This dissertation investigates the valorization of cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris) as a sustainable marine biomass for developing collagen-based powders through integrated studies on processing, functionality, and environmental performance. The research addresses critical gaps in understanding how conversion and post-processing steps influence the physicochemical, rheological, and sustainability profiles of jellyfish-derived collagen peptides and gelatin powders compared with conventional marine and mammalian sources. The first phase established the compositional and structural basis for using jellyfish collagen as a functional ingredient, demonstrating its distinct amino acid composition and favorable solubility relative to traditional collagens. Subsequent experiments optimized enzymatic hydrolysis, activated-carbon adsorption, and alternative drying methods to produce collagen peptide powders with defined molecular characteristics and improved physical stability. Spray-dried peptides exhibited smaller, more uniform particles and lower moisture and water activity than freeze-dried counterparts, confirming enhanced storage stability but reduced wettability.
Comparative analyses with commercial fish and bovine analogs revealed that solutions of jellyfish collagen peptides behave as low-viscosity, nearly Newtonian solutions, while jellyfish gelatin powders form soft, thermoreversible gels that dissolve rapidly and melt near 20 °C, properties advantageous for low-temperature formulations and fast-dissolving systems. Shelf-life and moisture-sorption studies further demonstrated that the drying method strongly affects critical water activity and packaging requirements for maintaining powder stability.
Finally, a cradle-to-gate life-cycle assessment quantified the environmental burdens of jellyfish collagen peptide powder production. Drying accounted for more than 70% of electricity demand, with spray drying reducing total endpoint impacts by approximately one-third compared with freeze drying. These results confirm drying as the primary environmental hotspot and identify practical improvement strategies for industrial scale-up.
Collectively, this work provides the first comprehensive technical and environmental evaluation of jellyfish collagen ingredients, establishing key processing–structure–function relationships and demonstrating the potential of jellyfish biomass as a sustainable platform for next-generation food and nutraceutical applications.
