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Centre for Innovation & Consultation

Nutrient Bioconversion of Gamat Body Wall for Protein Rich Functional Foods

Dr. Musfirah Zulkurnain

Sea cucumber has been traditionally used in many cultures for its medicinal purposes in Southeast Asia, China, and the Middle East. In Malaysia, Stichopus horrens is known as Gamat, the gold standard of traditional medicine for wound healing and internal health conditions including arthritis and joint pain due to its biological ability to rapidly regenerate and synthesize unique secondary metabolites not typical of terrestrial species. Gamat is a rich source of biologically active compounds, including glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as fucosylated chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate, which play a crucial role in tissue regeneration. It also contains a variety of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Problem Statement

  • Leathery sea cucumber body walls are underutilized due to fibrous extracellular matrix structures structure of largely insoluble proteins embedding glycosaminoglycan molecules with therapeutic potential.
  • Conventional extraction using high temperature treatment results in nutrient loses and underutilized by-products.
  • No standardization in processing limits the applications for high end pharmaceutical applications.
  • Gamat is very sensitivity to external stress causing rapid post-harvest deterioration.

Novelty and Inventiveness

  • The invention introduces novel approach of Gamat nutrient bioconversion using non-thermal technology.
  • The process is a cost-effective alternative for efficient extraction of biologically active compounds with consistent nutrient profiles.

Applicability and Benefits

  • Introduce controlled production of gamat extracts with standardized compositions for production of functional ingredients.
  • Low-cost and practical to tackle post-harvest handling of the animal.

Research Achievement

  • Grant: Transdisciplinary Research Grant Scheme (TRGS).
  • Publication: 3.
  • Talents: 1 PhD, 1 MSc.

Commercialization Potential And Industrial Partner

  • The low-cost technology enable the production of effective and high quality Gamat products with standardized composition for nutritional supplements.
  • Market size of Gamat product is growing in ASEAN market including Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
  • Coral Waves Sdn. Bhd.

Intellectual Property Status

In progress.

Status of Invention

Technology Readiness Level 3.

Impact of Innovation

  • University: R&D specialized in Gamat expands innovation and talent development.
  • Industry: Create opportunity for production of novel high end Gamat products.
  • Government: Uphold the Malaysian heritage of Gamat and support biocircular economy.
  • Public/Environment: Sustainable supply chain of Gamat products for maximum utilization.
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