Characteristics of collagens from the swim bladders of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)

Acid soluble collagen (ASC) and pepsin soluble collagen (PSC) were extracted from the swim bladders of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) with yields of 1.07% and 12.10%, respectively. Based on electrophoretic patterns, both ASC and PSC consisted of two α-chains (α1 and α2) and were characterised to be type I collagen. ASC had higher β-chains than PSC. Imino acid contents of ASC and PSC were 128 and 169 residues/1000 residues, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of both ASC and PSC were similar and revealed the presence of a triple helix. Both ASC and PSC had the highest solubility at acidic pHs. From zeta potential analysis, a net charge of zero was found at pH 6.05 and 5.93 for ASC and PSC, respectively. Tmax of ASC and PSC were 32.97 and 33.92 °C, respectively. The swim bladders of yellowfin tuna could therefore serve as an alternative source of collagen for future applications.