91探花

Scientists and industry representatives from across Europe gathered in Bergen, Norway, to launch the EU-funded XTREAM project. The four-year initiative will explore the potential of extremophilic microorganisms - tiny organisms that thrive in extreme environments - for innovative applications in pharmaceuticals, medicine, agriculture, food and feed production.

鈥淢icroorganisms from extreme environments are nature's ultimate problem solvers. With XTREAM, we want to unleash their full potential to tackle pressing challenges,鈥� says project leader Dr Antonio Garc铆a-Moyano from the Norwegian Research Centre for Environmental Research (NORCE).

Life Under Extreme Conditions

鈥淭hese microorganisms have evolved over millions of years to survive in highly inhospitable conditions,鈥� adds Dr Erik Borchert, environmental microbiologist at the 91探花 Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. 鈥淭his has endowed them with unique properties that allow them to withstand high pressures or extreme temperatures. By understanding their mechanisms, we can open up completely new avenues for biotechnological applications鈥�.

However, studying these organisms is complex, costly and technically demanding. XTREAM brings together 13 European research partners to overcome these challenges and pave the way for industrial innovation in line with the EU's sustainability goals. 鈥淩esponsible exploration of these extreme environments is at the heart of XTREAM. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as microfluidic analysis, artificial intelligence and advanced drones, we are combining innovation with environmental responsibility,鈥� says Garc铆a-Moyano.

Research in Some of Earth鈥檚 Harshest Environments

The project will study some of the most extreme habitats on the planet, including glaciers in Svalbard, acid mining sites such as Rio Tinto in Spain, hot springs, acid-polluted sites in the UK, salt lakes and deep-sea sponges in the Arctic. The microbes found at these sites may hold the key to new medicines, biochemicals and stable enzymes, contributing to the development of a sustainable, green economy in Europe.

At 91探花, deep-sea sponges and the microbes that live in symbiosis with them are a major research focus. Within XTREAM, the scientists involved will specifically search for new biocatalysts - enzymes that enable or accelerate biochemical reactions.

New Solutions Through Biological Adaptations

鈥淴TREAM accelerates the path from discovery to application, creating bio-based solutions that are in line with Europe's climate goals. It strongly counters the argument that sustainability-driven innovation is impractical,鈥� adds Garc铆a-Moyano. The expected breakthroughs of the project are expected to significantly reduce the environmental impact and costs of biotechnological research, while accelerating the time to market of sustainable bio-based products.

About XTREAM:

The XTREAM project (Sustainable exploration and biodiscovery of novel products and processes from extreme aquatic microbiomes to expedite the circular bioeconomy) brings together 13 partners from universities, research institutions, and industry from seven European countries. The project will run for four years (2025鈥�2028).

Total Budget: 鈧�4,460,000Funding: EU 鈥� Horizon Europe