Characteristics and gel properties of gelatin from skin of seabass (Lates calcarifer) as influenced by extraction conditions
Seabass skin has been used in the production of snacks, etc., to increase its market value. Recently, collagen from seabass skin was extracted and identified as type I collagen (Sinthusamran, Benjakul, & Kishimura, 2013). To widen its utility, the production of gelatin can be another approach, which can increase the revenue for the processor and farmer. Seabass is a warm-water species, and its gelatin might have a better gelling property than in cold water fish. However, the extraction conditions, including temperature, time and the protease inhibitors, have been known to affect the properties of the gelatin from the skin of some fish species (Kaewruang et al., 2013 and Nagarajan et al., 2013). Nevertheless, no information regarding gelatin extraction from seabass skin under varying conditions has been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the physico-chemical characteristics and gelling properties of gelatins from the skin of seabass (L. calcarifer) as affected by different extraction temperatures and times.