Category: News

On 23 May 2025, the RELIANCE project was featured at the 1^st Swiss Sustainable Polymer Conference (SSPC) in Fribourg, Switzerland. This inaugural event marked a significant milestone as the first nationwide Swiss platform dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration between science and industry in the field of sustainable polymers.

The conference brought together researchers, industry representatives, startups, and public stakeholders, offering a rich programme of expert presentations, laboratory tours, and innovation showcases focused on the sustainable transformation of the plastics industry.

RELIANCE was presented by Prof. Roger Marti from The School of Engineering and Architecture (HEIA-FR), who introduced the project through a poster and a dedicated booth. The presentation highlighted RELIANCE’s ambitious work in developing bio-based, circular-by-design polymers, and its contributions to the European Union’s green transition goals. The booth attracted strong interest, especially from stakeholders eager to understand how RELIANCE’s approach can contribute to a more sustainable, low-carbon polymer economy. The event provided an excellent platform to raise awareness of the project, foster connections with like-minded initiatives, and explore potential avenues for collaboration.

Key Themes of the SSPC Conference:

Circular economy and sustainable design

The circular economy is a transformative model that aims to eliminate waste and promote the continuous use of resources. Key principles of this concept were explored, including the prevention of waste through design, the retention of products and materials in use, and the regeneration of natural systems. Case studies of successful initiatives of circular economy were presented, demonstrating the economic, environmental and social benefits of this sustainable approach.

Biopolymers

Biopolymers are a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. This section covered the development, applications and environmental benefits of biopolymers. Presentations covered different types of biopolymers, their biodegradability and the potential they offer for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The session also addressed key challenges in production, performance and market acceptance.

Recycling

In this session, the latest technologies and methods for recycling polymers were explored. Presentations showcased mechanical and chemical recycling processes, innovations in sorting and processing technologies, and the economic and environmental benefits of effective polymer recycling. The focus was on overcoming current challenges and scaling these technologies to make a significant impact on reducing plastic waste.

Check the poster presented during the conference here.

On June 5, 2025, the RELIANCE project was showcased during the Master’s Degree Open Day hosted by the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, in Rome.

The event served as a platform to present RELIANCE as a significant example of the opportunities offered through European-funded research initiatives. The presentation focused on the project’s core objectives, including enhancing data-driven research, ensuring reproducibility, and collaborative infrastructures in science. These goals align closely with the European Union’s broader agenda for open science and innovation.

Students attending the Open Day were invited to engage in meaningful dialogue with RELIANCE researchers, exploring how involvement in European projects can positively influence academic and professional pathways. Discussions centered on the practical impact of EU-funded research in fostering innovation, promoting international collaboration, and supporting interdisciplinary careers.

The participation of RELIANCE at the event reinforced the university’s commitment to bridging academic learning with real-world research. It also inspired future scientists to contribute to transformative initiatives shaping the future of science.

This premier event for the biosensor community, the largest in the field, celebrated its 35^th anniversary with a lineup of high-quality plenary speakers and oral talks. Taking place from 19 to 22 May 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, this meeting has catalysed interactions gathering a wide range of stakeholders to further this ever-expanding area.

The programme also featured daily plenary presentations followed by parallel sessions comprising a rigorously selection of submitted papers and interactive poster sessions.

The main topics of the conference encompassed:

• Bioelectronics (including biocomputing, biofuel and photovoltaic cells, and electronic noses)
• Commercial biosensors, manufacturing and markets
• Nucleic acid-based sensors and aptasensors
• Enzyme-based biosensors
• Immunosensors
• Lab-on-a-chip, multiplexed and multimodal sensors
• Microfluidics and immobilisation technology
• Wearable biosensors and personal mobile health
• Nano biosensors, nanomaterials & nanoanalytical systems
• Natural & synthetic receptors (including MIPs)
• Organism-, whole cell- and organ-based biosensors
• Printed biosensors and microfabrication
• Proteomics, single-cell analysis and cancer-cell detection
• Signal transduction technology
• Single molecule detection
• Theranostics, implantable, ingestible and resorbable sensors
• CRISPR-based biosensors
• Novel transducers
• Synthetic biology for biosensors
• AI and machine learning in biosensors

Our partners from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (UNITOV) presented RELIANCE results with a poster titled ‘Electrochemical paper-based device for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 on the surface’ that highlighted the importance of paper-based immunosensors for detecting viruses on surfaces.

