Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FEEDACTIV (Development of functional fish feed based on bioactive compounds of marine and herbal origin.)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31
FEEDACTIV focuses on the development of innovative aquaculture feed based on natural bioactive compounds that boost the immune system of farmed fish. Various species of marine microalgae as well as seaweed and land based herbal plants are going to be used as enrichment of the fish feed and hopefully as partial fishmeal substitution with low cost ingredients. The use of natural compounds, ω-3 fatty acids, phenols, carotenoids and protein from marine and land based flora, aims to improve the breeding and quality of farmed species while drastically reducing the annual cost of the aquaculture companies by focusing on the processes that boost the immune system of the fish. The production of these functional products will cover the consumers’ demands for the consumption of foods with increased functionality and absence of any chemical additives giving them the following comparative advantage over the competition. FEEDACTIV aims to form an international and inter-sectoral network of organizations working on a joint research programme in the fields of aquaculture and feed formulation. Therefore, FEEDACTIV will bring together experts from industry and academia that specialize in interdisciplinary/inter-sectorial, yet highly complementary, research areas of Aquaculture, Animal Feed Production, Feed/Food safety, Process Analysis and Design of food products. FEEDACTIV develops a strong partnership involving 8 partners from 3 European countries (RO, EL,IT) and with different technical backgrounds from the academic and non-academic sectors (SMEs). The project is implemented through secondments of research and innovation staff, with a return mechanism to enhance collaborative research across different countries and sectors.
The study aimed to investigate the properties of plant extracts and bioactive substances from domestic plants, herbs, and marine algae. A bibliography was created to create an inventory table with 10-12 edible plants and algae with desired phytobiotic properties, followed by the collection/purchase of samples. Bioactive ingredients were recovered from selected plant and algal species using green extraction methods, including microwaves, ultrasounds, pressurized liquid extraction, and hydrodistilation.
The antibacterial activity of 9 bioactive extracts was tested in vitro against four different marine pathogens that affect aquaculture. Three extracts using eucalyptus and olive leaves were selected and tested for their dietary effects on sea bass using three different concentrations incorporated in the produced fishfeed. The fish developmental characteristics showed promising results for the dietary supplementation with the lowest concentration of olive leaf extracts, while the fillet composition and hematological analysis of experimental fish are ongoing.
A preliminary in vivo test was conducted on the disease resistance of fish infected by Aeromonas veronnii, showing promising results for the highest concentration of eucalyptus. An assessment of the health status of C. carpio and D. labrax specimens reared at Piscicola and Panittica farms was achieved, and no signs of infectious diseases were found. The most suitable healthy individuals were selected for experimental feeding procedures, with associated set-up of experimental tanks and chemical analysis of the water used during the tests.
Significant progress was made in developing, characterizing, and evaluating micro- and nanostructures for the controlled release of bioactive compounds. Advanced encapsulation techniques, including spray drying and electrospinning, were optimized to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of key bioactive compounds. Various biopolymeric matrices, such as zein, modified starch, and maltodextrin, were evaluated for optimal performance. Zein-based encapsulation demonstrated the highest efficiency among the tested formulations, particularly for olive extract and garlic essential oil. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) assessments revealed that the encapsulation matrices effectively protected the bioactive compounds from thermal degradation.
Ongoing work focuses on scaling up the most promising encapsulation formulations, further refining bioactive loading efficiencies, and evaluating their performance in practical applications. The research outcomes contribute significantly to the project's scientific advancements in encapsulation technology, demonstrating that tailored micro- and nanostructured carriers can enhance bioactive stability, optimize controlled release, and improve integration into feed formulations.
The antibacterial activity of 9 bioactive extracts was tested in vitro against four different marine pathogens that affect aquaculture. Three extracts using eucalyptus and olive leaves were selected and tested for their dietary effects on sea bass using three different concentrations incorporated in the produced fishfeed. The fish developmental characteristics showed promising results for the dietary supplementation with the lowest concentration of olive leaf extracts, while the fillet composition and hematological analysis of experimental fish are ongoing.
