https://doi.org/10.17113/fftb.63.01.25.8644

article  in press

Extraction and Characterization of Biogenic Nano-Calcium Derived from Daysciena albida and Otolithes ruber: Potential Applications

Vaisshali Prakash Arul Prakasam and adhika Rajasree SR^*

Department of Fish Processing Technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad, Kochi-682506, Kerala, India

Copyright © 2024 This is a Diamond Open Access article published under CC-BY licence. Copyright remains with the authors, who grant third parties the unrestricted right to use, copy, distribute and reproduce the article as long as the original author(s) and source are acknowledged.

Article history:

Received: 24 August 2024

Accepted: 4 February 2025

Keywords:

fish bones; biogenic nano-calcium; particle size analysis; zeta potential; XRD analysis

The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States.

Summary:

Research background. In India, widespread dietary deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D present a significant public health concern. Over the past five decades, evidence suggests declining dietary calcium intake across rural, tribal, and urban populations. This prolonged deficiency poses serious risks to bone health, contributing to the development of rickets, osteoporosis, and osteopenia, as well as potential disruptions in metabolic rates and physiological functions. A key factor in this decline appears to be the reduced consumption of calcium-rich dairy products. As a result, research is exploring alternative, highly bioavailable calcium sources, such as those derived from fish bone waste. Additionally, the potential of nano calcium supplements to enhance absorption and improve bone density, compared to traditional supplements, is an area of active investigation.

Experimental approach. Nano calcium powder was synthesized from the bones of two commercially available fish species Daysciena albida and Otolithes ruber, ethically sourced from the Kerala coast, following relevant regulations. The alkali extraction method was employed and the resulting nano-calcium powder was characterized using various physiological and chemical analyses.

Results and conclusions. The production process yielded differently for both samples. Notably, both samples exhibited distinct characteristics in color, proximate composition, and SEM-EDX analysis. D. albida additionally contains slightly more calcium and phosphorus than O. ruber. The D. albida nanoparticles (153.8 nm) were also smaller than the O. ruber nanoparticles (337.1 nm). Interestingly, further analysis using techniques like FTIR, zeta potential, TGA and XRD revealed significant similarity between the D. albida and O. ruber samples, despite the initial differences in yield, composition, and particle size. This finding suggests that while the choice of fish species significantly influences the yield, composition, and characteristics of the synthesized nano-calcium powder, D. albida appears to be a more favorable source, both types may exhibit similar functionality and warrant further investigation.

Novelty and scientific contribution. This is the first report on extracting and characterizing biogenic nano-calcium from two commercial fishes, Daysciena albida and Otolithes ruber of the Malabar coast. The extracted nano-calcium powders from these two fishes will provide a good source of calcium and help overcome calcium-related disorders.