Biodegradable films derived from devil fish skin collagen (Pterygoplichthys pardalis)

Resumen

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using collagen extracted from Pterygoplichthys pardalis skin to develop biodegradable films.

Design/methodology/approach: Collagen was extracted by assessing the effects of the acid-to-skin ratio and extraction time using a 2² factorial experimental design. The recovered collagen was characterized by SDS-PAGE, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Subsequently, films were formulated using a 2² factorial design with collagen concentrations (1 and 2%) and glycerol levels (10 and 20 mL), incorporating gum arabic. Mechanical performance including tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus was determined, alongside thermal properties (glass transition temperature, Tg; denaturation temperature, Tm) and biodegradability.

Results: The maximum collagen extraction yield reached 54%. The resulting films exhibited an average tensile strength of 1.26 ±0.17 MPa, elongation at break of 15.99 ±0.07%, and Young’s modulus of 22.09 ±0.078 MPa. Tg ranged from −13 °C to −17 °C, while Tm varied between 140°C and 158°C. The biodegradability index attained 77.74 ±6.76%.

Limitations on study/implications: The work was performed at laboratory scale; therefore, additional studies are required to evaluate process scalability and the prospective industrial applicability of the films.

Findings/conclusions: Collagen derived from P. pardalis skin represents a viable alternative feedstock for producing biodegradable biomaterials with promising mechanical and thermal characteristics, supporting fish-waste valorization and the development of more sustainable materials.