Sustainable Extraction of Collagen from Tannery Raw Trimmings Using Ginger Peel-Derived Zingibain Enzyme: Process Optimization with Box-Behnken Design

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The traditional chemical-based extraction methods of collagen pose significant environmental and health risks. This study presents a sustainable alternative by employing zingibain─a plant-based proteolytic enzyme derived from ginger peel─for the hydrolysis of tannery waste, minimizing resource consumption and environmental impact. To maximize the output of the extraction process, Box-Behnken Design (BBD) under the Response Surface Methodology was employed. The design analysis revealed that the optimal hydrolysis using crude zingibain enzyme achieved a yield of approximately 92% at a temperature of 57.83 °C, neutral pH, and a reaction time of 5.36 h. The process demonstrated a cost-to-benefit ratio of 1.44, indicating its economic feasibility for large-scale implementation. The analysis of variance from the BBD yielded an R 2 value of 99.83%, confirming the reliability and accuracy of the process optimization. The structural integrity of the extracted collagen was validated through multiple characterization techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental analysis, heavy metal analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The enzymatically extracted collagen, being edible, nontoxic, and free from harmful chemicals, holds significant potential for applications in the food industry and aligns well with the global shift toward clean label products.