Indigenous proteases in the skin of unicorn leatherjacket (Alutherus monoceros) and their influence on characteristic and functional properties of gelatin

Indigenous proteases in the skin of unicorn leatherjacket (Alutherus monoceros) were characterised using autolytic study. Maximised autolysis was found at pH 7 and 50 °C. Autolysis was markedly inhibited by 0.04 mM soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), suggesting that heat activated serine protease was predominant in the skin. The impact of indigenous proteases on the properties of gelatin extracted from unicorn leatherjacket skin was investigated. Gelatin was extracted from unicorn leatherjacket skin using distilled water at 50 °C for 12 h in the presence and absence of 0.04 mM SBTI. In the presence of SBTI, the degradation was markedly inhibited, but a lower gelatin extraction yield was obtained (P < 0.05). Extracted gelatins contained α₁ and α₂ chains as the predominant components with some degradation peptides. FTIR spectra indicated a greater loss of molecular order of the triple helix and a higher degradation was found in gelatin extracted in the absence of 0.04 mM SBTI. The net charge of gelatin samples extracted with and without 0.04 mM SBTI became zero at pHs of 8.45 and 7.31, respectively, as determined by ζ-potential titration. Higher gel strength (320.68 ± 3.02 g) was obtained in gelatin extracted with SBTI, compared with that of gelatin extracted without SBTI (288.63 ± 1.44 g). High emulsifying activity index but lower emulsifying stability index was observed in the former. Therefore, heat-activated serine protease was involved in the degradation of gelatin molecules, thereby affecting the yield, proteinaceous components and properties of gelatin from unicorn leatherjacket skin.     

Extraction and characterisation of pepsin-solubilised collagen from the skin of unicorn leatherjacket (Aluterus monocerous)

Pepsin-solubilised collagen (PSC) was extracted from the skin of unicorn leatherjacket (Aluterus monocerous), using 0.5 M acetic acid in the presence of pepsin from albacore tuna, yellowfin tuna or porcine pepsin at a level of 20 units/g of defatted skin. Yields of 8.48 ± 0.3%, 8.40 ± 0.3% and 7.56 ± 0.4% (wet weight basis) were obtained for PSC extracted with the aid of albacore tuna pepsin (APSC), yellowfin tuna pepsin (YPSC) and porcine pepsin (PPSC), respectively. All PSCs were classified as Type I collagen containing two α₁-chains and one α₂-chain with no disulphide bond. The peptide maps of different PSCs hydrolysed by V8 protease and lysyl endopeptidase were different. ATR-FTIR spectra analysis revealed that PSC molecules had the compact triple helical structure stabilised mainly by the hydrogen bond. T_max of all PSCs (31.68–31.98 °C) shifted to lower values (29.33–29.40 °C) when dispersed in 0.05 M acetic acid, indicating the conformational changes in the collagen structure induced by acid. Relative viscosity of 0.03% PSC in 0.1 M acetic acid solution decreased progressively as the temperature increased from 4 to 52 °C, indicating thermal destabilisation or denaturation of PSC molecules. All PSCs were soluble in the pH range of 1–6 and sharply decreased at neutral pH. Decreases in solubility were observed in the presence of NaCl, especially at concentrations above 2% (w/v). Therefore, the skin of unicorn leatherjacket could serve as a potential source of collagen.     

Compositional and physicochemical characteristics of acid solubilized collagen extracted from the skin of unicorn leatherjacket (Aluterus monoceros)

