Welcome to the MINERVA project
MINERVA is an EU-funded project that aims to valorise underutilised seaweed biomass that is sustainably produced across Europe, to develop new high-value products and reduce waste in current processes. It will add value to brown algal biomass presently used at low efficiency, based on principles of waste reduction and ‘food first’ for new products within the bluebioeconomy. Novel, environmentally friendly algal compounds will be developed to address identified consumer needs in food, cosmetics, biomedical and aquaculture industries.
This is achieved via 1) new extraction methods aiding purification of bioactives, and 2) omics-based approaches on unexplored marine microbial sources to develop new enzymes for application to a wide range of marine biomass.
Objectives
MINERVA objectives are to enhance and maximise the role played by marine algae in the European bioeconomy, by developing new processes and products to achieve improved integration of algae-based products in our daily lives- supporting sustainability and creation of marine-based jobs particularly in coastal remote regions- and diversify/improve the quality of life of EU citizens.
Valorise underutilized seaweed biomass sustainably produced across Europe
Reduce waste in current processes Develop new high-value products |
Planned outputs
Anticipated outputs are the development of novel enzymes with food and health applications; novel food fibres; active algal compounds for cosmetics and aquaculture (antifouling agents); integration of algal components into hydrogels and encapsulation.
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Duration
36 Months (2020 - 2023) |
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6 Partners from Ireland, Sweden and Iceland
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Budget
1.3 million Euros |
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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 817992.
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