Innovative Spirit
The R&D+i area is the engine of Biosasun
At BIOSASUN, we innovate with organic olive polyphenols, fully harnessing all components of the olive grove —beyond just oil— to transform them into new ingredients, solutions, and high value-added products. Our approach is based on the comprehensive valorization of the olive tree, where each element becomes an opportunity to generate functional products, new scientific knowledge, and sustainable technologies.
Strategic R&D lines
- Production of polyphenolic concentrates for functional products
Extraction and concentration of polyphenols from leaves, pulp, pit, and aqueous olive juice, aiming to generate stable and sustainable concentrates that can be incorporated into foods and cosmetics to enhance their functionality and health properties.
- Research and characterization of new polyphenols
Expansion of scientific knowledge about the great diversity of olive polyphenols. We study not only the already known compounds but also new bioactive molecules with potential functional benefits that have not yet been described.
- Study of the effects of polyphenols on health
Research on the mechanisms of action of polyphenols in different body systems, with a special focus on metabolic diseases (cardiovascular health, diabetes, obesity), and emerging lines in skin health (burns, dermatitis, psoriasis, ulcers, atopic skin,…) and potential future applications in other conditions such as COPD.
- Climate change and technologies for the circular economy of the olive grove
Analysis of the effects of climate change on organic olive cultivation and development of advanced agronomic solutions, including:
- Agrivoltaic technologies to improve resilience and sustainability of the olive grove.
- Biostimulants and sustainable alternatives to biopesticides for pest and disease control.
- Agricultural drones and electric machinery for cultivation operations.
- Digital twins for monitoring and predicting agronomic processes, yields, pests, diseases, and irrigation.
- Sensing and intelligent control for olive grove automation.
- Development of sustainable, gourmet, and functional products
We design high-end food products (truffled products, probiotic beverages,…) and innovative products (cosmeceuticals, biostimulants,…) that directly incorporate natural olive polyphenols derived from leaves, pulp, pit, and aqueous juice. This achieves greater added value, a reinforced healthy profile, and a 100% sustainable approach.
Projects
BINAFIE
The goal of Binafie is the development of a new eco-friendly bionanophytosanitary product, with high persistence, residual effectiveness, and broad spectrum, through the use of biotechnology and nanotechnology, for the protection of intensive olive crops.
The target product combines three active ingredients, accepted in organic farming, whose synergistic activity will allow for a broader pest control spectrum and therefore an optimization of pesticide application, both from an efficacy, environmental, and economic perspective.
This project arises from the need for new phytosanitary products, of ecological nature, sustainable, and compatible with the conservation of the environment and human health, fulfilling its fundamental goal of being effective for the control of olive pests and diseases.
Biosasun contributes its experience in the organic sector, the production and use of nanoparticles, as well as field validations of the resulting product.
BIOFOOD
STRATEGIC RESEARCH PROJECT FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF NAVARRE: Use of biotechnology for the production of health-beneficial ingredients and foods (BIOFOOD).
The aim of this project is the study and research of microbiological bioprocesses that occur both inside the human body (originated by the gut microbiota) and outside, in food fermentation or bioreactors, in order to generate ingredients (probiotics and postbiotics) and foods beneficial to health with proven health effects. The development of BIOFOOD represents a great opportunity to boost the growth of the biosciences sector in Navarra and to promote the development of our community’s food industry.
COMPANIES/ORGANISMS IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT: Biosasun (Leader), Partners: Brotalia, Eztitsu replacing Garunkook, Lev2050, Nucaps, UNAV, and CNTA.
Bibliographic references:
> Antimicrobial & Regenerative properties of olive oil phenolic.pdf
> Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Fish Help Prevent Acute Pancreatitis.pdf
BIRBIZI: INNOVATIVE BEST PRACTICES FOR THE REUSE OF GAZTANBERAK (LACTOSE MILK) AND UNDERUTILIZED AGRI-INDUSTRY WASTE.
Based on the knowledge generated in previous projects, Birbizi’s goal is to obtain the following products:
1. Animal Feed
Organic feeds for sheep specialized in milk production, using various by-products.
2. Supplements
Energy-boosting dietary supplements with a high concentration of antioxidant polyphenols, honey, and preferably with orange and/or chocolate, although they could also be made with other fruits.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics (Kefir and Yogurts), fat-free and very low in sugars and proteins, in various flavors according to demand.