Acid solubilized collagen (ASC) was extracted from the skin of unicorn leatherjacket (Aluterus monoceros) using 0.5 M acetic acid, followed by precipitation with 2.6 M NaCl. ASC with the yield of 4.19% (wet weight basis) was identified as type I collagen, which was composed of two α₁ chains and one α₂ chain. Different peptide maps were observed between ASC hydrolyzed by V8 protease and lysyl endopeptidase. The maps were also different from those of type I collagen from calf skin, suggesting the differences in amino acid sequences between both collagens. Glycine was the most predominant amino acid. ASC contained the relatively higher content of alanine, but lower contents of proline and hydroxyproline, compared with calf skin collagen. FTIR analysis showed that ASC was in triple helix structure. T_max of ASC dispersed in 0.05 M acetic acid and deionized water were 27.7 and 35.8 °C, respectively. Relative viscosity of 0.03% (w/v) ASC dissolved in 0.1 M acetic acid decreased continuously as the temperature increased from 4 to 52 °C, indicating thermal destabilization or denaturation of ASC molecules. ASC had the solubility greater than 90% in very acidic pH range (pH 1–4) and the solubility decreased continuously with increasing NaCl concentrations (0–6%). Net charge of ASC and calf skin collagen became zero at pHs of 5.58 and 5.68, respectively as determined by zeta potential titration. Therefore, skin of unicorn leatherjacket can be used as an alternative collagenous source.     

Characteristics of gelatin from the skins of bigeye snapper, Priacanthus tayenus and Priacanthus macracanthus

Gelatins extracted from the skins containing fine scales of two species of bigeye snapper, Priacanthus tayenus (GT) and Priacanthus macracanthus (GM), were characterised. Both gelatins had the protein as the major component with high content of imino acids (proline & hydroxyproline) (186.29–187.42 mg/g). GT and GM contained calcium at levels of 6.53 and 2.92 g/kg, respectively. Both gelatins contained α1 and α2 chains as the predominant components and some degradation peptides. The absorption bands of both gelatins in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were mainly situated in the amide band region (amide I and amide II). GT and GM had a relative solubility greater than 90% in the wide pH ranges (1–10). The bloom strength of GM (254.10 g) was higher than that of GT (227.73 g) (P < 0.05), but was slightly lower than that of commercial bovine gelatin (293.22 g) (P < 0.05). Finer gel structure with smaller strands and voids was observed in GM gel, in comparison with that observed in GT counterpart.     

Characterization of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin gelatin extracted with alkaline and different acid pretreatments

Tilapia production is growing worldwide and to better utilize wastes from the processing industry, one important application is production of high quality fish gelatin to meet the needs of markets that are not amenable to beef or porcine gelatin. The extraction process from tilapia skin gelatin was optimized through the use of a combination of alkali (0.3 M NaOH) with different types and concentrations of acids before thermal hydrolysis. The effects of acid pretreatments on the protein yields and the physicochemical properties of tilapia gelatin were investigated. Acid concentrations (0.01–0.20 M) influenced gelatin protein recovery: 10.52%–22.40% for citric acid, 1.92%–21.55% for acetic acid, and 4.47%–24.35% for HCl. It was possible to increase gelatin yield for each of the tested acids by adjusting the acid concentration. Gelatin viscosity and the molecular weight distribution of gelatin proteins were related to the acid concentration used. Gelatin prepared using too low a concentration (e.g. 0.01 M acetic acid or HCl) or too high a concentration (e.g. >0.05 M HCl or citric acid) yielded an extract with a smaller ratio of large molecule components, such as β-chains, and exhibited lower viscosity. The film forming properties of gelatins extracted from three acid-optimized pretreatments showed no significant difference in transparency, tensile strength and elongation at break; though the gelatin film made from 0.03 M citric acid pretreated gelatin had somewhat better water barrier property than those made with HCl or acetic acid.     

Effects of partial hydrolysis and plasticizer content on the properties of film from cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) skin gelatin

