Groundbreaking Research Fuels the Introduction of Mycofence®: Advancing Immunity Solutions in Aquaculture

Citribel, a global leader in citric acid production, recently identified an innovative new use for Aspergillus niger mycelium-derived β-glucan, a byproduct of its production process. After bench-top testing revealed the bioproduct’s potential to enhance immunity against aquaculture diseases, Citribel formed a strategic partnership with Onda Contract Research, a Canadian CRO specializing in aquatic animal health to assist Citribel’s new entry into an unfamiliar market. Citribel and Onda’s collaboration supports Mycofence®’s successful market entry with a shared vision for advancing sustainable aquaculture health solutions.

Breaking Into a New Market
As one of the world’s major citric acid suppliers, Citribel needed to diversify due to growing international competition. The discovery that Aspergillus niger mycelium exhibited immune-boosting properties similar to yeast-derived β-glucan, commonly used in aquafeed, provided a new product opportunity. Preliminary tests suggested this bioproduct could improve fish disease resistance, leading Citribel to seek a qualified partner to validate these findings through in-vivo studies before introducing Mycofence® to aquafeed producers.

Why Citribel Chose Onda Contract Research
Onda’s established reputation as a premier CRO in aquatic animal health, combined with its expertise in testing immune responses and disease resistance, made it an ideal research partner for Citribel. Onda’s proven ability to conduct scientifically rigorous studies on aquaculture provided Citribel the assurance that Mycofence® would be evaluated in conditions close to those found in commercial aquaculture environments. In addition to analyzing key health markers—such as survival rates, immune regulation, and disease resistance—Onda confirmed Mycofence®’s efficacy against yeast-derived β-glucan, giving Citribel a credible edge in marketing the product.

In addition, Citribel was able to come into contact with marketing and regulatory professionals through Onda.  This way, Onda not only supported us in the research part of the trial, but also in broadening our network

Results
The research confirmed that Mycofence® significantly boosts survival rates and enhances immune responses in high-value aquaculture species, particularly Atlantic salmon, against challenging diseases such as Tenacibaculum maritimumand Moritella viscosa. Mycofence® outperformed traditional yeast-derived β-glucan, delivering immune benefits without compromising growth performance, positioning it as an advanced feed ingredient for producers looking for scientifically supported solutions.

Impact
Mycofence® opens a new revenue stream for Citribel in the aquaculture industry, especially among producers aiming to improve fish health and mitigate disease-related losses. Given the growing demand for sustainable disease prevention solutions, Mycofence® is poised to expand its presence in global aquaculture markets, particularly in regions heavily impacted by disease outbreaks.

Conclusion
The Citribel-Onda partnership illustrates the power of collaboration in advancing sustainable aquaculture health. Citribel's commitment to innovation and Onda's research capabilities in aquatic animal health have delivered a groundbreaking solution for the aquaculture industry, particularly to salmon farming. Mycofence® exemplifies how circular economy principles can yield valuable, sustainable solutions in aquaculture, supporting healthier fish populations and more resilient operations and business.