Eco-friendly Advancements through Fish Waste: A Review of Therapeutic and Industrial Innovations

Fish waste, a significant by-product of the fisheries industry, presents both an environmental challenge and a valuable resource. This review delves into the innovative approaches to harness the potential of fish waste for various applications, particularly in the biomedical and industrial sectors. Therapeutically, fish waste yields valuable bioactive compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids, collagen peptides, and gelatine, which are known to benefit cardiovascular, skin, and immune health. Fish-derived collagen, for instance, is employed in wound healing, bone regeneration, and cosmetic applications due to its biocompatibility and lower infection risk compared to land-animal sources. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish waste exhibit anti-inflammatory, anticancer adding value to pharmaceutical industries. Industrially, fish waste can be transformed into eco-friendly materials like bioplastics, biofuels, and biofertilizers, contributing to environmental sustainability. Bioplastics synthesized from fish scales and biotextiles developed from collagen-modified polyester exemplify sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. Additionally, fish-based biofertilizers enhance soil fertility, promoting greener agriculture. Innovations also include the production of fish-based leather, low-cost fish peptones for microbial culture, and fish oil-based biofuel with diesel-like properties, showcasing versatile applications. This review explores the untapped potential of fish waste, emphasizing its underutilized yet high-value therapeutic and industrial applications. Unlike existing studies, it focuses on lesser-explored areas such as fish-derived biofertilizers for precision agriculture and fish-based bioplastics for sustainable packaging. These applications can significantly reduce pollution, promote non-toxic alternatives, and contribute to sustainable industries. By leveraging fish waste, this review aims to address environmental challenges, support global health initiatives, and highlight innovative solutions for a circular economy.