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Tilapia skin helps animals regain vision and treats burns in humans

  • Writer: Dakila News
    Dakila News
  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

Dr. Edmar Maciel is the general coordinator of research into products developed with tilapia skin (Photo: Jr. Panela) Understand the news at your own pace: To make the content more accessible while maintaining technical depth, this news story has been presented in two formats:

  • Simplified version: Ideal for those not in the field but curious about the subject.

  • Technical version: Aimed at readers with prior knowledge or professional interest in the topic. Choose the reading that suits you best — or enjoy both!

Accessible language:


The skin of tilapia, a common fish in Brazil, is being used to treat burns in people and restore vision in dogs and cats with eye injuries. Researchers at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) discovered that this material, rich in collagen, helps in the healing and regeneration of the skin and cornea.​


In the case of burns, tilapia skin is applied to the affected area, acting as a natural bandage that protects the wound, reduces pain and speeds up recovery. In animals with eye injuries, the technique uses a membrane made from the fish's skin to stimulate the regeneration of the cornea, allowing many to see again.


Since 2019, more than 400 successful procedures have been performed on dogs and cats in Ceará. In addition, the technique has already been used in medical missions to treat burn victims in various parts of the world, including Brazil and abroad.


This innovation represents an affordable and effective alternative to traditional treatments, especially in resource-limited settings. UFC continues to research and develop new applications for tilapia skin in medicine. (News produced with the help of AI)


Technical language:


Researchers from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) have developed an acellular dermal matrix from tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus), aiming at therapeutic applications in skin and eye injuries. The material, rich in type I collagen, has properties that favour tissue regeneration and healing.​


In the treatment of second-degree burns, tilapia skin is processed with glycerol and sterilized by irradiation, ensuring microbiological safety. Its application over the injury provides biological coverage that reduces fluid loss, protects against infections, and reduces pain, in addition to eliminating the need for frequent dressing changes.


In veterinary ophthalmology, the dermal matrix has been used as a graft in cases of ulcers and corneal perforations in dogs and cats. The translucent structure of the membrane allows the passage of light, while its composition promotes the re-epithelialization of the cornea. Clinical studies have demonstrated visual recovery in more than 400 treated animals since 2019.


UFC holds patents related to these products and is in the process of obtaining licensing for industrial-scale production. The initiative aims to expand access to innovative, low-cost treatments, benefiting both human and veterinary medicine.


(News produced with the help of AI)


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