MINERVA partners.All partners are experienced in marine innovation using algal biomass, and strong collaborative links exist to ensure integration of complementary expertise, effective workflow and high potential for exploitation of outputs. Industry participation including end-user testing and dissemination activities will support near-to-market evaluation of results.
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∙University of GalwayMINERVA is led by Prof Dagmar Stengel (Lead PI) and Dr Zoë Popper (Co-PI) at the University of Galway (Ireland), within Algal BioSciences which is located within Botany and Plant Science (School of Natural Sciences). Their teams are highly experienced in the ecology, biochemical characterisation and valorisation of algal biomass. They have particular expertise in algal ecophysiology and biotechnology/chemistry and algal biomass selection and optimisation for novel uses for food, health and other targeted bioactive applications. The teams apply both physiological and chemical approaches developed under previous BlueBio-related projects at University of Galway, to valorise underutilised seaweed biomass that is sustainably produced across Europe. Research will add value specifically to brown algal biomass presently used at low efficiency (both bulk harvested and cultivated), and other, regionally important, niche species with commercial potential. Addressing the challenges associated with sustainable seaweed production under climate change scenarios, research is based on the principles of waste reduction and ‘food first’ for new products within the blue bioeconomy.
As part of MINERVA, research reassesses the utilisation commercially valuable seaweeds for novel products; it aims to develop new and optimise existing extraction processes (e.g. using enzymes) to achieve enhance resource efficiency and reduce waste, with the overall objective to ensure long-term sustainability in the context of global change. University of Galway is responsible for the coordination and management of MINERVA (WP1) and leads Workpackages on Sourcing and optimisation of biomass (WP2), Optimisation of extraction processes (WP4) and Communication and Dissemination (WP9). |
University College CorkThe Environmental Genomics Group at UCC, led by Professor Alan Dobson, has extensive experience in marine microbial ecology and marine biotechnology. The research focus of the group has for a number of years been on studying the structures and functions of microbial communities found in symbiotic associations with marine eukaryotes, such as seaweeds and sponges as well as in other environmental niches. Additionally, the group have used culture-based approaches to discover novel enzymes from marine bacteria with the aim of exploiting these valuable natural resources for various biotechnological applications. The group also employed both sequence and functional metagenomic based approaches to access the hidden metabolic talents of uncultivable species. This has led to the discovery of several novel hydrolytic enzymes including enzymes such as cold-active lipases and most recently a novel hydrolase with the potential to degrade PET plastics. Wet-lab investigations are typically supplemented with bioinformatics based approaches to analyze and describe complex marine microbial communities, as well as sequence the genomes of individual bacterial isolates. Research aims to discover and exploit novel marine bacterial enzymes which may lead to more efficient extraction of high-value macroalgal components such as with applications in cosmetic and food industries. Enzyme Assisted Extraction (EAE) approaches will mitigate against the production processes current being employed, many of which have sub-optimal environmental consequences.
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CyberColloids LtdCyberColloids is a business led R&D company. They are an SME based in Ireland but with global reach. Their core expertise is in delivering food texture solutions based around polysaccharide & protein chemistry but with three of the key food texture ingredients coming from seaweed i.e. agar, carrageenan & alginate, they have been working with seaweed and seaweed derived ingredients for many years. They have a particular interest in developing novel processing methodologies, new ingredients and innovative applications for seaweed but are actively involved across the entire seaweed value chain, from raw material to end use.
In MINERVA, CyberColloids leads WP5 and plays a key role in the development, evaluation and potential market positioning of new, seaweed derived food ingredients. In particular seaweed fibres for use as food texture ingredients. They also bring years of experience in developing extraction and processing methodologies and will work closely with partners in other WPs. CyberColloids also play an important role in providing industry-based training for postgraduate researchers. |
Research Institutes of SwedenRISE is the Swedish Research Institute and innovation partner. In international collaboration with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the business community and contribute to a sustainable society. Our 2,800 employees support and promote all manner of innovative processes. RISE is an independent, state-owned research institute that offers unique expertise and about 100 testbeds and demonstration facilities, instrumental in future-proofing technologies, products and services. In 2016, the former institutes of Innventia, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden and Swedish ICT merged to form RISE. During 2018, RISE expanded to include the former institutes Swerea IVF, Swerea SICOMP, Swerea SWECAST and part of Swerea KIMAB. The merged RISE drives advanced research in a broad spectrum of areas that are divided into five divisions. They have a long history of acknowledged high-quality research and conducting assignments in each of these divisions. RISE is a non-profit organisation with headquarters in Gothenburg, employees work all over Sweden.
In MINERVA, RISE lead WPs 6 and 8, developing seaweed-based antifouling agents and novel biomaterials for biomedical applications, respectively. |
Matís ohfMatís – Icelandic Food and Biotech R&D is a government owned, non-profit independent research company working within the areas of food production, food safety and biotechnology research. Matís has played a leading role in many national and international RD&I projects, including EU FP7 & H2020, and is actively involved in cooperation with many of the world’s largest food and ingredient producers, as well as SMEs, entrepreneurs, universities, and research institutes. A core partner in the recent EIT Food KIC program funded by the EIT until 2026, Matís has strong competences within the BlueBio sector, placing emphasis on the circular economy and interdisciplinary activities across the food and biotech sectors, with the consumer at the centre.
Matís has a strong track record within research on algal biomass, including its applications in cosmetics and personal care products, and leads WP7, Cosmetics applications & testing. |
UNA skincareUNA skincare is an Icelandic innovation company and the producer of UNA skincare™ cosmetics. UNA skincare was built on several years of extensive research on bioactives in marine algae in close collaboration with Matís - Icelandic Food and Biotech R&D. The UNA skincare products include bioactive extracts from the seaweed Fucus vesiculosus. An advanced all natural proprietary process is used to extract the bioactive components of the seaweed to ensure their optimum function and efficiency.
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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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