Collagen and Gelatin from Fish Processing By-Products for Biomedical Applications

Fish discards that otherwise constitute a threat to environmental health are also a reservoir of bioactive molecules, peptides, and polymers that hold immense potential for biomedical applications. Fish discards, including fish scales, skin, fins, tails, etc., are largely collagen proteins that can be easily isolated from these discards by simple isolation protocols. Endowed with several advantageous characteristics such as limited immunogenic properties, easy extractability, lower risk of zoonosis transmission, and biocompatibility, fish products-derived collagen and gelatin have emerged as an appropriate alternative for their mammalian counterparts. Using simple extraction techniques, fish-derived collagen and gelatin can be turned into scaffolds and constructs using cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and electrospinning, among others based on the therapeutic demands of the concerned tissue for various tissue engineering applications. Although these two natural polymers made from fish also have weak mechanical qualities, these flaws have been painstakingly fixed as a result of the latest technical breakthroughs, maximizing their utility. The role of fish collagen and gelatin in drug delivery wound healing and therapeutics is indispensable which signifies their importance in the commercial aspect. Entwined with technology, these discards or by-products could be viably transformed into value-added products that can immensely contribute to the biomedical sector simultaneously abating the burden on the marine and soil environment.