Nile Tilapia Skin Research Articles

CRISPR Knockouts of pmela and pmelb Engineered a Golden Tilapia by Regulating Relative Pigment Cell Abundance.

Premelanosome protein (pmel) is a key gene for melanogenesis. Mutations in this gene are responsible for white plumage in chicken, but its role in pigmentation of fish remains to be demonstrated. In this study, we found that most fishes have 2 pmel genes arising from the teleost-specific whole-genome duplication. Both pmela and pmelb were expressed at high levels in the eyes and skin of Nile tilapia. We mutated both genes in tilapia using CRISPR/Cas9. Homozygous mutation of pmela resulted in yellowish body color with weak vertical bars and a hypopigmented retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) due to significantly reduced number and size of melanophores. In contrast, we observed an increased number and size of xanthophores in mutants compared to wild-type fish. Homozygous mutation of pmelb resulted in a similar, but milder phenotype than pmela-/- mutants. Double mutation of pmela and pmelb resulted in loss of additional melanophores compared to the pmela-/- mutants, and also an increase in the number and size of xanthophores, producing a golden body color. The RPE pigmentation of pmela-/-;pmelb-/- was similar to pmela-/- mutants, with much less pigmentation than pmelb-/- mutants and wild-type fish. Taken together, our results indicate that, although both pmel genes are important for the formation of body color in tilapia, pmela plays a more important role than pmelb. To our knowledge, this is the first report on mutation of pmelb or both pmela;pmelb in fish. Studies on these mutants suggest new strategies for breeding golden tilapia, and also provide a new model for studies of pmel function in vertebrates.

Coating of conducting polymer-silver nanoparticles for antibacterial protection of Nile tilapia skin xenografts

The production of antibacterial polymer-based nanocomposites applied as coatings for tissue engineering scaffolds (such as fish skin) can be considered as an important strategy to be applied in the control of bacterial contaminations. Herein, it is proposed the incorporation of conducting polymers (polypyrrole and polyaniline) decorated with silver nanoparticles (reduced by the essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus) and deposited in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus skin), as an alternative model of chemically modified natural xenografts. The observed fast kill time against Staphylococcus aureus is favored by the electrostatic interaction of conducting polymers (positively charged species) and bacteria (negatively charged cells) and generated reactive species from polyaniline and counter ions from polypyrrole. In addition, the antibiofilm activity is favored by the incorporation of silver nanoparticles that act locally on modified skin impregnated with polyaniline avoiding the growth of biofilm, critical in recontamination processes. Based on these findings, the reported results confirm the promising activity of nanocomposites and modified tilapia skin as active wound dressing systems.

Collagen Scaffold Derived from Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Skin: Obtention, Structural and Physico-chemical Properties

ABSTRACT Pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) from the skin of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was used for the obtention of collagen scaffolds, and their structural and physico-chemical properties were described. The PSC extraction yield was 18.3%, and the type I collagen was identified from it; the PSC scaffolds were successfully elaborated by electrospinning. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed that the triple helix structure was maintained before and after the electrospinning process. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed high PSC temperature denaturation (38°C) and PSC scaffolds (30°C). These findings show that PSC can be an effective source of collagen for the PSC scaffold obtention and be further used as a potential biomaterial.

Physicochemical properties of gelatin produced from Nile tilapia skin using chemical and fermentation pretreatments

In this study, we aimed to verify the effectiveness of fermentation as a pretreatment in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin gelatin production and to assess its effects on the extracted gelatin. Chemical-gelatin (CG) and fermentation-gelatin (FG) were extracted using hot water from tilapia skin after immersion in chemical reagents (sodium hydroxide and butanol) and after fermentation with Bacillus velezensis FEL-BM21, respectively. FG presented a higher recovery (27.40%), yield (49.99%), and imino acid (proline and hydroxyproline) content (177.17 ± 0.35 residues/1000 residues) than CG, but had a lower molecular weight. Fourier transform infrared and circular dichroism spectroscopy confirmed that the collagen was denatured, and scanning electron microscopy revealed that FG had a more continuous filamentous structure than CG. Furthermore, except for transmittance (66.19% at 450 nm and 86.36% at 620 nm), FG exhibited higher gel strength (492.81 g), gelling point (28.93 °C), and melting point (18.33 °C) than CG. These findings suggest that fermentation can be used to treat gelatin raw materials without negatively affecting the structure of gelatin. Moreover, fermentation has potential industrial applications as an alternative to chemical treatment.

