With the growth of the global population and the increasing demand for healthy and sustainable sources of protein, fish and shrimp have become some of the most traded foods worldwide.
One of the main reasons is consumers’ recognition of the nutritional benefits of fish and seafood. In the United States, for example, 46% of consumers increased their intake of these foods in the past year in search of quality protein, and 45% for health reasons¹.
Additionally, there is a growing expectation for brands to take a transparent stance and show concern for sustainability. For 56% of American consumers, climate change raises concerns about the availability of fish and seafood¹. In the United Kingdom, 35% of consumers say media coverage of seafood sustainability has led them to reduce consumption³, while 56% of U.S. consumers are more attentive to sustainability than before¹.
In this context, modern aquaculture faces increasing challenges related to the intestinal health of farmed organisms, feed conversion efficiency, and profitability of production systems.
Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), components of yeast cell walls, are already widely recognized and used in aquaculture as an effective functional solution, with proven benefits for intestinal integrity, pathogen reduction, weight gain, and feed conversion, thus contributing to more profitable and sustainable aquaculture systems.
Aware of these benefits and the new challenges faced by the sector, Biorigin has developed an innovative solution: HyperGen. Unlike conventional MOS, which already delivers significant productive gains, HyperGen offers a unique approach by combining the known effects of MOS with the partial exposure and activation of the beta glucan layer of the yeast cell wall, a key component in stimulating the immune response.
This feature enhances the immune support of shrimp and fish, especially during times of stress or challenges, and reinforces Biorigin’s commitment to high-performance aquaculture production focused on animal welfare, sustainability, and profitability.
We have prepared this article so you can learn more about the benefits of this innovative yeast-derived product.
UNDERSTANDING MANNAN OLIGOSACCHARIDES (MOS) AND THEIR BENEFITS FOR AQUACULTURE
The yeast cell wall is a highly organized, robust, and dynamic structure responsible for protecting the cell and interacting with the external environment. It consists of a three-dimensional network of polysaccharides and proteins, distributed across different layers with complementary functions.
The structural base of the yeast wall, especially in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is primarily composed of beta glucans, mostly β-1,3-glucans with β-1,6 branches. These polymers form a dense and interwoven internal matrix. Anchored to this matrix are mannoproteins, which are proteins linked to mannose chains and make up the outermost layer of the wall. These mannoproteins expose the mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), complex carbohydrates from the oligosaccharide family, consisting of short chains of monosaccharides (simple sugars), typically 3 to 10 mannose units. These oligosaccharides are not digestible by animals, characterizing them as prebiotics, substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Beta glucans, in turn, are known for their immunomodulatory properties, meaning they stimulate the immune system by activating cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, contributing to overall health and resilience during challenging periods.
In aquaculture, MOS are widely used as functional aqua additives due to their positive effects on animal health and performance:
- Pathogen binding: Act as competitive receptors, preventing pathogenic bacteria like Vibrio from adhering to the intestinal mucosa.
- Microbiota modulation: Stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
- Improved nutrient absorption: By promoting intestinal integrity, they enhance feed conversion and weight gain.
- Increased digestibility: Contribute to better nitrogen and phosphorus digestibility, reducing environmental impact.
“Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) play a significant role in aquaculture, especially due to their beneficial effects on intestinal health and the productive performance of fish and shrimp. Acting as prebiotics yeast, they promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract while inhibiting the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. This positive modulation of the intestinal microbiota contributes to a more balanced digestive environment, promoting better nutrient absorption, higher growth rates, and improved feed conversion, essential factors for sustainable and efficient aquaculture production,” says João Koch, Global Technical Manager at Biorigin.
According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global aquaculture production has grown by more than 527% over the past three decades² and is expected to continue expanding. Therefore, investing in sustainable and high-performance solutions, such as optimizing the bioactivity of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), is strategic to meet this growing demand responsibly and efficiently.
Biorigin has applied its exclusive biotechnology to optimize the bioactivity of the yeast cell wall, offering the market an evolution of the traditional MOS concept. What was already effective is now even better: HyperGen is Biorigin’s innovation that stands out for its optimized functionality and consistent results. This solution represents a new era in aquaculture nutrition, combining science, profitability, and sustainability.
