Development of Functional Fish Gelatin-Based Biomaterial Films Reinforced with Astaxanthin-Rich Oil Extracted from <i>Penaeus Monodon</i> Byproducts via Green NADES-Ultrasonication

Abstract

This study developed a functional bioactive film based on fish gelatin (FG) with astaxanthin-rich oil (Ax) extracted from black tiger shrimp ( Penaeus monodon ) byproducts using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) and ultrasond-assited extraction. The extracted oil showed high antioxidant activity (80.24% DPPH scavenging) and good oxidative stability (PV = 3.12 mEq/kg) within the GOED limit. Fish gelatin films with different Ax concentrations (0.25–1%) were characterized for color, transparency, moisture content, solubility, thickness, and mechanical properties. Results showed that Ax increased film thickness and mechanical properties while decreasing solubility and moisture content. Higher Ax levels similarly increased opacity and redness due to astaxanthin’s carotenoid pigments. FTIR analysis confirmed the molecular interaction between gelatin and Ax, especially hydrogen bonding and ester linkages. These results demonstrate that incorporating astaxanthin-rich oil into fish gelatin film can enhance its functional properties for use in bioactive packaging applications.