Pathogens in Aquaculture research team, of which Belén Fouz is a member.
The research group Pathogens in Aquaculture of the Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED) of the University of Valencia (UV) participates in the strategic project DUPROMAT. The initiative aims to develop new materials for the manufacture of port protections that are more sustainable and resistant to impacts, the action of marine organisms and UV radiation.
Funded by the Valencian Innovation Agency (AVI), the project aims to improve the resistance and durability of port protections by increasing ultraviolet resistance and thermal degradation – main responsible for the loss of properties –, as well as the antifouling properties of marine biota.
Developing new materials for the manufacture of port protections more sustainable and resistant to impacts, the action of marine organisms and UV radiation aligns the project with the objectives set by the Strategic Committee for Specialised Innovation (CEIE) in circular economy of the AVI, which is committed to the manufacture of more sustainable goods and products through innovative solutions.
DUPROMAT is one of the six projects awarded by the AVI in 2020 in the call for strategic projects in cooperation in competitive competition, aimed at supporting high-impact R & D & I initiatives in which different agents of the Valencian innovation system collaborate. The consortium is made up of the Alicante company Durplastics –leader of the project –, the Technological Institute of Plastics (AIMPLAS) and the team from the University of Valencia led by the microbiologist and researcher at Biotecmed Belén Fouz.
At this point, researchers and technicians from the three entities are working on improving high-density polyethylene by incorporating additives that are environmentally friendly and adapted to the European regulation on biocides. The new products will be completely recyclable and 50% of the raw materials used in manufacturing will come from previously used and treated materials.
Biotecmed’s Pathogens in Aquaculture group, formed mainly by scientists and scientists from the Department of Microbiology and Ecology of the University of Valencia, will contribute their experience in the development of methods for detecting and / or monitoring aquatic microbial populations (bacteria and algae) as well as methods for evaluating the efficacy of biocides, to evaluate the antifouling properties of new materials.
The results of the project will be implemented industrially and could be applied to the manufacture of other products in the maritime and nautical sector (flotation systems, infrastructures in fish farms, navigation aid systems, gangways...) as well as to substitute metallic materials in manufacturing. of products in contact with corrosive environments.
Between 2020 and 2021, the AVI will provide the consortium with more than 425,000 euros of funding.
More information: https://go.uv.es/UBSQ5uB