Brewer’s spent grains Bio-stimulant enriched with Selenium for Barley Stress Tolerance and Functional Beverages

BrewSelBar seeks to develop an innovative, selenium-enriched, plant-based biostimulant derived from Brewer's Spent Grain (BSG), the most abundant by-product of the brewing industry. By valorizing BSG into a high-value agricultural input, this project addresses the critical need for sustainable farming practices, climate resilience, and functional food production. Selenium's proven ability to enhance plant stress tolerance and human health underscores its central role in this novel approach.The project aims to optimize BSG extraction processes, enrich the bio-stimulant with selenium, and validate its efficacy under both laboratory and field conditions to improve barley yield and resilience to abiotic stress. This will directly support the production of selenium-enriched beverages, including beer and non-alcoholic products, fostering a circular bioeconomy while reducing industrial waste.BrewSelBar integrates academic, industrial, and innovation expertise from five European and two Argentine partners, leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration, international secondments, and knowledge exchange. The consortium combines cutting-edge research in selenium biofortification, biostimulant development, and advanced analytical chemistry with practical applications in agriculture and brewing. Through its innovative framework, the project aligns with key EU strategies, including the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork, promoting sustainable production and resource efficiency.Ultimately, BrewSelBar represents a holistic solution to global challenges in agriculture, climate change, and food security, delivering impactful results for stakeholders and paving the way for a sustainable future.