Properties of film from cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) ventral skin gelatin with different degree of hydrolysis (DH: 0.40, 0.80 and 1.20%) added with glycerol as plasticizer at various levels (10, 15 and 20%, based on protein) were investigated. Films prepared from gelatin with all DH had the lower tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) but higher water vapor permeability (WVP), compared with the control film (without hydrolysis) (p < 0.05). At the same glycerol content, both TS and EAB decreased, while WVP increased (p < 0.05) with increasing %DH. At the same DH, TS generally decreased as glycerol content increased (p < 0.05), however glycerol content had no effect on EAB when gelatins with 0.80 and 1.20% DH were used (p > 0.05). DH and glycerol content had no marked impact on color and the difference in color (ΔE^∗) of resulting films. Electrophoretic study revealed that degradation of gelatin and their corresponding films was more pronounced with increased %DH, resulting in the lower mechanical properties of films. Based on FTIR spectra, with the increasing %DH as well as glycerol content, higher amplitudes for amide-A and amide-B peaks were observed, compared with film from gelatin without hydrolysis (control film) due to the increased –NH₂ group caused by hydrolysis and the lower interaction of –NH₂ group in the presence of higher glycerol. Thermo-gravimetric analysis indicated that film prepared from gelatin with 1.20% DH exhibited the higher heat susceptibility and weight loss in the temperature range of 50–600 °C, compared with control film. Thus, both chain length of gelatin and glycerol content directly affected the properties of cuttlefish skin gelatin films.     

Effects of Pretreatment on Properties of Gelatin from Perch (Lates Niloticus) Skin

Fish gelatins obtained from perch fish skin pretreated with various solutions containing acetic acid, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium chloride (NaCl) were successfully characterized for their nanostructure pattern using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Each pretreatment transformed collagen to gelatin with fibril, zigzag cracks, straight rods, and cross-linked rods nanostructure patterns. Pretreatment solutions also affect the gel yield, gel strength, amino acid profile, and functional groups in perch gelatin as analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Samples pretreated with NaCl, NaOH, and acetic acid solution showed the highest gel yield (22.84%) and gel strength (179.84 g). Fourier transform infrared spectra for perch gelatins also revealed weak C–N amide II and III bond stretches as well as weak C=O bond stretch.     

Characteristics of the gelatin extracted from Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) head bones

Three gelatins were prepared from channel catfish head bones by hot water after the head was pretreated with alkali protease, quickly desalted by 0.4 mol/L HCl and soaked in 9 g/L Ca(OH)₂. The extraction conditions of gelatins were 5 °C, pH 4.0, 4 h, 82 °C, pH 2.5, 2 h and 90 °C, pH 3.0, 3 h, respectively. The studies showed there were many differences between these gelatins. The first head bone gelatin contained high content of imino residues and more high molecular weight proportions of β and γ components. Gel strengths of the second and third gelatins were 209 ± 7 g and 117 ± 5 g, lower than that of the first head bone gelatin (282 ± 11 g). Furthermore, the first head bone gelatin achieved the highest gelling and melting points. The first head bone gelatin showed strong ability of clarification when it was used to clarify apple juice. At the same time, the nutritional components of apple juice changed a little except Vitamin C.     

Rheological properties of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctaus) gelatine from fish skins preserved by different methods

Gelatins were extracted from channel catfish skins preserved by different methods using 50 mmol/l acetic acid. Molecular weight distribution, gel strength and viscoelastic properties of gelatin samples were studied. Compared to gelatins from fresh and frozen skins, gelatin from dried channel catfish skin exhibited higher gel strength. This can be explained by the large α-chains content of gelatin from the dried skins. The gelling point and melting point of dried channel catfish skin gelatin solution were similar to those of fresh skin gelatin solution, but distinctly different from those of frozen skin gelatin. After maturation at low temperature, melting points of gelatins increased. But the melting point of frozen skin gelatin was still the highest among the three gelatin samples studied.     

Impact of divalent salts and bovine gelatin on gel properties of phosphorylated gelatin from the skin of unicorn leatherjacket

The impact of zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as well as bovine gelatin (BG) on the gel strength of phosphorylated fish gelatin (PFG) from the skin of unicorn leatherjacket was investigated. The gel strength of PFG increased with increasing concentrations of ZnCl₂ and CaCl₂ (2.5–40 μmol L⁻¹). A higher gel strength was observed with CaCl₂, compared with ZnCl₂. The gel strength of PFG with 20 μmol L⁻¹ CaCl₂ increased by 15.7%, compared to the control gel. Nevertheless, at higher concentration (40 μmol L⁻¹) of both salts, gel strength of PFG decreased. Hardness of gels decreased with increasing PFG content (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, no differences in hardness were found amongst gels with BG/PFG ratios of 4:0 and 3:1 (P ≥ 0.05). Thus, PFG could be used in combination with CaCl₂ to substitute for BG at a level of 25%.     

