Published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, the study found the membranes, produced using chitosan from shrimp shells and gelatin from fish skin, closely mimic the mechanical properties of human skin while supporting the attachment, growth and collagen production of human skin cells. Their transparency also allows researchers to observe tissue development in real time without disturbing the tissue. 

The researchers believe the biomaterial could provide a new platform for skin tissue engineering, wound healing research and laboratory skin models, while demonstrating how marine by-products can be repurposed into regenerative biomaterials.