Four scientists work in MBC, where of three are in the division of Biotechnology and Biomolecules and one in the division of Value Chain and Processing. The research focus of the MBC is the bioactive properties of seafood molecules which are studied for the possible health benefits, which include blood pressure lowering properties and antioxidant properties.

The MBC has already a comprehensive instrumentation and expertise enabling a range of in vitro bioactivity measurements under supervision of Dr. Patricia Hamaguchi. Since the in vitro bioactivity studies have given promising results there is a great interest in performing them in cells as cell cultures provide an approach that is more similar to biological systems. The team in MBC works already on a development of a cell-based antioxidant activity assay to screen fish protein hydrolysates for potential biological activity.

This will be a major step forward in the research of antioxidant properties of fish and seafood based bioactive compounds and will be critical to take this research area to the next level, which are animal and human clinical trials.

For additional information please contact dr. Hólmfríður Sveinsdóttir (Hofi), holmfridur.sveinsdottir(at)matis.is.