Method for reducing iodine in a marine plant preparation

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for reducing the amount of iodine in a marine plant preparation; the method comprising: a) providing an aqueous composition comprising the marine plant preparation; and b) processing the aqueous composition by ultrafiltration across a membrane with a pore size of about 50 kDa or less to provide a processed marine plant preparation with a reduced amount of iodine compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR REDUCING IODINE IN A MARINE PLANT PREPARATION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to methods for reducing the iodine content of a marine plant preparation, in particular a seaweed preparation. The invention also provides a marine plant preparation obtainable by the present method, as well as animal feeds and animal feed supplements comprising a marine plant preparation of the present invention.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] Approaches to reduce the environmental impact of livestock agriculture are under continuing investigation. One aspect that contributes to this environmental impact is the feed stock required to rear livestock. As such, natural feed ingredients, and particularly those that sustainably decrease the environmental impact of food production, are increasingly more important to consumers and producers.

[0006] Seaweed is currently in focus due to its potential as an environmentally friendly and nutritious food source. It grows in seawater, does not take up any land areas and does not need any freshwater supply.

[0007] However, a number of seaweed species are known to contain high levels of harmful compounds such as iodine and arsenic. Methods to reduce the iodine content of seaweed are therefore required if it is to be used as a food source, for example for livestock agriculture. However, iodine concentration in seawater is 6 x 10A-8 g / 1 (Hou et al; The Science of the Total Environment; 204; 1997; 215-221) and some seaweeds have up to 0.9 wt% iodine, indicating that seaweeds may concentrate iodine to up to a factor 10A6 above the level in seawater.

[0008] Iodine plays a fundamental role in animal nutrition and physiology, and in cattle it is an essential micronutrient during lactation and for foetal development and the calf s growth. Its correct use in food supplementation is crucial to guarantee the animal's recommended daily requirement to avoid excess intake and long-term toxicity. Milk iodine is fundamental for public health, being one of the major sources of iodine in Mediterranean and Western diets. Public authorities and the scientific community have made great efforts to address how and to what extent different drivers may affect milk iodine concentration. Iodine level in milk is affected by numerous factors along the entire dairy food chain, on a feed-to-fork perspective. The main driver is the level of iodine in the feed administered to lactating animals, which has been demonstrated to be linearly associated with the final milk iodine concentration.

[0009] Previous methods to reduce iodine levels in seaweed include inducing iodine release via oxidative stress (WO2021 / 025298) and water blanching (Nielsen et al Foods 2020, 9(5), 569). However, these approaches are associated with disadvantages such as chemical degradation, poor specificity in terms of the type of water soluble material removed and a large resource requirement (e.g. large amounts of water in which to perform the blanching).

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for further methods for reducing the iodine content of seaweed.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It has been found that iodine can be removed from a marine plant preparation, for example a seaweed preparation, via an ultrafiltration (UF) approach.

[0013] Prior to the present invention, the requirement to reduce the iodine content of seaweed was considered to be complicated by the ability of seaweeds to concentrate iodine to a very high extent. For example, the level of concentration of iodine in seaweed suggested that seaweeds may store iodine in a specific manner in order to handle the very high ion gradient between the seaweed and the surrounding seawater. These properties indicated that it would be challenging to wash out iodine via UF.

[0014] In contrast, the present inventors have determined that UF is an effective approach for reducing the iodine content in a marine plant preparation, enabling a reduction of iodine levels up to approximately 90%.

[0015] Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention provides a method for reducing the amount of iodine in a marine plant preparation; the method comprising: a) providing an aqueous composition comprising the marine plant preparation; and b) processing the aqueous composition by ultrafiltration across a membrane with a pore size of about 50 kDa or less to provide a processed marine plant preparation with a reduced amount of iodine compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition.

[0016] The present invention further provides a marine plant preparation obtainable by the methods of the present invention. The present invention also provides a processed marine plant preparation comprising less than about 5000, preferably less than about 1000 mg / kg iodine

[0017] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation comprises one or more of the following specices Asparagopsis taxiformis, Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum fusiforme, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria hyperboreaa, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina japonica, Saccharina longicruris, Alaria esculenta, Undaria pinnatifida, Eisenia bicyclis, Palmaria palmata, and Saccharina latissima comprising less than about 5000, preferably less than about 1000 mg / kg iodine.

[0018] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation comprises an Asparagopsis taxiformis, Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum fusiforme, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria hyperboreaa, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina japonica, Saccharina longicruris, Alaria esculenta, Undaria pinnatifida, Eisenia bicyclis, Palmaria palmata, and Saccharina latissima comprising less than about 5000, preferably less than about 1000 mg / kg iodine.

[0019] The invention also provides an animal feed, animal feed supplement or animal feed ingredient comprising a marine plant preparation according to the present invention.

[0020] The invention further provides use of a marine plant preparation according to the present invention in the production of an animal feed or an animal feed supplement.

[0021] DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 - Illustrative UF apparatus for use in the present invention

[0023] Figure 2 - Amino acid profile of the seaweed preparation and the post-ultrafiltration retentate

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Various preferred features and embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples. This disclosure is not limited by the exemplary methods and materials disclosed herein, and any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of this disclosure. The skilled person will understand that they can combine all features of the invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention as disclosed. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of as used herein are synonymous with "including", "includes", "containing", or "contains", and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or steps. The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of also include the term "consisting of.

[0027] Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. As used herein the term “about” means approximately, in the region of, roughly, or around. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical value or range, it modifies that value or range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical value(s) set forth.

[0028] The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that such publications constitute prior art to the claims appended hereto.

[0029] All publications mentioned in the specification are herein incorporated by reference.

[0030] Marine plant preparation

[0031] The present invention provides a method for reducing the amount of iodine in a marine plant preparation.

[0032] The marine plant preparation may be a macroalgae (seaweed) preparation.

[0033] Suitably, the seaweed may be Rhodophyta (red macroalgae), Chlorophyta (green microalgae), or Phaeophyceae (brown macroalgae).

[0034] Suitably, the seaweed may be selected from Asparagopsis spp, Dictyota spp, Oedogonium spp, Ulva spp, Porphyra spp., Palmaria spp, Petalonia spp., Saccharina spp., Sar gassum spp., Fucus spp., Ascophyllum spp., Pelvetica spp., Himanthalia spp., Laminaria spp., Alaria spp., Undaria spp., and Eisenia spp.

