Researchers from the University of Granada (UGR) have developed a breakthrough in corneal implants derived from fish scales (such as from carp and sea bream).

This project aims to provide a low-cost, bio-compatible alternative to human organ donation.

This is still some way off, though, as research is still in the laboratory and animal testing phase (mice and rabbits), with an estimated 10 years before it reaches human, clinical use.

Severe corneal damage is hard to treat owing to the eye’s lack of blood vessels and poor self-regeneration. For this reason, transplants depend entirely on donor availability at the moment.

Researchers at the university chose fish scales because of their natural transparency, flexibility, and durability, which provides a high-quality material that is easily sourced from the local fishing industry.

The team from the Tissue-Engineering Group (Ingeniería Tisular del Departamento de Histología) is recognised around the world for previous breakthroughs, including UGRSkin for burn victims.

Furthermore, in 2024, Nabila, a baby at Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, received the first artificial palate transplant in the whole of Europe.

(News: City & Metropolitan Area, Granada, Andalucia)

Keywords: Medical Advance, Cornea Transplant, Donor Organ, Fish Scales, Research, University of Granada

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