Extraction and characterization of collagen from the skin of Pterygoplichthys spp. (armored catfish) from Chiapas

Because of its biocompatibility and safety, collagen is a valuable biomaterial that is used in various industries. While traditionally sourced from terrestrial mammals, collagen extracted from fish waste is a promising alternative due to its chemical properties and low cost. In Mexico, Pterygoplichthys spp. is considered an invasive species, inedible, and of limited commercial importance due to the low muscle content and skin covered with rigid bony plates. This study aimed to extract and characterize collagen from the skin of Pterygoplichthys spp. obtained from two communities in Chiapas, Mexico. Our results show that the extracted collagen is type 1, with a yield of 43.0% (dry weight). Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed the presence of two alpha chains (α1, α2) and a beta and gamma component, consistent with type 1 collagen. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometry analysis identified peptide sequences homologous to those reported in other species. This study highlights the potential of Pterygoplichthys spp. skin collagen as a viable alternative to mammalian collagen. The efficiency of the extraction process and the identification of peptides resembling those of the other species underscore the feasibility of utilizing collagen from the skin of Pterygoplichthys spp. in industrial applications, offering a sustainable solution to environmental and economic challenges. Practical Application: Collagen extracted from the skin of Pterygoplichthys spp., an invasive fish species, can serve as a sustainable alternative to mammalian collagen, offering a cost-effective biomaterial with properties suitable for various industrial applications.