Location: Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research
Project Number: 6054-43440-051-003-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2024
End Date: Aug 31, 2026
Objective:
Cooperator will collaborate with ARS and industry collaborators for research involving value added processing of catfish byproducts into foods and supplements.
Develop processes to optimize extraction of intact collagen, production of gelatin from catfish skins, and hydroxyapatite from catfish bones.
Approach:
The aquaculture industry, especially catfish farming, plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy, with catfish growers reporting sales of $437 million in 2023. Key producing states include Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, with Louisiana notably contributing to various catfish species yields. The processing of catfish generates around 55% byproducts, including heads, frames, skin, and viscera. Despite being rich in proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds, these byproducts are often undervalued, yet they can be transformed into high-value products like collagen, gelatin, and hydroxyapatite (HA).
Collagen, mainly obtained from animal connective tissues, has extensive industrial uses due to its nutritional and functional properties. Traditional sources face challenges from disease concerns and religious restrictions, leading to increased interest in marine sources like catfish skin. Although catfish skin comprises about 6% of the fish and is typically discarded, it contains valuable collagen. The market for fish collagen is projected to grow significantly, from $1,309.3 million in 2022 to $1,994.7 million by 2032. This study proposes a fermentation-based pretreatment method to extract collagen from catfish skin while preserving its triple helix structure, addressing the limitations of conventional acid and enzyme extraction methods.
Gelatin, another key product from animal bones and skin, is valued for its cost-effectiveness and functional versatility. Fish skin, particularly from catfish, is becoming a promising alternative source of gelatin. The fish gelatin market, valued at $287.0 million in 2022, is expected to reach $397.1 million by 2032. This proposal aims to explore extraction and drying methods for gelatin from catfish skin, examining how different drying techniques affect the properties of the resulting gelatin. Research indicates that methods like spray drying can enhance gel properties, despite yielding less product compared to freeze and vacuum drying.
The study will also investigate producing hydroxyapatite from catfish bones. Previous research suggests that factors like calcination temperature significantly impact the purity and crystalline structure of HA. This proposed work will assess how varying calcination temperatures affect HA characteristics, aiming to establish optimal conditions for producing pure hydroxyapatite through a cost-effective method. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the utilization of underappreciated catfish byproducts, transforming them into valuable materials for various industries.
