A GROUNDBREAKING study from Ateneo de Manila University reveals that bangus (milkfish) skin has the potential to be a cost-effective solution for treating severe burns and major injuries.

The research, titled “Determining the Applicability of Milkfish (Chanos chanos) for Skin Grafting through Microbiological and Histological Evaluations,” was published in the BIO Web of Conferences in November 2024.

Led by Dr. Janice Ragaza and Bianca Patrice Go from Ateneo’s Aquatic and Fisheries Resources Laboratory, this study is the first to explore the use of milkfish skin for wound dressings—offering a potential breakthrough for developing nations like the Philippines.

While previous studies focused on tilapia skin, Ateneo’s research identified milkfish as an alternative due to its high collagen content and availability.

The fish’s widespread cultivation in the Philippines presents an affordable and sustainable solution for wound care, while also addressing environmental concerns by repurposing fish skin.

The study found that silver nanoparticle-treated bangus skin successfully inhibited bacterial and fungal growth, offering a potential alternative to existing fish skin grafts for wound healing.

“This research provides a cost-effective, sustainable, and innovative solution to wound care, which could improve patient outcomes in underserved areas with limited access to advanced medical facilities,” the researchers concluded.