Preparation and characterisation of gelatins from the skins of sin croaker (Johnius dussumieri) and shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma)

Gelatins were prepared from the skins of the tropical fish, sin croaker (Johnius dussumeiri) and shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma). Visual appearance, colour, pH, bloom strength, viscoelasticity, melting point and amino acid profiles of the fish gelatins were evaluated. Shortfin scad gelatin had higher melting and gelling temperatures than those of sin croaker gelatin. The bloom strengths of gelatins from sin croaker and from shortfin scad were 125 and 177 g, respectively, compared to 240 g for commercial bovine gelatin. The pH values were significantly different between the solutions of the two fish gelatins. The elastic modulus (G′) of the fish gelatin gels increased by more than 10-fold and the viscous modulus (G″) of fish gelatin solution increased sixfold after holding at 5 °C for 2 h. These viscoelastic properties of bovine gelatin only increased by less than twice.     

Extraction and functional properties of gelatin from the skin of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) using smooth hound crude acid protease-aided process

The characteristics and functional properties of gelatin from skin cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) were investigated and compared to those of halal bovine gelatin (HBG). The gelatin extraction efficiency was improved by an acid-swelling process in the presence of smooth hound crude acid protease extract (SHCAP). The yields of gelatins from cuttlefish skin after 48 h with acid and with crude acid protease (15 units/g alkaline-treated skin) were 2.21% and 7.84%, respectively. The gelatin from skin cuttlefish had high protein (91.35%) but low fat (0.28%) contents. Compared to HBG, the cuttlefish-skin gelatin (CSG) has different amino acids composition than halal bovine gelatin. CSG contained slightly low hydroxyproline and proline (180‰) than HBG (219‰), whereas the content of serine was higher (49‰ versus 29‰). The gel strength of the gelatin gel from CSG (181 g) was lower than that of HBG (259 g) (p < 0.05) possibly due to lower hydroxyproline content. Cuttlefish-skin gelatin exhibited a similar emulsifying activity but greater emulsifying and foam stability than the halal bovine gelatin (p < 0.05). Foam formation ability, foam stability and water-holding capacity of CSG were slightly lower than those of the HBG, but fat-binding capacity was higher in the cuttlefish gelatin.     

Sea bream bones and scales as a source of gelatin and ACE inhibitory peptides

Sea bream scales and bones were used as sources of gelatin. Scales gave a higher gelatin yield than bones pretreated with HCl or Alcalase. Demineralization with EDTA was effective especially in the case of scale gelatin that showed the lowest ash content. The pretreatment of bones with HCl led to an increase in the removal of minerals. The gel strength and viscoelastic properties of sea bream scale gelatins were higher than those of bone gelatins, and only slight differences were found between gelatin extracted from bones pretreated with HCl or Alcalase, although the amino acid profile was similar in the three gelatins. The gel strength of scale gelatins was higher than that of a commercial bovine gelatin used for comparative purpose (Bloom 200–220). When the scales gelatin was hydrolyzed with Esperase, a high ACE-inhibitory activity was found in the peptide fraction below 3 kDa, and the amount of this peptide fraction required to inhibit 50% of the ACE activity (IC₅₀) was around 60 μg/mL.     

