iberchem is one of the top 10 leading company. Do you think it gets all the attention it deserves?

FZ: The Region of Murcia is a powerhouse in several industries, including food and fragrances, to name but two. It is true that the Region of Murcia is also known as “the orchard of Spain”, which is clear evidence that the food industry in the Region of Murcia is recognised nationally, and even internationally. When it comes to fragrances, perhaps we could expand the expression and also refer to the Region of Murcia as “Spain’s aromatic orchard”.

As far as the Faculty of Chemistry is concerned, we are well aware of the significance and scale of this industry in the Region of Murcia. By way of an example, every year around 15-20 students from the Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Engineering departments carry out their external placements in companies specializing in cosmetics, flavours, and/or fragrances, including Iberchem and Scentium, as well as other companies in this key industry in the Region of Murcia, which is comparable to the Pharmaceutical and Food industries.

Training future professionals in the Industry

In addition to our close partnership with the University of Murcia, since 2016 Iberchem has been involved in the Master’s Degree in Cosmetic Science and Industry, organised by the Region of Murcia’s Official School of Chemistry and Official School of Pharmacy. María Ángeles López, Global Project Manager at Iberchem, gives lectures on the subject of Fragrances, which is part of the Cosmetic Ingredients Module.

Our partnerships have also extended to other training centres, and for the last two years Iberchem has taken part in the first Postgraduate Course in Perfumery and Fragrances in Spain, organised by the IQS in collaboration with the Beauty Cluster in Barcelona, in which Iberchem has provided the following lecturers: María Ángeles López (Global Project Manager), Sandra Lucas Haro (Perfumer), Michael White (Global Director of Technologies and Applications), and Guillaume Audy (Director of Sustainability and Corporate Communications at Iberchem).