[0035] Suitably, the seaweed may be selected from Asparagopsis taxiformis, Fucus spiralis, Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Petalonia binghamiae, Pelvetica canaliculata, Sargassum miyabei, Sargassum fusiforme, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria hyperborea, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina japonica, Saccharina latissima, Saccharina longicruris, Alaria esculenta, Alaria marginata, Undaria pinnatifida, Eisenia bicyclis, Asparagopsis armata, Dictyota spp (e.g. Dictyota bartayresii), Oedogonium spp, Ulva spp, C. patentiramea, Porphyra spp., Palmaria palmata, Saccharina latissima, and Sar gassum muticum.

[0036] Suitably, the seaweed may be selected from Asparagopsis taxiformis, Asparagopsis armata, Dictyota spp (e.g. Dictyota bartayresii), Oedogonium spp, Ulva spp, and C. patentiramea.

[0037] Suitably, the seaweed may be selected from a species which is known to contain high levels of iodine. Such species include, but are not limited to Asparagopsis taxiformis, Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum fusiforme, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria hyperboreaa, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina japonica, Saccharina latissima, Saccharina longicruris, Alaria esculenta, Undaria pinnatifida, Eisenia bicyclis, Palmaria palmata, and Saccharina latissima

[0038] Suitably, the seaweed may be Asparagopsis taxiformis.

[0039] Suitably, the seaweed may be Saccharina latissima.

[0040] The marine plant preparation may be a wet preparation or a dried preparation.

[0041] Suitably, the marine plant preparation may be a dried preparation. As used herein, a dried preparation may refer to a preparation that has a suitable water activity. For example, a dried preparation may have a water activity (aw) of 0.6 or less. Water activity may be determined and calculated using methods which are known in the art. For example, water activity may be calculated as aw = p / pO; wherein aw = water activity (-), p = partial pressure of water (Pa) at equilibrium with the powder at temperature T, pO = corresponding vapor pressure of water (Pa) at temperature T. Water activity meters are widely commercially available.

[0042] Suitably, the marine plant preparation may have been dried prior to the steps of the present method.

[0043] The marine plant preparation may be a powdered preparation. For example, the plant preparation may have an average particle size of 50 pm or less, 40 pm or less, 30 pm or less, or 20 pm or less. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the present inventors consider that providing the marine plant preparation with an average particle size of, for example, 50 pm or less may be advantageous in enabling the formation of the aqueous composition for the present methods. For example, the aqueous composition should preferably be provided as a suspension with suitable flowability to be processed through the ultrafiltration apparatus.

[0044] Characteristic particle size may be determined as DIO, D50 and / or D90, calculated from normalized curves, and corresponding to the particle size of 10 %, 50 % and 90 % of the particles respectively.

[0045] Methods for determining particle size are known in the art and include, for example, laser diffraction (e.g. Malvern Mastersizer) or imaging (e.g Camsizer X2), and powder dispersion under pressure (e.g. 1 bar). For example, particle size distribution may be measured using a laser granulometer such as a Mastersizer 2000 (Malvern Instruments, UK). For the measurements a sample may e.g. be dispersed in the Hydro SM measuring cell until an obscuration rate of 9-10% is obtained and then analysed in the Mastersizer.

[0046] Suitably, the average particle size may be the D50 average particle size.

[0047] Suitably, the marine plant preparation may be prepared by any method which provides an appropriate average particle size. For example, the marine plant preparation may be a milled, crushed, ground and / or pulverised preparation.

[0048] Suitably, the marine plant preparation may have been prepared with an average particle size prior to the steps of the present method.

[0049] The present invention further provides a processed marine plant preparation obtainable by the method of the invention.

[0050] Iodine

[0051] According to the recent guidelines reported in NASEM (2021), for the maintenance purposes of dairy cows, the adequate intake of iodine can be calculated as follows:

[0052] Adequate intake, mg / d = (0.216 x BW0 528) + (0.1 x MY), where BW is the animal body weight (kg) and MY is the daily milk yield (kg / d).

[0053] Given a typical dry cow (700 kg BW; 13.5 kg DMI) and lactating cow (650 kg BW; 35 kg / d MY; 21 kg DMI), such cattle categories would need to be fed, respectively, with 0.51 and 0.48 mg of iodine per kg dry matter (DM) in the presence of goitrogen-free diets (NASEM, 2021). Such values become 1.02 and 0.96 mg / kg DM, respectively, if goitrogenic compounds are also included (NASEM, 2021).

[0054] As will be apparent, different seaweeds - for example different seaweed species - comprise different levels of iodine. The present invention may be applied to any seaweed species of interest in order to reduce the levels of iodine.

[0055] Amounts of iodine described herein are defined on a dry matter basis, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0056] Suitably, the present invention may reduce the concentration of iodine in a processed marine plant preparation compared to the concentration of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods). For example, the present invention may selectively reduce iodine whilst retaining desired components such as proteins, fats and / or complex carbohydrates.

[0057] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 10 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0058] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 50, at least 100, at least 250, at least 500, at least 1000, at least 2000, at least 3000, at least 4000, at least 5000, at least 6000, at least 7000, at least 8000, at least 9000, at least 10000 or at least 15000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0059] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 5000, at least 6000, at least 7000, at least 8000, at least 9000, at least 10000, or at least 15000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0060] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 10000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0061] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 5000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0062] The marine plant preparation may comprise from 10 to 15000, 20 to 15000, 50 to 15000, 100 to 15000, 250 to 15000, 500 to 15000, 1000 to 15000, 2000 to 15000, 3000 to 15000, 4000 to 15000, or 5000 to 15000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0063] The marine plant preparation may comprise from 10 to 10000, 20 to 10000, 50 tolOOOO, 100 tolOOOO, 250 to 10000, 500 to 10000, 1000 tolOOOO, 2000 to 10000, 3000 to 10000, 4000 to 10000, or 5000 to 10000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis. The marine plant preparation may comprise from 10 to 5000, 20 to 5000, 50 to5000, 100 to 5000, 250 to 5000, 500 to 5000, 1000 to 5000, 2000 to 5000, 3000 to 5000, or 4000 to 5000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0064] As used herein, the iodine reduced by the present methods may be selected from inorganic and / or organic iodine.

[0065] Suitably, the iodine may be inorganic iodine. For example, the inorganic iodine may be the monovalent ion form (T) and / or lOf.