The method applied by UNITOV utilizes magnetic beads as a support for the sandwich-type immunological chain, which, due to its high surface/volume ratio, enables the loading of a high number of antibodies, thereby improving sensitivity. For electrochemical measurements, they functionalised the working electrode by drop-casting with carbon black, demonstrating improved sensitivity using this affordable nanomaterial.

Download poster here.

Happening on 8 May 2025, the INFOHappening Coating, Finishing & Printing took place in Centexbel facilities, located in Zwijnaarde, Belgium. Focusing on discovering innovative, environmentally conscious solutions in materials science and industrial technology, the event showcased a diverse range of innovations aimed at advancing sustainable materials and circular economy solutions.

Key topics included recent breakthroughs in coating and finishing technologies, such as the development of durable water-repellent and antimicrobial finishes for textiles, and eco-friendly flame-retardant coatings tailored for mycelium-based panels. They also explored the use of plasma technology to enhance textile functionality and adhesion, as well as smart textiles designed for harvesting waste heat. The programme also highlighted the use of renewable aromatics in textile coatings and the development of biobased, sustainable polyurethanes. Additionally, it delved into the transformation of large-format prints into clean resources through deinking technologies and examined the role of industrial symbiosis and extended producer responsibility (EPR) in fostering effective circular economy practices.

The RELIANCE project was featured in the conference through a presentation by project partner Centexbel. Brecht Demedts delivered a talk titled “Combined Durable Water-Repellent and Antimicrobial Finish for Textiles”, showcasing Centexbel’s cutting-edge research within the scope of RELIANCE. The presentation also explored the broader landscape of textile coating innovations, with a focus on the development of textiles that repel water and combat microbes using copper-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles. These advanced coatings are designed to provide both water repellency and antimicrobial protection, aligning with the RELIANCE project’s mission to foster sustainable and high-performance textile technologies.

Prof. Fabiana Arduini from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, a valued partner of RELIANCE project, was a distinguished plenary speaker at the 7th International Symposium on Electrochemistry, held from April 13th to 16th, 2025, in Durban, South Africa. The symposium, titled “Electrochemical Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” provided a vibrant platform for researchers to exchange cutting-edge developments in electrochemistry and foster new collaborations.

Prof. Arduini’s lecture focused on “Paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors for sustainable analysis”. It captivated the audience as she outlined the roadmap and significant advancements achieved by her team in the realm of paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors, highlighting their ongoing work and accomplishments within the Horizon Europe projects RELIANCE and Phoenix-OoC.

The presentation showcased impressive results demonstrating the potential of paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors as an innovative biosensing technology for the rapid and convenient detection of viruses and bacteria on various surfaces. This technology holds significant capability for diverse applications, contributing to more sustainable and efficient analytical methods.

The 7th International Symposium on Electrochemistry, hosted at the scenic Maharani Hotel in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, attracted leading researchers working across a broad spectrum of electrochemistry and related fields. The scientific program encompassed key themes such as sensors and biosensors, electroanalytical chemistry, electrochemistry for water treatment, energy, environment, food, process industries, electrocatalysis, electrochemistry of materials, and computational electrochemistry.

Organized by the Electrochem SA division of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI), this prestigious international event underscored the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of electrochemistry and its crucial role in addressing contemporary challenges. The symposium facilitated the sharing of the latest research findings and encouraged the establishment of valuable partnerships within the electrochemical community.

In the beginning of April, RELIANCE project enjoyed the opportunity to join leading European-funded projects in the field of advanced materials and nanoscience for an engaging workshop to kick off the Collab4Resilience (C4R) – an initiative led and coordinated by the CheMatSustain project under the motto Stronger Together in Science and Sustainability. The initiative aims to make a significant step towards stronger partnerships, recognizing the transformative potential of nanotechnology and the importance of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) strategies in achieving a climate-neutral, circular economy. Hosted online, the event gathered experts from a diverse group of projects to explore opportunities for collaboration focused on joint communication and dissemination efforts, while promoting innovation in chemicals, materials, and nanotechnology research. All attendees welcomed the opportunity to contribute their expertise and benefit from the collective knowledge of the newly forming C4R network.

