Some of the BT methods beyond the state of the art include: (i) droplet microfluidics for uHTS of aldolases, transferases, plastic degraders and for cultivating marine microbes on native substrates; (ii) 3D carrier/flow biofilm cultivation to enrich and model environmental consortia; (iii) long read centric pipelines with novel replicon assignment and a portable real time mode; and (iv) ML guided target selection to raise hit quality and shorten cycles. This integration underpinned a broad set of biologicals discovered to date (see above). In RP3 we aim to: (a) confirm BGC/enzyme candidates in validated activities and production hosts; (b) characterise priority enzymes (e.g. CAZymes, hydrolases, transferases, oxidoreductases) and resistance genes; (c) scale the most promising biocatalytic routes under LCA informed conditions; (d) select single strains and mine genes from enriched consortia for polymer degradation case studies; and (e) deliver further policy and public engagement outputs (citizen science in three countries, a clustering training, and a final policy brief).
Technologically, the project enables faster, lower impact derivation of microbiome based solutions. Through intersectorial, interdisciplinary, panEuropean work, BT generated high quality data, panels of novel enzymes and hits for pharmaceuticals/specialty chemicals, antibacterial/antifouling solutions, insights into polymer biodegradation and environmental services—boosting innovation in industry and the blue bioeconomy. Preliminary LCA shows that process redesign (e.g. solvent management, energy sourcing) may reduce impacts, strengthening environmental and economic case for biobased processes. A first market/competitor mapping and technology watch guide RP3 exploitation priorities.
Finally, BLUETOOLS advances a pragmatic “econology” approach—aligning competitiveness with sustainability—while remaining compliant with ABS and engaging with evolving DSI policy to safeguard Open Science and fair benefit sharing. The project has established channels to reach target groups, including a website with 4,944 visits, social media with 366 followers (552 including the remaining 153 Twitter/X followers), a project video with 3,633 views, 14 articles/blog posts (over 2,800,000 readers), 2 infographics, a rollup, 1 brochures, 1 flyer and 2 factsheets; social posts have reached more than 22.446 people.
