Sustainable Biopolymer Films from Amazonian Tambatinga Fish Waste: Gelatin Extraction and Performance for Food...

Area of Science:

• Biopolymer Science
• Aquaculture By-product Valorization
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Tambatinga fish (Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus brachypomus) is a fast-growing Amazonian hybrid.
• Fish processing residues, like Tambatinga skin, are abundant and often underutilized.
• Valorizing these residues aligns with circular economy principles and reduces environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize biopolymer films from Tambatinga fish skin gelatin.
• To evaluate the effects of glycerol concentration on film properties.
• To assess the potential of Tambatinga skin as a sustainable source for biopolymer production.

Main Methods:

• Gelatin extraction from Tambatinga fish skin using a hot water-acid process.
• Preparation of gelatin films with varying glycerol concentrations (10% and 20%).
• Characterization of film properties including mechanical strength, elongation, thermal behavior, UV-blocking, and water vapor permeability.

Main Results:

• Extracted Tambatinga gelatin showed high amino acid content and suitable Bloom strength for film formation.
• Gelatin films were transparent, flexible, and uniform.
• Increased glycerol content decreased tensile strength but enhanced elongation and altered thermal properties.
• Films exhibited excellent UV-blocking (<300 nm) and low water vapor permeability.

Conclusions:

• Tambatinga fish skin is a viable and sustainable raw material for producing high-quality biopolymer films.
• These films offer superior UV-blocking and water vapor barrier properties compared to other gelatin films.
• This research promotes resource efficiency and waste valorization in aquaculture, contributing to the circular bioeconomy.