The Excel4Pro project was represented at the XII International Forum on Industrial Bioprocesses (XII IBA) by Buse Bıyıklı, an MSc student from the GTU LabbioFood Team, supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge İşleten Hoşoğlu. The event was held from 9–12 September 2026 in Braga, Portugal.
The conference brought together researchers, academics and industry professionals working across industrial and environmental biotechnology, bioprocessing, fermentation and food biotechnology. The programme placed particular emphasis on sustainable bioprocessing, bioresource valorisation, circular bioeconomy, alternative proteins and the integration of emerging technologies into bioprocess development.
Exploring the potential of sunflower meal proteins
Representing the GTU LabbioFood Team, MSc student Buse Bıyıklı, supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge İşleten Hoşoğlu, delivered an oral presentation entitled “Machine Learning-Assisted Optimization for Enhancing the Bioactive Properties of Sunflower Meal Proteins.”
The study, supported by the Excel4Pro Horizon Europe project, explored the machine learning-assisted optimisation of Bacillus subtilis fermentation to enhance the valorisation of sunflower meal and obtain phenolic-rich fractions.
The work addresses the valorisation of sunflower meal as an underutilised plant-based resource and contributes to the development of data-driven and sustainable approaches for alternative protein production. The research also strongly aligned with key themes addressed during XII IBA, including sustainable bioprocessing, alternative proteins, bioresource valorisation and artificial intelligence in bioprocess engineering.
Connecting research, innovation and international collaboration
Participation in XII IBA offered the GTU LabbioFood Team the opportunity to present Excel4Pro-supported research to an international scientific audience, receive feedback from researchers working in related fields and exchange knowledge on emerging developments in sustainable bioprocessing and biotechnology.
The event also supported international scientific networking and the exploration of potential future collaborations, strengthening knowledge exchange around innovative approaches for more sustainable and resource-efficient bioprocesses. Through activities such as this, Excel4Pro supports scientific excellence, knowledge exchange and the advancement of innovative approaches within the plant-based protein ecosystem, helping connect research with wider opportunities for sustainable innovation.