Molecular studies of bioactive peptides of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin protein hydrolysate DLBS3D33 as MMP-2 inhibitor

Molecular studies of bioactive peptides of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin protein hydrolysate DLBS3D33 as MMP-2 inhibitor

Tilapia skin: technological advance in the treatment of burns?

Introduction: Burn is one of the greatest aggressions the body can suffer. The approach varies according to the degree of the burn, since the use of chlorhexidine, silver sulfadiazine, debridement of necrotic tissue, biosynthetic dressings and artificial skins. However, these latter two have high costs, so several studies have emerged with the objective of seeking more viable options, such as the use of Nile Tilapia skin in burns, due to its healing properties. That said, the present article has as a guide question: Is this new method, in fact, a technological advance as important for the treatment of burned patients as it appears to be? Objective: To analyze the use of Nile Tilapia skin in patients with burn injuries, as well as to compare with other pre-established techniques. Methods: This is an integrative bibliographic review with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through PubMed databases and Virtual Health Library (VHL), from 2015 to 2020. Results: The articles indicate a good prognosis to the use of Nile Tilapia skin in relation to the other options in force for the treatment of burns, with a significant advantage in reducing the number of dressings required, for better adhesion to the wound. Moreover, it presents microscopic characteristics similar to human skin, such as high tensile strength and breakage extension, reducing reepithelialization time and pain intensity, as well as reducing treatment costs. Conclusion: In view of the findings of the literature reported in the present review, it is concluded that studies with nile tilapia skin proves to be a revolutionary modality with benefits in the treatment of patients with superficial and deep skin lesions. Therefore, the researchers concluded, answering the guide question, that the new method is, yes, an important advance in the field of burn treatment, because it's employability is confirmed, besides demonstrating an advantage over some of the main preexisting alternatives.

All-green wound dressing prototype based on Nile tilapia skin impregnated with silver nanoparticles reduced by essential oil

All-green wound dressing prototype based on Nile tilapia skin impregnated with silver nanoparticles reduced by essential oil

Effects of host‐associated probioticBacillus altitudinisB61‐34b on growth performance, immune response and disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) raised under biofloc system

This investigation was performed to assess the influences of the host-associated probiotic Bacillus altitudinis B61-34b (BAA) on growth, immune response and disease resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (25.50 ± 0.52 g fish−1) were distributed into 15 aquaria (150 litres tank−1) at density of 20 fish tank−1. The fish were fed basal diets with BAA inclusions in different concentrations: 0 (BAA1—Control), 106 (BAA2), 107 (BAA3), 108 (BAA4) and 109 (BAA5) CFU ml−1 for 8 weeks. A completely randomized design with three replications was used. The results indicated that BAA administration generated greater (p < 0.05) skin mucus and peroxidase activities compared to the control, with maximum levels recorded in BAA4 and BAA5. Higher serum immunities, such as serum lysozyme, serum peroxidase, complement, phagocytosis and respiratory burst activities were observed in the BAA4 and BAA5 dietary groups compared to the control, BAA1, BAA2 and BAA3 diets. The relative percentage of survival, growth performance and FCR were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the BAA4 and BAA5 groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of B. altitudinis at 108 CFU ml−1 can improve Nile tilapia's growth performance, skin mucus and serum immunities, and disease resistance.

