The use of antibiotics and conventional additives in animal production is increasingly restricted, driving the need for safe and effective alternatives that can support animal health and performance. At the same time, there is growing interest in solutions targeting key metabolic processes, such as heme metabolism, which is involved in oxygen transport, oxidative stress response and physiological efficiency.
Current solutions do not specifically modulate these processes, or show limited efficacy and potential side effects.
To address this need, researchers from the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC) have developed a new postbiotic solution based on a bacterial strain capable of improving heme metabolism regulation in the host.
The technology is based on the use of Blautia massiliensis ABL231, a bacterial strain isolated from healthy human microbiota and characterized using advanced genomic tools. The strain is used in an inactivated form as a postbiotic, maintaining its biological functionality while avoiding the risks associated with live microorganisms.
Studies show that its administration induces the expression of genes involved in cellular redox control and heme metabolism, both of which are key processes in animal physiology. This metabolic modulation has been observed in experimental models, with beneficial effects and no significant adverse inflammatory responses.
The solution can be incorporated as a functional ingredient in feed and additives for livestock production, specialized animal nutrition and the pet food sector.
The strain has been developed and validated in in vivo models using C. elegans and in vitro systems with human cells, showing its effect on host metabolic modulation. The strain has been deposited in the international DSMZ collection as a preliminary step towards protection and exploitation.
Benefits:
- Supports heme metabolism regulation.
- Avoids live microorganism risks.
- Improves oxidative stress response.
- Shows low inflammatory response.
- Fits feed and pet nutrition.
- Reduces reliance on antibiotics.
The represented institution is seeking collaborations with companies and consultants interested in using or further validating.
Institution: Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA)
TRL: 3-4
Contact: Begoña Iborra | biborra@viromii.com