HyperGen is the second generation of MOS. Its exclusive production process not only solubilizes and reduces the particle size of mannan oligosaccharides, making them more absorbable, but also partially exposes and activates the beta glucan layer. This combination enhances the benefits, promoting intestinal health and a more efficient local immune response, especially in sanitary challenge situations such as shrimp farming.
The joint action of MOS and beta glucans helps reduce losses caused by diseases and improves zootechnical indicators such as feed conversion and survival rate, supporting healthier, more productive, and resilient aquaculture.
MORE INNOVATION WITH TRIPLE FUNCTIONALITY
Biorigin’s technology enables full exploration of the yeast cell wall’s potential, making all beneficial components available. This ensures greater exposure of MOS fractions and partial exposure of beta glucans, enhancing the effect of triple action:
- Pathogen blocking: Greater effectiveness in inhibiting the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria.
- Optimized protection system: The innermost beta glucan layer is freed from proteins and mannans, resulting in ideal bioavailability and more efficient immune stimulation.
- Nutrition for beneficial microorganisms (prebiotic yeast effect): Beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract utilize mannan oligosaccharides, proliferate, and accumulate, leading to the replacement of pathogens.
These three actions, when combined, significantly improve animal performance due to reduced pathogen pressure and enhanced intestinal health. As a direct consequence, shrimp farming sees improvements in growth and profitability.
We invited Robson Barducci, Senior Specialist in Animal Nutrition and Health at Biorigin’s R&D, to share insights on the company’s MOS benefits: “The future of prebiotics yeast has already begun! In a performance-driven world, Biorigin developed HyperGen, the new generation of yeast-derived prebiotics that redefine animal nutrition standards. With exclusive technology, we’ve raised soluble MOS levels and total cell wall material to unprecedented levels, unlocking the true potential of yeast. With five times more soluble MOS and twice the beta glucan purity, HyperGen stands as the ultimate choice for industries seeking more health, more efficiency, and better results. By unlocking all functional components of the yeast cell wall, we usher in the era of functional harmony. With Biorigin, every layer of the cell wall becomes a source of performance.”
HYPERGEN: BOOST YOUR SHRIMP PERFORMANCE
Produced through the primary fermentation process of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, HyperGen delivers highly soluble mannans and partially exposed beta glucans, resulting in a powerful prebiotic yeast effect and activation of natural defenses
With enhanced prebiotic action, the product supports proper intestinal function, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption. Key benefits of HyperGen for shrimp intestinal health include:
- Improved intestinal microbiota
- Greater nutrient utilization
- Strengthened protection during challenging periods
- Increased survival rate
- Preservation of intestinal integrity
- Improved feed conversion and weight gain
- Higher performance and profitability
Additionally, it ensures a higher survival rate, resistance against pathogens, and sustained production even under challenging conditions, resulting in increased net revenue.
HyperGen is a natural-origin prebiotic yeast and immunomodulatory solution for shrimp, promoting better productive performance and greater profitability for yeast producers for feed. Its application contributes to increased survival rates, final biomass, and net profit in aquaculture operations*.
One of the best ways to test aqua additives is under practical conditions, that is, in commercial fish and shrimp farms. This allows for understanding the performance of animals fed with aqua additives in real-world scenarios, high stocking densities, stress from routine management practices, temperature fluctuations, and pathogenic challenges. To learn more, read the study here.
HyperGen is a natural, safe, heat-stable product with guaranteed quality and available in different formats (SKUs). Visit our website to learn more and request a sample.
ABOUT BIORIGIN
For over 20 years, Biorigin has been leveraging its biotechnology expertise to optimize the yeast fermentation process, developing innovative solutions that ensure the nutrition and performance of fish and shrimp.
Our company offers products with high consistency, full traceability, a strong commitment to sustainability, and recognized certifications such as NON-GMO and Bonsucro.
To learn more about Biorigin, our products, and our yeast-based solutions, visit our website.
Sources:
¹ Mintel – Fish and Shellfish – US – 2025
* References supporting this content are available upon request.
