New Zealand researchers 3D-print corneas from fish scales

Researchers at Massey University have successfully made a new 3D-printer. This printer is special: it can 3D-print new corneas, which can then be used to transplant them into humans. The best part? The printer creates these new corneas from fish scales. According to Johan Potgeiter who led the team behind the research, the printer prints the cornea from collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes up our skin. The collagen is obtained by sourcing fish scales, in this case the scales from the Hoki fish. The Hoki fish was selected as the human body accepts corneas made from their scales.

The cornea is the front layer of the eye and covers the iris, pupil, amongst other parts. Previously, people who lose their corneas go blind, and there are an estimated 10m people worldwide in need of a cornea transplant.

Johan Potgeiter continued to endorse his project, stating “if we can have a way we can make this for a world market, as cheaply as possible, that’s the dream. It should be extremely cheap, it’s a renewable resource, and the machines should be very affordable.”