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National R&D

Deliver2Egg

Enhancing innate immune responses in fish larvae by in ovo immunostimulation

Principal Investigator
IMG_0689 - Ana Rocha
Researcher

Ana Rocha holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Valencia, Spain. She has completed several postdoctoral stays in Germany (University of Cologne), Spain (Spanish National Research Council), and Sweden (Uppsala University). Currently, she is a researcher on the Aquatic Animal Health team, and her studies focus on developing strategies to improve the health and well-being of fish larvae based on the stimulation of transgenerational immunity and the in ovo administration of immunostimulants.

RESEARCH GROUPS:

No results found.

The high and unpredictable mortality of fish larvae during the first weeks after hatching remains a major challenge for the aquaculture sector. Scientific evidence and experience in hatcheries support the hypothesis that detrimental fish–microbe interactions are contributing to this problem. Among the recommended strategies to prevent these health problems is the induction of larvae immune capacity. Accordingly, the major objective of this project is to evaluate the potential of stimulating the developing embryo’s immune system at the earliest possible point by delivering immunostimulants directly to fish eggs. By using a molecular transporter and a bath immersion protocol instead of microinjection, the administration of the immunostimulant can be scaled up to simultaneously treat multiple eggs in a highly versatile, potentially cost-effective, and suitable for industrial applications. To test our hypothesis, we will use the sea bass, a reference marine model in the field of fish immunology but whose value originates mainly from the aquaculture industry. This project aims for significant advances on the state-of-the-art and to bring pioneering technology closer to commercial reality, supporting healthier fish and more efficient production systems.

Research Teams
Leader Institution
CIIMAR-UP
Program
Programa Inovação e Transição Digital (COMPETE 2030), Portugal 2030 + Orçamento Estado, FCT
Funding
Other projects