The Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai has developed a novel bone implant material for biomedical applications such as jawbone augmentation, bone replacement and reconstruction of the middle ear. Developed from degelatinized bone, "chitosan and gelatin", the material is cheap and a cost-effective alternative to hydroxyapatite, which is very costly and is normally imported, stated a government release.

Degelatinized bone is a by-product of bone-glue industry and is marketed as mineral manure. It is recovered from crushed cattle bones and is crystallographically similar to hydroxyapatite. Chitosan for the implant material is isolated from prawn shells and is a by-product of the seafood industry. It is well known for its bio-degradability, flexibility and high resistance to heat. It provides toughness to the product and does not allow the degelatinized bone particles to wither away when the implant is placed in the defective.

The CSIR lab has tried the implant in dogs with encouraging results. Studies are now being carried out for use of this product in humans. The CLRI proposes to patent this material, which will prove to be a boon to accident victims.