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23 January, 2024Astaxanthin is a carotenoid responsible for the pink/orange pigmentation of several fishes, like salmon, shrimps, and crustaceans. Astaxanthin is also one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature, and provides an increased immune response against pathogens and viruses.
Asteasier’s research team has identified and patented new strains of microalgae, which have shown exceptional results in the production of natural astaxanthin – a breakthrough that could have a huge impact in aquaculture, which is the most promising application, but at the same time also significantly affect other sectors, such as the cosmetics and nutraceutical markets.
Natural astaxanthin is a high-cost product with a limited market.
Asteasier is here to change that.
Global aquaculture production is at a record high and the sector will play an increasingly important role in feeding and nourishing the world’s growing population. The sector is also expected to grow exponentially due to the high demand for seafood and the decline in the amount of captured wild fish each year.
The largest regions for aquaculture are the Asia-Pacific, South Asia, and Europe where farmed fishes account for 2/3 of the total aquaculture market. The most popular types of fishes farmed internationally are salmon, trout, and sea bass.
The aquaculture feeds sector follows this growing trend, and the main suppliers are constantly striving to produce cost-effective and high-quality aquaculture feeds.
Thanks to the extraordinary properties of new strains of microalgae, Asteasier aims to increase the production and market diffusion of low-cost natural astaxanthin, with the goal of promoting the manufacturing and marketing of sustainable products aimed at the nutrition and wellness of humans and animals.
Nowadays, astaxanthin is only used in aquaculture for fish pigmentation. Thanks to Asteasier, the aquaculture sector will be able to benefit of the remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of natural astaxanthin.
But the possible applications also embrace the cosmetics and nutraceutics sectors, meeting the global demand for natural products with low environmental impact.
Boost the use of natural astaxanthin in aquaculture, allowing suppliers to produce fish feed that guarantees the desired pigmentation and improves the growth and wellbeing of fish.
Improve the sustainability of natural astaxanthin, reducing its production costs and water and carbon footprints.
Pave the way for future applications in other sectors as cosmetics and nutraceutics.
Astaxanthin positively affects the immune system, helping to activate white blood cells and natural killer cells. [1] |
Consuming foods rich in astaxanthin may also help to protect skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage. [6] |
Natural astaxanthin can improve the heart function: it helps to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and can raise HDL or good cholesterol, while also lower high blood pressure. [7] |
As a carotenoid, astaxanthin has a positive effect on the brain by reducing the risks for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Astaxanthin can cross the blood-brain barrier and add protection for the brain as well as the body’s organs. [8] |
In the aquaculture industry, natural astaxanthin enables the production of organic feed and, as a consequence, organic farmed salmons or shrimps. [9] |
The Asteasier project was recently mentioned on FeedNavigator’s website, an online magazine which dedicated an entire article to the p...
23 January, 2024Today, the Asteasier project consortium partners A4F and SOLE-LAB (University of Verona) are excited to announce a significant milestone rea...
19 December, 2023Asteasier participated in the final stages of the PNI2023, Premio Nazionale per l’Innovazione (National Innovation Awards), the annual...
04 December, 2023