[0066] Suitably, the iodine may be organic iodine The organic iodine may be diiodtyrosine (DIT) and / or iodo amino acids (e.g. MW < 500 KDa). The organic iodine may also be iodine bound to protein or cell wall material.

[0067] Suitably, the inorganic and / or organic iodine may have a molecular weight of less than about 500 KDa.

[0068] Methods for measuring iodine levels are well known in the art and include, for example, inductively coupled plasma coupled with atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) or mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), neutron activation analysis, spectrophotometry, and chromatographic analysis (see Milinovic et al. Algal Research; 2021; 53; 102149). Suitably, iodine levels may be determined following alkaline digestion (e.g. Tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide).

[0069] The amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0070] Suitably, the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0071] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 10 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0072] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 20 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0073] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 50 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0074] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 100 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0075] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 250 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0076] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 500 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0077] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 1000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0078] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 2000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0079] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 3000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0080] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 4000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0081] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 5000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0082] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 6000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0083] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 7000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0084] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 8000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0085] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 9000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0086] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 10000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0087] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least about 15000 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis and the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0088] The processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise less than about 5000, less than about 4000, less than about 3000, less than about 2000, less than about 1000, less than about 500, less than about 250, or less than about 100 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0089] The processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise less than about 500, less than about 250, or less than about 100 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0090] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise less than about 100, less than about 90, less than about 80, less than about 70, less than about 60, less than about 50, less than about 40, less than about 30, less than about 20, less than about 10, less than about 5, less than about 4, less than about 3, less than about 2, less than about 1 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0091] The processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise less than about 10 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0092] The processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise less than about 5 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0093] The processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise less than about 1 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0094] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise from 100 to 10000, 100 to 5000, 100 to 4000, 100 to 3000, 100 to 2000, 100 to 1000, 100 to 500, or 100 to 250 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0095] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise from 100 to 5000, 100 to 4000, 100 to 3000, 100 to 2000, 100 to 1000, 100 to 500, or 100 to 250 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0096] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise from 0.5 to 5000, 0.5 to 4000, 0.5 to 3000, 0.5 to 2000, 0.5 to 1000, 0.5 to 500, or 0.5 to 250 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0097] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise from5 to 500, 5 to 250, 5 to 100, 5 to 90, 5 to 80, 5 to 70, 5 to 60, 5 to 50, 5 to 40, 5 to 30, 5 to 20, 5 to 10 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0098] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise from 1 to 500, 1 to 250, 1 to 100, 1 to 90, 1 to 80, 1 to 70, 1 to 60, 1 to 50, 1 to 40, 1 to 30, 1 to 20, 1 to 10, or 1 to 5 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis.

[0099] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise from 0.5 to 500, 0.5 to 250, 0.5 to 100, 0.5 to 90, 0.5 to 80, 0.5 to 70, 0.5 to 60, 0.5 to 50, 0.5 to 40, 0.5 to 30, 0.5 to 20, 0.5 to 10, 0.5 to 5, or 0.5 to 1 mg / kg iodine on a dry matter basis. Aqueous composition

[0100] The present methods comprise the step of providing an aqueous composition comprising the marine plant preparation.

[0101] As used herein, an ‘aqueous composition’ may also be referred to as an ‘aqueous suspension’ and refers to a dispersion wherein the marine plant preparation is at least partially dissolved in water.

[0102] As such, an aqueous composition may refer to a mixture wherein a marine plant preparation as defined herein is at least partially dissolved in water.

[0103] Suitably, the aqueous composition may have a total solid content of about 25% or less, about 20% or less, about 15% or less or about 10% or less.

[0104] Suitably, the aqueous composition may have a total sold content of about 5%.

[0105] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is considered that the iodine present in the marine plant preparation must be molecularly dissolved in order to pass through the UF membrane. Accordingly, the formation of the aqueous composition as defined herein should be performed such that a sufficient amount of iodine is free in solution.

[0106] Suitably, a mechanical dispersion and / or homogenization step may be performed prior to the UF. By way of example, dry or wet milling (e.g. jet mill or ball mill), or a wet dispersion process (e.g. high pressure homogenization, high shear mixing or ultrasonification) may be applied, Suitable homogenisation methods are known in the art and include, for example, high pressure homogenization (e.g. applying a pressure of 50-150 bar and passing the preparation through a small opening). A mechanical dispersion and / or homogenisation step may be advantageous in reducing the amount of time required for the UF, increasing the amount of iodine that can be removed from the marine plant preparation and / or improving the flowability of the aqueous composition such that it can be passed through the UF more efficiently and effectively.

[0107] The preparation may be processed by chemical treatment to liberate the iodine from the seaweed. The chemical treatment may comprise any optimization of the aqueous composition towards iodine solubilization and / or dispersibility. For example, temperature, pH and / or ionic strength may be optimized. Further, neutral salts may be added to the ionic composition (e.g. to counteract iodine retention by counterions which do not pass the membrane). Chemical species to change the solvent quality of the aqueous phase (e.g. sugars, alcohols, etc.) and / or acting directly on the iodine binding (e.g. low molecular weight surfactants, chelating agents, etc.) are may also be added.

[0108] Suitably, the aqueous composition may comprise reverse osmosis (RO) water, saline or sea water.

[0109] Suitably, the aqueous composition may comprise RO water.

[0110] Ultrafiltration

[0111] Ultrafiltration (UF) is a variety of membrane filtration in which forces such as pressure or concentration gradients lead to a separation through a semipermeable membrane. Suspended solids and solutes of high molecular weight are retained (retentate), while water and low molecular weight solutes pass through the membrane in the permeate (filtrate).

[0112] In the present invention, iodine is removed as it passes through the UF membrane. As such, it is the retentate produced during the UF that provides the present processed marine plant preparation.

[0113] Various UF arrangements are known in the art and may be applicable to the present invention. For example, UF may be performed in tubular modules, hollow fibre, spiral -wound and plate- and-frame arrangements.

[0114] Suitable UF materials are well-known in the art and include, for example, ceramics and polymer materials such as polysulfone, polypropylene, cellulose acetate, and polylactic acid.

[0115] UF membranes are defined by the molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of the membrane used.

[0116] Suitably, the UF membrane for use in the present invention may have a MWCO (pore size) of about 50 kDa or less, about 40 kDa or less, about 30 kDa or less, about 20 kDa or less, about 10 kDa or less, or about 5 kDa or less.

