Researchers Learn to Make Corneas for the Eye from Carp Scales 0 9

Researchers from the University of Granada have created corneal implants from fish scales that have shown promising results in laboratory experiments and on animals. This discovery could help reduce dependence on donor transplants. The team from the Department of Histology at the University of Granada has studied this underutilized byproduct for many years, and their work may provide hope for thousands of patients awaiting corneal transplants.

By analyzing the scales of carp and other common food fish, the scientists developed a biocompatible, durable, and transparent implant capable of restoring damaged corneas. The cornea – the transparent layer at the front of the eye – heals poorly and lacks direct blood supply, so in severe diseases, doctors have limited options other than complete transplantation. However, the amount of donor tissue is extremely limited, and the demand for transplants significantly exceeds the supply.

The study, published in the journal Materials & Design, details the analysis of the scales that enabled the creation of a biomaterial with the necessary properties for corneal restoration. Laboratory and animal tests showed good functional results. In addition to its medical value, the researchers note a practical advantage: the raw material is inexpensive and readily available. Fish scales are a byproduct of the fishing industry that is often discarded, and turning them into raw material for implants could have an economic impact on the region.

The results are still preliminary, but convincing enough to continue the work. Laboratory experiments and animal tests have been successful; however, clinical trials, which typically take years and require strict adherence to regulatory standards, are necessary before using the implants in humans. So far, the team has demonstrated the material's effectiveness at both biological and structural levels. The transformation of carp scales into a full-fledged cornea has not yet been confirmed by clinical data, but the research results provide reasonable hope for this approach. In the context of a shortage of donor tissues, this discovery appears particularly promising.