John Stieglitz
Research Associate Professor, Marine Biology and Ecology
Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science
jstieglitz@miami.edu
Aquaculture is increasingly contributing to human health through bioactive compounds, pharmaceuticals, sustainable biomaterials, and the production of high-quality seafood rich in essential nutrients that support brain function and cardiac health. Marine-derived molecules, such as fish collagen for wound healing, omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health, and bioactive polysaccharides from seaweeds, are being explored for medical applications. Bivalves, renowned for their biofiltration abilities, are being explored for their role in enhancing coastal water quality, which in turn supports human health by reducing waterborne contaminants and improving ecosystem resilience. Vaccination technologies developed for aquaculture, including mRNA and nanoparticle-based oral vaccines, have potential applications in human medicine, particularly in infectious disease prevention. Meanwhile, the sustainable utilization of aquaculture byproducts is driving innovations in regenerative medicine, with fishbone-derived calcium phosphates showing promise for bone grafting and tissue engineering. Seaweed-derived biomaterials are also gaining interest in wound healing and drug delivery applications. There are many opportunities for collaborative research, particularly in topics focused on expanding the use of aquaculture-based biopharmaceuticals, optimizing vaccine delivery for both human and animal health, and scaling up waste-derived biomedical materials. Additionally, aquaculture plays a crucial role in improving human brain function and cardiac health by providing high-quality seafood rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. By bridging aquaculture with human health research, the field is poised to contribute to both sustainable food systems and next-generation medical advancements.
Keywords: aquaculture, brain function, cardiac health, novel bioactive compounds, biopharmaceuticals, omega-3 fatty acids
