University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and its industry partner the Pascual Pharma Corp., through DOST-PCAARRD, is developing protein hydrolysates from marine fishery species, through a DOST- GIA-funded project. Protein hydrolysates are chemically or enzymatically hydrolyzed proteins of varying sizes of peptides with functional and biological activities. These simpler peptides are easily absorbed and can be utilized to assist and facilitate body function and metabolism.
The project advances the utilization of marine fishery species in the production of protein hydrolysates. It also addresses the current issues to produce better food products for better survival and maintenance of good health of immunocompromised and general populace. The project refined the process protocols and utilization of low value and underutilized raw materials from marine sources including mollusks such as oyster, mussel, and squid; fish species such as bigeye scad, sardines, bullet tuna, low fin pomfret, snake mackerel, and seaweeds. The project has produced 10 chemical and 10 food grade hydrolysates. The food grade hydrolysates will comprise a core protein blend, which can be used for blended hydrolysate products in the future.
