Skipjack tuna bones as a source of calcium and phosphorus for the raw material for remineralization of teeth

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the amount of calcium and phosphorus contained in skipjack tuna bones, the most widely produced and consumed fish in Indonesia, so that in the future, these fish bones, which are often unused, can potentially be utilized as raw materials for tooth remineralization. Material and Method: The sample was skipjack fish bone powder (Katsuwonus pelamis) which was then subjected to functional group analysis with the Fourier Transform Infra-Red instrument (FTIR), calcium level analysis with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and phosphorus level analysis with a UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. Results: The functional groups of skipjack tuna bones were analysed using FTIR and found to have hydroxyl (OH-), carbonate (C032-), and phosphate (P043-) components; the calcium contents ranging from 3.99% to 8.49% and the phosphorus content was 4%. Conclusion: Skipjack tuna bones contain calcium and phosphorus, which could be beneficially used as raw materials for tooth remineralization.