Jellyfish Collagen in the Mediterranean Spotlight: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities.

Abstract

Research increasingly highlights jellyfish as a sustainable alternative to other animal species, particularly for its collagen, which has versatile applications in blue biotechnology. This review explores the properties of jellyfish-derived collagen, extraction techniques, and its diverse industrial applications based on the current scientific literature. With a particular focus on research in the Mediterranean Sea, we underscore the role of the order Rhizostomeae as jellyfish species with high collagen content and provide an overview of the main sources for jellyfish harvesting, including active fishing, by-catch, and aquaculture. In the Mediterranean basin, the blooming species Rhizostoma pulmo, Cotylorhiza tuberculata, and Rhopilema nomadica represent a valuable opportunity to harness their nutraceutical benefits, as well as their potential for the development of biomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although jellyfish fishing is not yet well-established in the region, ongoing collaborative projects with fishermen's guilds are focused on promoting circular and blue economy strategies to valorize jellyfish as an innovative resource. Additionally, jellyfish aquaculture emerges as a promising alternative for ensuring a sustainable supply, with the Rhizostomeae Cassiopea spp. demonstrating significant potential for biotechnological applications.