The pork industry generates large volumes of blood as a by-product, whose management represents both an environmental and economic challenge due to its limited valorization. At the same time, the aquaculture sector is seeking sustainable functional ingredients that improve fish growth, welfare and production efficiency. Current protein hydrolysis methods rely on harsh chemical treatments using acids and bases, which generate unwanted by-products, degrade essential amino acids and reduce the nutritional value of the final ingredient. This limits the development of effective and sustainable solutions. There is therefore a clear need for technologies that enable the valorization of animal by-products through environmentally friendly processes while producing high-value functional ingredients for aquaculture.
The technology, developed by researchers from IATA and IATS (CSIC), is based on a sequential enzymatic hydrolysis process of porcine blood to obtain low-molecular-weight bioactive peptides. In a first step, an endopeptidase (alcalase) selectively hydrolyses proteins, followed by a second stage using exopeptidases to release amino acids and short peptides. The resulting hydrolysate is then ultrafiltered to isolate peptide fractions (3–5 kDa) and stabilized through spray-drying or lyophilization. Additional treatments such as ultrasound and thermal inactivation ensure product safety and stability. This process avoids aggressive chemical reagents, enabling the production of a sustainable, high-quality functional ingredient suitable for aquaculture feed applications.
Joint development between two CSIC centres, IATA and IATS. Tests have been carried out under experimental conditions in gilthead, and the technology is protected under the patent applied for P202430790.
Benefits:
- Valorization of meat industry by-products, aligned with circular economy principles
- Improved fish growth and production performance
- Positive effects on animal welfare, reducing stress and aggressive behavior
- Multiple bioactivities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory)
- Sustainable process, avoiding harsh chemical treatments
- High product stability, maintaining bioactivity for at least 6 months
- Suitable for functional aquafeed formulations
The team is seeking to establish strategic collaborations to bring this technology to market in the near future. The terms and structure of the collaboration can be openly discussed if the presented technology is of interest.
Institution: Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC) &
Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC)
TRL: 5
Protection Status: Patent Application (P202430790)
Contact: Begoña Iborra | biborra@viromii.com