Pharmaceutical and Hydrogel Applications of Marine Collagen

The collagen derived from marine sources such as scales and bones of fishes has achieved focus in pharmaceutical industry. Its recent innovation as a biocompatible hydrogel raw material has also enhanced the interest among the researchers in the particular fields due to their specific characteristics. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes marine collagen as a drug delivery tool, with the capability to promote controlled drug release and excellent bioavailability properties. The biocompatibility and lower risk of immunogenicity qualify marine collagen as an ideal choice for healing of wounds, engineering tissue including regenerative medicinal functions. In the application of marine collagen as a hydrogel, it exhibits crucial characteristics by assisting in establishing a biocompatible matrix that simulate the extracellular conditions. Such hydrogels are applied in drug delivery systems with the capacity of sustained release of therapeutic drugs. Furthermore, the innate bioactivity of marine collagen advocates cell connection and propagation, which are fundamental for tissue repair. The versatile nature, paired with its availability in the marine environment, emphasizes its prospective for enhancing pharmaceutical preparations and hydrogel-based technologies, aiding to develop novel solutions in the fields of biotechnology and medicine. This chapter discusses the pharmaceutical and hydrogel applications of collagen isolated from marine resources.