Metagenomic and enzymatic innovation for new marine litter recycling solutions

OCEANZYME proposes an innovative biotechnological solution for the recovery of marine litter, from its identification to its recycling using enzymes. Through passive fishing campaigns in critical areas of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, plastic waste will be collected and characterized to analyze its associated microbial communities using metagenomics. Enzymes with degrading potential will be identified, modeled, produced, and tested. Furthermore, the application of the resulting products in sectors such as fisheries and aquaculture will be explored. The project promotes the circular economy, the protection of the marine environment, and technology transfer, combining them with a solid communication and outreach strategy.

Project information

Current

Acronym

OCEANZYME

Start

07/07/2026

End

07/07/2026

Project call

PLEAMAR2025

Coordinated by IQAC

No

Innovation action

No

Total budget

273.800 €

IQAC budget

60.343 €

Principal investigator

Other staff involved