Fish scales can help faster bone and dental healing; here's how

Scientists have developed a nano-fibre graft material derived from fish scales that helps in the rapid healing of bone and dental injuries. The discovery has been made by a team of researchers led by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT). India generates an estimated 40 to 60 lakh tonnes of fish waste every year, of which only a small fraction is utilised for fish feed, while the rest is discarded. However, the study highlights that fish waste contains valuable components, including collagen, calcium compounds, and bioactive molecules. These substances, which can influence and stimulate changes in living cells, can be harnessed for useful applications.

Why fish scales
Fish scales, in particular, are a major source of hydroxyapatite, a compound that closely resembles human bone and dental enamel. Using advanced processing techniques, the material can be transformed into fine nano fibres. These fibres support tissue regeneration and promote faster wound healing by preventing infection and inflammation, making them highly suitable for dental and orthopaedic applications. The study was conducted under the leadership of CIFT Senior Scientist Dr P K Bincy, in collaboration with Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, and Pushpagiri Dental College.

Eco-friendly biomedical-grade materials 
According to CIFT, in India, even partial implementation of this initiative can generate biomedical-grade materials with reduced environmental impact and economic value. Interestingly, countries like Norway and Japan have already turned fish waste into high-value industries with advanced processing. Read more, here: