A new fish scale-derived scaffold for corneal regeneration

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 centrally-oriented 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.