Overview
- The University of Granada and the Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria unveiled lab-made corneal implants derived from processed fish scales.
- Early studies reported transparency, mechanical strength, and high biocompatibility with functional results in laboratory models and animal implantations.
- The team positioned the material as a potential alternative to donor corneal grafts that face shortages and waiting lists.
- Researchers emphasized that the work remains preclinical with further validation, safety testing, regulatory review, and human trials still required.
- The project was developed in UGR’s tissue‑engineering labs with funding from Spain’s Instituto de Salud Carlos III and could offer a low-cost use for fisheries byproducts.