MareDura for food and a sustainable future
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | CHALMERS TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLA AKTIEBOLAG - Institutionen för biologi och bioteknik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 481 556 |
| Project duration | May 2016 - November 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The goal of the project was to produce a MareDura protein suitable for consumption, in terms of sensory and quality, and to present a dish where the product came to its right. During the project, we adapted our previous process so that we eventually had a product that can be considered safe for human consumption and with a flavor suitable for food. A professional chef developed a noodle soup with flavors that fit together with MareDura. We chose to present the prototype as a freeze-dried soup, which is easily prepared by adding hot water.
Expected long term effects
Analyzes show that the product contains between 30 and 50% of amino acids, depending on the relationship between alga-flakes and yeast in the product. All essential amino acids are represented; in 100 g MareDura is e.g. up to 3.6 g lysine and 23.2 g of threonine. MareDura protein adapted for human consumption has a smell and taste that remind of prawn crackers. This means that the application scope becomes a bit limited, but we have also tested to make a vegan version with a more neutral taste, which increases the potential for a wider acceptance.
Approach and implementation
In MareDura, yeast is let to transform algae and side streams from the seafood industry into protein. Several side streams have been investigated within the project, to find suitable alternatives. Different yeast species have been examined, as well, to find one with high productivity and that is approved for human consumption. The selected yeast thrived in the mixture of algae and seafood side streams and we could easily scale up the cultivations to 8 liters. Composition of the food prototype was made with the help of a professional chef, who developed a tasty noodle soup with MareDura.