Ljubljana, Slovenia | February 26th, 2026
Blue biotechnology in Slovenia featured on national television
The Sečovlje Saltpans Nature Park on the Slovenian coast has been used for salt production for more than 700 years. Once considered a valuable luxury item traded by smugglers, salt is now an everyday household product. However, there is more to Sečovlje than salt. As part of the 2B-BLUE project, the National Institute of Biology (NIB) is researching ways to valorize microorganisms that live in the saltpans. These microalgae have adapted to extreme sunlight, high temperatures and high salinity by producing substances with promising biotechnology potential. For example, they produce pigments that can act as natural sun blockers and compounds with antioxidant properties that may help prevent cell damage. These make them excellent ingredients for sunscreen formulations and other skin care products.
To share this research with the public, NIB was featured on the Slovenian National Television (RTVSLO) program “Ugriznimo znanost” (Let’s bite into science) on February 26th, 2026. Research group leader Ana Rotter discussed how blue biotechnology can help strengthen Slovenia’s economy by opening new avenues to local companies in developing sustainable, high added value products.
In addition, Soline d.o.o., the company managing salt production in Sečovlje is developing cosmetic and wellness products with nutraceutical properties, such as soaps, sunscreens, lotions and perfumes.
Find the program (in Slovenian) here:
Photos: RTVSLO
