Aquaticpollutants

Nanoenabled strategies to reduce the presence of contaminants of emergent concern in aquatic environments

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) such as antibiotics, pathogens and antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in water bodies associated with intensive fish and inland animal farming, represent a great threat to the environment and human health. AMROCE aims at reducing antibiotic pollution and the spread of AMR bacteria in the entire water cycle through a platform of novel antibiotic-free antimicrobial products. AMROCE will develop antimicrobial/antibiofilm fish cage nets and wastewater filtration membranes through polymer and surface nano-engineering. Marine-derived antimicrobial agents and antibiofilm enzymes will be nano-formulated as alternative to antibiotics for fish and animal feed supplement. Human and environmental nanosafety during the manufacturing and use of the novel nanotechnology-embedded products will be continuously evaluated to anticipate nanosafety issues.

Keywords

Antimicrobial resistant bacteria, antibiotic-free antimicrobials, CECs reduction, nano-coated materials, nano-formulated antimicrobials

Project Website

Achievements so far

The AMROCE project focuses on the development of antibiotic-free antimicrobial strategies to improve animal and fish welfare, reduce antibiotic use, limit environmental contamination and combat antimicrobial resistance. The strategies include nanoformulation of antibiofilm enzymes and marine-derived antimicrobials, bulk engineering of antimicrobial fish cage nets (FCN), water filtration membranes (WFM), and surface nano-engineering using nanoparticle-based coatings.
Dissemination activities, including a project website, social media presence and publications in high-impact journals, aim to maximise the project's impact on the public. In addition, awareness and engagement will be enhanced through stakeholder mapping and participation in scientific events.

If you're interested in scientific publications associated with AMROCE, click here