Science, Product & Partnership
Frequently Asked Questions

AENON uses a dual-action mechanism — entirely independent of bromoform or Asparagopsis.

Direct mechanism: Bioactive sulphated polysaccharides from SSF-processed seaweed disrupt the cell membrane integrity of methanogenic archaea, directly reducing CH₄-generating metabolic activity.

Indirect mechanism: SSF fermentation metabolites redirect excess metabolic hydrogen (H₂) from methanogenesis toward propionate synthesis — an alternative H₂ sink that converts waste energy into productive animal nutrition.

Preliminary result: ~50% CH₄ reduction in batch rumen gas production assay (in-vitro). 🔬 In-Vitro Only

Eucheuma denticulatum contains ι-carrageenan — a sulphated polysaccharide that forms a firm, viscous gel when hydrated with water. At any commercially meaningful seaweed concentration, this gel formation is immediate and makes liquid fermentation physically unworkable.

SSF at 45°C is not a design preference. It is the only viable industrial pathway for carrageenan-rich red seaweed substrates. This physical necessity is the origin of the core patent innovation — and is the reason the SSF process at 45°C is the leading claim in AENON's KIPO patent application. ✅ GREEN

Full SSF process rationale →

The 45°C process temperature serves two simultaneous functions:

1. Physical substrate management: At 45°C, the carrageenan matrix remains manageable in solid-state conditions — avoiding the gel formation that prevents liquid fermentation. This is a physical chemistry requirement, not a microbiological preference.

2. Fermentation organism optimum: The fermentation organisms used in the SSF process are selected for thermotolerance at 45°C and produce their target bioactive compound profile most efficiently at this temperature.

The 45°C temperature is dictated by both the substrate physics and the biology of the fermentation process, making it a core process claim in the KIPO patent application. ✅ GREEN

AenoFeed SC-1 contains Eucheuma denticulatum (Spinosum) and Kappaphycus alvarezii (Cottonii) in a proprietary blend.

Spinosum (Primary): High ι-carrageenan content → rich bioactive sulphated polysaccharide fraction. Drives the SSF process necessity. Commercially cultivated in Vietnam at scale.

Cottonii (Secondary): κ-carrageenan provides complementary polysaccharide fractions. Modulates SSF matrix viscosity and bioactive compound profile.

The blend ratio is a core KIPO patent claim (proprietary, patent-protected) — empirically optimised through bioactivity screening and fermentation trials. Both species are bromoform-free. ✅ GREEN

In ruminants, propionate is the primary glucose precursor — it provides metabolisable energy for milk production and body weight gain.

Standard methane inhibition without H₂ management leaves excess hydrogen in the rumen, which can suppress fibre-digesting bacteria and reduce feed efficiency. AENON's second mechanism redirects this surplus H₂ toward propionate synthesis — converting what would be methane-bound hydrogen into productive animal energy.

This dual approach simultaneously: (1) reduces methane output, and (2) maintains or improves total digestible nutrients and feed conversion efficiency. 🔬 Hypothesis — pending in-vivo confirmation

Full dual mechanism explainer →

Evidence type: Batch rumen in-vitro gas production assay

Conditions: 24h incubation at 39°C; inoculum: buffered rumen fluid from rumen-cannulated cows; substrate: SSF-processed seaweed blend; n=3 replicates per run; 2 experimental runs

Result: ~50% reduction in CH₄ proportion of total gas vs. control 🔬 Preliminary

Caveats: Internal data — peer review not complete. In-vitro results do not guarantee equivalent in-vivo performance. No in-vivo data is available as of August 2026.

Full assay methodology →

AENON is preparing a 6-head crossover in-vivo trial in collaboration with Seoul National University (SNU) Pyeongchang Campus, scheduled for Q4 2026.

