Antifreeze proteins are particular proteins, glycopeptides, and peptides manufactured by varied organisms to permit cells to sustain in sub-zero conditions. AFPs operate by lessening the water’s freezing point and prohibiting the growth of ice crystals in the frozen stage. The antifreeze proteins market size is expanding as their potential in adjusting ice growth causes the stabilization of ice crystals within a provided temperature scope and reluctance of ice recrystallization that reduces the drip loss in the course of thawing. AFPs can be detected in manifold sources such as yeast, fish, bacteria, plants, and insects.
The global antifreeze proteins market was valued at USD 6.05 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at USD 118.00 million with a CAGR of 34.6% during the forecast period 2032.
Nice Ice
AFPs do not prohibit the growth of ice crystals, but they restrict the growth to feasible sizes. Thus, they are also referred to as ice-restructuring proteins. This is essential because of an abnormal property of ice known as recrystallization. When water starts to freeze for several minute, crystal forms, but then a handful of small crystals command and grow bigger and bigger, appropriating water molecules from neighboring small crystals. AFPs prevent this recrystallization impact. They bind to the surface of the small ice crystals and retard the growth into larger detrimental crystals.
Supercooling
AFPs reduce the freezing point of the water by a few degrees but, unusually, don’t alter the melting point. This procedure of slowing the freezing point while not influencing the melting point is indicated as thermal hysteresis. The most impactful AFPs are made by insects that reduce the freezing point by about 6 degrees. But the AFPs, even the ones from plants and bacteria that have a minute impact on freezing point, are handy in another way. The antifreeze proteins market sales are soaring as they are positioned outside cells where they regulate the size of ice crystals and prohibit disastrous ice crystal formations when the temperature dips below freezing point.
Growth Drivers
There is an escalating demand for frozen food products, which need AFPs to sustain their standard in the course of freezing and thawing. Further, there is an escalating demand for eco-friendly and sustainable commodities, which are anticipated to push the demand for antifreeze proteins because of their biodegradable and natural characteristics. The dilating usage of AFPs in medical and cosmetic entreaties. These proteins have cryoprotective properties that render them handy in conserving cells, tissues, and organs for medical purposes. They are also utilized in cosmetic commodities to prohibit skin injury engendered by freezing temperatures.
Solid Dominated the Market
The solid segment accounted for the largest market share due to the effortless obtainability of AFPs in solid form. In the antifreeze proteins market, due to its longer shelf life, the solid form of antifreeze protein is broadly utilized in food industries, including frozen foods, ice cream, frozen fish, and meats. Additionally, the solid form provides superior stability and simplification of managing, making it perfect for frozen food applications.
Geographical Penetration
Asia Pacific: this region dominated the market because of the region’s escalated manufacturing of marine catch and aquaculture, causing the effortless obtainability of antifreeze proteins. The growing demand for these proteins in several industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, propels the market. The pharmaceutical industries utilize AFPs for cryopreservation vaccines and alternate biological substances. The cosmetic industry is growingly in using these proteins in commodities to safeguard the skin from damage created by cold temperatures.
Recent Developments
In October 2021, Nichirei Holding Holland B.V. successfully acquired Norish (N.I.) Limited from Norish Plc. This acquisition is expected to facilitate Nichirei Holding Holland B.V. in expanding its temperature-controlled logistics operations in the United Kingdom.
Final Thoughts
Some life forms can pull through in freezing temperatures, which has caused research and development endeavors to inspect the medical and commercial applications of AFPs. These experimental studies will seemingly affirmatively influence the market in the foreseeable future.