What happens to the materials left behind when fish are processed for food? The VALORISH project is exploring how these side streams can become resources for new products and biotechnological processes instead of going to waste.
As one of the five projects collaborating within the CIRCULARIS BioCluster, VALORISH focuses on developing a zero-waste approach to fish processing side streams. The project explores how valuable ingredients, including fish oil and fish protein hydrolysates, can be recovered and further used to develop products for applications such as food, health supplements, and food additives.
The project’s ambition is to make use of the remaining materials as well. By combining innovative processing technologies, fermentation, and digital tools, VALORISH aims to develop and demonstrate sustainable processes while evaluating their environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Exploring Natural Antimicrobials and Circular Biomanufacturing
Another recent VALORISH research story explores the potential of bacteriocins that are antimicrobial peptides naturally produced by certain bacteria.
These compounds form part of the natural mechanisms bacteria use to compete with other microorganisms. Their antimicrobial properties have attracted scientific interest for applications including food safety, biotechnology, and sustainable biomanufacturing.
One well-known example is nisin A, an antimicrobial peptide produced by certain lactic acid bacteria and used as a food preservative. VALORISH researchers are combining microbial biotechnology and computational modelling to investigate the production of valuable compounds such as nisin.
The project is also exploring an important circular connection. Fish protein hydrolysates recovered from fish processing side streams contain amino acids and other nutrients that can support microbial growth. Researchers are investigating whether these marine-derived materials can serve as substrates for microbial processes producing valuable compounds.
By connecting marine side streams with microbial biotechnology, VALORISH demonstrates how resources from one sector can contribute to new production pathways in another.
Read the original VALORISH article on bacteriocins and circular biomanufacturing: https://www.valorish.eu/news/bacteriocins-natural-antimicrobials-circular-bioeconomy
Collaboration Across the Circular Bioeconomy
Through its work on fish processing side streams, fermentation, microbial biotechnology, and zero-waste approaches, VALORISH brings complementary expertise to the CIRCULARIS BioCluster.
Together with ONE EARTH, PROMISEANG, MARMADE, and FOODIMAR, the project contributes to a growing collaboration focused on knowledge exchange, joint activities, and sustainable approaches to biological resource use across Europe.
Stay tuned for more news and research stories from the projects behind the CIRCULARIS BioCluster.