microXpace's mission is to put advanced microbial applications at the frontline of the 'One Health' initiative.
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The salmon industry faces significant challenges due to sea lice, ectoparasites that attach to salmon, causing severe health issues and substantial economic losses. Current methods to control sea lice, including chemical treatments and mechanical removal, have limitations such as environmental impact, resistance development, and stress to the fish, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable and effective solutions.
Beneficial bacteria, after millions of years of evolution within invertebrate hosts like sea lice, have developed a symbiotic relationship that successfully withstands natural selection, meeting the metabolic needs of these arthropods. Within the gut microbiota of sea lice, these bacteria play a vital role by complementing metabolic functions and producing essential metabolites, crucial for the parasites’ survival and propagation.
A pioneering collaboration between researchers from Chile and microXpace has led to a significant breakthrough in understanding and utilizing these relationships. Our teams identified specific bacteria within the midguts of sea lice that complete metabolic pathways absent in the lice’s own genome. These bacteria have been successfully isolated and cultivated ex vivo, setting the stage for their use in innovative vaccines aimed at effectively combating sea lice. This development not only promises to revolutionize parasite control in the salmon industry but also reduces reliance on traditional methods, aligning with global efforts towards more sustainable aquaculture practices.
We utilize a unique proprietary and patented technology that leverages the microbiota of sea lice to develop an orally administered feed additive for controlling sea lice in salmon. This cutting-edge product is designed for effortless mass application via feed, ensuring stress-free administration to the salmon. It is entirely safe and environmentally friendly. This innovative feed additive represents a significant breakthrough in combating sea lice, the primary ectoparasite affecting the global salmon industry.