At the heart of the OXIPRO project’s mission lies the transformative potential of oxidative enzymes, like laccases, to power sustainable industrial innovation. In Chapter 9 of the newly published Laccase and Polyphenol Oxidase, OXIPRO partners Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) and Novonesis demonstrate how cutting-edge computational techniques are revolutionizing laccase discovery and engineering.     Authored by the project teams at BSC and Novonesis, "In Silico Bioprospecting and Engineering Laccases: Methods and Applications" is a ground-breaking exploration of how technology can overcome...

Researchers from the OXIPRO.EU project, including members from the University of Barcelona and NORCE Norwegian Research Center, recently participated in the IV Jornadas Españolas de Biocatálisis held in San Sebastián. This biennial event, organized by SEBIOT, brings together experts in biocatalysis to discuss recent advances and innovative applications in the field. The objectives of these conferences are to disseminate scientific advances in the use of enzymes in chemical applications and also to promote industrial developments based on biocatalysis through dialogue...

As part of OXIPRO’s outreach programme designed to engage the general public and raise awareness of the benefits of our work, team members in Spain and Norway are reaching out to university students and finding out what they think about our enzyme-based biotechnology breakthroughs   At a recent campaign in Spain, the OXIPRO team from LEITAT led by Aroa Rey Campa shared insights about the project and conducted a survey at the University of Barcelona during the Catalonia Biotech Day....

 Images and story credit: Thomas Hovmøller Ris, Senior Communications Adviser, NORCE    For centuries indigo dye has been used to colour textiles. Researchers are trying to find a way to produce it in a way which uses less harmful chemicals than the traditional approach.  A possible solution is to produce it with an enzyme. Tenth graders at the International School of Bergen were happy to experiment with this idea.     A quick glance around the classroom reveals that denim...

The OXIPRO Project is making cutting-edge science easier to understand with an innovative podcast for everyone—no scientific or technical background required!   Using advanced artificial intelligence, OXIPRO is transforming complex research into simple, engaging stories anyone can enjoy. This podcast series aims to open up the world of biotechnology, inviting listeners to discover how the latest findings could impact our everyday lives.   The very first episode, available via the OXIPRO YouTube Channel, introduces listeners to a unique enzyme discovered...

OXIPRO partner and Gecco Biotech Research Scientist, Ognjen Pećanac, recently captivated attendees at the National Biocatalysis Symposium of The Netherlands (BiocatNL) with his groundbreaking presentation, "Encapsulins: Tiny Cages, Big Possibilities."   Speaking to an audience of 50, which included leading professors, industry representatives, and PhD students from across the Netherlands, Ogi shared his pioneering work on bacterial encapsulins—tiny protein cages capable of encapsulating enzymes to enhance their stability and reusability.   Ogi's presentation offered a detailed look at the structural...

Katri Behm from VTT, Finland - a key partner in the OXIPRO project - recently showcased an innovative approach to sustainable sunscreen solutions at the SETAC Europe 26th Life Cycle Assessment Symposium, in Gothemburg, Sweden. Representing the project, Katri's poster: ‘Decreased ecotoxicity impacts of sun care products with laccase-based solutions’ presented a pioneering case study on decreasing ecotoxicity in sun care products.   Traditional sunscreens contain UV filters that, when washed into water bodies, harm aquatic ecosystems. The OXIPRO project is...

Calyxia’s Alexandre Brosse Showcases OXIPRO Innovation at SEPAWA 2024 This year’s SEPAWA Congress in Berlin saw over 3,500 attendees from 65 countries gathered to explore the latest in cosmetic, detergent, and home care advancements. Among the exhibitors was Calyxia, a pioneering company in tailor-made microencapsulation, including enzyme encapsulation, led by key team member Alexandre Brosse. As part of their mission to develop new solutions for the industry, Calyxia’s presence at SEPAWA 2024 aimed to connect with new customers and promote...

Lars Santema from the University of Groningen (NL) talks about his experience working at Novonesis in Denmark and the one thing that he misses about the Netherlands.   One of the OXIPRO project’s achievements has been its success in upskilling, capacity building, and knowledge sharing across partners. We’ve made a concerted effort to ensure that our Early Career Researchers are able to take advantage of the technical expertise of different partners, and where possible, spend time at counterpart institutes gaining...

One of OXIPRO's aims is to encourage capacity building and upskilling among all its partners, and to provide opportunities to do so, particularly for Early Career Researchers (ECRs). Here we report on the recent experience of Espen Joon Søvik, who joined the Marine Biotechnology group at NORCE as part of his MSc journey.   Espen says: I recently had the opportunity to be part of the Marine Biotechnology group at the NORCE Norwegian Research Center, where I successfully completed my...

The National Science Week in Norway – 20th and 21st of September, Bergen The National Science Week in Norway is a nationwide event held every year to make science and research available to the public. On a Friday and Saturday at the end of September each year, curious spectators of all ages get the opportunity to try, taste, ask questions, discuss, wonder or be surprised alongside enthusiastic researchers from the research communities. This event was held in Bergen on the...

Geared up with safety shoes, vests and goggles, a group of OXIPRO scientists were welcomed inside Rolco’s production facilities outside Athens to learn how enzymes are used in environmentally friendly detergents.     The Greek detergent producer Rolco is a partner in the EU-funded project OXIPRO and interested in novel enzyme-based formulations to promote more sustainable homecare products. As part of OXIPRO’s annual meeting this spring in Athens, Rolco invited project participants for a visit to their 22,410 m2 factory....