Junzo Tanaka’s research group at Tokyo Institute of Technology have succeeded in using fish scales to develop artificial bone. They realized that the collagen that makes up fish scales, has a similar structure to the the thickest layer of the human cornea, the corneal stroma.

“Until now, collagen from pig skin was utilized. But there are viruses that are common to people and animals, which means that viruses in pigs can migrate to people and cause illnesses. With fish, it’s known that this doesn’t happen. So one feature of this new material is that it’s very safe. Also, artificial bone made from fish can have a much higher density, so another feature is that this artificial bone can be very strong. Also, when such a material is implanted in the body, the type made using fish collagen converts to bone faster. With artificial bone made from pig collagen, it takes about six months for the material to convert to bone after it’s implanted in a bone. Artificial bone made using fish collagen reaches the same state in about three months, so it converts to bone very quickly.”

The group plans to continue its research, with the aim of investigating the bone conversion process further, and increasing the strength of the new material. The goal is to enable this technology to be used in treatment for older people, who heal at a slower rate, and as a foundation material for bone regeneration therapy.

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