An Enhancement to Development, Characterization and Potential Application of Gelatin Extracted from Native Brazilian Fish Skin ( Colossoma macropomum)

Derived from collagen, gelatin is a valuable biopolymer with diverse applications. Traditionally sourced from mammals, environmental concerns have prompted exploration of alternatives. Fish gelatin, particularly from tropical species, has emerged as a promising source. Gelatin from tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) skin exhibits extraction yield of 52.96%, medium Bloom strength (123 g ±20), low turbidity (5.95 FNU ± 0.11), gelling temperature of 16°C, and significant levels of glycine (22.62%), proline (11.97%), and hydroxyproline (9.59%). Thermal analysis indicated stability up to 110°C. These properties suggest that tambaqui skin gelatin possesses suitable characteristics for various applications, including films, confectionary products, and microencapsulated systems.