Researchers are exploring the rich collagen content in tilapia skin for innovative applications in veterinary medicine. The abundance of collagen in tilapia skin has made it a sought-after resource in various medical fields, from bandaging burn victims to reconstructing tissues. In northeastern Brazil’s Ceará state, veterinary ophthalmologist Mirza Melo has successfully tested tilapia skin for treating corneal ulcers and perforations, particularly in dogs with short snouts prone to eye injuries.
Traditionally, corneal injuries in animals are treated by surgically placing a membrane made from horse placenta over the affected area to aid regeneration. Melo introduced tilapia skin as an alternative in 2019, creating an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) made of pure collagen extracted from the fish skin. Collaborating with Brazil’s Burn Support Institute and the Federal University of Ceará, pioneers of the Tilapia Skin Project for burn treatment, Melo began testing the ADM.
Collagen, known for its ability to stimulate cellular growth and guide tissue generation, is abundant and consistent in quality throughout a tilapia’s life. In contrast, collagen from horse placenta varies based on factors such as the animal’s age and weight. The processed ADM, resembling a thick sheet of paper, is rehydrated with saline solution before surgery and acts as scaffolding for regenerating cells when placed over a dog’s corneal lesion and sutured into place.
Melo has treated over 400 dogs with this innovative technique, noting that they experienced no pain or infection issues post-surgery. The dogs healed quickly with minimal scarring, addressing concerns associated with traditional corneal repair methods. Veterinary ophthalmologist Robson Santos, not involved in the ADM project, praises tilapia skin as an excellent alternative to established techniques, citing its promising results in corneal repair.
