India’s fish production stands at over 19 million tonnes annually, generating an estimated 4-6 million tonnes of waste.  | Photo Credit: RUPAK DE CHOWDHURI

What was once discarded as foul-smelling residue at fish markets is now being reimagined as a valuable resource for advanced healthcare applications.

Scientists at ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, have developed a patented technology that converts fish scale waste into nanofibre-based graft materials capable of accelerating bone and dental healing.

The research team is led by Binsi PK, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CIFT, in collaboration with Sobi K Chacko from Catholicate College; Raneesh B of Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, and Nebu George Thomas, Pushpagiri Medical College.

India’s fish production stands at over 19 million tonnes annually, generating an estimated 4-6 million tonnes of waste. Traditionally, this biomass has been used for low-value applications such as fish meal or simply discarded. However, scientists are now viewing it as a rich biological resource containing collagen, calcium compounds, and bioactive molecules.

Fish scales, in particular, are emerging as a key source of hydroxyapatite — a mineral that closely resembles human bone and tooth enamel. Using an advanced electro-spinning process, researchers convert this material into ultra-thin nanofibres that function as scaffolds for tissue regeneration.

Unlike conventional graft materials that primarily fill defects, these nanofibres actively support healing by enabling the attachment and growth of bone-forming cells. They also allow controlled delivery of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents, reducing infection risks and improving recovery outcomes in dental and orthopaedic procedures.

Beyond the technology, the development signals a broader shift in how fish waste is perceived. Components such as skin, bones, scales, and even shellfish residues contain distinct compounds that can be harnessed for specialised industrial applications.

Countries like Japan and Norway have already demonstrated the economic potential of converting fish waste into high-value products through efficient segregation and processing systems. In India, however, fragmented supply chains and limited value addition continue to constrain such opportunities.

The CIFT innovation points to the emergence of a circular bio-economy model, where waste streams are reintegrated into productive use. Even partial conversion of fish waste into biomedical-grade materials could generate significant economic returns while reducing environmental burden.

More importantly, it opens new avenues for research, entrepreneurship, and employment in coastal regions, where fish processing remains a major livelihood activity.

By transforming fish waste into advanced medical materials, scientists are not only addressing a long-standing environmental challenge but also creating new possibilities in healthcare innovation.

Published on April 20, 2026