Microbiocidal coatings based on Sphagnum biopolymers for extending the shelf-life of fresh fish (184255)

At present only 1 in 3 temperate marine fish is sold to the consumer (mostly export) as high-quality, high-profit fresh fish. The rest is sold as lower-grade, lower-profit processed fish. If the shelf-life of fresh fish can be extended by only 20-30 % (2- 3 days) then the economic and social (in particular health and cultural) benefits are potentially substantial. Recent research has shown that certain biopolymers from Sphagnum moss ('sphagnan') may provide an innovative and nature inspired biotechnologica l solution which can meet this challenge. Our overall objective is to provide a coating based on sphagnan that extends shelf-life of fish by 2-3 days while not sacrificing nutritional or sensory qualities. To achieve this objective we first aim to eluc idate the mechanism of the previously confirmed anti-microbial effect and isolate and identify the microbiocidal entity in sphagnan. Secondly, we will establish a pilot process to produce sphagnan with enhanced microbiocidal properties on a large scale. F inally, we will formulate, apply and test microbiocidal coatings, first in a screening assay, and then if successful in this pre-test stage, in storage experiments with whole fresh fish and fillets while identifying and eliminating any undesirable side-ef fects. As a commercial aspect we will establish an enterprise for the production and commercialisation of sphagnum based coatings to the food industry, in particular producers of fresh fish.