Hafliði Halldórsson, manager of the Icelandic lamb marketing agency, and Óli Þór Hilmarsson, project manager at Matís, are the interviewees in Matvælin this time, but earlier in the year they completed research on the utilization rate and chemical content of lamb and by-products.
The project was carried out by Matís and the marketing agency Íslenskt lambkjöt in close cooperation with production centers in both the north and the south. The project was launched so that it would be possible to provide new and reliable data to replace the 20-30 year old data that was normally relied on and had become obsolete. The lack of new and up-to-date data on utilization and nutritional value led to a high level of marketing efforts for lamb meat and side products both on the domestic and export markets.
It is both fun and informative to listen to these professionals talk about the issue that is clearly dear to them. The episode is available on all major podcasts, but you can also listen to it in the player below.
Rósa Jónsdóttir, Hilma Eidsdóttir Bakken, Eva Kuttner & Hörður G. Kristinsson
Contact
Rósa Jónsdóttir
Research Group Leader
rosa.jonsdottir@matis.is
The aim of the project Natural skin protection from the sea, which was funded by the AVS funds, was to develop new skin products from Icelandic bubble seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) which is an underutilized ingredient but extremely rich in antioxidants and protective substances. This report reviews the development history of skin products with bioactive ingredients from bubble seaweed. In addition, the development of processing methods for the isolation of bioactive substances and the bioactivity measurements that were carried out on them are discussed. Many different samples were produced with different extraction methods and the total amount of polyphenols (total polyphenol content, TPC) and their antioxidant activity were studied. Dermal cell tests were performed on supernatants from epidermal cells (Detroit 551), which are healthy skin cells, or on supernatants from fibroblasts (HT1080), which are cancer cells, to measure the activity of extracts from bubble seaweed. Among other things, measurements were made on the ability of seaweed extracts to inhibit metalloprotease 1 and the inhibition of PMN elastase production. Also on the production of collagen (human collagen type 1, HCT-1).
All the results for the measurement of the total amount of polyphenols and for the different antioxidant tests were combined and the extraction method that gave the highest amount of polyphenols and therefore the highest antioxidant activity was selected.
The main results of the skin cell tests showed that the seaweed extracts stimulate the production of collagen. Seaweed extract was applied to the skin cells (Detroit 551) in different concentrations and showed a huge increase (200-1000%) in the production of collagen (see picture). Measurements were made of metalloproteases 1, 2 and 9, which are known to degrade collagen. The highest concentration of seaweed extract (0.25 mg/mL) inhibited metalloprotease 1, but no specific inhibitory effect was measurable for metalloproteases 2 and 9. PMN elastase production was also inhibited at three different concentrations. These results suggest that the seaweed extract may have an anti-wrinkle effect by increasing collagen synthesis and inhibiting elastase.
Production of collagen (human collagen type 1), as a percentage of blank, in D551 skin cells treated with different concentrations of seaweed extract (0.0625 – 0.25 mg/ml).
The report also details the product development of skin care products with bioactive ingredients from seaweed, the consumer trials conducted along with product design, marketing and promotions. In Appendix I there is more information about the consumer research and in Appendix II there is a more detailed report on the product design prepared by the product designer. ___
The goal of the project Natural skin protection from the ocean, funded by the AVS research fund, was to develop new skincare products from Icelandic bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), which is an underutilized raw material but extremely rich in antioxidants and protective compounds. This report outlines the development process of skincare products with bioactive ingredients derived from bladderwrack. Additionally, it discusses the development of processing methods for isolating bioactive compounds and the bioactivity measurements that were conducted on them. Various samples were produced using different extraction methods, and their total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were analyzed.
Skin cell tests were performed on supernatants from skin cells (Detroit 551), which are healthy skin cells, or supernatants from fibroblast cells (HT1080), which are cancer cells, to measure the activity of extracts from bladderwrack. Measurements included the ability of bladderwrack extracts to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and the inhibition of PMN elastase production. Also, the production of collagen (human collagen type 1, HCT-1) was assessed.
