Impact of Marine Biomaterial Extraction on Regenerative Medicine & Apex Predator Populations

Abstract

Marine-derived biomaterials have emerged as transformative tools in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, offering sustainable and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic materials. This investigation explores the dual impact of biomaterials such as coral, chitosan, collagen, sea star-derived compounds, and sea urchin byproducts in advancing medical applications, including bone regeneration, scaffolding, wound healing, and drug delivery. These materials demonstrate significant potential for promoting cell proliferation, tissue regeneration, and structural support. However, extracting these biomaterials raises ecological concerns, particularly the destabilization of apex predator populations like sharks, which are essential for maintaining marine biodiversity and trophic balance. Unsustainable harvesting practices can disrupt ecosystems, causing cascading effects and biodiversity loss. The findings emphasize the necessity of adopting sustainable sourcing practices to mitigate environmental impacts while fostering medical innovation. By bridging regenerative medicine and marine ecology, this study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to align technological advancements with ecological preservation, ensuring the long-term stability of marine ecosystems and biomedical progress.