Tunisia has taken a significant step in the research and development of natural alternatives to antibiotics with the inauguration of a pilot unit at the Higher Institute of Applied Biological Sciences in Tunis. The unit, which has a production capacity of 150 liters, aims to transition from laboratory results to experimental development, paving the way for industrial valorization. This development was announced by Moez Chafra, Dean of the University of Tunis El Manar, on September 22, 2026.
The project primarily targets the poultry sector, where the goal is to reduce the use of antibiotics and replace them with biological products. This move is driven by growing concerns about antibiotic use and the development of resistance, which can impact animal, human, and environmental health. The university team collaborated with a private poultry farming enterprise to test these alternatives in real-world conditions, conducting experiments directly in the poultry sector.
According to Moez Chafra, the developed products demonstrated their effectiveness and efficiency during these trials, leading the partner company to start using them as a replacement for antibiotics. This success is a significant milestone in the effort to reduce antibiotic use and promote biological alternatives. The pilot unit will serve as a platform to continue research and facilitate the transition to industrial applications.
The 150-liter unit will enable the development of new national and international projects focused on bioprocesses and biologically active substances. This infrastructure represents a crucial tool for bridging the gap between academic research and the needs of productive sectors. It also opens up new opportunities for collaboration with companies and scientific partners on biological solutions addressing animal health and antibiotic resistance challenges.
The University of Tunis El Manar's initiative is a response to the growing concerns about antibiotic resistance and the need for sustainable alternatives. By developing and promoting biological solutions, the university aims to contribute to the preservation of animal and human health. The pilot unit is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and its impact is expected to be felt beyond Tunisia's borders.
The collaboration between the university and the private sector is a key aspect of this project, demonstrating the potential for partnerships to drive innovation and address pressing health challenges. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar projects in other sectors and countries, further emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global health issues.
As the world grapples with the challenges of antibiotic resistance, Tunisia's pioneering effort offers a promising solution. The development of biological alternatives to antibiotics has the potential to transform the way we approach animal health and disease prevention, and the University of Tunis El Manar's pilot unit is at the forefront of this innovation.
Key points
- The pilot unit has a production capacity of 150 liters and targets the poultry sector.
- The project aims to reduce antibiotic use and promote biological alternatives.
- The initiative demonstrates the potential for collaboration between academia and the private sector to drive innovation and address pressing health challenges.
