At the forefront of groundbreaking research, scientists at Ateneo de Manila University have discovered a novel application for bangus fish skin—a common byproduct of the Philippine fishing industry that is often discarded as waste. Their study, titled “Determining the Applicability of Milkfish (Chanos chanos) for Skin Grafting through Microbiological and Histological Evaluations,” published in BIO Web of Conferences, unveils the potential of using milkfish skin for medical purposes.
The research findings indicate that milkfish, also known as bangus in the Philippines, could serve as a cost-effective solution for treating patients with severe burns and other major injuries. While not intended for home use, wound dressings made from fish skin could offer a vital tool for healthcare professionals, particularly in developing countries like the Philippines.
In cases of extensive skin damage, such as large third-degree burns, where all layers of the skin are affected, doctors typically apply artificial skin to protect exposed tissues and facilitate the regeneration of the patient’s own skin cells. This study marks the first instance of considering bangus skin for such applications, as previous research has focused on tilapia skin.
Given the widespread cultivation and consumption of bangus in the Philippines, this research carries significant implications for healthcare in the country. It presents the possibility of a sustainable and affordable method for wound care, potentially reducing the reliance on imported medical materials. Moreover, since fish skin is often discarded as waste, utilizing it for medical purposes aligns with principles of environmental sustainability.
The researchers noted, “Among the economically significant fish species in the Philippines, bangus is one of the most widely cultivated. However, limited research has been conducted on the suitability of milkfish skin for wound care.” They further emphasized the value of milkfish skin due to its abundance and collagen content, which could broaden the donor pool for fish skin grafting.
To assess the efficacy of bangus skin for medical use, the scientists compared it with tilapia skin obtained from a local market in Metro Manila. The skins were processed, sterilized with silver nanoparticles, and evaluated for bacterial and fungal growth inhibition. The results revealed that bangus skin exhibited comparable collagen structural integrity to tilapia skin after sterilization, showcasing its potential for wound healing applications.
In conclusion, the study’s innovative findings offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution for wound care, particularly in underserved areas with limited access to advanced medical facilities. By repurposing milkfish skin for medical use, the research opens up new possibilities for improving patient outcomes and promoting healthcare sustainability in the Philippines and beyond.
