ThymoBioTech

 

The ThymoBioTech Project is investment No. BG-RRP-2.017-0015-C01 under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, implemented within the framework of the procedure "Funding of Research Projects in the Field of Green and Digital Technologies – 2."

The complexity of the genus Thymus and the challenging identification of its species have limited the number of phytochemical studies conducted at the species level globally. For pharmaceutical purposes, various species from the genus are often grouped under the general designation Thymus sp. (Thyme), which does not account for the specific phytochemical composition of individual species and, consequently, their efficacy. This project proposal builds upon the results of a large-scale study of the genus Thymus, funded by the National Science Fund (NSF) between 2016 and 2021.

 

During the implementation of the project, a well-organized plantation will be established within the Botanical Garden of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). The plantation will be systematically managed to optimize production processes, maximize efficiency, and increase yield. The planting material has been genetically and phytochemically characterized, consisting of three thyme species selected from 283 natural habitats and successfully cultivated.

 

 

The main objective of the proposed project is to develop and introduce three distinct types of high-quality thyme tea with a defined essential oil composition and high levels of valuable secondary metabolites. At the same time, the project aims to ensure sustainable and efficient biomass production through the creation of a well-organized plantation and the provision of planting material via vegetative propagation. The expected Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the products is TRL 7.

 

Through its innovative approaches and sustainable practices, the project has the potential to serve as a long-term model for the production of high-quality herbal products, positively impacting the country’s economy and ecology.