PROTEÍNAS ANTICONGELANTES EN MARES AUSTRALES, UN RECURSO DE INTERES PARA EL DESARROLLO REGIONAL

KOREMBLIT, GABRIEL; OSIROFF, SERGIO; HOWARD, EDUARDO I

Buenos Aires

Congreso; Congreso Mundial de Ingeniería; 2010

The reasonable use of fishing resources sets clear limits on fish-catching amounts, but introduce a frontier in production possibilities. Value-added products would make possible a sustainable regional development, avoiding the overexploitation of fishing resources.In searching for a feasible alternative, we have centered our attention on the so-called "antifreeze proteins" well-known for their ability to bind to ice crystals and prevent body fluids from freezing. Here, an updated study of the anti-freezing proteins´ properties and both their technological and commercial applications is introduced. Besides, economic feasibility of their production is also discussed.Obtaining anti-freeze proteins from Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic fish species as well as their production and purification process in the region becomes of particular interest as this would bring about the development of a high value-added industry, a kind of undertaking that requires professionals learned and committed to sustainable development criteria.