BLUE BIOTECHNOLOGY: EXTRACTION OF BIOMATERIALS OF MARINE FAUNA

Abstract

Marine biomaterials have gained significant relevance in biotechnology due to their  biocompatibility, biodegradability, and abundance. This research addresses the extraction and application  of high-value compounds from marine fauna as alternatives to synthetic materials. The first section  focuses on polysaccharides and fibrous proteins: chitin and chitosan from crustacean exoskeletons, noted  for their antimicrobial properties and drug-delivery applications; and collagen, gelatin, and elastin,  derived from fish tissues and scales, essential for tissue engineering and cosmetics. The second section 
examines marine biominerals, such as hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate from seashells and fish  bones, which serve as scaffolds for bone regeneration and cell growth. This study highlights a  multidisciplinary approach integrating chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology to optimize the extraction  and modification of these biopolymers and minerals. The findings position marine-derived materials as  fundamental pillars for future developments in regenerative medicine and sustainable industrial  applications.