In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of scientific innovation, bio-based compounds have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional industrial processes. Dr. Erik Malta, Chief Scientific Officer at the Aquaculture Technological Center (CTAQUA) in Andalusia, Spain, has dedicated his career to researching sustainable aquaculture systems and the applications of seaweed in different industrial sectors. In a recent interview, Dr. Malta shared his insights on the benefits and challenges of developing and promoting bio-based compounds.
Bio-based compounds offer a range of environmental and economic advantages, particularly in waste reduction and sustainability. One of the key benefits, as Dr. Malta explains, is the ability to repurpose waste from industries such as seafood processing and aquaculture. “It’s a benefit because you used wastewater and other waste, and because we use not only seaweed, but also other organisms, or we use the rest of what comes out of seafood transformation processes,” Dr. Malta states. By utilising materials that are typically discarded, such as crustacean shells and fish carcasses, bio-based sources contribute to a circular economy, reducing waste while creating valuable products for various industries.
Another major advantage is the potential to minimise the use of harmful chemicals. Dr. Malta highlights how alternative methods in biotechnology enable the extraction of useful compounds in a more safe and sustainable way. “There can be other sources that are used for biocompounds where you use less aggressive and more sustainable forms of extraction,” he explains. These methods not only make chemical processes greener but also reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional industrial practices. Furthermore, bio-based compounds have versatile applications. Dr. Malta describes how seaweed cultivated in aquaculture settings can be used in diverse applications ranging from human food to cosmetics and chemical processes. “Depending on the type of wastewater they grow in, if it’s from aquaculture, they can be used also for human food applications,” he notes, emphasising the importance of proper sourcing to maintain safety and sustainability.
Despite their potential, bio-based compounds face significant barriers, particularly in economic feasibility and logistical constraints. According to Dr. Malta, “The main limitations are always mainly economic. It might be really expensive and not economically feasible.” The cost of developing and scaling bio-based products can be prohibitive, limiting widespread adoption. Additionally, production variability presents a challenge. “There’s always a logistics limitation: production might not be constant. There are natural and biological processes that it might be subject to. For example, if it’s outdoor, there’s seasonal variation,” Dr. Malta explains. This unpredictability makes it difficult for industries to rely on bio-based compounds as a consistent alternative to conventional materials.
Another crucial issue is the need for greater investment and industrial interest. Dr. Malta believes that upscaling efforts and improving efficiency in the logistic chain are essential but difficult to achieve. “To stimulate industries, I think it’s still required that there are subsidies for public and private sector collaborations,” he states. Government and industry cooperation is vital to bridge the gap between research and large-scale implementation. On the other hand, for bio-based compounds to gain traction, awareness and policy support play crucial roles. While consumers may not be fully aware of the origins of bio-based products, businesses are beginning to recognise their value. “Many of the things we do are B2B activities, so the public is not really aware. But I think companies are increasingly aware of what we are doing,” Dr. Malta notes. Policy frameworks and industry networks also have a significant impact. “Associations and clusters are extremely useful for this cause,” Dr. Malta asserts, emphasising how collaborative efforts help bridge the gap between research and commercial application. However, he acknowledges that regulations can sometimes slow progress, as policy often lags behind technological advancements.
While the journey toward mainstream adoption of bio-based compounds is slow, Dr. Malta remains optimistic. “It is improving very slowly,” he admits. “But once you show the industry that there’s actual benefit in the things they throw away, and you can even show efficiency in that, then they are willing to take it up.” Ultimately, bio-based compounds and products represent a sustainable and innovative future, but overcoming economic, logistical, and regulatory hurdles will be key to their success. With continued research, collaboration, and investment, these compounds could become an integral part of a greener, more circular economy.
