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Enzymatic hydrolysis, Protein hydrolysates production and characterisation, shake flask assessment. Analytical techniques such as LC-MS, XRD; XPS, Raman Spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, TEM

PA3 - Climate-neutral, environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient blue food and feed

Europe is a major contributor to global mussel production and exports over a third of its total production. The two most cultivated mussel species in Europe are Mytilus edulis and Mytilus galloprovincialis. Approximately 90% of its total landings come through aquaculture. Over the past few years, many European countries have faced a decline in domestic mussel demand and prices. This has negatively impacted the mussel farming industry. Mussel’s meat is consumed, while their shells are discarded. Their shells are made up of proteins, polysaccharides and calcium carbonate. The shells also possess residual meat attached to their posterior adductor during processing. These components can be recycled and used in high-value products. For example, the proteins from the shells can be extracted into protein hydrolysates which can be used as a protein source for aquafeed formulation. They can also be utilised as a carbon source for microorganisms in the production of high-value products such as amino acids or lipid rich biomass through fermentation. In addition, the shell is made up of 95 – 99% calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in its two polymorphic forms, calcite and aragonite. CaCO3 market value was estimated to be USD 8.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at 5.6% CAGR by 2030. If these biominerals are extracted from the mussels they can be used in high-value products such as dietary supplements, water treatment, construction materials, pigments in the paper and coating industries. Ara

blue-mussels, aqua feed, calcium carbonate, nacre

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