Influences of spent coffee grounds on skin mucosal and serum immunities, disease resistance, and growth rate of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared under biofloc system

The study was executed to find out the potential effects spent coffee ground (SCG) on Nile tilapia's skin mucosal and serum immunities, disease prevention, and growth rate reared in a biofloc system. Nile tilapia fingerlings (average weight 15.25 ± 0.07 g) were disseminated into 15 aquaria (150 L tank−1) at a density of 20 fish per aquarium and treated five diets: SCG1 (control), SCG2 (10 g kg−1), SCG3 (20 g kg−1), SCG4 (40 g kg−1), and SCG5 (80 g kg−1) for eight weeks. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications was applied. Growth rate, skin mucus, and serum immunities were quantified every 4 weeks; whereas the challenge study was conducted at the termination of the feeding trial. The outputs indicated that dietary incorporation of SCG give rise to the enhancement of SGR and FCR in comparison with the control, with best levels noted in fish fed SCG2 diet. Similarly, significant enhancements in skin mucosal and serum immunities were revealed in fish treated SCG2 over the control and other SCG diets. Likewise, higher survival rates against Streptococcus agalactiae were displayed in fish fed SCG, with the maximum level displayed in the fish treated SCG2. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of SCG2 (10 g kg−1) can be potential used as immunostimulants in tilapia aquaculture.

Inhibition of biofilm formation induced by functional graphenic materials impregnated in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin

Wound dressings based on natural materials, such as fish skin, represent an important strategy for the treatment of burns. Despite their utility, contamination of these natural materials with bacteria (planktonic and biofilm forms) introduces significant risks to patients under treatment. This disadvantage can be overcome by modifying the material’s surface to prevent bacterial deposition through chemical or physical interactions. In this work, functional graphenic materials (FGM) with tunable surface charges were incorporated into tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish skin as a part of a strategy to control the biofilm adhesion on surfaces. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae due to the biofilm-forming properties of these bacterial strains. FGM-modified tilapia skin samples possess a strong capacity to reduce biofilm formation on the tilapia fish skin with a higher antibiofilm activity against Gram-positive bacteria, compared to Gram-negative bacteria. Negatively charged FGMs were more effective than positively charged FGMs in preventing biofilm formation on the impregnated tilapia skin xenografts: negatively charged Claisen graphene achieved an 88.8% reduction in biofilm formation on the tilapia skin. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of FGM-impregnated tilapia skins as a treatment for burn wounds due to their ability to modulate bacterial adhesion.

Nile tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus) for burn treatment: ultrastructural analysis and quantitative assessment of collagen

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin is a well-known biomaterial used as an occlusive dressing for burn treatment. It is also an inexpensive and important source of collagen. This study aims to describe the ultrastructural aspects of Nile tilapia skin, assess its collagen amount and organization, and compare quantitative methods of histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis (in all sterilization steps for use in burn dressings). One sample (0.5 × 0.5 cm) of ten different fish skins was divided in four groups: in natura skin (IN), chemical sterilization (CH), additional irradiation (30 kGy) (IR), and skins used in burn treatment (BT) to compare histochemical and immunohistochemical findings of collagen amount and describe ultrastructural aspects through scanning electron microscopy. The amount of type I collagen decreased during sterilization and clinical use owing to gradual reduction of immunostaining (anti-collagen-I) and decreasing fiber thickness of the collagen, when compared to type III (Picrosirius-red-polarized light). The collagen fibers were rearranged at each sterilization step, with a low collagen percentage and large structural disorganization in BT. The amount of type-I collagen was further reduced after BT (p < 0.05). Both the methods did not exhibit a quantified value difference (p = 0.247), and a positive correlation (r = 0.927; 95 % CI = 0.720–0.983) was observed between them, with concordance for collagen quantification in similar samples, presenting a low systematic error rate (Dalberg coefficient: 6.70). A significant amount of type-I collagen is still observed despite sterilization, although clinical application further reduces type I collagen. Its quantification can be performed both by immunohistochemistry and/or Picrosirius Red reliably.

