OCEANZYME. Metagenomic and enzymatic innovation for new marine litter recycling solutions.

Pleamar program

OCEANZYME proposes an innovative and biotechnological solution for the recovery of marine litter, from its identification to its recycling using enzymes. Through passive fishing campaigns in critical areas of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, plastic waste will be collected and characterised to analyse its associated microbial communities using metagenomics. Enzymes with degrading potential will be identified, which will be modelled, produced and tested. In addition, the application of the resulting products in sectors such as fisheries and aquaculture will be explored.

The project promotes the circular economy, the protection of the marine environment and technology transfer, combining them with a strong communication and outreach strategy.

Project

Line of action:

Marine ecosystems

Status:

En ejecución

Location

Catalonia, Community of Madrid, Valencian Community, Galicia

Research line

Axis 3. Waste

Execution date:

2026

End date:

2028

Project web page:

https://www.programapleamar.es/proyectos/oceanzyme-innovacion-metagenomica-y-enzimatica-para-nuevas-soluciones-de-reciclado-de

Objectives

The objective of the project is to develop a comprehensive approach for the collection, characterization and recovery of marine litter, through techniques for predicting areas of accumulation of marine litter and through the metagenome associated with marine litter, developing enzymatic recycling solutions, in order to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste in the marine environment and generate sustainable solutions applicable to the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Specific objectives:

OE1. Identify and validate critical points of accumulation of marine litter on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast.
OE2. Physically and chemically characterize plastic waste to determine its composition, frequency, and origin.
OE3. Analyze the microbial communities associated with the waste and establish correlations with the type of polymer, geographical area and origin.
OE4. Identify hydrolytic enzymes involved in the degradation of plastics.
OE5. Model and select candidate enzymes.
OE6. Produce plastic-degrading enzymes and evaluate their activity against marine litter.
OE7. To explore potential applications of enzymatic degradation products in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
OE8. Disseminate the results of the project through conferences, press releases and communication materials