4. Synbiotics
Synbiotics (with prebiotic and probiotic action) in versions also including yogurt and kefir, incorporating olive polyphenols obtained from leaf extracts and, depending on demand, antioxidants from other plants such as turmeric, ginger,…
5. Cosmeceuticals
Eco-friendly cosmeceuticals (Cosmetics + Nutraceuticals) produced with the by-products used in the project, high in antioxidants and plant extracts collected from eco-cultivations.
6. Cottage Cheese
Organic cottage cheese with high antioxidant content, low in fats, and practically lactose-free.
Support for pilot projects and the development of new products, practices, processes, and technologies in the agricultural, food, and forestry sectors 2021
Rural Development Program of the Community of Navarre 2014-2020 and additional EURI Next Generation funds
Coordinator:
- ALLOTARRA
Partners:
- BIOSASUN
- LUREDERRA
- UPNA
- ULTZAMA
Collaborators:
- EZTITSU
- AXURIBELTZ
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION LINE 2025
Aid provided by the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), to co-finance 80% of the certification costs for products, services, and/or management aimed at improving international competitiveness outside the EU.
DERMANANO
The goal of DERMANANO is the development of a new cosmetic for atopic dermatitis based on the use of nanotechnology to enhance the activity and efficacy of certain natural components with great potential.
Collaborators:
- L’urederra Technological Center
Biosasun has received a 50% co-financed grant from the European Regional Development Fund through the 2014-2020 Navarra FEDER Operational Program.
TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT OF OLIVE POLYPHENOL CONCENTRATION AND DRYING PROCESSES TO ACHIEVE GREATER ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The goal of the project is to improve processes to achieve Olive Polyphenol products more energy efficiently.
Project supported by the aid line for savings and energy efficiency in SMEs and large companies in the industrial sector, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), coordinated by IDAE and managed by the Autonomous Communities, funded by the National Energy Efficiency Fund, with the aim of achieving a cleaner and more sustainable economy.
Biosasun has received a co-financed aid of 30% from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the improvement of technology in industrial equipment and processes.
EUROEMPLOYMENT
The Euroempleo project aims to generate employment by utilizing olive grove by-products.
It involved analyzing the economic uses attributable to different olive by-products (leaves, wood, pruning residues, alperujo, etc.) in order to develop economic activities that generate employment, in rural areas, and linked to the utilization of endogenous resources.
The implementation of this project included the following activities:
Visits, studies, and professional exchanges to learn about the solutions developed, in terms of employment, in other EU Member States or Spanish regions.
Conducting comparative studies and analyses on solutions and experiences developed, in terms of employment, in other EU Member States or Spanish regions.
Joint development of innovative related products, with priority themes at both European and interregional levels.
Exchange of information, documentation, materials, and experiences, promoting the transfer and adaptation of methodologies successfully employed in other territories to the Andalusian context.
Organization of days, conferences, seminars, meetings, or other communication actions to disseminate the results.
Participants: √ Puente de Génave Town Hall √ Energy Agency of Central Macedonia-Anatoliky S.A. √ Biosasun S.A. √ Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development Neiker-Tecnalia √ Spanish Biomass Valorization Association
HEATDDELIVER
The ultimate goal of the project is the development of innovative nanosystems for the targeted treatment of highly perfused tumor tissues (for example, in kidney, liver, and lung).
These nanoparticles combine different lipids and eco-friendly active ingredients from olive oil, as well as magnetic particles that enhance the action of various cancer drugs, serving as a transport system for them.
Ultimately, they allow for targeted treatment to specific areas, thereby reducing the adverse effects caused by current therapies.
Biosasun offers its expertise in the isolation of active principles obtained from olive oil waste, as well as their application in nanotechnology. Collaborators: √ Biosasun S.A., Spain √ EPO Berlin-Buch-GmBH, Germany √ Fraunhofer Institute, Germany √ Idifarma Pharmaceutical Development S.L., Spain √ L’Urederra Technological Center, Spain √ Praxis Biopharma Research Institute S.L., Spain.
IGUZKITZA: GENOMIC RESEARCH USING CIRCULAR INPUTS, ZENIT-NANO TECHNOLOGIES, AND AGRONOMIC METHODS
The project starts with olive cultivation as the epicenter for the synergistic and circular integration of various companies related to the olive grove itself, agri-food, preserves, paper production, and wastewater treatment. The main goal is to develop a more ecological and affordable production of primary and derived olive products and other bordering crops, as well as to promote circular services in each of the involved sectors, seeking pioneering synergies among different strategic industries in the pursuit of circularity. This project also aims, beyond promoting circularity in products, to transform the business mindset towards a more sustainable and collaborative approach in the Navarra region.
