Willie Creek Pearls leads revolution in medical sector, using Broome pearl oysters to create synthetic bone

A WA biotech start-up partnered by Willie Creek Pearls is leading the way to revolutionising the medical sector, using Broome pearl oysters to create synthetic bone. Marine Biomedical was birthed from a partnership between Willie Creek Pearls and the University of Western Australia’s medical school, focused on developing medical products sourced from Australia’s pristine marine environments including the Kimberley Coast. The product created, PearlBone, is a bone substitute material derived from mother of pearl, which is sourced from the Pinctada maxima silver-lipped pearl oysters which are grown at Willie Creek Pearls. The synthetic bone substitute has been proven to support the process of new bone formation, with its initial application to be in orthopaedic, trauma and reconstructive surgeries. Marine Biomedical chief executive Patrick Moase said Willie Creek Pearls’ commercial pearling division had the capacity to provide access to premium quality mother of pearl shell, which was necessary to achieve the ongoing development of PearlBone. “Willie Creek Pearls’ Broome based operations and their assets such as the aquaculture facilities at Willie Creek Pearl Farm, together with its proximity to the Indian Ocean will be of significant benefit to our Company,” he said. Willie Creek Pearls general manager of commercial operations and pearling master Paul Birch said he was excited to be part of the unique opportunity. “This will not divert us from growing some of Australia’s finest pearls and will serve to enhance it, as it will our multi-award winning tourism products where we educate, entertain and engage with thousands of visitors each year,” he said. Willie Creek Pearls owner and Marine Biomedical partner Robert Banfield said he welcomed the opportunity to expand Broome’s internationally renowned pearling industry. “Modern pearl farming has tended to view mother of pearl as a by-product, but this opportunity to develop PearlBone from this incredible source material shines a light on a new opportunity for the whole pearl farming industry,” he said. “For Willie Creek Pearls to be involved in the advancement of products that could make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of so many is very exciting.”