The meeting’s agenda focused on six core collaboration areas designed to maximize visibility and impact for all participating projects:

– Coordinated social media efforts, to include a dedicated LinkedIn group to enable timely sharing and amplification of project updates, driving broader engagement and awareness;

– Crafting a joint newsletter to cross-promote news, events and partner interviews, expanding the reach of each project’s achievements and fostering a culture of mutual support;

– Discuss opportunities for co-authored scientific papers, joint policy briefs and promotion of open-access repositories. This approach aims to accelerate scientific progress and ensure research findings are widely disseminated;

– Projects to curate shared YouTube playlists, featuring introductory and promotional videos from across the cluster, facilitating stakeholders and the public in discovering related initiatives;

– Plan co-organized events, share access to trainings and training schools and promote each other’s conferences and webinars, such as the upcoming Raw Materials Week and Venice Training School;

– Develop new joint activities, including joint website articles, webinars, and subgroup campaigns focused on common research interests.

Sharing a Vision for Resilience and Sustainability

The Collab4Resilience initiative embraces synergies among EU-funded projects, with a vision to accelerate progress in safety and sustainability, bringing several clear benefits to its members:

– Stronger impact by combining communication channels and resources to reach broader audiences, ensuring projects’ research and innovations have greater societal and industrial influence.

– Accelerated innovation through joint scientific activities and shared best practices by speeding up the development and adoption of advanced, safe and sustainable materials and processes.

– Stronger networks that are opening doors to new partnerships, knowledge exchange, and coordinated response to shared challenges.

– Supporting policies through policy briefs and position papers, making the voice of the cluster heard in the shaping of European research and regulatory agendas.

In summary, this synergy meeting set the foundation for a collaborative, innovative and impact-driven partnership within Collab4Resilience, with clear mechanisms for communication, shared learning, and an agile alliance to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities along its path to achieving common sustainability goals.

Contributor: Defence Institute for BioMedical Research (ISBD)

This year, from the 8^th to 10^th of April, Munich once again hosted one of the most important international events in the field of medical biodefence: the Biomedical Defence Conference, organized every two years by the Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology.

The conference was held inside a large military barracks in Munich. Everything was well organized and conducive to the successful outcome of the event.

This unique event brings together experts from all over the world – scientists, policy makers, healthcare professionals, PhD students, researchers and professors – united by a shared interest in the prevention and management of biological threats. It’s a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, strategies, and scientific advances on increasingly relevant topics. The conference offered a remarkable opportunity for exchanging ideas through sessions, poster exhibitions and workshops.

The atmosphere at the conference was truly engaging, with over 50 nations represented, creating a melting pot of experiences, approaches, and scientific cultures. The event has a strong civil-military dimension, highlighting how collaboration across sectors is crucial in responding to events such as bioterrorist attacks or natural infectious disease outbreaks.

The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from biological risk management and emergency preparedness, to the latest advancements in diagnostics, vaccines, and innovative therapies.

Each talk provided a chance to learn and reflect on how science can serve as a key tool for global security.

RELIANCE partners from the Defence Institute for Biomedical Research (ISBD) in Italy actively participated by presenting two posters related to the project: one focused on thymol, and the other one on the Silica Mesoporous Nanoparticles (SMIN). It was an incredibly rewarding experience to see a great number of attendees stopping at the posters to read, ask questions, and engage in discussion—a clear sign that the research we’re working on is generating interest.

One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to share our knowledge and engage with fellow researchers. ISBD colleagues returned home with an enriched toolkit, filled not only with new information but also with contacts, insights and future inspiration.

The overall experience was extremely positive: intense, useful, and—above all—motivating.

 The main topics addressed at the conferences were:

• Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interaction
• Responding to Threats: Biosafety and Deployable Labs
• Bacteriophages
• Current Trends in Biodefense-related Bacterial Infections
• Medical Countermeasures (MCM)
• Genomics and AI
• One Health: Surveillance and Tools for the Big Picture
• Synthetic Biology: Boon and Bane for Medical Biodefense
• Novel Technologies
• Tox-Alert: New Insights into Biological Toxins
• German Biosecurity Programme
• Emerging viruses

What results were reported on in the two posters:

The first poster titled “Thymol: a novel eco-friendly defense against biological threats” demonstrated research that fit perfectly within the broader context of medical biodefence, focusing on the use of natural compounds as a potential tool in the fight against biological threats.

Thymol is an essential oil known for its antimicrobial properties. RELIANCE team explores its potential as an antibacterial agent effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The ultimate goal is to investigate how thymol could be applied in the context of public health and emergency biodefence as a natural, safe and effective compound.

In vitro experiments were performed using two standard methods:

MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration)

MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration)

They compared thymol’s activity with that of other essential oils: carvacrol, eugenol, and menthol.

