Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and leading biotechnology company BioAtlantis have launched of a research initiative to valorize fish processing by-products. VASEACAD (Valorising Seafood Side Streams, Residues, Unwanted Catches and Discards) is funded under the EU Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership and supported by the Marine Institute.
With a total funding award of €1.6 million, including €299,525 granted to TU Dublin, the VASEACAD project brings together a consortium of 10 partners from across the EU. The project aims to transform fish processing byproducts; materials that are typically discarded, into bioactive protein hydrolysates and other high value biomolecules through state-of-the-art bioprocessing techniques. The goal is to create functional and sustainable ingredients for commercial use, supporting a circular and resource-efficient bioeconomy.
Dr. Azza Silotry Naik, Principal Investigator, lecturer and expert in food biotechnology and marine and fish processing by-products valorization leads the research at TU Dublin.
“This project represents an exciting opportunity to develop sustainable solutions for marine by-products by leveraging bioprocessing to create ingredients with functional and commercial potential,” she said. Dr. Naik previously worked on several EU and nationally funded marine research projects, and led the development of functional ingredients in both academic and commercial R&D environments.
Headquartered in County Kerry, BioAtlantis is a biotech company specializing in bioactives derived from marine and terrestrial sources. It said it is home to the largest seaweed extraction facility in Ireland and Britian.
“This project not only supports the circular blue bioeconomy, but also aligns with our commitment to developing sustainable, science-based solutions,” said John T. O’Sullivan, CEO of BioAtlantis.