The characteristics of gelatin extracted from sturgeon (Acipenser baeri) skin using various pretreatments

The physicochemical characteristics of gelatin obtained by different pretreatments of sturgeon (Acipenser baeri) skin with alkaline and/or acidic solutions have been studied. Visual appearance, pH, gel strength, viscosity and amino acid profile of the gelatins were evaluated. Pretreatment with alkaline solutions of Ca(OH)₂ and/or acetic acid (HAC) provided gelatin with a favourable colour. Pretreatment with alkali removed noncollagenous proteins effectively, whilst acid induced some loss of collagenous proteins. Gel strength and viscosity of gelatin pretreated with HAC or alkali followed by HAC were as high as gelatin extracted in the presence of protease inhibitors. Amino acid composition had no significant effect on the gelatin characteristics. The total acid concentration for the highest gel strength was inversely proportional to ionisation strength, and the preferred pH for extracting gelatin with the optimum gel strength was approximately 5.0. The results showed that any available protons, regardless of the type or concentration of the acid, inhibit protease activity, which significantly affects the gelatin characteristics.     

Effects of hydrogen peroxide and Fenton’s reagent on the properties of film from cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) skin gelatin

Properties of film from cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) ventral skin gelatin without and with partial hydrolysis (1.2% degree of hydrolysis), as influenced by H₂O₂ and Fenton’s reagent at different levels, were investigated. Films treated with H₂O₂ (0.01–0.04 M) and Fenton’s reagent [H₂O₂ (0.01–0.04 M) + FeSO₄ (0.001–0.004 M)] had higher tensile strengths (TS) but similar or lower elongations at break (EAB), compared with the control film (p < 0.05). Slight differences in water vapour permeability (WVP) were observed for all films. Films treated with Fenton’s reagent had a lower L^∗-value but higher a^∗-, b^∗- and ΔE^∗-values, while films treated with H₂O₂ had lower b^∗-values (p < 0.05), than had the control film. Cross-linking was pronounced in films treated with H₂O₂ or Fenton’s reagent and was associated with increased heat stability. Films treated with Fenton’s reagent had the lowest solubility in water (p < 0.05). However, fragmentation more likely took place when Fenton’s reagent (at a higher level) was used. Generally, similar results were noticeable between films from gelatin with and without partial hydrolysis. Thus, H₂O₂ and Fenton’s reagent directly affected the properties of film from cuttlefish skin gelatin, regardless of hydrolysis.     

Improvement of the antioxidant properties of squid skin gelatin films by the addition of hydrolysates from squid gelatin

Gelatin hydrolysates (HG1 and HG2) were obtained from giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) gelatins (G1 and G2) by hydrolysis with Alcalase. Antioxidant properties of both gelatins were highly increased by hydrolysis, especially ABTS radical scavenging capacity, whereas no significant differences were found between HG1 and HG2. The amino acid composition of HG1 and HG2 closely resembled the amino acid composition of the parent proteins, gelatins G1 and G2. Both, HG1 and HG2 were composed by peptides below 30 kDa, although no clear protein bands were observed in HG2. Edible gelatin films with increasing percentages of HG1 (0–10%) were made from G1, giving rise to increasing values of FRAP and ABTS, as well as changes in mechanical properties (decrease puncture force and increase puncture deformation) and water vapour permeability (increase). HG1 gelatin hydrolysate showed lower antioxidant capacity in the gelatin films than in the free form at the same amount added into the filmogenic solution, probably due to interactions with protein matrix.     

Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of Greater Lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) Skin and Bone Gelatin

ABSTRACT:  Type A gelatins were extracted from skins and bones of lizardfish and analyzed to determine their functional and chemical properties. Lizardfish skin gelatin had ash content of 2.2 ± 0.3% while bone gelatin had ash content of 12.2 ± 0.2%. Gel strength was 159.1 ± 14 and 135 ± 7.9 g, respectively, for skin and bone gelatins compared to 224.3 ± 7.7 g for porcine gelatin. Gelatin from skin exhibited higher viscosity and lower setting time than bone. Skin gelatin had higher imino acid content than bone gelatin. The total imino acid content was 21.71% and 19.83% for skin and bone, respectively. Both skin and bone gelatins contained more α chains than β and γ components. Both bone and skin gelatins also contained low molecular weight (< α) peptides. The differences in functional properties between the skin and bone gelatins appeared to be related to differences in amino acid composition and molecular weight distribution of the gelatins.     

