HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-11: Harnessing the unique properties of marine organisms to deliver sustainable blue bio-based products

We bring extensive experience in European collaborative projects as both coordinator and partner (e.g. FP7, H2020, and current Horizon Europe initiatives), with a strong track record in leading interdisciplinary work at the interface of environmental science, biotechnology, and molecular biology.

In this proposal, we offer a key role as partner and potential Work Package leader focused on the mechanistic validation and safety assessment of marine-derived bioactive compounds.

Our contribution is based on high-throughput proteome-wide interaction profiling (PISA) to map molecular targets, functional properties, and early safety signals of bioactive compounds derived from marine biomass. Building on previous experience (e.g. CYANOBESITY), where marine bioactive compounds were evaluated for novel functional properties, we extend this approach towards application-driven development of blue bio-based products.

We can offer to contribute to a proposal under development or with missing expertise to:

• Identify molecular targets and mechanisms of action underlying functional properties

• Detect off-target interactions and early toxicity pathways to support safe-by-design development

• Compare bio-based compounds with conventional alternatives at pathway level

• Provide mechanistic datasets to support optimisation, AI integration, and regulatory acceptance

  This approach enables the transition from discovery to application by providing mechanistic and safety intelligence, reducing uncertainty in product development and supporting robust, sustainable innovation in blue biotechnology.