[0117] Suitably, the UF membrane may have a MWCO (pore size) of between about 1 and about 50 kDa, between about 1 and about 40 kDa, between about 1 and about 30 kDa, between about 1 and about 25 kDa, between about 1 and about 20 kDa, between about 1 and about 15 kDa, between about 1 and about 10 kDa, between about 1 and about 5 kDa, between about 5 and about 50 kDa, between about 5 and about 40 kDa, between about 5 and about 30 kDa, between about 5 and about 25 kDa, between about 5 and about 20 kDa, between about 5 and about 15 kDa, between about 5 and about 10 kDa, between about 10 and about 50 kDa, between about 10 and about 40 kDa, between about 10 and about 30 kDa, between about 10 and about 25 kDa, between about 10 and about 20 kDa, between about 10 and about 15 kDa,

[0118] Suitably, the UF membrane may have a MWCO (pore size) of about 50 kDa, about 40 kDa, about 30 kDa, about 25 kDa, about 20 kDa, about 15 kDa, about 10 kDa, about 5 kDa, or about 1 kDa.

[0119] As will be apparent, the UF membrane is selected such that it has a MWCO which allows iodine to pass through in the permeate. This produces a retentate which a reduced amount of iodine compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0120] Iodine removal by an elution process may depend on the mass ratio of aqueous phase of the seaweed preparation versus wash water and how this wash water is added and removed, carrying the removed iodine with it. UF may be applied in cross-flow or dead-end mode. Preferably, in the present methods, the UF may be performed in cross-flow mode.

[0121] Preferably, the UF is performed in dialysis mode (or ‘continuous dilution’). Suitably, the retentate is replenished with water during the UF so that the total solid content is maintained. Continuous dilution may provide advantages in terms of removal of iodine per unit wash water. In addition, continuous dilution may provide advantages in terms of efficiency in removing the iodine from the seaweed by continuously disturbing the partitioning equilibrium and thereby liberating more iodine than a 1-step dilution.

[0122] Suitably, the UF wash water may be reverse osmosis (RO) water, saline or sea water.

[0123] Suitably, the UF wash water may be RO water.

[0124] Suitably, the UF may be performed by applying a pressure on the aqueous composition pressure to facilitate separation through the membrane. For example, the UF may be performed at a pressure of about 1 to 10 bar, 1 to 5 bar, 1 to 4 bar, 1 to 3 bar, 1 to 2 bar, 2 to 10 bar, 2 to 5 bar, or 2 to 4 bar.

[0125] Suitably, the UF may be performed at a pressure of about 2 to 4 bar. Suitably, the UF may be performed at about 2 bar, about 3 bar, about 4 bar or about 5 bar.

[0126] As will be appreciated, further parameters such as flow velocity and / or flow temperature may be optimized to achieve desired performance.

[0127] The ultrafiltration process may be performed at any suitable temperature. For example, the ultrafiltration may be performed at about 20°C, about 25°C, about 30°C, about 40°C, about 50°C, about 60°C, about 70°C, or about 80°C.

[0128] Macronutrient and Protein profile

[0129] Suitably, the present methods do not substantially alter the macronutrient profile of the processed marine plant preparation compared to the macronutrient profile of the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration. In other words, in some embodiments the macronutrient profile of the processed marine plant preparation is essentially unaltered compared to the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration.

[0130] As used herein, ‘macronutrients’ may refer to proteins, fats and / or complex carbohydrates present in the processed marine plant preparation.

[0131] Suitably, the macronutrient profile may refer to the total amount of protein, fat and / or carbohydrate present in the processed marine plant preparation.

[0132] Suitably, the macronutrient profile may refer to the total amount of protein.

[0133] Suitably, the total amount of protein, fat and / or carbohydrate present in the processed marine plant preparation may differ by less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10% or less than 5% compared to the marine plant preparation prior to performing the present UF methods.

[0134] Suitably, the present methods do not substantially alter the protein profile of the processed marine plant preparation compared to the macronutrient profile of the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration. In other words, in some embodiments the protein profile of the processed marine plant preparation is essentially unaltered compared to the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration.

[0135] Suitably, the present methods do not substantially alter the amino acid profile of the processed marine plant preparation compared to the amino acid profile of the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration. In other words, in some embodiments the amino acid profile of the processed marine plant preparation is essentially unaltered compared to the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration.

[0136] As used herein, the ‘amino acid profile’ may refer to the proportion of one or more amino acids present in the marine plant preparation.

[0137] Suitably, the amino acids may be selected from one or more of histidine, threonine, lysine, methionine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, arginine, serine, glycine, asparagine, glutamine, alanine, proline, tyrosine and cysteine.

[0138] Suitably, the amino acids may comprise at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, or at least 17 amino acids.

[0139] Suitably, the amino acids comprise each of histidine, threonine, lysine, methionine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, arginine, serine, glycine, asparagine, glutamine, alanine, proline, tyrosine and cysteine.

[0140] As used herein, an ‘essentially unaltered amino acid profile’ may mean that the proportion of each amino acid within the amino acid profile is essentially the same in the marine plant preparation before and after the present UF method is performed. For example, relative proportion of each amino acid within the amino acid profile may differ by less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2% or less than 1% in the marine plant preparation before and after the present UF method is performed.

[0141] Methane production / Bromoform

[0142] Methanogenesis (i.e., the production of methane by ruminant animals) is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Reductions in methane (CH4) production of beef cattle and dairy cows have been shown when halogenated compounds are fed as part of the diet. For example, CH4 analogues including bromochloromethane (BCM), bromoform and chloroform and have been shown to be effective feed additives for reducing CH4 production.

[0143] The structures of bromochloromethane (BCM), bromoform and chloroform are shown in Table 1. Table 1

[0144] Various marine plant species, in particular seaweeds, comprise anti-methanogenic compounds such as bromoform, BCM and / or chloroform and have been shown to reduce methane production when used as feed additives. Examples of such species include, but are not limited to, Asparagopsis species, such as Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata,

[0145] Suitably, the seaweed may be selected from Asparagopsis taxiformis, Asparagopsis armata, Dictyota spp (e.g. Dictyota bartayresii), Oedogonium spp, Ulva spp, and C. patentiramea.

[0146] Suitably, the seaweed may be Asparagopsis taxiformis. Suitably, the present methods do not substantially alter the amount of bromoform, BCM and / or chloroform present in the marine plant preparation.

[0147] Suitably, the present methods do not substantially alter the amount of bromoform present in the marine plant preparation.

