collagen extracted from persian gulf squid exhibits anti-cytotoxic properties on apple pectic treated cells: assessment in an in vitro bioassay model

background: collagen-based three-dimensional (3d) in vitro systems have been introduced to study the physiological states of cells. as a biomolecule, collagen is usually extracted from terrestrial animals whilst aquatic animals like squid contain large amounts of collagen. methods: in order to make effective use of marine organisms, we selected persian gulf squid in 2015 to extract the required collagen. then, a 3d culture system based on the extracted collagen was applied to investigate cellular mechanisms in a native microenvironment. the formed collagen gel was used to investigate the growth of mda-mb-231 breast cancer cells as well as responses to pectic acid. results: the results revealed that the extracted collagen contained α, ß and γ components with high water holding capacity. this collagen formed a gel-like structure, which could promote the proliferation of mda-mb-231 breast cancer cells. the mda-mb-231 cells’ viability in presence of pectic acid, demonstrating the cells’ behavior in a 3d culture system . conclusion: it seems that the collagen extracted from squid skin has type i collagen properties. it might be used as a substrate in 3d cell culture systems.