All the results from the total polyphenol content measurements and the various antioxidant tests were compiled, and the extraction method that yielded the highest polyphenol content, and consequently the highest antioxidant activity, was selected.
The main results from the skin cell tests showed that the bladderwrack extracts stimulated collagen production. The extracts were applied to the skin cells (Detroit 551) at different concentrations and showed a significant increase (200-1000%) in collagen production (see figure). Measurements were done on metalloproteinase 1, 2 and 9 which are known to break down collagen. The highest concentration (0.25 mg/mL) inhibited matrix metalloproteinase 1, but no significant inhibition was observed for matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9. Additionally, PMN elastase production was inhibited at three different concentrations. These results suggest that the bladderwrack extract may have anti-wrinkle effects by increasing collagen production and inhibiting elastase.
Bubble seaweed extract (Fucus vesiculosus) has been extensively studied and the bioactive properties of the extract have been demonstrated in in vitro research on human skin cells. The aim of the study described in this report was to investigate the effect of a lotion containing bioactive substances from bubble seaweed on human skin. in vivo.
A double-blind intervention study was conducted, with two comparable groups of people between the ages of 40 and 60, who used either a lotion containing the bioactive seaweed extract or a cream containing all the same ingredients except the extract (control). The effects of the creams on skin properties were measured three times over a twelve week period. The first measurement was performed at the beginning (before the use of the cream started), then after six weeks of daily use (morning and evening) of the cream and at the end of the intervention after 12 weeks. The skin of the participants was measured with the Dermalab Series Clinique Combo from Cortex technology, which collected data on, among other things, skin elasticity, moisture and collagen strength.
Skin elasticity increased over time in both groups. The increase was more pronounced in the group that used the cream with bubble seaweed extract. Two parameters were measured by ultrasonic skin imaging: collagen concentration and skin thickness. Collagen concentrations did not increase in the participants' skin during the study, and no detectable differences were found in the participants' skin thickness over time. However, the skin was thicker in the group that used the cream with bubble seaweed extract than the control group in the third measurement. Moisture in the participants' skin increased between the first and second measurement, but decreased again slightly from the second to the third measurement. The results showed that the use of the creams increases the moisture in the skin, but other factors also have an effect, such as the humidity in the atmosphere. The skin moisture of the group using the bubble seaweed extract cream tended to be higher compared to the control group at the third measurement.
The conclusion of the study is that the lotion that contained the extract of bubble seaweed had a positive effect on the skin of the participants. However, the results were also positive in the group using the control cream, and often the difference between the two groups was not significant. In cases where the difference between the groups was significant, it was in favor of the bubble seaweed cream. ___
Fucus vesiculosus extract has been extensively studied, and has shown to possess remarkable bioactive properties on human skin cells in vitro. The aim of this work was to study the effects of skin cream containing the bioactive seaweed Fucus vesiculosus extract on human skin in vivo.
This was done via double blind intervention study, with two comparable groups of people in the age range 40 to 60, who used either a skin cream containing the bioactive seaweed extract, or a cream containing all the same ingredients aside from the extract (control) , or a placebo. The effects of the creams on skin parameters were measured three times over a period of twelve weeks. The skin of the participants was measured with a Dermalab Series Clinique Combo from Cortex technology, which gathered data about eg skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen intensity, at baseline, after six weeks and 12 weeks of daily use (mornings and evenings) of the cream.
Elasticity increased over time for both groups. The increase was more noticeable in the group using the cream with the Fucus vesiculosus extract. Two parameters were measured using ultrasonic skin imaging: collagen intensity and skin thickness. The collagen intensity did not increase in the skin of the participants during the study and no differences in thickness of the skin of the participants were seen over time. However, the skin was thicker for the group using the cream with the Fucus vesiculosus extract than the placebo group in the third measurement. The hydration increased in the skin of the participants from the first to the second measurement but decreased again slightly from the second to third measurement. It can be concluded that using the creams increases hydration in the skin but other factors have an impact too, such as the hydration level in the atmosphere. A trend was seen for more hydration in the group using the cream with the Fucus vesiculosus extract compared to the placebo group in the third measurement.