The core of ISBD research focused on a killing test to evaluate the rapid bactericidal activity of thymol against three key bacterial strains: Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), and Bacillus clausii, a non-pathogenic surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium responsible for anthrax.

Their findings were striking: within just 5 minutes of incubation, thymol exhibited 100% bactericidal activity, even at low concentrations. This highlights its strong potential as a rapid-response antimicrobial in biodefence and public safety contexts.

The results obtained with Bacillus clausii are especially significant, suggesting that thymol could be considered a viable alternative or complement to conventional treatments in case of bioterrorism events or natural outbreaks involving high-risk pathogens.

Presenting this work at the conference was an invaluable opportunity to share ideas, receive feedback and connect with researchers from around the world. The level of interest and engagement from attendees reinforced the idea that there’s growing curiosity—and need—for more natural approaches to biodefence.

The second poster was titled “New antimicrobial surfaces based on silica mesoporous nanoparticles functionalized with bioactive compounds”.

These coatings based on silica nanoparticles (SMINs) are modified with copper and carvacrol, an essential oil. The copper ions released from the nanoparticles damage bacteria and viruses by disrupting their cellular structures, while carvacrol enhances this effect by breaking down membranes and DNA. Laboratory tests demonstrated that these nanocoatings are highly effective: they can eliminate 100% of bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus within just 5 minutes. Additionally, they significantly reduce the presence of SARS-CoV-2, with over 70% reduction observed after one hour of contact. However, their effectiveness against non-enveloped viruses like MS2 is more limited. Overall, this innovative approach offers a promising, eco-friendly solution for creating antimicrobial and antiviral surfaces, contributing to improved hygiene and safety in various settings.

RELIANCE project showcased its promising research at the recent Bioanalytical Chemistry Days held in Rome, Italy, from April 7th to 9th, 2025. A poster titled “Origami paper-based biosensor to SARS CoV-2 on the surface” presented significant progress in the project’s efforts to develop innovative biosensing technologies.

The poster was a collaborative effort between RELIANCE partners from the Department of Chemical Science and Technologies at the University of Rome Tor Vergata (UNITOV) and the Defense Institute for Biomedical Sciences (ISBD). It detailed an adaptation of the project’s paper origami electrochemical sensor for rapid and convenient detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces.

A key feature of the presented method is the utilization of magnetic beads as a support for the sandwich-type immunological chain. This approach leverages the high surface-to-volume ratio of the magnetic beads, enabling the loading of a substantial quantity of antibodies and consequently enhancing the sensitivity of the assay.

Download Poster Here

The Bioanalytical Chemistry Days 2025 took place at the distinguished Palazzetto Mattei, the headquarters of the Italian Geographical Society in Rome. The event brought together approximately 100 participants for a comprehensive program that included oral presentations, concise flash talks, expert insights, and a diverse collection of scientific posters. A remarkable moment was an engaging round table discussion with prominent experts from the medical, nutritional and forensic sectors, alongside significant contributions’ award recognition. The event served as a valuable forum for exchanging knowledge and fostering collaboration within the bioanalytical science community.

The development of new materials is a fundamental pillar for the evolution of industrial sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, consumer electronics, infrastructure and healthcare. Research and innovation are essential to improve additives, coatings, resins, paints and inks, optimize processes, and improve processes. Research and innovation are essential to improve additives, coatings, resins, paints and inks, optimize processes, increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of the industry.

In this context, the Basque technology centre Tekniker has shown its latest advances in additives, coatings, resins, paints, inks and their characterisation at the European Coatings Show 2025, which took place from March 25 to 27, 2025 in the German city of Nuremberg. The European Coatings Show is the premier trade fair for the coatings industry, organised by Vincentz Network and NürnbergMesse which has brought together manufacturers, distributors and professionals from Europe to explore the latest trends in the sector.

At the European Coatings Show 2025, Tekniker presented at its stand a demonstrator of the research work on smart nanoparticles that it is carrying out within the framework of the RELIANCE project, which is led by them. The action ending in 2026, aims to find a more efficient, cost-effective and safer alternative to the use of traditional biocides in coatings, which is effective in eliminating bacteria, fungi and viruses. Tekniker had also presented their work in another EU-funded project under Horizon Europe program – Nanobloc. – where antimicrobial coatings are also developed for filters, textiles and high-traffic surfaces.

Tekniker’s offer at the fair was complemented by its know-how in additives, resins, adhesives, inks and coatings. See more here: Tekniker presenta innovaciones en materiales avanzados en el European Coatings Show 2025