Fideliz Joyce Dechavez

Milkfish (Chanos chanos), commonly known as bangus in the Philippines, is a staple seafood in Filipino cuisine. Beyond its role as a popular dish on dinner tables, it also holds potential for treating skin injuries.

Photo Courtesy of Ateneo de Manila University.

Scientists from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) investigated the applicability of milkfish for skin grafting. 

The study, conducted by Dr. Janice Ragaza and Bianca Patrice Go from ADMU’s Department of Biology, revealed that milkfish skin is a promising alternative for skin grafting, offering properties comparable to the widely used tilapia skin. 

Published in November 2024 in the BIO Web of Conferences, their findings open new possibilities for more accessible wound care in the Philippines.

The study revealed that milkfish skin is highly effective and comparable to tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin, which is a commonly used material for fish skin grafts.

Skin grafting is a type of surgery needed when a person suffers from a major skin injury, such as burns, diseases, or infections. 

Typically, healthy skin is taken from one part of the body to cover the damaged areas and assist in healing.

Animal skin grafts, particularly tilapia skin, have become an alternative due to their rich collagen content, which accelerates healing and reduces infection risks.

According to the study, milkfish skin was put through the same sterilization process as tilapia skin to determine if it could serve as a more cost-effective source of skin graft material in the Philippines. 

After testing, it was found that milkfish skin maintained high collagen structural integrity and was free from bacterial and fungal contamination, showing qualities comparable to those of tilapia skin grafts.

The findings suggest that milkfish skin can stand alongside tilapia skin as an alternative source for skin grafts. 

“By demonstrating that milkfish skin can be effectively sterilized and used similarly to tilapia skin, this research provides innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable wound-healing solutions,” the researchers said in their study.

Previously, tilapia skin was one of the few sources of fish skin grafts, as its high levels of Type I collagen proved effective in accelerating wound healing, reducing infection rates, and creating a favorable environment for wound care.

The findings highlight a new way to harness a Filipino staple, not just for nourishment but also for improving healthcare solutions. From the dining table to the operating table, milkfish has proven its value as more than just a dish.