MARINE-DERIVED BIOMATERIALS FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE AND NANOSCAFFOLD ENGINEERING: FROM BIODIVERSITY TO BIOMEDICAL TRANSLATION

Abstract

Marine ecosystems represent a vast and underexplored source of biologically active materials with unique structural, chemical and functional properties. Marine animals and macroalgae produce diverse biomolecules, including collagen, chitin, alginate, carrageenan, fucoidan and bioactive peptides, which have attracted considerable attention in zoological biotechnology. These naturally derived biomaterials exhibit excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, low immunogenicity and intrinsic bioactivity, making them suitable candidates for advanced biomedical applications. In regenerative medicine, marine-derived biomaterials play a significant role in promoting tissue repair, cellular proliferation and extracellular matrix regeneration, particularly in skin, bone, cartilage and nerve tissue engineering. Their structural similarity to native extracellular matrices enhances cell adhesion, migration and differentiation, thereby improving healing outcomes. In addition, macroalgae- and marine animal-derived polymers have demonstrated immense potential in the fabrication of nanoscaffolds through techniques such as electrospinning, self-assembly and hydrogel formation. These nanoscaffolds provide a highly porous and interconnected architecture that supports nutrient transport, waste removal and controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, the incorporation of marine bioactive compounds into nanostructured systems enhances antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which are essential for effective tissue regeneration and wound management. Zoological biotechnology integrates these marine-derived materials with advanced nanotechnology and biomaterial engineering approaches to develop sustainable, eco-friendly and functional scaffolding systems. Despite promising advancements, challenges related to standardization, scalability and long-term safety remain critical considerations for clinical translation. This review highlights the emerging role of marine animal and macroalgae-derived biomaterials in regenerative medicine and nanoscaffold fabrication, emphasizing their biological advantages, fabrication strategies and future prospects in zoological biotechnology.