Sardine Scales: A Promising Source of Marine Biomaterials

Abstract

The current paper highlighted the physicochemical characteristics of sardine scales (S.pilchardus), which are considered hitherto as solid marine litter despite their richness on biomaterials of high added value. The collected fish scales were washed thoroughly, dried, and grounded into a powder. The prepared samples were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The findings of (FT-IR); (XRD); and (EDS) show that sardine scales contain both organic and inorganic phases. The (SEM) analysis has revealed that sardine scales have a porous and fibrous structure. The physicochemical results confirm that S.pilchardus scales are a pioneering source of marine biomaterials.