Researchers at the Catholic University of Portugal have proven that bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, can transform fish and poultry waste into high-value bioactive ingredients. The study, developed as part of the Pep4Fish project, was published in the international journal Next Research.

Offal, heads, skins, bones, and ligaments: these are some of the animal by-products—parts that are not suitable for direct human consumption but represent a significant fraction of agri-food production. Growing concern about food waste—enshrined in Target 12.3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which proposes to halve food loss and waste by 2030—is driving new solutions to add value to this waste.

It was in this context that the team at CBQF – Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry – Associated Laboratory of the  Escola Superior de Biotecnologia da Universidade Católica Portuguesa developed an innovative biotechnological process. Using bromelain, a plant-based enzyme, the researchers were able to break down the proteins present in these by-products and generate biopeptides—small protein fragments—with antioxidant, antihypertensive, and probiotic growth-promoting activities.

This process, technically called enzymatic hydrolysis, proved to be highly efficient, confirming the potential of bromelain as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods and as a tool for transforming waste into ingredients with functional value.

This study was developed as part of the Pep4Fishproject, which aims to create innovative diets for aquaculture fish, such as sea bass and sea bream, using protein hydrolysates produced in Portugal. Although this scientific publication does not directly involve animal testing, the results obtained support the development of functional ingredients that may be included in the new feeds tested in the project.

By demonstrating the effectiveness of a clean process based on a natural and sustainable enzyme, the researchers reinforce their commitment to more efficient aquaculture in line with the principles of the circular economy.

The study, published in the journal Next Research, was conducted by Sandra Borges, Tânia C.F. Ribas, Maria Leonor Castro, Débora Campos, Maria João Mota, André Almeida, and Manuela Pintado, and proposes an innovative enzymatic approach as an alternative to chemical processes or enzymes of animal origin.