Engineered fish scale gelatin: An alternative and suitable biomaterial for tissue engineering

This study explores the suitability of the fish scale gelatin as an alternative for biomaterial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In brief, collagen extracted from fish scales converted to gelatin with required bloom strength for its suitability for further modification with phenolic acids. Dihydroxy phenolic acid (caffeic acid) is tethered to the fish scale gelatin using carbodiimide chemistry. Characterization studies suggested and confirmed the change of the fish scale gelatin to phenolic acid modified gelatin. Further, physical, thermal, mechanical, biodegradable, and cytocompatible properties phenolic acid modified gelatin studied in detail. Results displayed that modification of fish scale gelatin with dihydroxy phenolic acid imparts mechanical, biodegradability, and cytocompatible properties as expected. Micro–computed tomography analysis of phenolic acid modified gelatin demonstrates the appreciable porous structures which facilitate the adherence and proliferation of cells. In conclusion, phenolic acid modified gelatin shows the suitability and also as an alternative to the existing synthetic and other natural materials for tissue engineering research.