[0148] Suitably, ‘do not substantially alter’ in the context of bromoform, BCM and / or chloroform may mean that the levels of bromoform, BCM and / or chloroform in the processed marine plant preparation differ by less than 50%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10% or less than 5% compared to the marine plant preparation prior to performing the present UF methods. Heavy metals / Arsenic

[0149] Suitably, the present methods may also reduce the amount of one or more heavy metals in the processed marine plant preparation compared to the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition.

[0150] Suitably, the heavy metal may be a monovalent, anionic heavy metal.

[0151] Suitably, the heavy metal may be arsenic.

[0152] The amount of arsenic in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% compared to the amount of arsenic in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0153] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 10, at least 20, at least 50, at least 75, at least 100, at least 250, at least 500, at least 1000 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis.

[0154] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 10 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis and the amount of arsenic in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of arsenic in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0155] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 20 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis and the amount of arsenic in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of arsenic in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0156] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 50 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis and the amount of arsenic in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of arsenic in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0157] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 75 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis and the amount of arsenic in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of arsenic in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0158] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 100 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis and the amount of arsenic in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of arsenic in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0159] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 250 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis and the amount of arsenic in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of arsenic in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0160] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 500 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis and the amount of arsenic in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of arsenic in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0161] The marine plant preparation may comprise at least 1000 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis and the amount of arsenic in the processed marine plant preparation may be reduced by at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, or more preferably at least about 90% compared to the amount of arsenic in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition (e.g. prior to the ultrafiltration step of the present methods).

[0162] The processed marine plant preparation produced by the present methods may comprise less than about 500, less than about 250, less than about 100, less than about 75, less than about 50, less than about 20 or less than about 10 mg / kg arsenic on a dry matter basis.

[0163] Arsenic may be detected using methods which are well-known in the art and include, for example, inductively coupled plasma coupled with atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) or mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), anion exchange HPLC- ICP- MS, neutron activation analysis, and spectrophotometry. Suitably, the level of arsenic may be determined after acid digestion, for example after nitric acid digestion.

[0164] Animal feed / Animal feed supplement

[0165] The present processed marine plant preparation may be used as an animal feed or an animal feed supplement.

[0166] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation may be freeze dried, air dried, ground and / or milled for use an animal feed or an animal feed supplement. For example, the processed marine plant preparation with a reduced amount of iodine may be dried as described above before use as an animal feed or an animal feed supplement.

[0167] The animal may be avian, bovine, canine, equine, feline, hircrine, lupine, murine, ovine, or porcine animal.

[0168] Suitably, the animal may be a livestock animal (e.g. a cow, pig, sheep or goat) or a domestic pet (for example a dog or a cat). For example, the animal may be a ruminant; such as a cow.

[0169] Preferably, the animal is a cow.

[0170] The present processed marine plant preparation administered to an animal, for example a ruminant, in one of many ways which are known in the art. For example, the preparation may be administered in a solid form and directly fed to the animal, may be mixed with feed material in a dry form or formed into a solution and thereafter sprayed onto feed material.

[0171] The animal food or animal food supplement may be a "dry food", for example having a water activity less than 0.65. The animal food or animal food supplement may be "Kibbles" (pellets of dry pet food). The animal food or animal food supplement may be "Semi-moist food" or "intermediate moisture food", for example having a water activity from 0.65 to 0.8. The animal food or animal food supplement may be "wet food", for example having a water activity more than 0.8.

[0172] Suitably, animal feed is a complete and nutritionally balanced pet food. An animal feed product can be an extruded food product and, in an embodiment, can be for companion animals. In an embodiment, the animal feed product is a dry cat food or a dry dog food, such as a kibble. In another embodiment, the animal feed product is a semi-moist cat food or a semi-moist dog food. In yet another embodiment, the animal feed product is a moist cat food or a moist dog food.

[0173] In an embodiment, the animal feed product can be diced to suitable size and blended with gravy, sauce, gel, or pate. The blend containing the meat pet food product can be filled and hermetically sealed in a container, such as a can, a pouch, or a glass jar. Then the container can be retort sterilized.

[0174] In another embodiment, the animal feed product can be larger pieces made into to pet treats by drying and then coating with flavorants.

[0175] In yet another embodiment, shelf-stable soft treats can be made with suitably sized larger pieces of the meat pet food product by drying and then coating with flavorants, preservatives and humectants. The soft treats can be used in this form or can be blended in suitable proportions with dry expanded kibbles coated with flavorants.

[0176] In yet another embodiment, the animal feed product can be diced to kibble size pieces, such as chunks; dried; and then blended with dry expanded kibbles. The blend can be coated with flavorants or instead the dried diced chunks and the expanded kibbles can be coated separately and then blended.

[0177] Non-limiting examples of suitable flavorants include yeast, tallow, rendered animal meals (e.g., poultry, beef, lamb, and pork), flavor extracts or blends (e.g., grilled beef), spices, and the like. Suitable spices include parsley, oregano, sage, rosemary, basil, thyme, chives and the like. 2015 / 050656

[0178] When used in combination with a feed material, the feed material for administration to a ruminant may be pules / byproduct (e.g. beet pulp) / grain / hay / silage / grass-based.

[0179] Suitably, the processed marine plant preparation may be administered to an animal by supplementing a feed intended for said animal. "Supplementing", as used herein, may refer to incorporating the processed marine plant preparation into the feed intended for the animal. Thus, the animal, when feeding, ingests the processed marine plant preparation.

[0180] As used herein, the term "animal feed supplement" may refer to a concentrated additive premix comprising the ingredients, which premix or supplement may be added to an animal's feed or ration to form a supplemented feed in accordance with the present invention. The terms "animal feed premix," "animal feed supplement," and "animal feed additive" are generally considered to have similar or identical meanings and are generally considered interchangeable. Typically, the animal feed supplement of the present invention is in the form of a powder or compacted or granulated solid. In practice, livestock may typically be fed the animal feed supplement by adding it directly to the ration, e.g. as a so-called top-dress, or it may be used in the preparation or manufacture of products such as compounded animal feeds or a lick blocks, which will be described in more detail hereafter. The invention is not particularly limited in this respect. A supplement according to the invention may be fed to a livestock animal in an amount ranging from 16-2500 g / animal / day.

[0181] Suitably, a supplement according to the invention is administered at an amount based on actual individual animal intake (e.g. g / kg DM intake).

