Backed by an 18-month grant from The Gates Foundation, the study uses precision fermentation to produce fish-free omega-3 from marine microorganisms called thraustochytrids.
This is said to be a novel approach that goes closer to the original source of omega-3, as fishes do not produce omega-3 themselves but accumulate it from marine microorganisms lower on the food chain.
Led by Professor Dirk Erler from Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, the research team is investigating how to grow thraustochytrids at a lower cost, including by using agricultural and food-processing by-products to provide the sugars they need to grow.
“Because fermentation feedstocks are expensive, a promising way of reducing production costs of thraustochytrids is to find cheap feedstocks. We are looking into waste or residue sources of sugar and protein in the agricultural and food sectors—for example, lignocellulosics (plant material), although the conversion uses expensive enzymes,” Prof Erler told NutraIngredients.
“There are a whole bunch of other residues we can use, such as glycerol from biodiesel production. Our goal is to cheapen the feedstocks for fermentation and halve the cost of culture. The whole concept is based around circular bioeconomy.”
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are important during pregnancy and early development, with DHA accumulating rapidly in the brain and retina during the third trimester.
Research has also shown a link between omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and a reduced risk of preterm birth. Globally, around one in 10 babies is born premature each year.
According to Prof Erler, the main barrier for the uptake of omega-3 supplements in pregnant women is cost. By growing the microorganisms on land through precision fermentation, it provides an alternative way of producing the nutrient that is both reliable and highly targeted.
The primary objective of SCU’s research is to produce affordable omega-3 oils for pregnant women and infants in low- and middle-income countries, or in places where access to fish is limited.
“To get there, we need to do the groundwork around the feasibility and cost of our alternative feedstocks,” he reiterated.
Gaps and opportunities
Omega-3 oils come mainly from wild harvest (fish and krill). Due to its large carbon footprint, alternative sources have been developed, largely based on algae oils.
“Strictly speaking, they should be called ‘microbial oils’ because most of the world’s alternative omega-3s come from thraustochytrids, a single-celled decomposer found in the marine environment,” said Prof Erler.
“While fish oils may appear unsustainable, so too does existing thraustochytrid omega-3 production. That’s because of the feedstock and energy costs associated with fermentation of thraustochytrids. These are the bottlenecks.”
In terms of quality and health impact, there is a wide body of literature that shows thraustochytrid oils compare favourably against traditional omega-3 fish oils.
However, Prof Erler noted that different oils have specific benefits. For example, krill oil is phospholipid-rich, which enhances transport of omega-3 into the brain.
“There is a significant amount of work going on around improving the composition and assimilation of thraustochytrid oils. It is an enormously expanding market opportunity for Australia.”
At the same time, wild harvest is volatile due to environmental factors. An example is the recent El Niño in South America, which resulted in reduced wild harvested omega-3.
On the flip side, thraustochytrids are relatively easy to culture, although the cost of fermentation feedstocks are prohibitive.
Nevertheless, precision fermentation allows the researchers to grow thraustochytrids under controlled conditions to produce omega-3 oils—an approach that could decrease reliance on wild-caught fish as a source, and create a more reliable, scalable, and local supply.
Hopes for commercialization
The research draws on SCU’s expertise across marine science, circular economy, analytical chemistry, and human health.
Over the course of 18 months, the team aims to achieve at least a 50% reduction in the current production cost of omega-3 supplements.
If successful, the research could pave the way for commercialization and wider adoption, potentially increasing access to omega-3 nutrition in countries where cost remains a barrier.
“This project is funded through the Gates Foundation, so further work will hopefully be directed through them. If we can develop a fully costed pilot system during the process, that would be amazing. We can then work out how best to evolve,” Prof Erler shared.
