EXTRACTION OF COLLAGEN AND GELATIN FROM THE SCALES OF DIFFERENT FRESHWATER FISH

Abstract

Introduction: Collagen and gelatin are essential protein in vertebrates and extensively used in various industries. Methods: In this study, acid-solubilized collagen and gelatin was extracted from the scales of three different species of freshwater fish namely Kelah (Tombroides), Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Snakehead fish (Channidae) and then further quantified using Bradford assay and separated by molecular weight using SDS-PAGE. Results: The extracted collagen in Tilapia fish scale was found to be the highest with 0.018 of protein absorbance among the other three fish; Kelah fish (0.017) and Snakehead fish (0.011). For gelatin, Snakehead fish scales shows the highest amount of total protein concentration followed by Tilapia and Kelah fish with 0.467, 0.144 and 0.037 µg/µL per g respectively. Based on the SDS-PAGE results, collagen from all the three freshwater fish was identified as type 1 (molecular weight approximately from 95 to 130 kDa) collagen. As for gelatin, only gelatin type from Snakehead fish scale was identified to be type 1(molecular weight approximately from 95 to 130 kDa) while the other two freshwater fish showed no clear band due to high viscosity of the gelatin produced. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that the fishes investigated in this study have a potential to be the alternative source of collagen and gelatin.