Boosting the use of PPB as innovative food and feed ingredients

From metabolism to health-promoting effects

The Purple4Life Horizon Europe project and the COST Action PURPLEGAIN will jointly host a high‑level workshop on 19–20 March 2026 in Mons, Belgium, bringing together researchers, industry stakeholders, technology developers and innovators working with purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB).

This interdisciplinary event—the 10th PurpleGain Workshop—focuses on advancing PPB‑based solutions for sustainable food and feed systems. Participation is open to PhD students, post‑doctoral researchers, academics, start‑ups, entrepreneurs, and developers interested in PPB technologies, from metabolism and process optimisation to applications in aquaculture, livestock nutrition, functional ingredients, and regulatory aspects.
Mari Eskola (MEDFILES) and Christoph von Holst (ex JRC) – members of the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM – will contribute to hte workshop by discussing respectively on the “Road map to the novel food” and “The analytics in the regulatory dossier preparation“.

The workshop will offer the stage to contributions covering innovations such as PPB metabolism, productivity improvements, PPB‑derived feed and functional ingredients, and strategies to enhance nutritional quality and sustainability in food and feed applications.

This event represents a key opportunity for the food safety and bioeconomy communities to explore how PPB can contribute to safe, sustainable, and circular agrifood chains, aligning with emerging EU priorities on resource recovery and innovative bio‑based ingredients.
For more details visit the workshop website