A preliminary in vivo test was conducted on the disease resistance of fish infected by Aeromonas veronnii, showing promising results for the highest concentration of eucalyptus. An assessment of the health status of C. carpio and D. labrax specimens reared at Piscicola and Panittica farms was achieved, and no signs of infectious diseases were found. The most suitable healthy individuals were selected for experimental feeding procedures, with associated set-up of experimental tanks and chemical analysis of the water used during the tests.
Significant progress was made in developing, characterizing, and evaluating micro- and nanostructures for the controlled release of bioactive compounds. Advanced encapsulation techniques, including spray drying and electrospinning, were optimized to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of key bioactive compounds. Various biopolymeric matrices, such as zein, modified starch, and maltodextrin, were evaluated for optimal performance. Zein-based encapsulation demonstrated the highest efficiency among the tested formulations, particularly for olive extract and garlic essential oil. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) assessments revealed that the encapsulation matrices effectively protected the bioactive compounds from thermal degradation.
Ongoing work focuses on scaling up the most promising encapsulation formulations, further refining bioactive loading efficiencies, and evaluating their performance in practical applications. The research outcomes contribute significantly to the project's scientific advancements in encapsulation technology, demonstrating that tailored micro- and nanostructured carriers can enhance bioactive stability, optimize controlled release, and improve integration into feed formulations.
The use of herbal plants and algae, or phytobiotics, as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics is promising. These bioactive compounds can enrich fish products, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic antibiotics. This approach addresses the growing market for personalized nutrition, offering consumers increased functionality without chemical additives. The aquaculture industry can benefit from these plant-based bioactive resources, which enhance fish immunity and reduce the need for chemotherapeutics.
Research has shown significant advancements in bioactive encapsulation technologies, confirming the feasibility of controlled-release micro- and nanostructures to enhance the stability and bioavailability of functional ingredients. Optimized spray drying and electrospinning techniques have successfully encapsulated key bioactive compounds, with high encapsulation efficiencies observed for olive extract (82.5%), garlic essential oil (80.2%), and lemon peel extract (77.6%).
To further uptake and commercialize these encapsulation technologies, further research and demonstration activities are needed to optimize large-scale production, ensure consistent encapsulation efficiencies and bioactive stability, and validate long-term stability assessments and in vivo validation. Collaboration with feed manufacturers and aquaculture industries is crucial for integrating these novel formulations into commercial fish feed production. Financial support for pilot-scale demonstrations is also crucial.
IPR protection and commercialization strategies must be explored, with appropriate IPR support safeguarding innovations and attracting potential investors. Establishing technology transfer mechanisms, licensing agreements, and spin-off opportunities will be instrumental in bringing these solutions to market. Regulatory compliance is also crucial, with formulations aligning with EFSA regulations and feed additive guidelines. International collaborations with research consortia and industry stakeholders will help expand the global impact of these findings.
Research has shown significant advancements in bioactive encapsulation technologies, confirming the feasibility of controlled-release micro- and nanostructures to enhance the stability and bioavailability of functional ingredients. Optimized spray drying and electrospinning techniques have successfully encapsulated key bioactive compounds, with high encapsulation efficiencies observed for olive extract (82.5%), garlic essential oil (80.2%), and lemon peel extract (77.6%).
To further uptake and commercialize these encapsulation technologies, further research and demonstration activities are needed to optimize large-scale production, ensure consistent encapsulation efficiencies and bioactive stability, and validate long-term stability assessments and in vivo validation. Collaboration with feed manufacturers and aquaculture industries is crucial for integrating these novel formulations into commercial fish feed production. Financial support for pilot-scale demonstrations is also crucial.
IPR protection and commercialization strategies must be explored, with appropriate IPR support safeguarding innovations and attracting potential investors. Establishing technology transfer mechanisms, licensing agreements, and spin-off opportunities will be instrumental in bringing these solutions to market. Regulatory compliance is also crucial, with formulations aligning with EFSA regulations and feed additive guidelines. International collaborations with research consortia and industry stakeholders will help expand the global impact of these findings.