Gelatin and Collagen from Sheepskin

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Waste Valorization
• Protein Chemistry

Background:

• Sheepskins are typically disposed of as solid waste due to low demand for leather.
• Sheepskins represent a potential source of valuable proteins like collagen and its derivative, gelatin.
• Sustainable utilization of abattoir by-products is an ongoing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sheepskins as a viable source for collagen and gelatin extraction.
• To compare the efficacy of different extraction methods (acid, acid-enzyme, alkali) for collagen recovery.
• To characterize the extracted collagen and gelatin products.

Main Methods:

• Sheepskins were processed using acid extraction, acid extraction with enzymes, and alkali extraction.
• Characterization involved Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).
• Hydroxyproline content was measured to determine product purity.

Main Results:

• Extraction yields ranged from 3.1% to 4.8%.
• Product purity, indicated by hydroxyproline content, was significantly higher in acid (59%) and acid-enzyme (68%) extracts compared to alkali (7.8%).
• SDS-PAGE revealed different molecular weight fragments depending on the extraction method, with acid-enzyme yielding smaller fragments.

Conclusions:

• Sheepskin is a promising source for collagen-gelatin materials.
• Acid-based extraction methods are more effective for obtaining purer collagen and gelatin.
• The study demonstrates a sustainable approach to utilizing abattoir by-products for valuable biomaterials.