A Greek macroalgal biobank advancing innovation, sustainability and new food applications across Europe.

Within the NOVAFOODIES project, ELGO-DIMITRA (Greece) is developing a Macroalgal Biobank dedicated to the isolation, cultivation, and valorisation of indigenous Mediterranean macroalgae. This initiative represents an important step towards leveraging marine biodiversity as a strategic resource for sustainable food systems and bio-based innovation.

The biobank focuses on collecting and maintaining unialgal cultures of macroalgae, including green, red, and brown species, creating a valuable reservoir of genetic resources. These strains are carefully characterised and phenotyped to identify those with optimal growth performance and valuable biochemical properties, supporting their use across a wide range of applications.

Building on this foundation, the project develops and refines cultivation technologies to enable efficient scale-up in controlled systems such as tanks and raceways. This approach not only supports reliable biomass production but also contributes to improving consistency and quality, which are essential factors for industrial uptake and market integration.

Beyond production, the initiative explores the transformation of macroalgae into functional food ingredients, as well as their use in other bio-based applications. At the same time, the work contributes to environmental objectives, including ecosystem protection, water quality improvement, and reef restoration, highlighting the multifunctional role of macroalgae within the blue bioeconomy.

By bridging research and application, the Macroalgal Biobank supports the development of innovative and sustainable value chains, offering new opportunities for the food sector while responding to increasing demand for environmentally responsible solutions.

Through these activities, NOVAFOODIES reinforces its commitment to diversifying food sources, fostering innovation, and strengthening the resilience of European food systems. Download the document here: https://novafoodies.eu/promo-material/