A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUND RECOVERY FROM MARINE BY-PRODUCTS AND THEIR APPLICATION POTENTIAL

The global expansion of seafood processing industries generates substantial amounts of waste materials from finfish and shellfish, which are often discarded despite their rich biochemical composition. These by-products contain a wide range of valuable compounds, including collagen, chitin, chitosan, enzymes, carotenoids, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, many of which exhibit functional and biological activities superior to those of terrestrial origin. This review examines recent advances in the extraction and purification of bioactive compounds from marine by-products. The functional properties and applications of these compounds in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical industries are discussed, highlighting their growing commercial relevance. Overall, the effective valorization of marine by-products contributes to waste reduction, economic value creation, and the advancement of a circular bioeconomy.