The use of Nile Tilapia skin as an occlusive biological dressing for palatal wound healing: A case series

Recently, the use of type I collagen obtained from Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was proposed for the treatment of second and third-degree burning lesions and diabetic ulcers due to its occlusive and healing properties. The aim of this report is to describe the use of Nile tilapia skin as an occlusive barrier to protect palatal wounds after the removal of free autogenous soft tissue grafts. Two patients with a deficiency in the height of keratinized mucosa were indicated for treatment with free gingival grafts. The palatal donor area was covered with a Nile tilapia skin, stabilized by sutures. Seven days after surgery, patients returned for post-operative care. Patients’ reported outcomes were investigated by the use of a visual analogue scale and included pain, discomfort, impact on chewing and speaking. Analgesics consumption was also recorded. Standardized photographs were obtained to monitor wound healing. Patients were followed up for 30 days. Patients reported reduced pain levels, with low consumption of analgesics during the first week after surgery. No discomfort or difficulty in chewing or speaking was reported. No complications such as hemorrhage or edema were observed. These findings suggest that the Nile Tilapia skin may be an interesting alternative as an occlusive biological dressing in palatal wounds harvest of free gingival grafts.

Dietary inclusion of watermelon rind powder and Lactobacillus plantarum: Effects on Nile tilapia's growth, skin mucus and serum immunities, and disease resistance

An eight-week investigation was conducted to access the potential impact of dietary watermelon rind powder (WMRP) and L. plantarum CR1T5 (LP) administered individually or in combination on immunity, disease resistance, and growth rate of Nile tilapia fingerlings cultured in a biofloc system. Three hundred twenty fish (average weight 16.57 ± 0.14 g) were distributed into 16 tanks at a rate of 20 fish per tank. The fish were fed different diets: Diet 1 (0 g kg−1 WMRP and 0 CFU g−1 L. plantarum) (control), Diet 2 (40 g kg−1 WMRP), Diet 3 (108 CFU g−1 LP), and Diet 4 (40 g kg−1 WMRP + 108 CFU g−1 LP) for eight weeks. A completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications was applied. Skin mucus, serum immunity, and growth parameters were analyzed every 4 weeks, and a challenge study against S. agalactiae was conducted at the end of the experiment. The findings showed that the inclusion of WMRP + LP, administrated individually or in a mixture, significantly (P<0.05) stimulated growth, skin mucus, and serum immune parameters of Nile tilapia fingerlings compared with the control. The highest values were detected in fish fed the combination of WMRP and LP, as opposed to individual administration of either WMRP or LP, in which no significant differences were detected. Within the challenge study, the relative percent survival (RPS) in Diet 2, Diet 3, and Diet 4 was 48.0%, 52.0%, and 68.0%, respectively. Fish fed 40 g kg−1 WMRP + LP produced significantly higher RPS and protection against S. agalactiae than the other treated groups. Current results suggest that the dual administration of WMRP and LP maybe an effective feed additive for Nile tilapia grown in an indoor biofloc system, capable of improving growth parameters and increasing resistance to S. agalactiae infection.

Effect of Collagen Tripeptide and Adjusting for Climate Change on Skin Hydration in Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Although collagen is widely used in various forms as a functional ingredient in skin care products, the effect of oral supplementation of collagen tripeptides (CTPs) on human skin is unclear. Moreover, the majority of the positive outcomes of CTP reported so far have not considered the effect of weather conditions. Therefore, we tested the effect of CTP and adjusting for climate change on skin properties in middle-aged women.Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 women between 40 and 60 years of age. Participants were randomized to receive placebo or 1,000 mg CTP daily for 12 weeks. CTP was prepared from the skin of Nile Tilapia by the digestion method using collagenase from non-pathogenic bacteria of the genus Bacillus. Skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks with adjustments for temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet A exposure during the evaluation time using weather data from the regional meteorological office.Results: Of the 82 participants, 74 completed the trial without adverse effects. Compared with the control group, trans-epidermal water loss was reduced more in the CTP group after 12 weeks (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, even after adjustment for humidity, temperature, and UVA in the region, the difference of the two groups in TEWL remained statistically significant (adjusted for humidity and temperature, P = 0.024; adjusted for UVA, P = 0.032; adjusted for temperature, high temperature, and ultraviolet A, P = 0.031). In terms of skin hydration, more improvement was evident in the CTP group than in the control group. In the subgroup analysis, subjects under 50 years of age showed a significant improvement in total score and moisture in the subjective skin improvement questionnaire after taking CTP for 12 weeks. Application of CTP was well-tolerated, and no notable adverse effect was reported from both groups.Discussion: Our findings suggest that oral ingestion of CTP from the Skin of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is well-tolerated and helps reduce water loss in in middle-aged women.Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov/, Identifier: NCT03505684.

Aloenxertia e xenoenxertia de tilápia no tratamento de queimaduras pediátricas de 2º grau

The aim of this study was to study the use of tilapia allograft and tilapia xenograft in pediatric second-degree burns in terms of therapeutics and clinical-surgical results. This is a narrative literature review carried out through a survey of articles in the MEDLINE databases via PubMed, Cochrane Library, VIA ELSEVIER, BVS, LILACS, Scopus. Allograft is indicated for covering full-thickness wounds, healing partial-thickness wounds, as well as preparing the bed for subsequent self-grafting. This option, however, becomes limited by the insufficient skin banks in Brazil. Xenograft can be considered a therapeutic and socioeconomic solution. The use of Nile tilapia skin has benefits in the treatment of burns, and, in Brazil, the large production of this fish allows access to its skin due to the disposal of this by-product. Its use represents the progress of clinical and surgical management by analyzing its benefits, possible complications, and socioeconomic impacts, in addition to the need to explore new therapeutic methods for the best treatment based on available resources.

Characteristics and Functional Properties of collagen extracted from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin

: Tilapia skin might be used as a new source of collagen, therefore collagen extracted from Nile tilapia skin can be utilized as food products because of its good functional properties. Two extraction methods were used to obtain acid-soluble collagen (ASC) and pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) from Nile tilapia skin. In this study, collagen was characterized in terms of FT-IR Spectrum, amino acid analysis, SDS-PAGE and Thermal denaturation temperatures (Td). Also, some major functional properties including solubility, oil and water absorption, emulsifying activity and stability, foaming ability, foam stability, and gelation properties were determined. The results showed that the yields of ASC and PSC were 4.30% and 1.84 % (on a wet weight basis), respectively. Amino acid composition analysis indicated that the imino acid content of ASC and PSC were found to be 172.10 and 164.18 residues per 1000 residues, respectively. SDS-PAGE results indicated that ASC and PSC were type I collagen. The FTIR Spectrum confirmed that the presence of a triple-helical structure characteristic of ASC and PSC. The denaturation temperature of ASC and PSC were 26⁰C and 25⁰C respectively. The solubility of ASC and PSC were highly solubilized in the pH range of 2–3. ASC and PSC had good water and oil absorption capacity. Gelation studies revealed that ASC and PSC have good gelation properties. Consequently, Nile tilapia skin could be used as a good source to extract ASC and PSC which can be used to add high value in the food industries.

Evaluation of fish skin as a biological dressing for metacarpal wounds in donkeys

BackgroundThe use of biological dressings has recently emerged in the management of burns and wounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Nile tilapia skin as a biological dressing for full-thickness cutaneous metacarpal wounds in donkeys. The study was conducted on nine clinically healthy donkeys (n = 9). Here, fish skin dressings were obtained from fresh Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus and sterilized by immersion in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) solution for 5 min, with no change in collagen content. Bilateral, circular full-thickness excisional skin wounds (2 cm in diameter) were created on the dorsal aspect of the mid-metacarpals of each donkey. Wounds on the right metacarpals (treated wounds, n = 9) were dressed with sterile fish skins, while wounds on the left metacarpals (control wounds, n = 9) were dressed with sterile non-adherent dressing pads without any topical applications. Wound dressings were changed weekly. Wounds were evaluated microbiologically, grossly, and histologically on days 7, 14, and 21 post-wound inductions.ResultsFish skin-dressed wounds showed a significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in microbial counts (Total viable bacterial count, Staphylococcal count, and Coliform count), a significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in the wound size, and a significant reduction (P < 0.0001) in the epithelial gap compared to the untreated wounds. No frequent dressing changes were needed.ConclusionsFish skin dressing accelerated the wound healing process and efficiently inhibited the local microbial activity and exuberant granulation tissue formation suggesting its reliable and promising application for metacarpal wounds of donkeys.

