Fibrenamics researchers Tânia Ferreira, A. Catarina Vale and Ângela Pinto participated in The Fiber Society 2026 Spring Conference, held under the theme “Learn from the past and dream the future”. The event brought together researchers, experts and members of the international scientific community to share knowledge and discuss the future of fibre science and its applications across different sectors.

Fibrenamics’ participation was marked by the presentation of three scientific works that highlight the potential of fibrous materials in addressing major current challenges, from environmental sustainability and the valorisation of natural resources to industrial innovation and the development of solutions for the healthcare sector.

Within the scope of the BlueBioTech project, supported by the PRR – Recovery and Resilience Plan and the European Union, Tânia Ferreira presented a study dedicated to the development of algae-based coatings and more sustainable dyeing processes. This work explores the potential of marine biomass as a natural alternative to synthetic chemical compounds, contributing to the creation of advanced textile functionalities, with particular emphasis on properties such as antioxidant activity.

Integrated into a consortium led by Inovamar, the BlueBioTech project seeks to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the textile industry through the development of biotechnological solutions capable of replacing synthetic chemical compounds with natural resources. Among the approaches under study, the use of algae biomass in dyeing processes stands out, applied through coating methodologies that combine performance, scalability and reduced environmental impact. In addition to contributing to more sustainable practices, these solutions also make it possible to provide textile substrates with advanced functionalities, namely antioxidant activity.

Environmental sustainability was also at the centre of Ângela Pinto’s presentation, which focused on the development of textile-based adsorbents and membrane technologies for the removal of dyes from industrial wastewater. This research points to new approaches for wastewater treatment, with the potential to make industrial processes more efficient and environmentally responsible.

In turn, A. Catarina Vale presented the development of protein-based nanofibrous mats, with potential application in wound care and biomedical engineering.

WasteFibres, an internal project supported by CTI, proposes the developing of new man-made fibres, using natural raw materials derived from agroforestry/industrial biowaste, and sustainable marine vegetables. Envisaging sustainable alternatives for conventional wound dressings, the presented work proposed the production of bioactive nanofibres using electrospinning methodology, by blending zein, a protein found in corn, with a biocompatible polymer, and bioactive essential oils. In summary, sustainable nanofibrous mats were successfully produced without using hazardous solvents, presenting morphological, wettability, and antioxidant properties suitable to be included into bioactive wound dressings.

This research reinforces the role of advanced fibrous materials in the development of innovative healthcare solutions, exploring new possibilities to improve the effectiveness of biomedical applications.

These contributions demonstrate the importance of interdisciplinary research in developing materials and technologies capable of transforming textile structures into functional, sustainable solutions with impact across different areas of application.

Through this participation, Fibrenamics reinforces its positioning as an innovation centre in fibrous materials, promoting the transfer of scientific knowledge into solutions with industrial relevance and contributing to the global transition towards a more circular, sustainable and bio-based economy.