Extraction, characterization and biocompatibility evaluation of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) skin collagen

Abstract Collagen as a biomaterial is commonly obtained from terrestrial animals. However, nowadays, the use of collagen with terrestrial animals' sources due to possible transmission of infectious diseases and religious beliefs is restricted. This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical characterization, morphology, and biocompatibility of extracted collagen from silver carp fish skin by-product. Type I collagen was extracted from the silver carp fish skin by-product using acetic acid and pepsin enzyme. The results showed that the extraction yield of ASC and PSC was 43% and 59% (on a dry weight basis), respectively. The presence of two different α-chains confirmed the type I collagen structure for both collagens. Moreover, FTIR spectra investigation demonstrated the triple helical in ASC and PSC collagens. The PSC showed higher imino acids content than ASC. Hence, the fractional viscosity and DSC curves revealed higher denaturation temperature (30 °C), shrinkage temperature (81 °C), and melting temperature (209 °C) for PSC than ASC (29 °C, 77 °C, and 187 °C, respectively). Finally, observations of the microscopic and the cell viability evaluation confirmed biocompatibility and suitable structure to cell growth. Accordingly, the obtained collagen from silver carp fish skin can be a proper alternative for terrestrial animals’ collagen and a safe biomaterial for biomedical use.