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.