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The marine worm that won a European award (and could help treat critically ill patients)

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The marine worm that won a European award (and could help treat critically ill patients)

July 3, 2026

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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), one of the most severe conditions treated in intensive care, could soon benefit from an approach inspired by a marine worm.

It was this innovation that earned Franck Zal the SME Award at the 2026 European Inventor Award (EPO): the development of an extracellular haemoglobin derived from a marine worm, with patented medical applications and the potential to improve oxygen delivery in patients.

This year, the award also recognised other innovations highlighting the role of marine biomass beyond healthcare, including probiotics that enhance disease resistance in farmed fish, brown algae-based materials for batteries and sustainable rubber, biodegradable biocomposites, and antimicrobial chitosan nanoparticles produced from shrimp-processing waste.

Together, these innovations provide a clear illustration of the potential of marine bioresources to drive the circular blue bioeconomy.

HIGHLIGHT

Use of Haemoglobin from Annelds for Treating Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The invention relates to the use of a molecule selected from an annelid globin, an annelid globin protomer and an annelid extracellular haemoglobin, for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Patentscope

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AQUACULTURE

Probiotics Useful in Aquaculture

The invention discloses non-hemolytic, proteolytic, stress-tolerant probiotic bacteria with enhanced quorum-quenching capabilities for aquaculture applications. It also presents a method for identifying novel bacterial species with probiotic potential. The selected strains improve the growth performance, feed efficiency, and health of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Furthermore, they promote a beneficial gut microbiota, enhance immune responses, and increase resistance to infections.

Patentscope

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Probiotic Bacteria for Fish

The present document relates to probiotic bacteria and their use in aquaculture for enhancing fish growth and for the prevention and/or treatment of microbial infections in fish. The bacteria belong to species within the genera Aliivibrio, Psychrobacter and Pseudomonas.

Patentscope

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MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY

Method for Producing Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries from Brown Algae

The invention relates to a method for producing hard carbon from brown algae for use as an anode material in sodium-ion batteries. The process comprises cleaning, drying, and grinding the algae, followed by controlled thermal treatment and low-temperature carbonization under an argon atmosphere. The resulting carbon is then chemically purified and oxidatively modified using concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids to remove metal impurities. The method provides an energy-efficient route for producing high-performance hard carbon suitable for sodium-ion battery applications.

Patentscope

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SustainABALL

The invention relates to sports balls manufactured using algae-based rubber as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel–derived materials. The use of algae-based rubber reduces reliance on petrochemicals and contributes to a lower environmental impact in production. It also promotes carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Overall, the technology improves the sustainability and ecological footprint of sports ball manufacturing.

Patentscope

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LIVING MARINE RESOURCES

Biodegradable and\or Compostable Algae Biopolymer, Cannabis and Hemp-Based Compositions and Methods of Using the Same

The invention describes a biodegradable and compostable material composed of residual biomass from cannabis or hemp and an algae-derived gel. Plant-derived fibers (pulp, stalk, hurd, and flower trim) are combined with a binder such as sodium alginate to form homogeneous composites. These materials can be processed into flexible films, rigid boards, and three-dimensional molded objects. The final product utilizes agricultural by-products and decomposes under composting conditions without generating persistent microplastics.

Patentscope

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Chitosan from Shrimp Shell Waste as a Carrier for Frankincense Nanoparticles with enhanced Antimicrobial Activity

This study focuses on the sustainable extraction of chitosan from shrimp shell waste and its use in developing frankincense-loaded chitosan nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial properties. Chitosan is obtained through demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation, followed by nanoparticle formation using sodium tripolyphosphate as a crosslinker. The resulting nanocomposites exhibit controlled size, stability, and effective incorporation of frankincense, as confirmed by characterization techniques. They show enhanced antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens, indicating potential applications in pharmaceuticals and food preservation.

PMC

Discover more here.

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