Prof. Vasilis Valdramidis (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), coordinator of EXCEL4MED, attended the SUPREME Coating project meeting, held on 26-27 September 2023, at the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) in Crete.

During the meeting, our coordinator engaged in interesting discussions and networking with Prof. Jan Van Impe (KU Leuven), coordinator of the SUPREME project, exploring opportunities for collaboration in sustainable food safety and biotechnology innovations.

What is the SUPREME project?

SUPREME (SUstainable nanoPaRticles Enabled antiMicrobial surfacE coatings) is a Horizon Europe-funded project dedicated to developing sustainable antimicrobial surface coatings.

The project emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the risks posed by high-traffic surfaces in spreading harmful pathogens.

SUPREME aims to create economically and environmentally sustainable antimicrobial coatings that can help mitigate the spread of bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Advancing antimicrobial innovations

Nanoparticle-filled coatings have proven effectiveness in reducing surface adhesion of pathogens. However, challenges such as durability, long-term antimicrobial performance and industrial scalability have limited their widespread application.

SUPREME is working to overcome these barriers by developing safe, long-lasting antimicrobial solutions for various industries.

As EXCEL4MED explores biotechnology and waste valorisation strategies in the Mediterranean fruit supply chain, synergies with projects like SUPREME can open new avenues for sustainable innovations in food safety and preservation.

EXCEL4MED‘s collaboration with other research initiatives in nanotechnology, biotechnology and sustainable food systems strengthens the collective effort to enhance public health and environmental sustainability.