Skip to main content
European Commission logo
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS
CORDIS Web 30th anniversary CORDIS Web 30th anniversary
Content archived on 2024-05-27

Product Research and Optimization of Krill

Objective

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is an abundant marine resource that can help meet the world’s growing food demand, providing feed (for aquaculture and monogastric livestock) and dietary supplements for humans. Although protein-rich krill contains Omega 3/EPA/DHA and antioxidant astaxanthin, it is under utilized because F and Cu concentrations exceed EU limits for feed, enzymes rapidly taint the meat, and most of krill’s water content (85% of total wet weight) is lost in processing. To overcome these problems, a consortium – Krill Seaproducts AS (a SME), Alfa Laval, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences – aims to develop new food and feed ingredients, from fresh krill, using innovative technology at sea. The research objective is to develop energy-efficient processes that concentrate the water soluble fraction (low in F and Cu) and assure a stable shelf-life (> 6 months). The end product(s) will serve as healthful ingredients, rich in protein and unsaturated fats, with distinct aromatic flavour (resembling that of gourmet shellfish), nutrients that enhance the colour and taste of farmed fish, and a high capacity for emulsification – all of which are attractive to food and feed industries. Achieving this end, PROKrill envisages a three-phase program based on scale of development: (i) initial research will take place in Europe, with small-scale model experiments focusing on F and Cu removal, optimal filtration, centrifugation and evaporation, and the effects of proteases; (ii) results from the models will be applied and evaluated at intermediate scale in Antarctic waters, onboard the SME’s vessel Thorshøvdir; (iii) large-scale industrial implementation at sea, followed by dissemination of knowledge via publishing, workshops, symposia, and product marketing. Findings will be used in expanding MSc and PhD courses. Sixteen researchers will be seconded and a post doc will be recruited.

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-IAPP-2008
See other projects for this call

Coordinator

NORGES MILJO-OG BIOVITENSKAPLIGE UNIVERSITET
EU contribution
€ 449 483,00
Address
UNIVERSITETSTUNET 3
1433 As
Norway

See on map

Region
Norge Oslo og Viken Viken
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Administrative Contact
Trond Storebakken (Mr.)
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (2)