Nile Tilapia Fish Skin, Scales, and Spine as Naturally Derived Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration

This study aims to review the literature on the use of Nile tilapia-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins as naturally derived scaffold material for tissue regeneration. Nile tilapia has emerged as a particularly relevant specie for the development of fish-derived biomaterials. The skin, scale, and spine of various fish species have been extensively demonstrated as a potential source of native ECM proteins for use in regenerative medicine. When compared to synthetic polymers, collagen-based biomaterials introduce some disadvantages due to their lower biomechanical stiffness and rapid biodegradation. However, collagen-based biomaterials continue to be one of the most highly investigated natural materials for bone regeneration. Studies have pointed to tilapia as a satisfactory source of collagen for its quality and cost benefit, with good responses in vitro and in vivo, especially studies involving the skin as the main source of production. For both soft and hard tissue regenerations, Nile tilapia skin is being considered as a good source of collagen. Other sources (scales and spine) are less addressed in comparison to skin, which in turn, brings more consistent perspective in relation to clinical use.

Characterization and comparison of collagen extracted from the skin of the Nile tilapia by fermentation and chemical pretreatment

Chemical pretreatment of collagen raw materials is time-consuming and environmentally hazardous. Collagen extraction after fermentation pretreatment has not been reported. We extracted and characterized acid-soluble collagen (ASC) and pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin following fermentation and chemical treatments and comparatively evaluated the feasibility of fermentation. Fermentation-ASC (FASC) and fermentation-PSC (FPSC) yields (4.76 and 8.14 wt%, respectively) were slightly but not significantly higher than chemical-ASC (CASC) and chemical-PSC (CPSC) yields (4.27 and 7.60 wt%, respectively). All extracts were identified as type I collagens by SDS-PAGE and retained their triple helical structure well, as confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. All collagen microstructures under scanning electron microscopy were multi-layered aggregates. These collagens also had similar biochemical properties (i.e. denatured between 36.5 and 37.1 °C, high soluble at pH 1–4 and at <3% [w/v] NaCl). Therefore, fermentation method is a viable alternative for pretreating collagen extraction materials.

Collagen extract obtained from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) skin accelerates wound healing in rat model via up regulating VEGF, bFGF, and \u03b1-SMA genes expression

BackgroundCollagen is the most abundant structural protein in the mammalian connective tissue and represents approximately 30% of animal protein. The current study evaluated the potential capacity of collagen extract derived from Nile tilapia skin in improving the cutaneous wound healing in rats and investigated the underlying possible mechanisms. A rat model was used, and the experimental design included a control group (CG) and the tilapia collagen treated group (TCG). Full-thickness wounds were conducted on the back of all the rats under general anesthesia, then the tilapia collagen extract was applied topically on the wound area of TCG. Wound areas of the two experimental groups were measured on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 post-wounding. The stages of the wound granulation tissues were detected by histopathologic examination and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF-ß1) were investigated using immunohistochemistry. Moreover, relative gene expression analysis of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were quantified by real-time qPCR.ResultsThe histopathological assessment showed noticeable signs of skin healing in TCG compared to CG. Immunohistochemistry results revealed remarkable enhancement in the expression levels of VEGF and TGF-β1 in TCG. Furthermore, TCG exhibited marked upregulation in the VEGF, bFGF, and α-SMA genes expression. These findings suggested that the topical application of Nile tilapia collagen extract can promote the cutaneous wound healing process in rats, which could be attributed to its stimulating effect on recruiting and activating macrophages to produce chemotactic growth factors, fibroblast proliferation, and angiogenesis.ConclusionsThe collagen extract could, therefore, be a potential biomaterial for cutaneous wound healing therapeutics.