Blue Economy Breakthrough: A Decade of Fish derived Biomaterials and Nutraceuticals
A. D. Vaishnav
Department of Fisheries, Basic Science and Humanities, LSPN College of Fisheries, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh, India.
Md. S. Alam *
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Veraval, Gujarat, India.
S. Rath
Department of Aquaculture, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Md. E. Hussain
Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil Skuast-K, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
A. Khan
Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil Skuast-K, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
S. P. Bhatt
Department of Fishing Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil Skuast-K, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The food processing industry produces substantial fish and seafood waste, accounting for about 40-50% of total fish weight. This includes heads, skin, bones, fins, scales and internal organs. Previously, these by-products were mostly used for low-value purposes, but they are now gaining attention as valuable sources of bioactive compounds. These include omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, collagen, gelatin, peptides, enzymes and minerals. These compounds offer important health benefits, including support for heart and brain health, reduced inflammation and tissue repair. With improvements in extraction and purification techniques, these materials are now being used to develop high-value products, including nutraceuticals and biomedical materials. For example, fish protein hydrolysates are used to help manage blood pressure and control appetite. Fish collagen is also used in wound dressings and eye-related medical treatments because it is safe and has a low risk of disease transmission. This review synthesises research from the past 10-15 years, including scientific studies and clinical trials, to explore how different fish by-products, such as skin, cartilage, viscera, bones and scales, are used in modern medicine. It focuses on extraction methods, structural and functional properties, and effectiveness in clinical applications. Overall, converting fish waste into valuable health products increases economic value and supports sustainability and the circular bioeconomy.
Keywords: Fish by-products, blue economy, fish-derived biomaterials, marine collagen, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, bioactive peptides, hydroxyapatite, chondroitin sulphate, nutraceuticals, wound healing, circular bioeconomy