[0182] Suitably, the supplement comprises the processed marine plant preparation in an amount ranging from 10-100 wt%, preferably said amount is in excess of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 97 or 99 wt%, on a dry weight basis.

[0183] Suitably, the animal feed comprises the processed marine plant preparation in an amount ranging from 1-100 wt%, suitably said amount is in excess of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 97 or 99 wt%, on a dry weight basis.

[0184] The feed supplement compositions described herein may be used to supplement animals at a rate of less than 10 g / day, or 7.5 g / day, or 5 g / day of the processed marine plant preparation described here for animals grazing on a pasture. In yet another aspect, the feed supplement compositions described herein may be used to supplement feedlot animals on finishing diets at a daily supplementation rate of less than 200 g / day, less about 150 g / day, less than 100 g / day, or 50 g / day of the processed marine plant preparation described here for animals on finishing diets.

[0185] It is within the skills of the trained professional to determine exactly the ideal amounts of the components to be included in the supplement and the amounts of the supplement to be used in the preparation of the ration or compounded animal feed, etc., taking into account the specific type of animal and the circumstances under which it is held. Illustrative dosages of each of the components are given herein. The animal feed supplements of the present invention may comprise any further ingredient. It may typically comprise well-known excipients that are necessary to prepare the desired product form and it may comprise further additives aimed at improving the quality of the feed and / or at improving the performance of the animal consuming the supplement. Suitable examples of such excipients include carriers or fillers, such as lactose, sucrose, mannitol, starch crystalline cellulose, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium chloride and the like and binders, such as gum Arabic, gum tragacanth, sodium alginate, starch, PVP and cellulose derivatives, etc. Examples of feed additives known to those skilled in the art include vitamins, amino acids and trace elements, digestibility enhancers and gut flora stabilizers and the like.

[0186] The invention further provides products such as a compounded animal feeds, comprising a supplement as defined herein before.

[0187] The term 'compounded animal feed composition' as used herein, may refer to a composition which is suitable for use as an animal feed and which is blended from various natural or nonnatural base or raw materials and / or additives. Hence, in particular, the term 'compounded' is used herein to distinguish the present animal feed compositions from any naturally occurring raw material. These blends or compounded feeds are formulated according to the specific requirements of the target animal. The main ingredients used in commercially prepared compounded feeds typically include wheat bran, rice bran, com meal, cereal grains, such as barley, wheat, rye and oat, soybean meal, alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal, wheat powder and the like. A commercial compound feed may comprise no less than 15 % of crude protein and no less than 70 % digestible total nutrients, although the invention is not particularly limited in this respect. In some embodiments, the compound feed may compise about 5%, about 10% or about 15% protein. Liquid, solid as well as semi-solid compounded animal feed compositions are encompassed within the scope of the present invention, solid and semi-solid forms being particularly preferred. These compositions are typically manufactured as meal type, pellets or crumbles. In practice, livestock may typically be fed a combination of compounded feed, such as that of the present invention, and silage or hay or the like. Typically, a compounded animal feed is fed in an amount within the range of 0.3-20, 0.3-15 or 0.3-10 kg / animal / day. It is within the skills of the trained professional to determine proper amounts of these components to be included in the compounded animal feed, taking into account the type of animal and the circumstances under which it is held. The compounded animal feed compositions of the invention may comprise any further feed additive typically used in the art. As is known by those skilled in the art, the term 'feed additive' in this context refers to products used in animal nutrition for purposes of improving the quality of feed and the quality of food from animal origin, or to improve the animals' performance, e.g. providing enhanced digestibility of the feed materials. Non- limiting examples include technological additives such as preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, stabilising agents, acidity regulators and silage additives; sensory additives, especially flavours and colorants; (further) nutritional additives, such as vitamins, amino acids and trace elements; and (further) zootechnical additives, such as digestibility enhancers and gut flora stabilizers.

[0188] As will be clear to those skilled in the art, the present compounded animal feed compositions can comprise any further ingredient or additive.

[0189] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a feed for a ruminant animal, wherein said feed is supplemented with a feed supplement described herein.

[0190] ASPECTS

[0191] Aspects of the present invention are provided in the following numbered paragraphs:

[0192] 1. A method for reducing the amount of iodine in a marine plant preparation; the method comprising: a) providing an aqueous composition comprising the marine plant preparation; and b) processing the aqueous composition by ultrafiltration across a membrane with a pore size of about 50 kDa or less to provide a processed marine plant preparation with a reduced amount of iodine compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition.

[0193] 2. The method according to paragraph 1 wherein the marine plant preparation comprises a dried preparation.

[0194] 3. The method according to paragraph 1 or 2 wherein the marine plant preparation comprises a milled preparation.

[0195] 4. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the marine plant preparation has an average particle size of about 50 pm or less.

[0196] 5. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation is reduced by at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition.

[0197] 6. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition comprises from 10 to 15,000 mg / kg iodine.

[0198] 7. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the processed marine plant preparation comprises less than about 5000, optionally less than about 1000, optionally less than about 500, further optionally less than about 100 mg / kg iodine.

[0199] 8. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the marine plant is selected from a Rhodophyta (red macroalgae), Chlorophyta (green microalgae), or Phaeophyceae (brown macroalgae)

[0200] 9. The method according to paragraph 8 wherein the Asparagopsis taxiformis, Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum fusiforme, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria hyperboreaa, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina japonica, Saccharina latissima, Saccharina longicruris, Alaria esculenta, Undaria pinnatifida, Eisenia bicyclis, Palmaria palmata, and Saccharina latissima.

[0201] 10. The method according to paragraph 9 wherein the marine plant is selected from Asparagopsis taxiformis, Asparagopsis armata, Dictyota spp (e.g. Dictyota bartayresii), Oedogonium spp, Ulva spp, and C. patentiramea.

[0202] 11. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the aqueous composition comprises a total solid content of about 25% or less.

[0203] 12. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein ultrafiltration is performed using a membrane with a pore size of about 15 kDa or less.

[0204] 13. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the ultrafiltration is performed under a pressure of about 2 to 4 bar.

[0205] 14. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the ultrafiltration is performed in dialysis mode.

[0206] 15. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the macronutrient profile of the processed marine plant preparation is essentially unaltered compared to the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration.

[0207] 16. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the protein profile of the processed marine plant preparation is essentially unaltered compared to the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration 17. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein the level of bromoform in the processed marine plant preparation is essentially unaltered compared to the level in the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration.

