DIATOPACK · DIATOPACK – Smart bio-based photonic sensor: from marine by-products to food freshness indicators

DIATOPACK introduces a disruptive circular approach to smart food packaging by transforming alginate industry effluents into biodegradable photonic sensors. Diatom frustules are cultivated from these streams and embedded in bio-based polymeric matrices to create printable films that visually detect spoilage markers such as ammonia and volatile amines. To date, no system has integrated biogenic frustules into biodegradable matrices as functional optical sensors, nor explored their response to volatile compounds released during food deterioration, placing DIATOPACK at the frontier of innovation. This photonic system delivers clear optical signals without electronics, synthetic dyes, or batteries, offering a scalable, sustainable, and low-cost solution for real-time monitoring of perishable products.The breakthrough lies in merging industrial waste biosilicification with structural photonics to obtain the first marine-derived biodegradable packaging with active food safety functions. By replacing plastics and extending shelf life, DIATOPACK tackles three EU priorities: reducing plastic waste, minimizing food loss, and ensuring consumer safety, fully aligned with the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy.Beyond substitution, DIATOPACK introduces a new class of biofunctional materials that convert waste streams into intelligent, market-ready solutions. This “blue circular bioeconomy” model turns residues into advanced sensing materials, setting a benchmark for sustainable packaging by integrating marine biotechnology, nanostructured photonics, and advanced biofabrication. With simplicity, low cost, and scalability, DIATOPACK can drive the next generation of “blue circular” packaging, redefine supply chain monitoring, and empower industries and consumers to cut waste and improve food safety, positioning Europe at the forefront of green innovation and supporting the Horizon Europe mission of accelerating the transition to a circular, climate-neutral economy.