Specific coordination and management activities were implemented for effective project execution.
During months 25-36, WP2 consolidated microbial collections, standardized methodologies, and characterized new biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). USE, MATIS, and SZN identified numerous BGCs for biosurfactant and siderophore production: USE found 13 biosurfactant clusters and 32 siderophore synthetases; MATIS identified 3 biosurfactant clusters and 28 siderophore BGCs; SZN identified 6 biosurfactant clusters and 10 siderophore synthetases, linking genes to metabolites for 9 BGCs.
WP3 updated the data platform with partner feedback, incorporating chemical expansion, QSAR, and filtering. New functionalities support molecule selection and cheminformatics. Synthetic surfactants were linked to biological counterparts, and combinatorial simulations led to new "head-tail" compound designs. Genomic-scale metabolic models (GEMs) identified suitable microbial hosts.
WP4 optimized microbial platforms for biosurfactant and siderophore production. SZN, MATIS, and ICL developed genetic protocols for thermophilic, psychrophilic, and halophilic strains. ICL optimized strain performance, and SZN and ICL used a "mix-and-match" strategy for recombinant pathways, advancing industrial production capacity.
WP5 advanced analytical methods and structural characterization. UoA and SZN refined compound detection and dereplication workflows. PHM, BBEPP, and LUND led scale-up efforts, while USE and partners optimized extraction techniques. Novel compounds (rhodoheptins and rhodamides) were identified by UoA and SZN.
WP6 optimized scalable production processes. Task 6.1 developed an integrated model for bioreactor processes, and Task 6.2 improved metrics by 20%. Task 6.3 increased production efficiency by 25%, and Task 6.4 prepared strains for 150L scale-up.
WP7 advanced encapsulation and antitumor evaluations. SE encapsulated Coenzyme Q10 and oregano oil with rhamnolipids (RL), matching synthetic surfactants. siRNA-loaded nanoparticles were refined, and RL showed antimicrobial potential. ADL developed siderophore-polymers with strong antibacterial effects and explored targeted drug delivery.
WP8 conducted sustainability assessments and public engagement. Task 8.1 used Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to identify hotspots, suggesting improvements. Social LCA and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) identified labor conditions and cost drivers. Public engagement included workshops and social media, and regulatory standards were compiled.
WP9 made advancements in exploitation, dissemination, and engagement. Key exploitable results (KERs) were updated, covering biosurfactant applications, therapies, and a BGC platform. Dissemination reached 3,000 people, and collaboration within the AIMS Cluster boosted visibility. An IP strategy was defined to support commercialization.
