Innovation Capabilities & Products

Authors: Laura Pastoriza; Gabriel Sampedro Cedeira; Marta Bernárdez Costas; Marta López Cabo; Juan José Rodríguez Herrera

The invention relates to a method of preserving live shellfish using a modified atmosphere that is rich in oxygen and contains a second main nitrogen component, so as to preserve live bivalve shellfish and safeguard their quality for as long as possible throughout the whole marketing and sale process. The commercial shellfish packaging must be full and well compacted, for which purpose units must be perfectly inserted during the filling operation using a vibrator so that bivalve shellfish cannot open their valves, thus losing intervalvar liquid, throughout the marketing process. The invention relates to the most popular bivalve on the market in terms of sales and price and, as a result, is of particular interest to the mussel industry. More detailed information can be obtained here.

Authors: Miguel Anxo Murado; Maria Montemayor Castroviejo; Marta López Cabo; Maria del Pilar Gonzalez Fernández; Laura Pastoriza Enriquez

Technique for the preparation of hyaluronic acid (AH) based on fish vitreous humor for its use in cosmetics and clinical work. The process comprises protein electrodeposition and simultaneous diafiltration with total recirculation. This procedure allows for selective recovery of impure sediments, precipitation of AH and solubilization of proteins, yielding AH with purity over 99.5%. More detailed information can be found here.

Authors:  Marta López Cabo; Miguel Anxo Murado García; M P Gonzalez Fernández; Laura Pastoriza Enriquez; Juan Jose Rodriguez Herrera; Lorenzo Miguel Pastrana Castro

Method for nisin production in submerged culture based on reiterated re-alkalinization of the medium, provided that the culture maintains the capacity to recover its level of stabilization, combined with a discontinuous glucose feeding regime. More detailed information can be found here.

Development of chemical (combinations of disinfectants, essential oils) and biological (enzymes, phages) strategies that are effective for removing monospecific and mixed microbial biofilms from surfaces in the food industry. Biocide testing and development of better biocide dosage strategies for the food industry, ensuring food safety while avoiding antimicrobial resistance acquisition.

Development and implementation of natural additives (i.e., algae extracts and other lipophilic antioxidants) with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as innovative food processing and preservation methods (i.e. high hydrostatic pressure) to improve seafood conservation and shelf life.

Evaluation of viability and shelf life duration of seafood products. Development and ad-hoc adaptation of innovative food packaging systems (modified atmospheres, etc.) to improve quality, ensure safety and extend shelf life of fishery and aquaculture products.

Design and development of seafood products for target consumers (elderly, young, diabetic, allergic to seafood, etc.) that guarantee specific nutritional requirements, safety and sustainability. Development of techniques (i.e. metabolomics, proteomics, genomics, lipidomics, etc.), using animal models and cell cultures, to characterize the response of a patient/consumer to diet and to design personalized nutrition treatments and products (i.e. nutraceutics, hypoallergenic fish products, immunostimulants, functional foods, etc).

Assessment and development of protocols to identify the most problematic areas and products in terms of microbial contamination and parasitic infestation along the value chain of seafood products.

Pathogen detection and identification in wild and farmed animals, as well as in seafood products. Evaluation of the relationship between pathogen incidence and various environmental and physiological aspects to provide risk assessments for target pathogens.

Development of processes for the transformation of discards and seafood by-products into new raw materials (fish mince, fish oil, etc.) with added value for the generation of innovative processed food products (hamburgers, nuggets, etc.), ensuring traceability, nutritional value and safety in new value chains.