Published on 27 March 2025
The Insider’s Perspective series shines a spotlight on the innovative and cutting-edge stakeholders shaping the future of the algae sector. In this fifteenth edition, we focus on BioProMedFood and its important contribution to advancing algae-based solutions for food preservation and safety. Read on to explore how this collaborative research project has leveraged algae-derived bioactive compounds to enhance the shelf-life of Mediterranean perishable foods.
BioProMedFood: Advancing Sustainable Food Protection with Algae
Food preservation is a growing challenge in the Mediterranean region, where perishable foods demand innovative solutions to extend shelf-life while maintaining quality and safety. The BioProMedFood project, officially titled “Bio-protective cultures and bioactive extracts as sustainable combined strategies to improve the shelf-life of perishable Mediterranean food”, tackled this issue through research into bioactive compounds from sustainable sources, including brown macroalgae.
This collaborative research project, supported by the European Union under the PRIMA Programme, brought together 10 partners from five Mediterranean countries: Turkey, Italy, Croatia, Spain, and Slovenia. Coordinated by Çukurova University in Turkey, the project ran from 2 March 2020 to 31 August 2023, focusing on sustainable solutions to improve food shelf-life.
Exploring Algae-Derived Bioactive Compounds for Food Safety
A key component of BioProMedFood was the extraction and application of bioactive compounds from brown macroalgae. These algae-derived compounds were studied for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, to enhance the safety and extend the shelf-life of Mediterranean perishable foods.
One of the most notable applications was in fish burgers, where algae-derived extracts were tested both as direct additives and as components of innovative packaging materials. This research was conducted in collaboration with Centaurus d.o.o., an industry partner committed to advancing sustainable food protection solutions.
The Role of EU4Algae in Driving Innovation
The EU4Algae initiative continues to play a vital role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the European algae sector. By connecting researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, the initiative strengthens the foundation for groundbreaking applications of algae in various industries, including food preservation.
Unlocking the Potential of Algae in Food Preservation
To fully harness the potential of algae-derived compounds for food safety, sustained investment in research and development is essential. Exploring innovative applications of seaweed extracts in food preservation not only supports sustainability but also enhances food security across the Mediterranean region and beyond.
The BioProMedFood project has demonstrated that algae can be a powerful tool in improving food shelf-life while reducing reliance on synthetic preservatives. Continued advancements in this field will be key to ensuring a more sustainable and resilient food system in Europe.
Stay Connected with BioProMedFood
Stay updated on BioProMedFood‘s latest news by visiting their official website and following them on Facebook & X.
For more information, you can also reach out to them at: biopromedfood@gmail.com.
Have you heard about the EU4Algae Interactive Platform?
Designed to promote algae product awareness and increase consumer knowledge, the EU4Algae Interactive Platform offers a range of activities. Take the EU4Algae Quiz to test your algae knowledge, participate in our Survey to share your algae-eating habits (the first 200 respondents get a free eBook!) and play the interactive Game to discover which type of algae you are.