Document Type : Tarvij
Authors
1
Scientific board
2
International Sturgeon Research Institute. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Rasht, Iran.
3
National Fish Processing Research Center, Inland Water Aquaculture Research Institute, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Anzali, Iran.
Abstract
Isinglass is a pure, collagen-rich, and colorless protein that can be extracted from the swim bladders of the sturgeon family. It is extensively used in the industries of food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and adhesives because of its unique features like the purity, clarity, and gelatinous nature. The processing of sturgeons is accompanied by a huge amount of waste, which includes the swim bladder, where most of the body weight is reported as waste. However, the swim bladder is an organ that contains valuable collagen compounds and hence should be treated as a source of isinglass. In this article, we present and describe two different methods for extracting isinglass from the swim bladder of three notable sturgeon species of the Caspian Sea, i.e., beluga (Huso huso), Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus), and stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus). The traditional "Indian method" is the easiest and most economical, and it involves the gradual heating of the swim bladder, with the final quality of isinglass being considered moderate and with a relatively low yield. The second, semi-industrial method involves controlled treatment conditions and basic laboratory equipment for isinglass production, which results in larger yield, higher purity, no odor and increased transparency, while using the same raw materials as in the previous Indian method. The results indicate that the semi-industrial method, which can be standardized, enhances safety, and preserves quality untouched, still remains an apt procedure for commercialization. The adoption of this technology not only lowers fishery waste and makes the most of aquatic resources but also creates job opportunities in the coastal regions of Iran. The Iranian sturgeon farming has a great potential, and the industry generates a considerable amount of waste, therefore the promotion of the semi-industrial method for isinglass extraction would be economically viable.
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