Abstract

INNOVATIVE BURN TREATMENT – EXPLORING THE USING FISH SKIN

Devi Priya K.*, Dr. K. Rithika, S. Parthasarathi, Archana A. and Vishalatchi K.

ABSTRACT

Burn injuries are a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to advanced care is limited. Traditional treatments such as autologous skin grafts and silver-based dressings, while effective, are often costly and may not be feasible for extensive burns or in resource-poor settings. In recent years, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin has emerged as an innovative, low-cost alternative for burn wound management.[1] Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that tilapia skin xenografts offer several advantages over conventional therapies, including accelerated wound healing, enhanced re-epithelialization, reduced pain, and fewer dressing changes. A meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials involving 199 patients with partial-thickness burns found that tilapia skin not only promoted faster re-epithelialization but also significantly decreased pain levels and the frequency of dressing changes compared to silver-based dressings. Phase II and III trials conducted in Brazil further confirmed these benefits, with patients treated with tilapia skin experiencing shorter healing times, lower analgesic requirements, and reduced treatment-related costs—by as much as 42.1% in one study.[2] The fish skin’s natural collagen structure and antimicrobial properties contribute to its effectiveness, providing good wound adherence and lowering infection risks. Preclinical studies in animal models also support the use of tilapia skin, showing improved wound healing and pain reduction. The abundance, ease of farming, and affordability of Nile tilapia make its skin a highly accessible option, especially in regions where burn injuries are prevalent and resources are limited. In summary, tilapia skin represents a promising, cost- effective, and innovative solution for burn treatment, with potential to transform care in both human and veterinary medicine.[3]

Keywords: Burn wound healing, Biological wound dressing, Collagen type I and III, Extracellular matrix (ECM), Fish processing waste utilization, Second- and third-degree burns, Tissue regeneration, Antimicrobial peptide, Fibroblast proliferation, Vascularization, W