News

News and events

Conceptual laboratory scene with a photobioreactor containing purple bacterial culture and a laptop displaying the title of a scientific article on photon absorption and carotenoid production in purple phototrophic bacteria. Test tubes and lab equipment reinforce the biotechnology research setting.

New Publication from the PURPLE4LIFE Consortium: Modelling Light Absorption to Optimise Carotenoid Production in Purple Phototrophic Bacteria

A new research article authored by members of the PURPLE4LIFE consortium has been published in Bioresource Technology, addressing one of the central questions in the development of purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) as a source of high-value compounds: how these...

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Aug 4, 2026|0

Events & Meetings, News

Four researchers wearing conference badges pose in front of the official backdrop at the 19th IWA World Conference on Anaerobic Digestion in Valencia. The backdrop features the conference title along with the logos of the University of Valencia, the International Water Association (IWA), and event sponsors.

PURPLE4LIFE research highlights presented by URJC at IWA AD19 in Valencia

URJC researchers participated in the 19th IWA World Conference on Anaerobic Digestion (Valencia, 9–13 June 2026), presenting three posters on PPB-based bioprocesses, biogas upgrading, pigment modulation, and sustainable sludge treatment within the PURPLE4Life framework

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Jul 30, 2026|0

PPB Science & Innovation, Project information

Researcher in a laboratory using a microscope to examine a prepared sample on a glass slide. The scientist adjusts the microscope controls while observing the specimen in a clean research environment.

Project technology highlight: Fraunhofer IMTE’s expertise in examining PPB feed implementation on gut health of salmonids

Could phototrophic purple bacteria interfere with the gut health of rainbow trout?

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Jul 27, 2026|0

News, PPB Science & Innovation

Close-up of a laboratory workstation with a laptop displaying a magnified microscopic image of microorganisms. Scientific instruments, cables, and controls surround the computer, while a gloved researcher operates the equipment in a microbiology research setting.

CNR Advances Food Safety Research on PPB Strains with Novel Cell-Based Testing

Researchers at CNR (Italy) are assessing the safety of selected PPB strains within PURPLE4LIFE using human cell models, dose-response testing, and MTS assays. This work supports the safe development of PPB-based food and feed solutions. Watch the video to learn more

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Jul 22, 2026|0

In the Media, News

Electro-bioelectrochemical reactor with purple phototrophic bacteria growing on the electrode. On the right, a close-up of the colonised electrode: the bacterial biomass uses electrons to fix CO₂ and produce biomass and other valuable compounds. Image credit: M. J. García López, D. M. Puyol, A. Prado.

PURPLE4LIFE Research Featured in The Conversation España: Exploring How Bacteria Can Produce Sustainable Antioxidants

A new article published in The Conversation España highlights PURPLE4LIFE research at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, exploring how purple phototrophic bacteria can convert CO₂ into biomass and valuable antioxidants, supporting more sustainable food production and circular bioeconomy solutions

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Jul 16, 2026|0

News

PURPLE4LIFE Showcases Sustainable Innovation at CBE JU Cluster Workshop on Bio-Based Food and Feed Solutions

PURPLE4LIFE participated in the 2026 CBE JU Project Cluster Workshop in Brussels, where Project Coordinator Baptiste Leroy presented the project's progress on sustainable bio-based food and feed ingredients. The event fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange across Europe's bioeconomy community

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Jun 17, 2026|0

Project information

Multi-level metal shelving system in a laboratory holding several transparent plastic bioreactor bags filled with red-orange liquid culture. Tubing and monitoring equipment are connected to the bags, which are illuminated by overhead lights in a controlled indoor research environment.

Project Technology Highlight: Scaling Up Purple Bacteria Production at UMONS

Building on our previous update about the bag culture system being developed at the Université de Mons (UMONS), we are happy to share that significant progress has been made over the last months. The ProtMic team has successfully advanced the cultivation of purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) from laboratory bottles toward a robust intermediate production stage, marking an important step on the road to pilot-scale operation.

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Jun 16, 2026|0

News

Promotional graphic for World Food Safety Day 2026 featuring the Purple4Life project. The design highlights a multi-stakeholder dialogue on food safety and explains how Purple4Life explores sustainable production of safe, high-quality food and feed ingredients from purple bacteria. The graphic emphasizes safety assessment, regulatory compliance, and circular bioprocesses, alongside the World Food Safety Day call to action for governments to ensure safe and nutritious food for all.

CNR-ISPA highlights scientific communication role in EU Food Safety Platform campaign for World Food Safety Day 2026

CNR-ISPA contributed to World Food Safety Day 2026 by contributing to communication materials on food safety and supporting Purple4Life, highlighting food safety aspects of purple bacteria and sustainable microbial solutions in the project

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Jun 9, 2026|0

News

Group of workshop participants posing in a conference room in front of a presentation screen.

Purple4Life partners convene at URJC for the first Annual General Assembly

A key milestone one year into its journey towards more sustainable food and feed systems based on purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB)

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|May 22, 2026|0

Project information

A lab technician wearing protective gloves examines a piece of salmon with a magnifying glass beside a raw salmon steak on a plate, surrounded by petri dishes and laboratory equipment.

Project Technology Highlight: Nofima’s Expertise in Advancing Sustainable Food Systems in Practice

What does it really take to build more sustainable food systems, not just in theory, but in practice?

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Apr 27, 2026|0

Project information

Laboratory analysis of salmonid fillets using a handheld device to measure quality parameters such as color and composition.

