Title: associate professor

Association/Company: Ghent University

Biography:
Professor Annelies M. Declercq, PhD, is an esteemed Aquaculture expert leading the Lab of Aquaculture and Artemia Reference Center at Ghent University, Belgium. Armed with a PhD in Fish Diseases and a Master’s in Aquaculture, she’s an Associate Professor and Director of two international programs in Aquaculture and Health Management in Aquaculture. Prof. Declercq boasts an extensive academic portfolio with publications in reputable scientific journals. Her research in veterinary medicine spans disease control in various aquaculture systems, from recirculating to offshore setups. Proficient in advanced microbiological techniques like PCR, she delves into antimicrobial resistance, animal welfare, and disease infection models for freshwater and marine fish. Furthermore, her work explores sustainable alternatives for fish waste. Prof. Declercq’s expertise significantly advances the field of aquaculture, promoting the global well-being of aquatic animals. She also takes the lead in organizing Larvi 2024; the 8th International Fish& Shellfish Larviculture Symposium in September 2024 at Ostend, Belgium.

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Speech session
Technologies and Trends in Research

Speech
Blue horizon innovations: Harnessing aquatic biomaterials for advanced wound healing structures

Abstract
Aquatic biowastes, notably discarded rainbow trout skin and invasive brown seaweed, were valorized in this study for the sustainable extraction of collagen (17.0±0.9 %wt) and alginate (14.0±2.6 %wt). The focus was on exploring their applicability in fabricating a hydrogel for wound dressing, with varying ratios of collagen-alginate (CA) blends undergoing comprehensive characterization. FT-IR spectra revealed an Amide 1 shift as the alginate content increased, indicating collagen-alginate interaction. Higher alginate concentrations in blends (CA30:70, CA 20:80) exhibited superior swelling capacity and mechanical strength compared to lower concentrations (CA 80:20, CA 70:30, and CA 50:50). Controlled crosslinking with CaCl₂ influenced swelling behavior, revealing that longer immersion led to reduced swelling. Additionally, decreasing alginate concentration altered blend structures, resulting in larger pore sizes (216-218μm) conducive to cell proliferation. Thermal analysis demonstrated a lower weight loss (30-35%) for higher collagen content, emphasizing its superior thermal stability compared to higher alginate content within the range of 200°C – 500°C. Derived from aquatic biowastes, these CA-blends present promising biomaterials for future wound dressing applications, showcasing the potential of sustainable innovation in aquaculture-derived materials.