In conclusion, the skin cream containing the bioactive seaweed extract had a positive impact on the skin of the participants. However, the group using the placebo cream also experienced positive results, and often the differences between the two groups were not significant. When significant differences were observed, they favored the bioactive cream.
A study was conducted in fish processing facilities to investigate the microbial composition, microbial metabolic potential, and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes. Whole metagenomic sequencing was used to analyze microbial communities from different processing rooms, operators and fish products. Taxonomic analyzes identified the genera Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter as the most prevalent bacteria. A Principal Component Analysis revealed a distinct separation between fish product and environmental samples, as well as differences between fish product samples from companies processing either Gadidae or Salmonidae fish. Some particular bacterial genera and species were associated with specific processing rooms and operators. Metabolic analysis of metagenome assembled genomes demonstrated variations in microbiota metabolic profiles of microbiota across rooms and fish products. The study also examined the presence of antibiotic-resistance genes in fish processing environments, contributing to the understanding of microbial dynamics, metabolic potential, and implications for fish spoilage.
Birgir Örn Smárason, Anna Berg Samúelsdóttir, Gunnar Þórðarson and Margrét Geirsdóttir
Supported by:
Nordic Council of Ministers - Working Group for Fisheries (AG-Fisk)
Contact
Birgir Örn Smárason
Research Group Leader
birgir@matis.is
The Nordic countries are major players in fish farming, including salmon (Salmo salar). Many demanding environmental issues are related to this production and they are found in every step of the process. The main focus of this report has been on new feed ingredients and improved utilization of by-products. Both of these issues concern a large amount and it is of great importance for the business world as well as the sustainability and environmental impact of this important profession that they are handled in a better and more efficient way than the current methods. Future food security for our planet's population, in a sustainable manner in the long term, requires a revolution in the way we produce our food. There is an urgent need to maximize sustainable feed production. _____
The Nordic countries are big players in salmon aquaculture (Salmo salar). Many challenging environmental issues are related to this production, and they are to be found in every step of the process. The main focus in this report has been put on novel and alternative feed ingredients and sidestreams utilization. Both those issues involve vast volumes and it's of high importance for the economy as well as the sustainability and environmental impact of this important profession that they are tackled in a better and more efficient manner than current approaches. Future food security for our global population that does not compromise the long-term sustainability of our ecosystems requires a revolution in the way we produce our food and there is an urgent need to nutritionally optimize a sustainably produced feed ingredient for inclusion in aquafeeds.
Jónas R. Viðarsson, Matís, Jónas Baldursson, Matís, Elvar Traustason, Matís, Unn Laksá, Sjokovin, Heather Burke, Fisheries & Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland, James Hinchcliffe, Marine Ingredients Denmark/EFFOP, Jóhannes Pálsson, FF Skagen/ Marine Ingredients Denmark
Supported by:
AG fisk (Nordic Council's working group for fisheries cooperation)
Contact
Jónas Rúnar Viðarsson
Sviðsstjóri rannsókna
jonas@matis.is
This report is part of the Nordic networking project Nordic Seals, which is supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers Working Group for Fisheries (AG Fisk). The project's objectives are to gather, analyze and disseminate information on the populations of seals in the North-Atlantic, Arctic, and adjacent waters, and their environmental, social, and economic impacts.
As several seal populations have grown in the North Atlantic, Arctic, and adjacent waters, they have become a controversial topic with fishermen and other stakeholders within seafood value chains who claim that they negatively affect commercial fish stocks, catch, product quality and economic viability of the fisheries. Many scientists and conservationists have on the other hand pointed out the lack of understanding of the functioning of seals in the ecosystem. Although seals are known to feed on commercial fish species, research on their effect on fish size and age distribution of prey populations, as well as stock size, is incomplete. More knowledge on the role and effects of seals in the ecosystem is needed.
As some seal populations still suffer from hunting that took place in the past, decisions on seal management must be well founded. Bycatch of seals is today the main threat to seal populations in many areas, which must be taken seriously.
