A new fish scale-derived scaffold for corneal regeneration

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a novel scaffold, derived from fish scales, as an alternative functional material with sufficient mechanical strength for corneal regenerative applications. Fish scales, which are usually considered as marine wastes, were acellularized, decalcified and fabricated into collagen scaffolds. The microstructure of the acellularized scaffold was imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The acellularization and decalcification treatments did not affect the naturally 3-dimentional, highly centrally-oriented micropatterned structure of the material. To assess the cytocompatibility of the scaffold with corneal cells, rabbit corneal cells were cultured on the scaffold and examined under SEM and confocal microscopy at different time periods. Rapid cell proliferation and migration on the scaffold were observed under SEM and confocal microscopy. The highly centrallyoriented micropatterned structure of the scaffold was beneficial for efficient nutrient and oxygen supply to the cells cultured in the three-dimensional matrices, and therefore it is useful for high-density cell seeding and spreading. Collectively, we demonstrate the superior cellular conductivity of the newly developed material. We provide evidences for the feasibility of the scaffold as a template for corneal cells growth and migration, and thus the fish scale-derived scaffold can be developed as a promising material for tissue-engineering of cornea.

Hydroxyapatite extracted from fish scale: Effects on MG63 osteoblast-like cells

“…Generally, fish scale is considered worthless, impracticable, and dismissed as a waste. However, it is known that fish scale contains numerous valuable organic and inorganic components, mainly collagen and hydroxyapatite [3], which have commercial value for use in manufacturing functional foods, cosmetics, and biomedical products [4][5][6].…”

Fish Skin: From Clothing to Tissue Engineering

“…-"fi sh scales, which are usually considered as marine wastes, were acellularized, decalcifi ed and fabricated into collagen scaffolds; -these treatments did not affect the naturally three dimensional, highly centrallyoriented micropatterned structure of the material," (Lin et al 2010 ). Keratoprostheses are examples of artifi cial corneas that are a promising alternative to obtaining tissue replacements for corneal transplantation.…”

“…Keratoprostheses are examples of artifi cial corneas that are a promising alternative to obtaining tissue replacements for corneal transplantation. "Especially to patients, who are blind due to corneal defects, artifi cial corneas could potentially benefi t and the demand is increasing," (Lin et al 2010 ). Teleost fi sh scales have been recently proposed as biological model for the development of biomaterials for regeneration of the corneal stroma (Takagi and Kazuhiro 2007 ;Lin et al 2010 ) (Fig.…”

“…The image shows the distribution of corneal cells after 7 days of cultivation using acellular fi sh scale scaffold (Adapted from Lin et al 2010). The cells were correspondingly fi xed and stained using Alexa Fluor 488-phalloidin (for visualization of F-actin, red ) and Hoechst 33342 (to detect nuclei, green ) (Lin et al 2010 ;Copyright (c) 2010, Lin et al Reprinted with permission) A lateral face evaporation method was recently proposed for fabrication of collagen fi bril membranes (CFMs) based on type I atelocollagen extracted from tilapia fi sh scales.…”

“…The cells were correspondingly fi xed and stained using Alexa Fluor 488-phalloidin (for visualization of F-actin, red ) and Hoechst 33342 (to detect nuclei, green ) (Lin et al 2010 ;Copyright (c) 2010, Lin et al Reprinted with permission) A lateral face evaporation method was recently proposed for fabrication of collagen fi bril membranes (CFMs) based on type I atelocollagen extracted from tilapia fi sh scales. In order to increase the mechanical property of these membranes they were crosslinked in gaseous glutaraldehyde for different durations.…”