Macrophage breakthrough
Called Project Nowaste, it was established by Biorigin with the participation of UNESP (State University of São Paulo) and Wageningen University in the Netherlands. One of the key findings so far is that the Biorigin product MacroGard, which is produced from the cell wall of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has had a beneficial effect on carp macrophages. The researchers are now investigating whether it has the same effect on pacu.
According to Geert Wiegertjes, from Wageningen University: “Similarly to cold-water fish such as salmon, carp macrophages are strongly activated by the product MacroGard, as demonstrated by the increase in oxidative burst and gene expression. In this project, we intend to demonstrate that this same activation occurs in pacu macrophages. As this activation depends on specific receptors, in a second phase, we will research the receptors responsible for this mechanism in carps and pacus, which may potentially prove that beta-glucans have a similar mode of action both in fish and mammals.”
Fabiana Pilarski, from UNESP, adds: “The partnership with Biorigin has now been going for 7 years and has been very fruitful, with the development of 4 research projects to date. Our studies have shown that the product MacroGard acts on the immune system of tropical fish, particularly when reared in intensive systems and during challenge situations, reducing the harmful effects of stress and promoting better performance. We also carried out studies with the product ActiveMOS, which was shown to efficiently reduce pathogenic bacteria counts and the number of beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, in addition of promoting the development of the structures responsible for nutrient absorption in the gut of fish.”
It is estimated that the aquaculture industry will grow 25% in the next few years, and Biorigin has placed 60% of its investments in research on animal nutrition, establishing partnerships with universities and research institutes of several countries.
