In a groundbreaking study published in ‘Materials Research Express’, researchers have successfully transformed fish bones into a valuable resource for biomedical applications, offering a sustainable solution for the seafood industry’s waste problem. The study, led by Khanh Hy Le Ho from the Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), focuses on the extraction of nano-Hydroxyapatite (nano-HAp) from Lates calcarifer fish bones, a by-product of the seafood industry, through thermal calcination.
The research team synthesized nano-HAp at two different temperatures, 650 °C and 700 °C, resulting in distinct particle morphologies. The lower temperature yielded rod-like particles measuring 42 nm, while the higher temperature produced spherical particles of 98 nm. Both samples were identified as B-carbonated HAp, with Ca/P molar ratios slightly higher than the standard HAp found in bones and teeth. This unique composition suggests a higher potential for biological activity.
The study’s findings highlight the critical role of size and morphology in the biological activity of nano-HAp. Larger spherical particles, synthesized at 700 °C, were found to enhance the proliferation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) more effectively than smaller rod-like particles. This discovery could significantly impact tissue engineering and bone regeneration applications, as noted by Le Ho, “The size and morphology of nano-HAp play a critical role in its biological activity. Larger spherical particles (HAp 700-4 h) enhanced the proliferation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) more effectively than smaller rod-like particles (HAp 650-4 h), suggesting their greater potential for tissue engineering and bone regeneration applications.”
The research also underscores the biocompatibility of fish bone-derived nano-HAp, with cytotoxicity tests showing cell viability above 70% at concentrations up to 2 mg mL ^−1, exceeding the ISO 10993-5:2009 standard. This promising result opens doors for sustainable biomedical applications, potentially reducing the reliance on traditional sources of HAp.
The implications of this research extend beyond the biomedical field, offering a sustainable solution for the seafood industry’s waste problem. By converting fish bones into valuable nano-HAp, the seafood industry can reduce waste and generate additional revenue streams. This sustainable approach aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in various industries, including the energy sector, where waste reduction and resource optimization are critical.
As the demand for sustainable and biocompatible materials continues to rise, this research paves the way for future developments in the field. The study’s findings could inspire further research into the potential applications of fish bone-derived nano-HAp, potentially leading to innovative solutions for tissue engineering, bone regeneration, and other biomedical applications. The research team’s work, published in ‘Materials Research Express’, serves as a testament to the potential of sustainable materials in addressing global challenges.