• Species: Dairy cows (Holstein)
• Design: Crossover — treatment vs. control periods
• Measurement: Respiration chamber (direct CH₄ and CO₂ flux)
• Secondary outcomes: Feed intake, milk production, body weight, digestibility

IRB and facility approval processes are ongoing. No in-vivo data is available. ⚠ YELLOW — Planned

AENON has filed a patent application with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) covering 22 claims:

• SSF process at 45°C using Eucheuma denticulatum as primary substrate
• Substrate composition: proprietary blend ratio of Spinosum + Cottonii (patent-protected)
• Fermentation process parameters (temperature, duration, substrate moisture)
• Final product composition specifications
• Method of use for enteric methane reduction in ruminants
• Korea–Vietnam supply chain integration (claims 20–22)

Applicant: AENON Co., Ltd. | Status: Pending examination and grant ✅ GREEN — Filed

Full patent number and independent claim text will be disclosed upon KIPO grant.

The dosage evaluated in the in-vitro assay is a proprietary reference level (patent-protected). A dose-response curve is in progress. Commercial dosage will be determined after in-vivo trial completion.

Format: Dry powder — compatible with standard TMR (total mixed ration) blending or compound feed premix. No cold chain required.

Commercial dosage will be determined following in-vivo trial completion (Q4 2026). Korea Feed Act registration is required before commercial dosage claims can be made. 🔬 Developmental

AenoFeed SC-1 contains zero bromoform or halogenated chemical residues — derived from Eucheuma denticulatum and Kappaphycus alvarezii, neither of which contains bromoform.

Preliminary in-vitro data shows rumen pH and dry matter disappearance remain within normal ranges at the tested dosage. No negative digestibility signal has been observed.

Formal food safety assessments (milk residue, meat safety, animal welfare) will be conducted as part of the Korea Feed Act registration dossier. No adverse effects on milk or beef sensory properties have been identified to date. ⚠ Formal safety study pending

Store in sealed moisture-barrier packaging below 25°C, relative humidity under 60%, away from direct sunlight. No cold chain required.

Preliminary stability data indicates active metabolic profiles are stable for up to 12 months from manufacture date under these conditions. Formal shelf life studies are ongoing.

Final commercial specifications will be confirmed at product registration. ⚠ Preliminary stability data

Korean livestock farms feeding formally registered methane-reducing feed ingredients are eligible for approximately KRW 55,000 per head per year under the MAFRA (Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) Livestock GHG Reduction Incentive Programme.

AenoFeed SC-1 is not yet eligible — Korea Feed Act registration requires in-vivo animal trial data (planned Q4 2026). The registration pathway involves:

1. Complete in-vivo trial (Q4 2026)
2. Submit dossier to Feed Process Committee (사료심의위원회)
3. Obtain MAFRA Feed Act registration
4. Register with GHG reduction incentive programme + MRV

Subsidy rate subject to annual MAFRA revision. Verify current terms at krc.or.kr. ⚠ Future eligibility — registration required

Full Korea registration pathway →

Enteric methane reduction is an eligible activity for carbon credit generation under Korea's K-ETS compliance scheme and voluntary markets (Verra VCS, Gold Standard). However, credit generation requires:

• Verified in-vivo methane reduction in actual production animals (in-vitro insufficient)
• Approved MRV (measurement, reporting, verification) methodology
• Scheme registration and independent annual audit
• Korea Feed Act registration (for domestic pathways)

AenoFeed SC-1 has not yet generated carbon credits. This is a post-in-vivo-validation future pathway. Specific credit values are not asserted. ⚠ YELLOW — Future pathway

Both target enteric methane in ruminants but differ fundamentally in origin, mechanism, and evidence maturity:

No cost-per-head comparison is asserted. Both are legitimate approaches to the same emissions challenge.

Full objective comparison →

AenoFeed SC-1 is a dry powder compatible with existing TMR blending and premix lines — no reformulation of manufacturing infrastructure required.

Once MAFRA Feed Act registration is complete, feed manufacturers can:

• Add a government-certified low-carbon product line to their portfolio
• Enable customer farms to access the ~KRW 55,000/head/year GHG incentive
• Support ESG reporting for Scope 3 livestock emissions targets
• Position products for Korea's growing climate-compliant livestock market

Development-stage integration trials available to qualified manufacturers under NDA. Contact: zionbong@aenon.co.kr