ERA-NET: From Sustainable Resources to novel marine nutraceuticals for the management of Metabolic Syndrome (SuReMetS)

The SuReMetS project aimed to develop novel marine ingredients using diverse resources, such as underutilized materials from fisheries and microalgae, with a focus on managing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Concurrently, the project sought out novel enzymes to enhance material processing and extract valuable components. The potential positive impacts of marine nutraceuticals on human health are well-established. Specifically, we believe that marine ingredients can help prevent MetS. Given the chronic and intricate nature of MetS, presenting a single drug for long-term treatment poses challenges. Therefore, the development of marine nutraceuticals could offer a safer and more effective long-term solution. The project has adopted a transdisciplinary approach, combining biosciences, education, and industry efforts, to foster the development of innovative biomarine products. Through the project, we have successfully identified new potential hydrolytic enzymes and have already commenced the process of characterizing their properties. Various byproducts from the fishing industry have undergone comprehensive analysis, and based on this, we have selected and prioritized five distinct protein hydrolysates for conducting preclinical trials (in vivo). These trials have now been completed, and the outcomes from the animal studies will form the foundation for the subsequent strategy towards the commercialization of the ingredients.

Outputs: Novel hydrolytic enzymes identified and improved understanding of the basic biology and genetics of marine bioresources. (TRL3). Prioritized and tested potential novel marine ingredients/additives that should contribute to the prevention and/or management of various symptoms associated with MetS. The project has successfully been able to reach a higher TRL level, by demonstrating the industrial scale of biorefining the low-value fish biomasses and producing food—grade high value protein ingredients. The concluded preclinical study, involving in vivo animal testing, will now serve as the basis for advancing towards a potential market opportunity.

SuReMetS will develop novel marine ingredients from underutilized material from fisheries and microalgae targeting the management of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Novel enzymes with characteristics that are optimally suited to better process the starting material and access the valuable ingredients will be isolated from both individual bacteria from the surfaces of microalgae and fish, and from metagenomics libraries produced from the microbiomes of these sources, together with commercially available enzymes, which will be investigated in parallel. These enzymes will have potential utility in enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) strategies using different types of marine biomass. Various chemical and mechanical processes are currently used for the extraction of bioactive compounds or fractions from algae; however, problems exist if the target compounds are sensitive to extraction techniques which involve heat or solvents. Thus new improved extraction processes such as the use of EAE processes, offers faster, and more efficient alternatives. The potential beneficial human health effects of marine nutraceuticals are well established, particularly the consumption of marine ingredients can help in the management of MetS. The chronic and complex nature of MetS, makes it challenging to employ a single drug for long-term medication, hence the development of marine nutraceuticals represents a safer and better long-term option. SuReMetS will involve transdisciplinary approaches combining basic biosciences, public health efforts including education and industry, to provide a better balance how the research community and industry can develop new biomarine products meeting the needs and expectations from end-users as well as the community. SuReMetS is an innovative project applying state-of-the-art methods and new technologies, such as metagenomics, HTS strategies and bioinformatic pipelines while combining research with high potential for commercialization of marine resources.