Project Technology Highlight: Fraunhofer IMTE’s Expertise in Evaluating PPB as a Functional Feed Ingredient for Salmonids

Within the Purple4Life project, Fraunhofer IMTE plays a role in the feed application of purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) by contributing its expertise in fish nutrition and health. A key part of their work involves evaluating how innovative functional ingredients — particularly PPB — affect fish growth performance, health status, welfare, and overall product quality. This includes assessing both physiological responses and potential benefits for sustainability and feed efficiency. This research phase is essential for establishing the scientific basis needed to safely implement PPB as a sustainable alternative to traditional antioxidants in aquaculture nutrition.

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Apr 17, 2026|0

Background – Concepts

Plant tissue culture growing in laboratory bottles on a green background

Project Technology Highlight: Imperial College London’s Expertise in Defining Sustainability in Future Food Systems

As new bio-based solutions emerge to transform how we produce food and feed, one fundamental challenge remains: defining and measuring what “sustainable” actually means in practice.

admin|Apr 14, 2026|0

News

Audience attending a lecture in a university auditorium with a presenter and slides displayed on large screens.

Purple4life first workshop in Mons signals breakthrough moment for sustainable food and feed innovation

On 19–20 March 2026, the University of Mons (UMONS) hosted a successful two-day international workshop titled “Boosting the use of Purple Phototrophic Bacteria (PPB) as innovative food and feed ingredients: From metabolism to health-promoting effects.”

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Apr 8, 2026|0

Project information

A person in a white lab coat stands in a laboratory next to a large stainless steel industrial tank, holding a container with dark red liquid, with daylight coming through a window behind them.

Project Technology Highlight: UAntwerp’s expertise

Within the European project Purple4Life, our team at the University of Antwerp is exploring how purple phototrophic bacteria can contribute to more sustainable and circular bioprocesses.

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Mar 20, 2026|0

Project information

Sealed plastic bag filled with red liquid stored horizontally on a laboratory shelf

Project Technology Highlight: Université de Mons (UMONS)’s expertise

UMONS is developing a scalable bag culture system to grow purple bacteria, converting agri-food by-products into protein, CoQ10, and carotenoid-rich biomass. This bridges lab-scale to pilot-scale production, supplying partners for aquaculture feed trials and human dietary supplementation studies.

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Mar 10, 2026|0

News

Press release cover image with purple bacteria illustration and the title “Purple4Life Selected to Advance Sustainable Food and Feed Innovation.”

Purple4Life selected to advance sustainable food and feed innovation

Purple4Life - Innovative, sustainable, and circular production of purple phototrophic bacteria as a health-promoting ingredient for food and feed applications.

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Mar 4, 2026|0

Project information

doctor hand taking a blood sample tube from a rack with machines of analysis in the lab background Technician holding blood tube test in the research laboratory

Project Technology Highlight: URJC’s expertise

Within Purple4Life, the team at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC) develops bioelectrochemical technologies to convert CO₂ contained in biogas into high-value microbial biomass. Our approach integrates bioelectrochemical system (BES) with purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) to simultaneously upgrade biomethane and generate antioxidant-rich biomass containing carotenoids and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Mar 3, 2026|0

Project information

Close-up of a 96-well laboratory plate with several wells containing purple liquid samples.

Project Technology Highlight: CNR’s expertise

Within the framework of the Purple4Life project, CNR is developing a safety assessment workflow for PPB, focusing on their suitability as innovative food and feed ingredients

Albert Rodríguez Rodríguez|Feb 13, 2026|0

Purple4Life Opportunities

Opportunity	Call	Partner	Deadline	State	Contact
Technician position related to PURPLE4LIFE	Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities	UPO	23-Jun-26	Open position	glopllu@upo.es
Predoctoral position related to PURPLE4LIFE	Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities	UPO	14-Feb-26	Closed (for reference)	glopllu@upo.es

Purple4Life

Horizon Europe Project

Grant Agreement No. 101212806
Project duration: June 2025 – May 2029

Funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.

Coordinator

Université de Mons (UMONS), Belgium

Contact: info@purple4life.eu

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News

News and events

New Publication from the PURPLE4LIFE Consortium: Modelling Light Absorption to Optimise Carotenoid Production in Purple Phototrophic Bacteria

PURPLE4LIFE research highlights presented by URJC at IWA AD19 in Valencia

Project technology highlight: Fraunhofer IMTE’s expertise in examining PPB feed implementation on gut health of salmonids

CNR Advances Food Safety Research on PPB Strains with Novel Cell-Based Testing

PURPLE4LIFE Research Featured in The Conversation España: Exploring How Bacteria Can Produce Sustainable Antioxidants

PURPLE4LIFE Showcases Sustainable Innovation at CBE JU Cluster Workshop on Bio-Based Food and Feed Solutions

Project Technology Highlight: Scaling Up Purple Bacteria Production at UMONS

CNR-ISPA highlights scientific communication role in EU Food Safety Platform campaign for World Food Safety Day 2026

Purple4Life partners convene at URJC for the first Annual General Assembly

Project Technology Highlight: Nofima’s Expertise in Advancing Sustainable Food Systems in Practice

Project Technology Highlight: Fraunhofer IMTE’s Expertise in Evaluating PPB as a Functional Feed Ingredient for Salmonids

Project Technology Highlight: Imperial College London’s Expertise in Defining Sustainability in Future Food Systems

Purple4life first workshop in Mons signals breakthrough moment for sustainable food and feed innovation

Project Technology Highlight: UAntwerp’s expertise

Project Technology Highlight: Université de Mons (UMONS)’s expertise

Purple4Life selected to advance sustainable food and feed innovation

Project Technology Highlight: URJC’s expertise

Project Technology Highlight: CNR’s expertise

Purple4Life Opportunities

Purple4Life

Coordinator

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