Innovative
Cultivation Methods for
Marine Biodiscovery
COMBO will address the Call topic CL-2023-CIRCBIO-01-11 of HORIZON EUROPE with the main objective to develop new culturing systems based on the holobiont concept for the production of seaweed- and sponge-derived high-added value bioactives. As such, we aim to unlock the full potential and benefits of the circular economy and the blue bioeconomy.
COMBO will provide sustainable alternatives for the exploitation of marine bioresources as a source of active compounds with a focus on cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications. The main steps start with the sourcing of the marine macro-organisms to their culturing in closed systems to contribute to new processes and products in marine biodiscovery. They will be complemented by the applications and development of new tools in bioinformatics under the umbrella of a regular assessment of the life cycles of the products and processes.
We will work in close collaboration with our sister project BLUES, funded under the same call and led by Wageningen University.
Objectives
Objective 1.
To identify and characterise the diversity of host and associated microbiota for targeted groups of seaweeds (Dictyota and Laurencia) and sponges (Crambeidae and Haplosclerida) using an integrative taxonomic approach - WP2 and WP4.
This objective will provide greater knowledge on the functioning of targeted marine holobionts used as model organisms.
Objective 2.
To pioneer innovative cell cultivation methods specifically for seaweed and sponge species, ranging from cellular to aquaria and mesocosm scales, while optimizing conditions specific to WP3.
This objective will develop new tools in cell culture for marine invertebrates and seaweeds.
Objective 3.
To investigate co-metabolism patterns relying on auxotrophy, and to identify the secretome across WP3, WP4, and WP5.
This objective will develop new tools in cell co-cultures for marine organisms.
Objective 4.
Objectives 1, 2, and 3 will facilitate the elucidation of metabolic pathways responsible for seaweed terpenoids and sponge alkaloids, employing -omics approaches across WP2, WP3, and WP4.
This objective will provide greater knowledge on the processes developed by targeted marine organisms.
Objective 5.
Develop novel chassis cells specifically for marine active compounds produced from seaweeds and sponges in WP5.
This objective will develop new chassis cells for marine organisms.
Objective 6.
To establish environmentally sustainable downstream processes for the isolation and purification of the four families of targeted bioactive compounds from seaweeds and sponges, using cultivation systems implemented in WP3 and WP5, with a focus on WP6 and WP7.
This objective will address the sustainability of the processes.
Partners
University of Galway - IE.
The Ollscoil na Gaillimhe and its Marine Biodiscovery laboratory led by Prof. Olivier Thomas is located on the West coast of Ireland and is coordinating COMBO. As a government SDG champion and a leader in sustainability, we offer a learning environment that cares for you and our planet. Dr David Styles will be in charge of Life Cycle Assessments in the WP7.
University of Tours - FR.
The University of Tours is a multidisciplinary university dedicated to the promotion of cutting-edge technologies with a strong focus on bio-medecine. Dr Vincent Courdavault and his group (from EA2106 – BBV lab) will be in charge of identifying key genes involved in the synthesis of valuable marine natural products and is the leader of WP4.
University of Angers - FR.
The University of Angers is a public university in western France, with campuses in Angers, Cholet, and Saumur. It forms part of the Angers-Le Mans University Community. Prof. Nicolas Papon will provide access to a screening platform to assess the pharmacological potential of the marine natural products isolated in COMBO.
Wageningen University - NL.
The main aim of Wageningen University is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Dr Detmer Sipkema will be leading WP3 on the cell cultures of selected seaweeds while Prof. Marnix Medema will provide a key contribution to WP4.
Technical University of Denmark - DK.
The Technical University of Denmark is one of the leading Universities in Europe that leverages on 5,800 staff scientists to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society. Dr Emil Jensen will lead WP5 and the development of microbial cell factories for targeted marine terpenoids and alkaloids.
University of Cape Town - RSA.
The University of Cape Town has a long history and proven excellence in marine biology and particularly phycology. Dr Maggie Reddy will be in charge of the WP2 and sourcing of sponge and seaweed samples for the consortium.
CNRS - FR.
The French National Centre for Scientific Research is a state research organisation and is the second largest fundamental science agency in Europe and North Africa. Dr Gregory Genta-Jouve based in French Guiana will share his expertise in scientific diving and bioinformatics in WP2 and WP4.
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela - SP.
The University of Santiago de Compostela is a public institution for higher education and research endowed with autonomy, full legal personality and its own heritage. Prof. Luis Botana will share his expertise in pharmacology with the consortium by targeting mainly inflammation and cancer for WP6.
Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed - IE.
Mungo Murphy's Seaweed Co. was established on the West coast of Ireland and offers a range of clean and natural seaweed and abalone products that will nourish you inside and out. Miss Sinead O’Brien will provide access to their culture facilities for seaweeds in WP3.
Fundacion Medina - SP.
MEDINA discovers bio-active molecules, drug leads for unmet medical concerns and high value biotechnological products. They are exclusive owners of one of the world´s largest Microbial Collections (190,000 microbial strains), and Natural Products Libraries (over 135,000 extracts & fractions). They will share their expertise in microbiology and biodiscovery for WP3, WP5 and WP6 and Dr Fernando Reyes will lead WP6.
Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant - BE.
Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is an independent, state-of-the-art facility that operates from a laboratory level to a multi-ton scale. Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is a service provider for process development, scale-up and custom manufacturing of biobased products and processes. They will mainly contribute to WP3 for the scale-up of cell cultures.
University of Utah - USA.
Founded in 1850, The University of Utah is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah, and offers over 100 undergraduate and more than 90 graduate programmes. Prof. Eric J. Schmidt from the College of Pharmacy will provide expertise in the elucidation of metabolic pathways from marine organisms to WP4.
Hortimare - NL.
Our drive is to make seaweed farming successful and reap all the benefits seaweed has on ocean health, food security, human health and the replacement of petroleum-based products. Our mission is to catalyze the necessary developments to realise this potential and thereby create environmental and social impact worldwide. They will mainly contribute to WP2 and WP3.