SARGEX researchers explore links between Sargassum and microbial biotechnology
A meeting at the University of Antwerp explored potential research synergies for turning Sargassum biomass into useful resources, including possible food and aquafeed applications.
On 8 May 2026, SARGEX researchers from the University of Antwerp and ICIMAR, Cuba, met with the university’s SUSTAIN lab to discuss opportunities for upcycling Sargassum through biobased engineering.
Organised by the Cell Death Signalling and SUSTAIN laboratories, the brainstorming meeting brought together expertise in Sargassum research, microbial biotechnology and environmental analysis. Participants included Prof. Wim Vanden Berghe, Dr. Jose Herrera and Elizabeth Reyes from the SARGEX team, alongside Prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck and Dr. Rosaria Tizzani from SUSTAIN.
Exploring complementary approaches
SUSTAIN develops microbial technologies for applications including water treatment, nutrient management, food production and climate change mitigation. Its research offered a starting point for discussing how microbial processes could complement SARGEX’s work on the valorisation of Sargassum biomass.
A particular focus was the potential relationship between seaweed and purple phototrophic bacteria. These microorganisms are being investigated for their ability to convert organic by-products into valuable biomass and compounds. Participants explored possible research synergies for sustainable food and aquafeed applications, drawing on SUSTAIN’s experience in circular bioprocesses.
Dr. Jose Herrera presented the objectives of SARGEX, while Dr. Rosaria Tizzani introduced related research, including PURPLE SEA-NERGIES, which explores synergies between seaweed and purple bacteria for food and aquafeed.
From discussion to future research
The meeting provided an opportunity to identify shared interests and possible directions for future collaboration. Discussions remain exploratory, with further research needed to assess how these approaches could apply to Sargassum.
By connecting researchers across disciplines, SARGEX is exploring additional routes for transforming Sargassum biomass into useful resources and supporting a more sustainable blue-green bioeconomy.
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