[0208] 18. The method according to any preceding paragraph wherein step b) reduces the amount of one or more heavy metals in the processed marine plant preparation compared to the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition.

[0209] 19. The method according to paragraph 18 wherein the heavy metal is arsenic.

[0210] 20. A marine plant preparation obtainable by the method of any of paragraphs 1 to 19.

[0211] 21. A marine plant preparation comprising less than about 1000, optionally less than about 100 mg / kg iodine

[0212] 22. A marine plant preparation according to paragraph 20 or 21 wherein the marine plant is Asparagopsis taxiformis, Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Sar gassum fusiforme, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria hyperboreaa, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina japonica, Saccharina latissima, Saccharina longicruris, Alaria esculenta, Undaria pinnatifida, Eisenia bicyclis, Palmaria palmata, and Saccharina latissima.

[0213] 23. An animal feed, animal feed supplement or animal feed ingredient comprising a marine plant preparation according to any of paragraphs 20 to 22.

[0214] 24. Use of a marine plant preparation according to any of paragraphs 20 to 22 in the production of an animal feed, animal feed supplement or animal feed ingredient.

[0215] EXAMPLES

[0216] The invention will now be further described by way of examples, which are meant to serve to assist one of ordinary skill in the art in carrying out the invention and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the invention.

[0217] Example 1 - Illustrative batch implementation of a continuous dilution mode ultrafiltration

[0218] A batch of aqueous seaweed composition is recirculated in a membrane apparatus while wash water is added and permeate removed. For a continuous implementation with shorter process duration, the membrane surface would have to be upscaled, and the wash water would be added at multiple points and mixed with the retentate along the entire retentate flow path, to maintain the continuous dilution characteristics of the process and hence ensure the best possible elution profile. The UF apparatus consists of a main tank with a mixer, connected to two nested fluid loops with separate pumps, i.e. the membrane loop with a high flow centrifugal pump and the retentate loop with a three piston volumetric pump.

[0219] At the beginning of the iodine removal process, the UF apparatus is loaded with a batch of seaweed preparation (for simplicity, called “fluid”).

[0220] The fluid then circulates in the apparatus, while wash water is added and permeate is withdrawn. The inner loop contains the membrane module and serves as crossflow loop for the separation of retentate and permeate. This loop runs at high recirculation flow rate to maintain favourable ultrafiltration conditions, preventing fouling. It operates at constant fluid volume.

[0221] The permeate flow rate out of the inner loop depends on the transmembrane pressure, which itself is controlled by the hydrostatic pressure in the inner membrane crossflow loop and the backpressure of the permeate stream. Both pressures can be adjusted independently.

[0222] The inner loop is embedded in the retentate loop, which has two functions. It replenishes the inner membrane crossflow loop with fresh fluid to compensate the losses of permeate. Furthermore, it keeps the inner loop at the desired hydrostatic pressure to control, in combination with the permeate backpressure, the transmembrane pressure and hence the permeate flowrate.

[0223] To this purpose, the retentate loop runs in “overflow mode” at a higher flow rate than the permeate flow, and its backflow out of the membrane loop is controlled by a backpressure valve.

[0224] Flow rates of permeate outflow and wash water inflow are balanced throughout the process, so that the mass of seaweed preparation remains constant.

[0225] The wash water is added into the main tank, where it gets thoroughly mixed with retentate coming back from the membrane loop.

[0226] An illustrative UF set up as described in Example 1 is shown in Figure 1.

[0227] Example 2 - Removal of iodine from a seaweed preparation via ultrafiltration

[0228] 50 kg of a 5% (w / w) seaweed preparation (Ocean Rainforest (20 Mjolkargota FO-180 Kaldbak, Faroe Islands, Denmark) Saccharina Latissima, product #10602, batch # 23263) in RO water at ambient temperature, were prepared with a high shear mixer (Ystral, 3000 rpm, 15 min) and subsequently passed on a GEA Niro Soavi homogenizer (Panter, 300 bar, 801 / h, standard valve).

[0229] No specific adjustments to the aqueous phase were applied, the seaweed preparation was at its native pH and ionic composition.

[0230] 38 kg of seaweed preparation could be recovered after homogenization, and were loaded into the UF apparatus described in Example 1 equipped with a ceramic membrane (MMS AG Membrane Systems, MMS Pilot System SW 40-C), equipped with a Novasep Kerasep membrane module, membrane surface 1.05 m2 (bundle of 7 membrane tubes with 0.15 m2).

[0231] 80 kg of RO water were used as wash water, added continuously into the mixing tank of the retentate loop of the UF apparatus. The dosing flow rate was matched to the permeate flow rate, in the order of 20 kg / h, so that at the end of the process the amount of permeate withdrawn from the UF line was equal to the amount of wash water added.

[0232] Run time of the trial was approximately 4 hours. The UF line was maintained at 60°C, for hygiene reasons. The membrane cross flow loop was operated at about 30 mA3 / h, the retentate loop at about 1100 1 / h. Pressure settings for the transmembrane pressure were 2 - 4 bar, the pressure in the membrane cross flow loop was 4-6 bar, the permeate backpressure 2 bar.

[0233] Permeate was successively collected in a tank, retentate was collected from the line at the end of the experiment. All three fractions, i.e. seaweed preparation, permeate and retentate were analysed in terms of iodine content, arsenic content and dry matter. Nitrogen content was measured for the seaweed preparation and the retentate.

[0234] Processing conditions on the UF apparatus were the following. Temperature = 60°C, membrane cross flowrate 30 m3 / h, retentate loop flow rate 1100 1 / h; permeate flow rate 10-20 1 / h, run time 5 h.

[0235] Analysis

[0236] Dry matter was determined gravimetrically, by drying to weight constancy under atmospheric conditions on a halogen balance and weighing the sample on a high precision analytical balance. Iodine content was determined by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), after alkaline (Tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide) digestion using heating in a microwave oven.

[0237] Arsenic content was determined by anion exchange HPLC- ICP- MS, after nitric acid digestion.

[0238] Protein content was determined by Kjeldahl nitrogen analysis, using a nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor of 5.0, after deducting non-protein (mineral) nitrogen.

[0239] Seaweed preparation

[0240] Dry matter of the seaweed preparation was 3.95 % (w / w), its total weight was 38 kg. This corresponds to 1.5 kg dry matter and 36.5 kg aqueous phase.

