Hydroxyapatite has attracted a significant attention in biomedical applications due to its excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity, osteoconductivity, and non-toxic nature. Fish processing wastes, particularly fish bones and scales, have emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective natural source for hydroxyapatite extraction. The increasing global demand for environmentally friendly biomaterials has accelerated research into the utilization of fish-derived waste for bone tissue engineering. This review comprehensively discusses the extraction, characterization, and in vitro studies of hydroxyapatite from various fish species. Furthermore, the review highlights structural, morphological, thermal, and biological characteristics of fish-derived hydroxyapatite. Despite considerable progress, challenges associated with compositional variability, reproducibility, and large-scale commercialization remain significant barriers to clinical translation. Fish-derived hydroxyapatite demonstrates substantial potential as a sustainable biomaterial for future orthopedic and dental applications.
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