Researchers develop DNA-based methodology for authenticity of animal byproducts

Optimizing DNA extraction methods from highly processed byproducts from the agri-food industry aims to ensure the authenticity of these new ingredients.

The CIIMAR approach will be essential for ensuring the authenticity of the diets being developed under Pep4Fish. Credits: CIIMAR

April 2, 2024

A group of researchers from the Portuguese Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), as part of the Pep4Fish project, has been working on optimizing DNA extraction methods from highly processed byproducts from the agri-food industry, aiming to ensure the authenticity of these new ingredients. The growing demand for alternative protein sources from byproducts has created opportunities and challenges in meeting labeling requirements, particularly in the expanding Halal food market.

Pep4Fish is an innovative Portuguese project that aims to formulate diets for seabass and seabream aquaculture, based on new hydrolysates (highly nutritious foods) created from fish, poultry, pork, and insect byproducts. In addition to improving fish health, the new diets reduce food waste following the principles of the circular economy.

A recently published study, led by Luísa Valente from CIIMAR, focused on the development of DNA extraction methods, crucial for ensuring the authenticity of the new hydrolysates based on byproducts and raw materials developed under the Pep4Fish project.

With the participation of partner companies, including Savinor and Sorgal (both part of the Soja de Portugal group), as well as Sebol and ITS - Indústria Transformadora de Subprodutos (both part of the ETSA - Animal By-Product Transforming Company group), the CIIMAR research team established a method for obtaining high-quality DNA simply and quickly.

The effectiveness of the method was validated using the PCR technique.

This approach will be essential for the authenticity of the diets being developed under Pep4Fish. The collaboration between the scientific community and partner companies reinforces the commitment to offer innovative and sustainable solutions for the aquaculture industry, promoting ethical and environmentally responsible food practices. The project recently announced plans for a cutting-edge industrial unit that will use animal byproduct to produce protein hydrolysates for aquafeeds.

Reference:

Filipa-Silva A, Castro R, Rebelo M, Mota MJ, Almeida A, Valente LMP and Gomes S (2024) Enhancing the authenticity of animal by-products: harmonization of DNA extraction methods from novel ingredients. Front. Chem. 12:1350433. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1350433