The future of burn and wound care is looking bad, in a good way. New research suggests that the skin of many fish species can be used as a wound dressing in more ways than currently thought.
Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines conducted the study. The objective is to test the feasibility of milk fish (Chano Chano) Skin is the base for skin grafts. Researchers found that milkfish skin is durable and just as effective at controlling microbial growth as other fish skins. with tilapia skin, an emerging skin graft alternative The discovery could make milkfish a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to treating serious wounds in impoverished areas. Researchers say
In the past few years Scientists have been exploring fish skin as a skin graft material for people and animals. Compared to other animal skin grafts fish skin It is more resistant to viral contamination and may be better at accelerating wound healing. Several fish skin graft products are currently being tested and are still being used. emergency crisis Like the California wildfires of 2023.
However, currently the most popular fish used for these grafts are Tilapia– So Ateneo de Manila researchers wanted to know if the popular milkfish (called “bangus” locally) could be used as a wound treatment.
They collect fresh milkfish and tilapia skins from local markets in Manila. Then descale, wash and cut into strips. Some of the strips were treated with silver nanoparticles. which is a common antimicrobial agent while other bands Left alone to control
under the microscope Like tilapia, milkfish skin maintains the structural integrity of collagen. And treated milkfish skin also appears to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
“By showing that milkfish skin can be effectively disinfected and used similarly to tilapia skin, This research offers an innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable wound treatment solution,” the researchers wrote in their report. published At the end of last year in Conference BIO website–
Milkfish is so popular in countries like the Philippines that its skin is often thrown away in the trash. Therefore, using milkfish skin as a wound dressing will help hospitals use fewer resources and reduce environmental waste. Researchers say further research will be needed to confirm the viability of milkfish skin for grafting. But it could certainly become an important treatment option.
“These findings have the potential to transform wound care in underserved areas. and improve patient outcomes in regions with limited access to advanced medical facilities,” they wrote.
Scientists elsewhere They have also begun testing other fish species. To be a basic material for skin grafts, e.g. cod fish–