274
skin, using BB cells. Overall, the obtained results indicated that fi sh cells can attach,
proliferate, and express fi sh skin components on dense and porous polymer scaffolds,” (Pouliot et al. 2004 ).
6.4 Conclusion
Further study would serve not only to investigative dermatology as thought previously
(Rackers et al. 2010 ), but also the biological materials science and biomedical
applications. An interesting direction was recently discovered for cancer research.
Evidence of melanoma in wild marine fi sh Plectropomus leopardus has been
reported for the fi rst time (Sweet et al. 2012 ). The authors studied “extensive melanosis and melanoma (skin cancer) in wild populations of an iconic, commerciallyimportant marine fi sh, the coral trout P. leopardus. The syndrome observed has
strong similarities to previous studies associated with UV induced melanomas in
the well-established laboratory fi sh model Xiphophorus. Relatively high prevalence
rates of this syndrome (15 %) were recorded at two offshore sites in the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park. In the absence of microbial pathogens and given the
strong similarities to the UV-induced melanomas, it was concluded that the likely
cause was environmental exposure to UV radiation,” (Sweet et al. 2012 ).
Because of natural selection the fi sh scale and fi sh skin as mechanical systems
evolved in marine fi sh are highly effi cient for the corresponding mode of life and
habitat in each fi sh species. Their amazing abilities inspire today innovative designs
to improve the ways that man-made systems function in and interact with the aquatic
niches, including those like underwater biomimetic robotics. Researchers mimic the
marine fi sh (mostly tuna, sharks and rays) locomotion, shape, profi le, and structure,
in their development of machines or devices for underwater propulsion as well as
manoeuvrability. This is the topic of the next chapter.
References
A brief history of the Shagreen (Stingray skin). Published on-line http://www.fauxshagreenfurniture.net/en/news/a-brief-history-of-the-shagreen-stingray-skin.html . Accessed 15 May 2014.
Copyright by fauxshagreenfurniture.net. Reprinted with permission
Adrien GR (1929) Process for the treatment of skins of animals containing calcifi ed formations.
United States Patent 1,725,629
Allen R (1920) Treating of shark–skins and the like preparatory to tanning. United States Patent
1,338,531
Biery GA, Simmons RW (1955) Process for preparing leather from teleost fi shskins. United States
Patent 2700590
Brunn M (2001) Shagreen ( http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/2001/0513.
html ) published on-line 17.04.2001; Accessed 15 May 2014. Copyright © 2001, Foundation of
the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC). Reprinted with
permission
6 Fish Skin: From Clothing to Tissue Engineering
skin, using BB cells. Overall, the obtained results indicated that fi sh cells can attach,
proliferate, and express fi sh skin components on dense and porous polymer scaffolds,” (Pouliot et al. 2004 ).
6.4 Conclusion
Further study would serve not only to investigative dermatology as thought previously
(Rackers et al. 2010 ), but also the biological materials science and biomedical
applications. An interesting direction was recently discovered for cancer research.
Evidence of melanoma in wild marine fi sh Plectropomus leopardus has been
reported for the fi rst time (Sweet et al. 2012 ). The authors studied “extensive melanosis and melanoma (skin cancer) in wild populations of an iconic, commerciallyimportant marine fi sh, the coral trout P. leopardus. The syndrome observed has
strong similarities to previous studies associated with UV induced melanomas in
the well-established laboratory fi sh model Xiphophorus. Relatively high prevalence
rates of this syndrome (15 %) were recorded at two offshore sites in the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park. In the absence of microbial pathogens and given the
strong similarities to the UV-induced melanomas, it was concluded that the likely
cause was environmental exposure to UV radiation,” (Sweet et al. 2012 ).
Because of natural selection the fi sh scale and fi sh skin as mechanical systems
evolved in marine fi sh are highly effi cient for the corresponding mode of life and
habitat in each fi sh species. Their amazing abilities inspire today innovative designs
to improve the ways that man-made systems function in and interact with the aquatic
niches, including those like underwater biomimetic robotics. Researchers mimic the
marine fi sh (mostly tuna, sharks and rays) locomotion, shape, profi le, and structure,
in their development of machines or devices for underwater propulsion as well as
manoeuvrability. This is the topic of the next chapter.
References
A brief history of the Shagreen (Stingray skin). Published on-line http://www.fauxshagreenfurniture.net/en/news/a-brief-history-of-the-shagreen-stingray-skin.html . Accessed 15 May 2014.
Copyright by fauxshagreenfurniture.net. Reprinted with permission
Adrien GR (1929) Process for the treatment of skins of animals containing calcifi ed formations.
United States Patent 1,725,629
Allen R (1920) Treating of shark–skins and the like preparatory to tanning. United States Patent
1,338,531
Biery GA, Simmons RW (1955) Process for preparing leather from teleost fi shskins. United States
Patent 2700590
Brunn M (2001) Shagreen ( http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/2001/0513.
html ) published on-line 17.04.2001; Accessed 15 May 2014. Copyright © 2001, Foundation of
the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC). Reprinted with
permission
6 Fish Skin: From Clothing to Tissue Engineering