NATBIOMED (NATural and BIO-based formulations for MEDical applications) is strongly connected to the latest needs in science and society regarding natural and sustainable products. Driven by increasing society’s awareness of environmental and health concerns, the demand for natural and bio-based products is rising day by day. The aim of the project is to use the potential of natural resources to address global health challenges and promote sustainable health and beauty practices. We will use natural products of plant, animal, and microbiological origin, considering their biological activity, innovative modern technologies for their isolation and characterization, and their uses in the biomedical, cosmetic, and packaging industries.

We will use the waste from food production and agriculture for further valuable uses, thus making the environment more sustainable. NATBIOMED covers nature-based solutions for new bio-based products. Using natural compounds, we will care about sustainable ecosystem management. We will also focus on the impact of biodiversity on human, animal, and plant health, as well as the mitigation of environmental pollutants such as nanoplastics, heavy metals, drugs, hormone residues, etc. Our project involves experts from diverse disciplines and aims to develop innovative, science-based solutions to contemporary environmental challenges and health care. Using natural raw materials, we will mimic nature to design and fabricate new materials for health care and sustainable products (biomimetics).

Project objectives:

1. Extraction of biopolymers and other valuable compounds from plants, animals, and waste of food and agriculture production, as well as microbiological origin, and turning them into cosmetic and medical products: creams, beauty masks, wound dressings, implants, coatings for metallic implants, packaging, etc. (Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology, Geography).
2. Molecular modelling and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions in formulation and fabrication (Pharmacy, Physics, Informatics).
3. Testing of biological properties, biodegradation, and interactions with the living body (Biology, Veterinary, Medicine).
4. Testing the influence of waste reduction on ecosystem management (Biology, Geography, Economy).
5. The study of people’s thinking, feelings, and behaviour about natural and bio-based solutions and their influence on human and animal wellbeing (Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy).
6. Economy and legal aspects of natural and bio-based products: research on the circular economy to reduce waste and increase of environmental impact of the project and shaping sustainable policies at the regional and national level (Economy and Laws Sciences).

Our project is highly interdisciplinary, comprehensive, and ambitious. It aims to preserve natural beauty and health, reverse ecosystem degradation, and foster a sustainable and healthy coexistence among humans, animals, and the natural environment. We will focus on the impact of biodiversity on human and animal health and lifestyle by using natural sources for cosmetic formulations and healthcare solutions. Within the project, we will utilize molecular modeling and AI solutions for environmental protection, including reducing the use of chemicals in experiments and controlling biodegradation at each level.

Expected outcomes of the project are :

(a) new and more sustainable products,
(b) promotion of sustainable health and beauty practice,
(c) sustainable ecosystem management.

https://uroda.umk.pl/pages/Sympozjum_2026/

Presentation