These nanoparticles combine different lipids and eco-friendly active ingredients from olive oil, as well as magnetic particles that enhance the action of various cancer drugs, serving as a transport system for them.
Ultimately, they allow targeted treatment to specific areas, thereby reducing the adverse effects caused by current therapies.
Biosasun contributes its expertise in isolating active ingredients obtained from olive oil waste, as well as their application in nanotechnology. COMPANIES/ORGANIZATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT: √ Biosasun (Leader) Partners: √ Tecnan √ Lurederra √ Essity √ Conservas Iturri √ Mancomunidad de Montejurra (SMSA) √ IDAB-CSIC √ CENER The project has been funded by the Government of Navarra and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF Navarra 2021-2027).
INTERNATIONALIZATION BOOST BONUSES 2023
The Impulsa Internationalization Grants aim to support Navarre SMEs that are starting or already exporting but need a boost for their consolidation, subsidizing the hiring of specialized advisory services for this purpose.
BIOSASUN SA has been a beneficiary of the INTERNACIONALIZATION BOOSTING BONUS 2023 through the individualized assessment scheme with a 60% grant from the Government of Navarra to cover consulting expenses related to the design of the internationalization plan for Mexico.
OLIVOGEN
OLIVOGEN’s goal is the development of new products to improve male fertility and current assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
Coordinator: √ Biokibank SL Collaborators: √ Biosasun
PROMETEA: STRATEGIC RESEARCH PROJECT FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF NAVARRE: INTEGRAL PROTECTION AGAINST IMMUNO-CIRCULATORY CONDITIONS IN THE ELDERLY
The overall goal of the PROMETEA project is to develop combined treatments to reduce complications associated with pressure ulcers (PU) in people who remain immobilized for long periods due to their health condition.(TRA).
COMPANIES/ORGANISMS IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT: √ Biosasun (Leader) Partners: √ Allotarra √ Progeri √ Eztitsu √ Ultzama √ Tecnan √ Lurederra √ UPNA √ CNTA √ Aditech
RECYWASTEOLHIVA
The overall goal of the PROMETEA project is to develop combined treatments to reduce complications associated with pressure ulcers (PU) in people who remain immobilized for long periods due to their health condition.(TRA).
As a result of this project, products obtained from the extraction of bioactive compounds present in olive leaves and residues from olive oil production have been introduced to the market. These are: √ Non-toxic lice treatment √ Juices √ Jams √ Healthy pâtés Participants: √ Agua de Gracia Healthcare S.L., Spain √ Biosasun S.A., Spain √ Creative Concept Nordic AB, Sweden √ Inesfly S.L., Spain √ L´Urederra Centro Tecnológico, Spain
SINALERG: FOOD INNOVATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES
SINALERG focuses on research, development, and the acquisition of new nutritionally balanced and allergen-free foods, as well as the creation of a protocol for the detection and identification of allergens throughout the food chain.
Coordinator: √ Cantabrian Gastronomic SL Collaborators: √ Biosasun SA √ Bacalao Giraldo SL √ Interal SA √ Technological support from Tecnalia and Gaiker Project co-financed by the Basque Government and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020 (ERDF) PROJECT CO-FINANCED BY THE BASQUE GOVERNMENT AND THE EUROPEAN UNION THROUGH THE EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND 2021-2027 (ERDF)
SUPREME
NEW SALUTOGENIC APPROACH FOR THE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AND CO-EXISTENT PATHOLOGIES.
The goal of SUPREME is the research of new genetic tools for early diagnosis and active compounds and ingredients to achieve effective personalized nutritional intervention for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) and their progression to cognitive decline.
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe invests in rural areas
Valuation of olive agricultural by-products for their inclusion in the food and nutraceutical industry
The main goal of the project is to improve the competitiveness of olive by-products and Lacha sheep’s milk by enhancing all processes in the agricultural and production chain through the implementation of quality schemes. The probiotic products enriched with polyphenols, with high added value, obtained through the development and improvement of new processes, will be promoted and disseminated in local markets.
Coordinator:
