a b s t r a c t
Characteristics and gel properties of gelatin from seabass skin, as influenced by extraction conditions,were studied. Yields of gelatin extracted at 45 and 55 _C for various times were 51.6–57.3% and 62.0–66.4% (dry weight basis), respectively. All gelatins contained b-chain and a-chains as the predominantcomponents and showed a high imino acid content (198–202 residues/1000 residues). Generally, thegel strength of gelatins decreased as the extraction temperature and time increased. Gelatin extractedat 45 _C for 3 h exhibited the highest gel strength (369 g). Gelling and melting temperatures for seabassskin gelatin were 19.5–20.0 and 26.3–27.0 _C, respectively. All gelatins could be set at 25 _C within30 min, however gelatins extracted at 45 _C had a shorter setting time than those extracted at 55 _C(P < 0.05). Gelatin from seabass skin showed a higher gel strength than bovine gelatin and could be used
as a potential replacement for land animal gelatins.