At the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), the Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology is making steady, behind-the-scenes progress in preparation for a key phase of the SMART4SEA project. Over the past weeks, the team has been intensively testing, refining, and validating microplastic extraction protocols that will soon be applied to seafood products collected across Europe.
To optimise these methods, the team have been using surimi as a model processed seafood product. Although it may appear simple, surimi hides a surprisingly complex matrix that challenges many conventional microplastic extraction techniques. This complexity makes it an ideal test material, allowing FFUP researchers to simulate real seafood digestion processes, assess recovery efficiency, and strengthen contamination-control measures under controlled conditions. Each trial helps the team understand how the protocol behaves, where it flows smoothly, and where it needs adjustment.
This meticulous preparatory work goes far beyond a simple technical exercise. It ensures that when the SMART4SEA’s seafood samples arrive, the entire analytical workflow will be fully synchronised: with reagents prepared, filtration steps optimised, and quality‑control procedures routines fully aligned. By investing time and rigour at this stage, the FFUP team is laying the groundwork for fast, accurate, and reliable microplastic analysis throughout the project.
