Evaluation of the Potential of Collagen from Codfish Skin

Evaluation of the Potential of Collagen from Codfish Skin as a Biomaterial for Biomedical Applications

Ana M. Carvalho 1,2, Alexandra P. Marques 1,2, Tiago H. Silva 1,2,* and Rui L. Reis 1,2,3

1 – 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Avepark–Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ammpfc@i3bs.uminho.pt (A.M.C.); apmarques@i3bs.uminho.pt (A.P.M.); rgreis@i3bs.uminho.pt (R.L.R.)

2 – ICVS/3B’s–PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

3 – The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal *Correspondence: tiago.silva@i3bs.uminho.pt; Tel.: +351-253-510-931 Received: 6 November 2018; Accepted: 5 December 2018; Published: 8 December 2018.

Abstract: Collagen is one of the most widely used biomaterials, not only due its biocompatibility, biodegradability and weak antigenic potential, but also due to its role in the structure and function of tissues. Searching for alternative collagen sources, the aim of this study was to extract collagen from the skin of codfish, previously obtained as a by-product of fish industrial plants, and characterize it regarding its use as a biomaterial for biomedical application, according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Guidelines. Collagen type I with a high degree of purity was obtained through acid-extraction, as confirmed by colorimetric assays, SDS-PAGE and amino acid composition. Thermal analysis revealed a denaturing temperature around 16 ◦C. Moreover, collagen showed a concentration-dependent effect in metabolism and on cell adhesion of lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. In conclusion, this study shows that collagen can be obtained from marine-origin sources, while preserving its bioactivity, supporting its use in biomedical applications.

Keywords: marine-origin collagen; codfish; biophysical characterization; biologic activity; ASTM guidelines; biomedical application; marine biomaterials

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