This is a time of huge expansion for biotechnologies that offer society a range of promising solutions. Their applications range widely from health, cosmetics and foodstuffs to materials and energy.

The oceans are a highly prized storehouse in which researchers are continually discovering new molecules with potentially therapeutic properties of major significance. The research centres that are members of the Pôle Mer possess an extensive collection of marine microorganisms. The amount of work the centres do with companies indicates the level of interest there is in moving applied research rapidly forward to maximise the economic potential of these resources.

DEVELOPING THE POTENTIAL OF NEW MOLECULES

Marine microorganisms offer enormous potential for pursuing ambitious medical research, for developing 'blue cosmetics' and agromaterials and for exploiting bioenergy. While some projects are studying the diversity of living organisms by improving exploration techniques, others are already drawing up protocols for the imminent marketing of medicines, cosmetics and energy sources.