[0241] The iodine content of the seaweed preparation was 5600 ppm on a dry basis, or 8400 mg absolute.

[0242] The arsenic content of the seaweed preparation was 61 ppm on a dry basis, or 91 mg absolute.

[0243] Protein content was 11%.

[0244] Permeate

[0245] Dry matter of the permeate was approximately 0.5% (w / w), its total weight was 80 kg. This corresponds to 0.4 kg dry matter and 79.6 kg aqueous phase.

[0246] The iodine content of the permeate was approximately 93 ppm, or 7440 mg on absolute.

[0247] The arsenic content of the permeate was approximately 770 ppb, or 61 mg on absolute.

[0248] Retentate

[0249] Dry matter of the retentate was measured at 2.3% (w / w), and its total weight 38 kg (based on mass conservation). This corresponds to 0.9 kg dry matter and 37.1 kg of aqueous phase.

[0250] Some seaweed preparation was accumulated and compacted in the UF apparatus, and thus not taken into account in the initial dry matter measurement. The remaining 0.2 kg was included in calculation to equilibrate the dry matter mass balance and correct the retentate dry matter to 2.9% (w / w) and 1.1 kg absolute, respectively. The iodine content of the retentate was 960 ppm on a dry basis, or 1050 mg absolute, considering 1.1 kg dry matter.

[0251] The arsenic content of the permeate was approximately 36 ppm, or 39 mg absolute,, considering 1.1 kg dry matter.

[0252] Protein content was 15%.

[0253] In addition to the above, the amino acid profile of the seaweed preparation and the retentate was similar (see Figure 2).

[0254] Mass balances

[0255] Dry matter: 1.5 kg in seaweed preparation versus 0.4 kg in permeate + 1.1 kg in retentate (measured 0.9 kg, plus residuals in UF apparatus) (relative error (permeate + retentate) / seaweed preparation prior to correction = - 13%)

[0256] Iodine: 8400 mg in seaweed preparation versus 7440 mg in permeate + 1050 mg in retentate (relative error (permeate + retentate) / seaweed preparation = + 1%)

[0257] Arsenic: 91 mg in seaweed preparation versus 61 mg in permeate + 39 mg in retentate

[0258] (relative error (permeate + retentate) / seaweed preparation = + 10 %)

[0259] The mass balances appear consistent, considering the uncertainty inferred by the roughly 10% of seaweed dry matter residuals in the UF apparatus and the intrinsic scatter of sampling and analytical method itself.

[0260] This demonstrates a substantial enrichment of iodine and arsenic in the permeate, and a corresponding depletion in the retentate, demonstrating the efficiency of the process.

[0261] Theoretical optimum iodine reduction

[0262] Assuming a quantitative transfer of the 8400 mg iodine present in the seaweed preparation into the 36.5 kg of aqueous phase would give a waterborne iodine concentration of 230 ppm.

[0263] With 80 kg of wash water and 36.5 kg of aqueous phase of the seaweed preparation, the theoretical dilution factor for a continuous dilution procedure is around 9. This value is obtained by a calculation of a dilution series, as limit for decreasing portion size of added and removed wash water while keeping the total amount of aqueous phase constant.

[0264] At the end of the washout process, the 230 ppm of the aqueous phase of the seaweed preparation would hence have decreased to 26 ppm, leaving an absolute amount of waterborne iodine of 950 mg in the 36.5 kg aqueous phase of the retentate and 7450 mg (i.e. the difference to 8400 mg present in the seaweed preparation) in the 80 kg permeate, corresponding to an iodine concentration of 93 ppm.

[0265] Experimental iodine values are 1050 mg in the retentate, and 7440 mg in the permeate. This is very close to the theoretical optimum of this process, and surprising in the light of the reported difficulties in removing iodine from seaweed, according to literature.

[0266] All publications mentioned in the above specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described methods and system of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in molecular biology or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for reducing the amount of iodine in a marine plant preparation; the method comprising: a) providing an aqueous composition comprising the marine plant preparation; and b) processing the aqueous composition by ultrafiltration across a membrane with a pore size of about 50 kDa or less to provide a processed marine plant preparation with a reduced amount of iodine compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the marine plant preparation comprises a dried and / or milled preparation.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the marine plant preparation has an average particle size of about 50 pm or less.

4. The method according to any preceding claim wherein the amount of iodine in the processed marine plant preparation is reduced by at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% compared to the amount of iodine in the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition.

5. The method according to any preceding claim wherein the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition comprises from 10 to 10,000 mg / kg iodine.

6. The method according to any preceding claim wherein the processed marine plant preparation comprises less than about 1000 mg / kg iodine.

7. The method according to any preceding claim wherein the marine plant is selected from Asparagopsis taxiformis, Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum fusiforme, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria hyperboreaa, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina japonica, Saccharina latissima, Saccharina longicruris, Alaria esculenta, Undaria pinnatifida, Eisenia bicyclis, Palmaria palmata, and Saccharina latissima.

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the marine plant is selected from Asparagopsis taxiformis, Asparagopsis armata, Dictyota spp (e.g. Dictyota bartayresii), Oedogonium spp, Ulva spp, and C. patentiramea.

339. The method according to any preceding claim wherein ultrafiltration is performed using a membrane with a pore size of about 15 kDa or less.

10. The method according to any preceding claim wherein (a) the level of bromoform in the processed marine plant preparation is essentially unaltered compared to the level in the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration; and / or (b) the macronutrient profile of the processed marine plant preparation is essentially unaltered compared to the marine plant preparation prior to ultrafiltration.

11. The method according to any preceding claim wherein step b) reduces the amount of one or more heavy metals in the processed marine plant preparation compared to the marine plant preparation in the aqueous composition; preferably wherein the heavy metal is arsenic.

12. A marine plant preparation obtainable by the method of any of claims 1 to 11.

13. A marine plant preparation comprising less than about 100 mg / kg iodine; preferably wherein the marine plant is Asparagopsis taxiformis, Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum fusiforme, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria hyperboreaa, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina japonica, Saccharina latissima, Saccharina longicruris, Alaria esculenta, Undaria pinnatifida, Eisenia bicyclis, Palmaria palmata, and Saccharina latissima.

14. An animal feed, animal feed supplement or animal feed ingredient comprising a marine plant preparation according to claim 12 or 13.

15. Use of a marine plant preparation according to any of claims 12 to 14 in the production of an animal feed, animal feed supplement or animal feed ingredient.34

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