Researchers from the University of Granada have developed an artificial cornea from the scales of several species of fish that are commonly found in markets. which could become a cheaper alternative to donor transplants for serious eye diseases.
The cornea, the transparent front layer of the eye, is difficult to repair when it is severely damaged, as it has no blood vessels and its regenerative capacity is limited. Serious corneal diseases are often treated with donor transplants, which can be limited by organ availability and waiting lists.
Scientists from the University’s Tissue Engineering Group and the ibs biomedical research institute. GRENADE They said in a press release that they had created corneal implants with highly biocompatible, transparent and resistant fish scales.
“Due to its origin, this product is very accessible, easy to obtain and low-cost, and could contribute to strengthening the local fishing sector,” said Ingrid Garzón, professor of histology at the University of Southern Spain and co-author of the research.
Although evidence suggests that they could be useful for corneal repair and regeneration, the technology is still far from being clinically usable in humans, awaiting trials in people.
The team said the material produced good functional results in laboratory studies and in animals that received the implants.
“Although the common transplant usually offers good results, it is necessary to develop new effective methods in regeneration that do not depend on organ donation, subject to waiting lists,” said Miguel Alaminos, also a professor of histology at the same university, in the statement.
A 2016 peer-reviewed article by researchers at the University of Antwerp, discovered that artificial corneas derived from fish scales were biocompatible with humans.
