BAMMBO

Sustainable production of biologically active molecules of marine based origin

 Partecipanti

Mappa

 Word cloud

Esplora la "nuvola delle parole (Word Cloud) per avere un'idea di massima del progetto.

 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Innovation is the most important engine of growth and jobs in knowledge-based bio-economies. The scope of BAMMBO (Biologically Active Molecules of Marine Based Origin) is ambitious. This is intentional. BAMMBO will provide innovative solutions to overcome existing bottle-necks associated with culturing marine organisms in order to sustainably produce high yields of value-added products for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial sectors. BAMMBO will screen and identify target marine organisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, sponges, microalgae, macroalgae and yeasts) from diverse global locations for potential as sustainable producers of high–added value molecules (HVAB’s). Our project will apply analytical methods for the extraction, purification and enrichment of targeted bioactive compounds. A detailed life cycle analysis of the production pathways developed in the project will be undertaken to fully evaluate the sustainability of production of biologically active products from marine organisms. BAMMBO will exploit knowledge and technologies developed during the project and effectively manage their transfer to relevant stakeholders in industry and the research community, as well as to policy-makers. We have brought together a multidisciplinary consortium of specialist Research and SME partners representing 8 countries including partners from ICPC countries Russia and Brazil, and from EU member states at Mediterranean, Adriatic and Atlantic coasts. In adhering to the European Strategy for Marine and Maritime Research this three year project will encourage capacity-building, integration and synergies across relevant marine sectors. Innovative technologies developed in the project will be demonstrated with the involvement of industry partners, and the results will be of interest not only to companies directly involved in the marine sector, but to other large scale industry players such as pharmaceutical companies with interest in added-value bioactive compounds.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A large-scale research initiative has discovered a number of new chemicals and enzymes from marine organisms, and developed sustainable methods of production.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Europe has broad marine diversity along with a well-developed biotechnology research sector. Taken together, Europe is well positioned for marine biotechnology to contribute to its growing bioeconomy.

The EU-funded http://www.bammbo.eu (BAMMBO) (Sustainable production of biologically active molecules of marine based origin) project set out to promote marine biotechnology in Europe through bioprospecting and improving laboratory methods for growing marine organisms.

Project members started by screening massive numbers of marine organisms (algae, sponges, fungi, bacteria and yeast) for bioactivity such as antioxidant or antimicrobial effects. This was supported by a market analysis that indicated which types of biomolecules are most valuable.

BAMMBO created a digital repository of these screened organisms, called a biobank. Part of this process included developing standardised protocols to ensure that the biobank continues to run smoothly.

Researchers discovered antioxidants, antimicrobial compounds, enzymes to prevent skin ageing and an extract that prevents barnacles attaching to surfaces.

Another aspect of the project focused on improving laboratory culture of both macro- and microalgae. Researchers created and tested several new prototype reactors for sustainable algae production. They also developed immortalised algae cell lines to limit harvesting of natural resources.

The BAMMBO project has produced significant intellectual property, including patented products, methods and new production processes. These discoveries will help the European marine bioeconomy grow and become more competitive.