Sustainable solution: Fish scales have the potential to be used in medicine, agriculture and environmental applications.
With environmental concerns growing, creative waste management is no longer an option – it’s a necessity.
For INTI International University pro-vice-chancellor of Research and Innovation Prof Dr Wong Ling Shing, that challenge has become a mission – leading to the discovery of the potential in fish scales.“Fish scales are often discarded as waste, yet they contain materials like collagen, hydroxyapatite and chitin, which have enormous potential in medicine, agriculture and environmental remediation,” Prof Wong said in a press release dated Jan 28.
His research, conducted with scholars from India, explores how these natural biopolymers can address pressing environmental challenges.
The study examined scales from tilapia, sardines and rohu – species that are widely consumed and processed globally. With 7.2 to 12 million tonnes of fish waste discarded yearly, the research highlights how this overlooked resource can be better used.
“Tilapia scales, in particular, are a valuable source of hydroxyapatite, while the scales of rohu and sardines show great potential for adsorbents in wastewater treatment,” Prof Wong shared.
Applying circular economy principles, Prof Wong and his team aim to repurpose fish scales into value-added products.
“Fish scales are biodegradable and biocompatible, making them suitable for diverse industries,” he said, adding that their research demonstrates the potential for sustainable and commercially viable biomaterials. A key focus is biomedicine.
The type-I collagen and hydroxyapatite in fishes are vital for tissue engineering, bone repair and wound healing. These materials show excellent biocompatibility, making them safer alternatives to synthetic or animal-derived options, Prof Wong said, adding that the study also highlights their role in producing biosorbents that remove heavy metals and dyes from industrial wastewater.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Prof Wong sees repurposing fish scales as part of a more significant shift in waste perception.
The circular economy, he said, isn’t just about recycling; it’s about finding innovative ways to turn waste into opportunity.
He credited collaboration as a key driver of the project’s success. The research included experts from Kongunadu Arts and Science College, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in India.
By looking beyond conventional methods to transform discarded fish scales into a symbol of sustainable innovation, the team hopes to inspire industries to rethink how they use byproducts.
“Science can turn everyday waste into valuable solutions.
“Through this research, we’re addressing environmental issues and opening up new possibilities for industries. It’s a step towards a future where waste is no longer a problem but a resource for progress,” Prof Wong concluded.
