Unlocking the Potential of Aquatic Extremophiles

Sustainable development of industrially relevant novel active biomolecules.

The EXPLORA Project

The EXPLORA project focuses on the sustainable exploration of the acidic Rio Tinto and the Antarctic Region to discover novel active biomolecules. These include antimicrobials, antioxidants, and plastic-degrading enzymes. By using cutting-edge bioprospecting and computational tools, EXPLORA aims to unlock these treasures for validated applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and PET recycling sectors.

Our Locations

River Tinto

We’re exploring the acidic Rio Tinto to find unique microbes that produce novel plastic-degrading enzymes and valuable sialylated EPS for industrial applications.

Antartica

In the extreme cold of Antarctica, we’re seeking microorganisms that create new antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, using innovative sampling methods in this unique polar ecosystem.

The challenge

Extreme aquatic environments remain largely unexplored due to:

Environmental Barriers

Harsh environmental conditions that hinder accessibility and sampling.

Need for Sustainable Innovation

The need for innovative and sustainable bioprospecting methodologies.

Knowledge Gap

Limited understanding of extremophilic microbial biodiversity and its industrial applications.

Our Partners

Our Methodology

Physiological Analysis

Analyze the physiological characteristics of the collected samples.

Sample collection Technology development

Sampling Collection & Tech Development

Sample collection Technology development

Our solution

EXPLORA introduces innovative methodologies to advance sustainable bioprospecting and unlock the potential of extremophilic microorganisms.

Advanced Sampling & Bioprospecting

Developing tailored strategies for effective microorganism isolation.

Computational & AI-Driven Analysis

Utilizing next-generation sequencing and computational modeling.

Industrial Validation

Demonstrating the applicability of bioactive compounds in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and environmental sectors.

Legal & Ethical Compliance

Addressing Nagoya Protocol and Antarctic Treaty regulations to ensure responsible bioprospecting.

The Consortium

The EXPLORA consortium integrates 13 partners from 9 countries, including leading research institutions, universities, and industrial experts. This multidisciplinary partnership covers the entire value chain – from innovative sampling in extreme environments to the computational discovery and industrial validation of novel biomolecules.