Exogenous proteases from seafood processing waste as functional additives in rainbow trout aquaculture

Previous studies about enzyme additives for salmonids employed commercial proteases from bacteria, but research obtaining such enzymes from other organisms are scarce. We aimed to increase digestive protease activity in Oncorhynchus mykiss , by analysing potential sources of exogenous proteases generated from different seafood processing waste. To date, there is no information regarding the influences that exogenous enzymes have on the activity and integrity of endogenous enzymes in salmonids. The compatibility and interaction between endogenous and exogenous proteases were evaluated through protein hydrolysis and electrophoresis. We also evaluated the capacity of two types of microcapsules (Alginate–Chitosan and Alginate–Chitosan–Bentonite) to protect the protease activity after being exposed to the gastric environment of trout. The seafood wastes had activities around 0.23–2.53 U/ml at 15°C. Among all the exogenous proteases evaluated, P. granulosa's extract showed the best performance, followed by L .  santolla's extract. Such extracts increased the protein hydrolysis to equal or higher levels than the commercial protease and did not alter the integrity of trout proteases. The optimal catalytic function at low temperatures of these extracts might be linked to the habitat of these arthropods. Alginate–Chitosan–Bentonite microcapsules are recommended in preference to Alginate–Chitosan capsules for delivery of enzymes in salmonids because they ensure the activity of exogenous proteases for longer in acid pH (6 vs. 4 h). This research promotes a re‐evaluation of seafood processing wastes through the production of a potentially functional additive that may improve trout protein digestion.