Yield of gelatin
The gelatin yield from tuna skin extracted using the acid-base method followed by ultrasound treatment (Method B) reached 13.34%, which was significantly higher than that obtained using ultrasound followed by acid–base extraction (Method A) at 4.92% (p<0.05). The higher yield in Method B indicates greater extraction efficiency, as gelatin yield reflects the effectiveness of the extraction process. This value is also higher than the 5.4% gelatin yield from Camel’s skin obtained using a base treatment with 2% Ca(OH)
2 and 1% HCl followed by heating at 60°C for 6 hours (
Al-Zoreky et al., 2025). The increased yield is attributed to the acid–base treatment, which loosens the collagen matrix, followed by ultrasonic cavitation that accelerates collagen disruption and dissolution. These findings are consistent with reports by
Ahmad et al., (2018), Rahman and Lamsal (2021) and
Hoo et al., (2022), which indicate that ultrasound application after initial acid–base treatment enhances collagen extraction efficiency.
Color
Color indicates gelatin quality by showing purity levels. Gelatin from tuna skin using Method A had L* = 75.05, a* = 2.52, b* = 17.28 (ΔE = 24.01), while Method B showed L* = 80.32, a* = 0.46, b* = 7.97 (ΔE = 15.12), indicating higher purity and better contaminant removal. The gelatin’s appearance is shown in Fig 1.
Color reflects gelatin purity and marketability. Method B produced higher Lightness (80.32) and lower ΔE (15.12) than Method A (L*: 75.05; ΔE: 24.01) (Table 1), indicating whiter, more purified gelatin with reduced redness and yellowness. Studies
(Gunawan et al., 2017; Lin et al., 2015) note that gelatin color depends on raw materials, processing and impurity removal. Method B’s enhanced color results from effective acid-base pretreatment and ultrasound extraction, which facilitate pigment release and collagen breakdown.
Viscosity
Viscosity is an important parameter determining the functional properties of gelatin in food and pharmaceutical applications. Gelatin extracted using method A had a viscosity of 9 cP, while method B produced 10 cP. Although both values remain below the GMIA standard (15-75 cP), they are closer to the British Standard (15-40 cP). The slightly higher viscosity in method B suggests that ultrasound-assisted extraction contributes to a denser molecular network, improving viscosity and gel strength, although the values are still lower than commercial gelatin. These differences are influenced by factors such as temperature, extraction time, acid concentration and chemical composition, indicating the need for further optimization of extraction conditions.
Gel strength
Gel strength measures gelatin firmness and texture. Method A produced gelatin with 200 g gel strength, while method B achieved 220 g. Method B’s stronger gel strength suggests acid-base extraction with ultrasound enables better collagen cross-linking. This is consistent with the findings of
Hasdar et al., (2024), which found that the combination of acetic acid and ultrasound pretreatment was very effective in increasing gelatin strength. Gel strength is an essential parameter determining gelatin’s functional properties in food and pharmaceutical applications. Method B produced higher gel strength than method A, indicating that sequential acid-base extraction with ultrasound enhances cross-linking and yields stronger gels. Based on Bloom degree, gelatin is classified as low (<100 g), medium (100-200 g) and high (>200 g)
(Usman et al., 2021; Adnan et al., 2024). Higher Bloom values improve stability, controlled release
(Kuai et al., 2020), scaffold strength (
Roldán et al., 2024) and food texture
(Obas et al., 2021). Determining factors include extraction method
(Okur et al., 2020), chemical composition
(Ahmad et al., 2021), molecular weight (
Wang, 2024) and processing conditions
(Zhang et al., 2021). SEM showed a denser structure in method B, supporting
Li et al., (2024) that ultrasound enhances molecular integrity through cross-linking.
Microstructure
SEM analysis revealed distinct microstructures in the gelatin samples. Method A produced a porous, sponge-like structure with large cavities, while method B showed a denser structure with smaller cavities (Fig 2). Method B’s more uniform network contributed to better gel strength and texture, aligning with findings that ultrasound extraction enhances network compactness
(He et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2023).
SEM analysis showed clear microstructural differences between methods. Method A produced porous gelatin with larger cavities, while method B yielded denser, compact gelatin with smaller cavities, resulting in higher gel strength. Gelatin with strong gels typically shows compact structures (
Sae-leaw et al., 2016). Cross-linking enhances collagen triple helix formation, strengthening networks
(Zuev et al., 2024). Method B’s compact structure improved gel strength, confirming
Li et al., (2024) that ultrasound-assisted extraction creates denser gelatin than heat extraction, producing superior texture and functional properties.
Chemical composition
The moisture content of gelatin from method A was 2.02%, while Method B produced 5.16% (Table 2), a significant difference (p<0.05). Both values complied with SNI 8622-2018 (£12%) and FAO/WHO standards (£18%), but fell below GMIA’s recommended 8-15% for food gelatin. Moisture content influences shelf life, texture and quality; excessive levels reduce lightness and cause off-flavors. Method B’s higher value is linked to acid-base extraction with ultrasound, enhancing collagen hydration and water-holding capacity, consistent with
Li et al., (2024). These findings indicate process differences affect gelatin quality and that drying optimization may be needed for standard compliance.
In Table 2, the protein content of gelatin from method B reached 80.44%, significantly higher than that of method A which was 64.99% (p<0.05). This value approached the GMIA standard of 84-90% (
GMIA, 2012), indicating greater efficiency in collagen extraction and conversion to gelatin. The higher protein level in method B resulted from sequential acid-base extraction combined with ultrasound treatment, which enhanced collagen solubilization. Protein content reflects final gelatin quality since gelatin is derived from collagen
(Asmudrono et al., 2019; Gerungan et al., 2019). These findings align with previous studies (
Khushboo, 2023;
Ata et al., 2023) confirming a direct correlation between protein levels and extraction efficiency.
The pH values of gelatin from methods A and B were 5.72 and 5.99 (Table 2), with no significant difference (p>0.05). Both values met the SNI 8622-2018 and GMIA standards of pH 3.8-7.5, indicating suitability for industrial use. Gelatin pH affects viscosity, gel strength, solubility and stability
(Feng et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2023). Method B’s slightly higher pH (5.99) was associated with increased viscosity (10 cP) and gel strength (220 g), consistent with previous studies
(Wang et al., 2023; Chen et al., 2023). Although the difference was minimal, the near-neutral pH values support good functional and application potential.
Implications and limitations
This study’s findings have important implications for gelatin extraction from fish skin. Method B, combining acid-base and ultrasound extraction, produces gelatin with higher yield, better colour and improved gel strength-crucial properties for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. However, the viscosity in both methods fell below GMIA standards, requiring parameter optimization. Further research into alternative techniques and industrial scale-up is needed to maintain consistent quality and yield.
Future research directions
Future studies should explore how ultrasonic power, temperature and time affect gelatin yield and quality, while developing enzymatic and sustainable extraction methods to enhance efficiency, environmental and economic sustainability.