91- Novel Method in Nucleus Engineering Leading to Improved Nacre Secretion During Pearl Nucleation in Freshwater Mussels

Pearl farming stands as a thriving multibillion-dollar business, globally recognized as the largest aquaculture activity in terms of economic value. Despite the abundance of well-known pearl-producing mussels like Lamellidens corrianus and Lamellidens marginalis in various parts of Assam, the entire North East (NE) region of India lags behind in pearl farming due to a dearth of knowledge and proper scientific training facilities.

Traditionally, pearls are cultivated through a method involving the insertion of a stone/metal nucleus into the mantle tissue of the pearl oyster, followed by stocking the animals for one to two years. However, a significant challenge with this conventional approach lies in the high post-surgery mortality rates. This research addresses this issue by innovating in the field of nucleus design, aiming for enhanced compatibility with mussel’s tissue, ultimately leading to the production of high-quality pearls.

The proposed innovation involves a newly designed nucleus that facilitates rapid attachment to the animal shell, reducing harvesting time significantly. The technique leverages the formation of the nacreous bag, crucial for pearl development, by dividing the mantle epithelial cells with the aid of blood cells from the nacreous shell. This inventive nucleus design not only promotes the formation of the nacreous bag but also minimizes post-surgery complications.

Importantly, this work aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the 'Make in India,' 'Viksit Bharat,' and 'Vocal for Local' initiatives spearheaded by the Government of India. The introduction of this novel nucleus design not only addresses challenges in traditional pearl farming methods but also contributes to the development and sustainability of the pearl industry in the North East region.