Characteristics and functional properties of gelatin from splendid squid (Loligo formosana) skin as affected by extraction temperatures

Gelatin was extracted from the skin of splendid squid (Loligo formosana) at different temperatures (50, 60, 70 and 80 °C) with extraction yield of 8.8%, 21.8%, 28.2%, and 45.3% (dry weight basis) for G50, G60, G70 and G80, respectively. Gelatin from the skin of splendid squid had a high protein content (∼90%) with low moisture (8.63–11.09%), fat (0.22–0.31%) and ash contents (0.17–0.68%). Gelatin extracted at higher temperature (G80) had a relatively higher free amino group content than gelatin extracted at lower temperatures (G50, G60 and G70) (P < 0.05). All gelatins contained α- and β-chains as the predominant components. Amino acid analysis of gelatin revealed the high proline and hydroxyproline contents for G50 and G60. FTIR spectra of obtained gelatins revealed the significant loss of molecular order of the triple-helix. The gel strength of gelatin extracted at lower temperature (G50) was higher than that of gelatins extracted at higher temperatures including G60, G70 and G80, respectively. The net charge of G50, G60, G70 and G80 became zero at pHs of 6.84, 5.94, 5.49, and 4.86, respectively, as determined by zeta potential titration. Gelatin extracted at higher temperature (G80) had the lower L* value but higher a* and b* values, compared with those extracted at lower temperatures (P < 0.05). Emulsion activity index decreased, whilst emulsion stability index, foam expansion and stability increased as the concentration (1–3%) increased (P < 0.05). Those properties were governed by extraction temperatures of gelatin. Thus gelatin can be successfully extracted from splendid squid skin using the appropriate extraction temperature.     

Isolation and characterisation of acid-solubilised collagen from the skin of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Acid-solubilised collagen (ASC) was extracted from the skin of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and characterisation was studied. The results indicated that the yield of ASC was 39.4% on the basis of dry weight. This ASC was rich in glycine (35.6%). The amount of imino acids, proline and hydroxyproline, in ASC was 210 residues per 1000 residues. The ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrum of ASC showed that the distinct absorption was at 220 nm. ASC showed transition curve at maximum temperature (T_max) of 32.0 °C in 0.05 M acetic acid, about 12 °C lower than that of calf skin collagen. Maximum solubility (0.75 mg/ml) in 0.5 M acetic acid was observed at pH 3. Solubility reached the minimum at pH 7. A sharp decrease in solubility was observed in 2% (w/v) NaCl or above. Biochemical studies indicated that ASC was composed of the α1α2α3 heterotrimers.     

Rheological and functional properties of gelatin from the skin of Bigeye snapper (Priacanthus hamrur) fish: Influence of gelatin on the gel-forming ability of fish mince

The rheological and functional properties of gelatin from the skin of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus hamrur) fish were assessed. The protein content of dried gelatin was 94.6% and moisture content was 4.2%. The amino acid profile of gelatin revealed high proportion of glycine and imino acids. The bloom strength of solidified gelatin was 108 g. The average molecular weight of fish skin gelatin was 282 kDa as determined by gel filtration technique. The emulsion capacity (EC) of gelatin at a concentration of 0.05% (w/v) was 1.91 ml oil/mg protein and with increase in concentration, the EC values decreased. The gelling and melting temperatures of gelatin were 10 and 16.8 °C, respectively as obtained by small deformation measurements. The flow behavior of gelatin solution as a function of concentration and temperature revealed non-Newtonian behavior with pseudoplastic phenomenon. The Casson and Herschel–Bulkley models were suitable to study the flow behavior. The yield stress was maximum at 10 °C with the concentration of 30 mg/ml. Thermal gelation behavior of threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicus) mince in presence of different concentration of gelatin was assessed. Gelatin at a concentration of 0.5% yielded higher storage modulus (G′) value than control. Frequency sweep of heat set gel with gelatin revealed strong network formation.