DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e159547

Authors: Marianna Garfí, Kurt Ziegler-Rodriguez, Eva Gonzalez-Flo, Joan García

Abstract: In recent decades, interest in bio-based products has grown significantly due to rising concerns about eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers and conventional energy sources. These bio-derived materials have the potential to substitute products obtained from fossil fuels, including plastics, additives, colourants and energy carriers like hydrogen (H₂). Additionally, within the framework of a circular bioeconomy, bio-based products can help decrease waste generation, lessen environmental harm, and enhance the efficient use of resources (Chrispim et al., 2024).The EU Horizon 2020 PROMICON project has developed a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) (ISO, 2024; UNEP, 2020) to evaluate the social implications along the life cycle of four bio-based products (additives, bioplastics, pigments, and hydrogen) generated by microbiomes.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e158692

Authors: Minmin Pan, Stamatina Roussou, Peter Lindblad, Jens Krömer

Abstract: Phototrophic microbial communities – groups of tiny organisms whose energy for growth comes from light – play a significant role in global primary production by absorbing carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas. With the growing challenges of energy demands and environmental concerns, researchers are exploring scientifically designed (synthetic) phototrophic communities as a promising alternative to traditional energy generation methods. These consortia can efficiently convert CO₂ and N₂ gases, along with water and solar energy, into bioenergy products, offering a potential solution to today’s energy and sustainability problems.In this context, the development of synthetic phototrophic communities has attracted increased attention due to their ability to divide tasks among different species, allowing them to function more efficiently and remain stable. However, challenges remain, particularly in maintaining balance among strains and ensuring stable performance in environments that do not replicate the complex natural conditions in which these consortia typically thrive.To address these challenges, recent PROMICON studies have focused on how cyanobacteria interact with purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB). These bacteria, including Rhodopseudomonas palustris (R. palustris), have shown potential in producing biohydrogen and lipids by capturing nitrogen in oxygen-free environments. Nevertheless, a key limitation is that they need a carbon-based food source (e.g., acetate) to produce energy. A promising approach to overcome this issue involves growing R. palustris with cyanobacteria, which can pull carbon dioxide from the air and turn it into the organic carbon that R. palustris needs to thrive.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e147255

Authors: Joan García, Eva Gonzalez-Flo

Abstract: The widespread use of petrol-based plastics has led to an environmental problem, as these materials are prone to abandonment, breaking down into microplastics and nanoplastics that harm living organisms. While biodegradable plastics are seen as a solution, their global production still remains modest at 1.3 million tons in 2022 (vs. 400 million tons of petrol-based plastics). Moreover, many such plastics fail to biodegrade efficiently under all environmental conditions (marine, soil, rivers, etc.). Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a type of bioplastics naturally produced by microorganisms. They are a promising alternative because they degrade completely in soil, water, and marine environments. However, their industrial production is still limited and needs further research and investment to scale up.Commercially produced PHA is nowadays highly energy-intensive and relies heavily on organic raw materials and clean water, which conflicts with the EU’s goals for a circular, sustainable economy. The current production process is far away from the zero emissions neutral carbon strategy. The EU Horizon 2020 PROMICON project has developed an innovative method that uses photosynthetic microorganisms (cyanobacteria) to produce PHA efficiently. This process uses sunlight, absorbs CO2, and requires minimal organic resources, aligning perfectly with EU bioeconomy goals.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e118155

Authors: Teodor Metodiev, Gabriela Popova

Abstract: As a foundation of the future communication activities, a set of dissemination and branding tools and materials is crucial to be established within the first months of the project. Accordingly, a project logo and website were developed in the first 4 months of the PROMICON life-cycle, which form the backbone of both project branding and public visibility. In addition, various dissemination materials such as a PROMICON brochure and a poster were produced in high quality print versions for rising awareness at events. All of the materials can be found on the media center section of the website and are available to anyone interested. Document templates were also produced and made available to the consortium, in order to facilitate future dissemination and reporting activities such as letters, milestone and deliverable reports, as well as PowerPoint presentations. Accounts have been also set in two major social media channels, Twitter and Facebook, to ensure the widest possible impact and outreach of PROMICON related results, news and events, and to engage the interested parties in a virtual community. The long‐term impact of the project's results will be secured by maintaining the website for a total of 9 years – 4 years of the project duration and additional 5 years after the end of the PROMICON life-cycle.

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