With environmental concerns growing, creative waste management is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. For Professor Dr. Wong Ling Shing, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation at INTI International University, that challenge has become a mission—leading to discovering the potential in fish scales.
Professor Dr. Wong Ling Shing, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation at INTI International University, leads research on repurposing fish scales into sustainable biomaterials.
“Fish scales are often discarded as waste, yet they contain materials like collagen, hydroxyapatite, and chitin, which have enormous potential in medicine, agriculture, and environmental remediation,” Prof. Wong explains. His research, conducted with scholars from India, explores how these natural biopolymers can address pressing environmental challenges.
The study analysed fish scales from tilapia, sardines, and rohu, highlighting their potential in medicine, agriculture, and environmental applications.
The study examined scales from tilapia, sardines, and rohu—species that are widely consumed and processed globally. With 7.2 to 12 million tonnes of fish waste discarded yearly, the research highlights how this overlooked resource can be used better. “Tilapia scales, in particular, are a valuable source of hydroxyapatite, while the scales of rohu and sardines show great potential for adsorbents in wastewater treatment,” Prof. Wong says.
With 7.2 to 12 million tons of fish waste discarded annually, the research explores how fish scales can be transformed into valuable resources.
Applying circular economy principles, Prof. Wong and his team aim to repurpose fish scales into value-added products. “Fish scales are biodegradable and biocompatible, making them suitable for diverse industries,” he notes. Their research demonstrates the potential for sustainable and commercially viable biomaterials.
A key focus is biomedicine. “The type-I collagen and hydroxyapatite in fishes are vital for tissue engineering, bone repair, and wound healing,” Prof. Wong says. “These materials show excellent biocompatibility, making them safer alternatives to synthetic or animal-derived options.” The study also highlights their role in producing biosorbents that remove heavy metals and dyes from industrial wastewater.
Prof. Wong credits collaboration as a key driver of the project’s success. The research included experts from Kongunadu Arts and Science College, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in India.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Prof. Wong sees repurposing fish scales as part of a more significant shift in waste perception. “The circular economy isn’t just about recycling; it’s about finding innovative ways to turn waste into opportunity,” he says. The team hopes to inspire industries to rethink how they use byproducts by demonstrating the value of fish scales.
The work of Prof. Wong and his collaborators illustrates how science can turn everyday waste into valuable solutions. By looking beyond conventional methods, they have transformed discarded fish scales into a symbol of sustainable innovation.
“Through this research, we’re addressing environmental issues and opening up new possibilities for industries,” Prof. Wong says. “It’s a step toward a future where waste is no longer a problem but a resource for progress.”