Efficient Hydroxyapatite Extraction from Salmon Bone Waste: An Improved Lab-Scaled Physico-Chemico-Biological Process

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Growing demand for advanced biomaterials in tissue grafting and regenerative wound care.
• Limitations of traditional biomaterials regarding biocompatibility, cost, and sustainability.
• Significant waste generation in salmon aquaculture presents an opportunity for sustainable biomaterial production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the repurposing of salmon waste into a functional biomaterial.
• To identify the most efficient method for producing nano-sized hydroxyapatite from salmon waste.
• To evaluate the potential of salmon-derived hydroxyapatite for bone regeneration and tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Standardized pre-treatment and treatment of salmon waste to remove impurities.
• Evaluation of alkaline hydrolysis, calcination, and NaOH hydrolysis for hydroxyapatite extraction.
• Comprehensive chemical, physical, and biological assessments, including Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.

Main Results:

• A modified alkaline hydrolysis-calcination method efficiently produced nano-hydroxyapatite from salmon waste.
• The resulting salmon-derived hydroxyapatite exhibited a highly crystalline structure and optimal Ca/P ratio.
• Demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and favorable nano-scale properties suitable for bone repair.

Conclusions:

• Salmon-derived hydroxyapatite is a viable, sustainable biomaterial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• Its properties are comparable or superior to conventional hydroxyapatite sources.
• Repurposing salmon waste offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for advanced wound care and bone regeneration.