SECRETed comes to an end: four years of innovation in sustainable bio-based compounds and the role of blue synergy
The SECRETed Project has come to an end after four years of exciting research, achieved milestones and important breakthroughs on sustainable exploitation of bio-based compounds revealed and engineered from natural sources.
SECRETed was a Horizon 2020, EU funded project led by Idener as the coordinator and joined by PharmaMar, Accuplex Diagnostics, Matis Iceland, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, University of Tubingen, Blue Synergy, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Sphera Encapsulation, Imperial College, University of Sevilla, University of Lund, Exelisis Ike and Sylentis.
As stated in the project’s 9th and last newsletter, “SECRETed demonstrated how marine-derived compounds can be translated into practical solutions across multiple sectors. In the health and pharmaceutical fields, the project identified molecules with strong antioxidant, anti-tumoral, antimicrobial and even diagnostic potential. The cosmetics and skincare sector benefited from natural ingredients capable of supporting anti-aging effects, protection, and regenerative properties. In agriculture, the work led to approaches that improve nutrient uptake, boost fertiliser efficiency and promote more sustainable crop management practices. Finally, for bioprocessing and environmental use, SECRETed validated surface-active molecules and metal-binding agents that can help make industrial processes cleaner, safer and more resource-efficient.”
In project, Blue Synergy carried out a comprehensive analysis of laboratory and pilot-plant data for the production of rhamnolipids using an engineered Pseudomonas putida strain. Based on this information, it developed a full conceptual production process covering raw-material handling, media preparation, fermentation, and downstream operations. The work included equipment sizing, scheduling, and bottleneck optimization to ensure a coherent scale-up strategy. Using the resulting process model, the company conducted LCA, LCC, TEA, S-LCA, and Social ROI assessments, and presented the findings to the project consortium to support decision-making on the sustainability and performance of the proposed production route.
In parallel, Blue Synergy created and executed the project’s consumer awareness and social acceptance strategies, which included curated and targeted social media posts; a series of in-depth articles from expert interviews and other project topics; four Social Awareness Newsletters; a dedicated Website Section; three social awareness workshops with stakeholders; and a Social Acceptance Assessment that combined the Social Acceptance Survey and the Social Acceptance Interviews to evaluate attitudes toward sustainability and biotechnological innovation.
In conclusion, SECRETed leaves behind a strong scientific, technological, and societal legacy, demonstrating how responsibly sourced bio-based compounds can be transformed into viable, sustainable solutions for health, industry, and the environment. Beyond its technical achievements, the project showcased the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating cutting-edge biotechnology with robust sustainability assessment and active societal engagement. The knowledge, methodologies, and networks developed through SECRETed will continue to support future innovation, helping to bridge the gap between discovery and real-world application while advancing Europe’s transition toward a more sustainable, bio-based economy.
Blue Synergy is grateful to all project partners for their collaboration, openness, and shared commitment to sustainability, and we especially thank Idener for its strong coordination and leadership throughout the four years of the project. The trust, interdisciplinary cooperation, and collective ambition demonstrated within SECRETed exemplify the strength of European research and innovation, and we look forward to seeing the project’s outcomes inspire and enable future bio-based solutions.
Blue Synergy SL was a proud partner of the SECRETed project. We are committed to delivering sustainable profitability through efficient innovation.
