Isolation of fish protein hydrolyzate and its condensation with plant catechol derivatives to develop improved starch/protein based food packaging

The aim of the project is to create an innovative composite using the reaction between fish biomass amino-compounds and tree bark catechol derivatives for the modification of starch food films. The obtained composite, as an additive, will significantly improve the mechanical and barrier properties of starch films, as well as give them antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

Objectives:

• to create a technology prototype for the release of reactive amino-compounds from non-food fish and fish waste. An extract containing amino compounds will be obtained as an additional value-added product, the production of which will be easily integrated into the existing production of fish meal and fish oil;
• to develop a technological approach for the immobilization of bark extract catechol derivatives on amino-compounds of fish origin;
• integrate the resulting functional component into starch biopolymer films and test the resulting films as potential food packaging.

Project results, perspectives:

• increased benefit from each kilogram of fish caught;
• a developed component for food packaging with antioxidant and antimicrobial functions, which will promote the extension of the shelf life of food and reduce the use of synthetic preservatives and additives in food;
• food bio-packaging manufacturers will get a new component and improve the mechanical and barrier properties of biopolymer films, turning ordinary food packaging into active food packaging, will increase the competitiveness of bio-packaging;
• wider use of the most competitive bio-packaging, which will reduce the problem of plastic waste, reduce the pollution of water, soil and air with microplastics, reduce the CO2 footprint caused by the production of packaging materials from fossil raw materials

The total cost of the project is EUR 400,000.00, the intensity of public support is 80%, which amounts to EUR 320,000.00. Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry and cooperation partner "Kuivižu zvejnieku apivienība" will co-finance 20% of the costs from their own funds.

Project scientific manager: Yevgenija Ponomarenko

Contact person: Maris Lauberts