Author: Kristín Edda Gylfadóttir

Reports

The effects of skin cream containing seaweed extract on skin

Published:

28/12/2018

Authors:

Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir & Halla Halldórsdóttir

Contact

Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir

Project Manager

kolbrun.sveinsdottir@matis.is

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.
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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.

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Reports

Atlantic salmon growth study with different fishmeal treatments

Published:

22/07/2024

Authors:

David Sutter, Sven-Ole Meiske, Wolfgang Koppe & Georges Lamborelle

Contact

Georges Lamborelle

Station manager of Matís Aquaculture Research Station

georges@matis.is

This report is closed.

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Peer-reviewed articles

Inter-facility characterization of bacteria in seafood processing plants: Exploring potential reservoirs of spoilage organisms and the resistome

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.

Reports

Increased sustainability in Aquaculture with focus on feed and sidestreams

Published:

25/06/2024

Authors:

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.
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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. 

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Reports

Nordic Seals: Seal populations in the North-Atlantic, Arctic Ocean and adjacent waters

Published:

13/06/2024

Authors:

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.

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Reports

Dry-aged fish: First trials to a new product

Published:

17/05/2024

Authors:

Cécile Dargentolle and Dóra Svavarsdóttir

Supported by:

Bára Food Fund - 97473

Contact

Cecile Dargentolle

Project Manager

cecile@matis.is

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. 
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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.  

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Reports

Dry-aged fish: Second trials in a commercial dry-ager

Published:

17/05/2024

Authors:

Cécile Dargentolle and Dóra Svavarsdóttir

Supported by:

Bára Food Fund - 97473

Contact

Cecile Dargentolle

Project Manager

cecile@matis.is

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. 
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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. 

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Reports

Gullhausinn / Increasing value of Icelandic cod heads

Published:

30/04/2024

Authors:

Margrét Geirsdóttir, Cecile Dargentolle, Hildur Inga Sveinsdóttir and Sigurjón Arason

Supported by:

AVS fund

Contact

Margrét Geirsdóttir

Project Manager

mg@matis.is

This report is closed

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Reports

Biochar from land-based aquaculture farming

Published:

26/04/2024

Authors:

Anna Berg Samúelsdóttir - Matís, Birgir Örn Smárason - Matís, Jónas Baldursson - Matís, Jónas Viðarsson - Matís, Sylvía Rakel Guðjónsdóttir - First Water, Stefán Jessen - First Water, Helgi Þór Logason - First Water

Supported by:

Hringrásarsjóður

Contact

Anna Berg Samúelsdóttir

Project Manager

annab@matis.is

Land fire is a rapidly expanding industry in Iceland and it is estimated that in the next five years its production will reach around 100-150 tons. Fish whey is an integral by-product from land farming, and its amount is estimated based on the aforementioned production figures to be around 215-353 th. tons. With such an amount of raw material that can be lost during production, it is important to look for all possible ways to capture it with the best available technology at all times instead of pumping it into the surrounding ecosystem with the associated irreversible environmental effects. In addition, there are great opportunities in turning this "waste" into a valuable and sustainable fertilizer or soil amendment, in the spirit of a circular economy, which could revolutionize Icelandic aquaculture as well as agriculture. Especially when you bear in mind that Iceland imports about 50 thousand tons of synthetic fertilizers every year.

This report provides an overview of the progress and main results of the research and innovation project "Biochar from land burning". The goal of the project was to strengthen the circular economy by analyzing aquaculture sludge collected from land-based salmon farms, developing methods for collecting and dewatering the sludge, and examining the possibility of producing biochar from it.

The report reviews the current state of land farming in Iceland and the challenges related to the disposal of fish sludge, the report also provides an overview of the state of affairs regarding the production of biochar, as well as the laws and regulations that need to be considered regarding the use of fish sludge and biochar for fertilizer and soil improvement. The report also provides information on the progress of the project "biochar from land farming" and highlights the main results of measurements, experiments and development on the farm. In order for aquaculture manure from land farming to become a safe and cost-effective source of fertilizer and soil conditioner in this country, research on the raw material and production processes must be strengthened . This study is only one of two that have been conducted in Iceland on the potential of fish farm sludge for fertilizer and biochar production in Iceland. It clearly indicates that our understanding and knowledge of the scope is still in its infancy. But one of the things that stands in the way of research like this is access to funds that support research like this.   

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Land-based salmon aquaculture is a new and fast growing industry in Iceland, with projections suggesting its production will reach 100-150 thousand tons/year in the next five years. An integral side-stream of land-based aquaculture is so-called fish sludge, which consists mostly of faeces and uneaten feed. The volume of such fish sludge coming from a 100-150-thousand-ton salmon production is expected to be 215-323 thousand tons. Given the significant volume of this raw material, it is crucial to employ the best available technology to capture it rather than allowing it to enter the surrounding ecosystem, and thereby avoiding associated irreversible environmental impacts. The opportunities in then turning this "waste" into valuable and sustainable fertilizer or soil enhancer, in the spirit of circular economy, is and option that could revolutionize Icelandic aquaculture and agriculture alike. Especially when considering that Iceland imports approximately 50 thousand tonnes of synthetic fertilizer every year.

This report provides an overview of the progress and main results of the research & innovation project "Biochar from land-based aquaculture farming". The aim of the project was to promote the circular economy by analyzing fish sludge collected from land-based salmon aquaculture farms in Iceland, develop means of collecting and dewatering the sludge, and examine the possibility of producing biochar from the sludge.

The report reviews the current status of land-based aquaculture in Iceland and the challenges associated with disposal of fish sludge, it also provides an overview on the state-of-art regarding biochar production, and regulatory constraints for the use of fish sludge and biochar . The report then provides information on the progress within the project and highlights the main results.

For fish sludge from land-based aquaculture to be viable as a potential fertilizer in the future, research on the raw material needs to be intensified. This study represents only one of two conducted in Iceland, indicating that our understanding and definition of fish sludge applications for biochar or as a fertilizer are still in their infancy. 

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Reports

CRISP-FISH: Rapid Species Identification in Fish

Published:

19/04/2024

Authors:

Sæmundur Sveinsson, Guðbjörg Ólafsdóttir and Björn Þór Aðalsteinsson

Supported by:

Icelandic Food Innovation Fund (is. Matvælasjóður)

Contact

Sæmundur Sveinsson

Research Group Leader

saemundurs@matis.is

This report is closed. / This report is closed.

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