Depredations and damage to fishing gear and fish farms caused by some species of seals is well documented. The exact ecological and economic impact of these is however largely unknown. There are ongoing initiatives that aim to fill in these knowledge gaps, but results are largely lacking. The issue of nematode roundworms that are parasites causing quality defects in commercial fisheries, which seals play a major role in distributing as hosts, has been a major concern for fishermen. Controlling seal populations was in the past believed to be important to limit nematode distribution and therefore considered vital to safeguard the economic viability of the seafood industries in the North Atlantic. Seals have a long history as an important food source. Seal meat is nutritious and full of important amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. But they also contain food safety threats, such as nematode ringworm parasites, and bioaccumulated trace elements. The import bans on seal products imposed by the US and EU have made any kind of trade in seal products difficult. But as some seal populations grow in certain areas, the question of potential utilization becomes more pressing. To answer that question there is a need for more research to better understand the role of seals in the ecosystem, and on how to produce sustainable, safe and stable food or feed ingredients from seals.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the possibility of slow-aging "dry-ageing" of different types of fish: lean and fatty. Since the dry-ager was homemade, it was not possible to work with a lower temperature than 4°c. We worked with that temperature and saw how the fish reacted to it. By trying to put both fillets and whole fish in a dry-ager, it was found that it took less time for fillets to reach a similar point of action as whole fish. Shrinkage had to be at least 15% in order to achieve the correct effect: improved texture and taste. These studies also showed that a specially designed and constructed dry-ager would give more accurate answers, as both temperature and humidity can be controlled much better, resulting in a much better final product. pH value, color, water content and shrinkage together with sensory evaluation are promising in the use of slow-aging (dry-ageing) of fish to increase shelf life and more valuable sensory evaluation effects. _____ Those trials were aiming at evaluating the feasibility of dry-aging different types of fish: lean and fatty. As the dry-ager was homemade, the temperature could not be lowered lower than 4°C, allowing the trials to see if the fish would support those temperatures. By trying both fillets and full fish to be dry-aged, the project showed that the time in the dry-age would be shorter for fillet to get to a similar stage than full fish. The weight loss of both should at least be 15% to get a desirable stage: improved texture and taste. Those trials also showed us that commercial dry-ager would present more benefits, as with more stability of both temperature and humidity, the quality of the final product will be better. pH, colour, water content and weight loss as well as sensory showed promising results to use dry-aged fish as a preserving technique to improve both shelf life and sensory characteristics of seafood.
The second part of the research on dry-aging fish focused on increasing the understanding of the parameters that work best (temperature, humidity and time) to achieve the desired characteristics of dry-aged fish. Dry-ageing is a process in which the water content of fish is reduced and the fish deteriorates, until the decomposition of the fish slows down enough to ensure low microbial growth (similar to smoked fish). These studies revealed that it is necessary to work with a lower humidity than 82% and a temperature of 2°c is suitable. The shelf life of fish can be extended by dry-ageing, and a whole fish was kept in the dry-ager for 2 weeks and kept for another 2 weeks without spoiling. Experiments with freezing and storage showed that dry-aged fish is suitable for both. These studies make it possible to make the first statements regarding dry-ageing of fish, as these are the first scientific studies that have been carried out. _____ The second batch of trials from the project dry-aged fish, aimed at understanding which parameters would be best (temperature, humidity, and time) to reach satisfactory dry-aged characteristics to the fish. Dry-ageing is a process where the water content in the fish reduces and the fish loses some weight, to reach a stage where the degradation will be slow enough to ensure low bacterial growth (similar to smoked fish). Those trials showed that humidity should be lower than 82% and that 2°C is working. Shelf life of fish can be extended thanks to dry-aging as whole fish could stay in the dry-ager for at least 2 weeks and then stored for 2 more weeks without having any bad attribute developing. Freezing tests and storage tests allowed to show that dry-aged fish supports both processes. Those trials allowed to set the first statements regarding dry-aging fish, with the first scientific data collected.
We use cookies to ensure general functionality, measure traffic, and ensure the best possible user experience on matis.is.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
