Speaker

About the speaker: 

Matteo Francavilla is an Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry at the University of Foggia, Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), and a lecturer in “Organic Chemistry”and “Biomass and Biorefinery”. He is the scientific coordinator of the STAR*Facility Centre ( National Research Infrastructure) and Vice President of the Italian Association for the Study and Applications of Microalgae (AISAM). Main topics of his research activity are: biomass valorisation (including micro and macroalgae) by means extraction, purification and characterization of fine chemicals, bioactive compounds and biomaterials with a Biorefinery approach, inspired to Green Chemistry principles. 

Company info:

The STAR*Facility Centre, recently recognised as National Research Infrastructure by Ministry of the University and Research (MUR), is a technological hub of DAFNE Department specialized on biomass conversion (including also marine biomass) into valuable compounds, biomaterials, fine-chemicals and renewable energy through a biorefinery approach. Particular emphasis is addressed on Green Chemistry principles to be applied along the whole biorefinery process. Advanced analytical equipments and conventional and unconventional biorefinery technologies are available there. Moreover, different scientific disciplines are running to form a larger research unit. Strong links of scientific cooperation are considered more appropriate to the needs of a complex research activity, with wide-ranging connections in technological, biological, environmental, and socio-economic aspects.

Presentation: 

The Blue Economy presents significant potential for the sustainable use of marine resources, promoting cross-sectoral linkages across fisheries, aquaculture, energy, tourism, conservation, and local development. Despite this potential, knowledge gaps persist, particularly concerning the relationship between ocean health, resource impacts, and blue economy sectors. Addressing these gaps is crucial to acheiving a "sustainably harvested and productive ocean", a goal highlighted in the UN-Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Within this context, the BIOBASED project, Iterreg Italy-Croatia (2021-2027), aims to establish a robust R&D framework to bolster the Italy-Croatia position in the blue economy, leveraging established expertise in biorefinery processes. Coordinated by the University of Foggia, the BIOBASED focuses on developing regenerative multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems (mussels/oysters and seaweeds) to advance sustainable marine biomass production and utilisation in the Adriatic region. BIOBASED features four demonstration sites, two along the Italian Coast (Gargano and Emilia Romagna) and two along the Croatian Coast (Mali Ston Bay), enhancing local engagement and advancing the circular economy through innovative biomass conversion techniques, from chemical to biochemical processes. Valuable autochthonous seaweeds, Gracilaria sp and Ulva sp, are grown in lantern nets with two different mesh sizes and at three different levels, in terms of mussels ropes/seaweed lanterns ratio. Throughout the production period, the specific growth rate (SGR) of the macroalgae and their biochemical composition are assessed. Results of the BIOBASED project will be presented and discussed. This initiative exemplifies the EU's commitment to sustainable resource use, underscoring the potential of the Adriatic Sea within the global Blue Economy.