Biocatalytic refining of seaweed carbohydrates for producing higher-value, polymer precursors (SEABIOCAT)

Short description of the project: SEABIOCAT is a three-year project co-financed by the EU Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership and Horizon Europe, aimed at developing sustainable next‑generation macroalgal biomass as an alternative to fossil‑based and first‑generation terrestrial feedstocks. Focusing on brown macroalgae from European sea basins, particularly the North Atlantic and Arctic regions, the project establishes an innovative one‑reactor, cell‑free enzymatic system to convert macroalgal polysaccharides into building blocks for biopolymers and bioplastics, supporting the transition to a bio‑based and renewable chemical industry.

Expected results: SEABIOCAT will deliver a novel, scalable bioconversion process based on thermostable enzymes for efficient refinement of brown macroalgae into value‑added platform chemicals and biopolymer precursors. The project will demonstrate improved resource efficiency and bulk production potential, supported by life‑cycle and techno‑economic assessments validating the environmental and economic performance of macroalgal‑based products compared to petrochemical alternatives. These results will strengthen the viability of macroalgal biorefineries and expand the range of sustainable bio‑based materials available to industry.

Application/relevance: SEABIOCAT contributes to addressing global challenges related to energy transition, resource scarcity, and environmental sustainability by promoting macroalgae as an abundant, non‑competitive, and underutilised marine bioresource.