The Role of Fish Collagen in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair: A Comprehensive Review

Wound healing is a complex process involving various cellular and molecular mechanisms. It is crucial for restoring tissue integrity and preventing infections. Over the years, researchers have explored various approaches to improve the wound healing process, including the use of biomaterials from natural sources. One such biomaterial is fish collagen, which has garnered significant attention due to its unique properties and potential therapeutic applications in wound healing and tissue repair.

Fish Collagen: Your Natural Booster for Skin and Tissue

What is Fish Collagen?

Fish collagen, also known as marine collagen, is a structural protein extracted from the skin, scales, or bones of fish. It plays a crucial role in the extracellular matrix of various tissues such as skin, tendons, and bones, providing them with strength and elasticity. Thanks to its excellent bioavailability and unique properties, fish collagen is increasingly gaining importance as a biomaterial for supporting wound healing.

Why is the Bioavailability of Fish Collagen So High?

Compared to collagen from mammals, fish collagen has a smaller molecular size. This allows for more efficient absorption by the body and faster utilization in target tissues. Studies show that fish collagen is absorbed up to 1.5 times better than collagen from beef or pork.

The Role of Essential Amino Acids

Fish collagen is rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline – amino acids that are essential for the stability of the collagen structure. These amino acids not only support skin elasticity but also promote tissue regeneration, which is particularly beneficial for wound healing.

Sustainability and Environmental Friendliness

Another advantage: The extraction of fish collagen utilizes parts of the fish that would otherwise be considered waste, such as skin and scales. This makes the process not only sustainable but also reduces the ecological footprint compared to other animal collagen sources.

Mechanisms of Action

Marine collagen exerts its effects on wound healing and tissue repair through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include:

1. Promotion of Cell Proliferation and Migration

Fish collagen demonstrably stimulates the proliferation and migration of various cell types involved in the wound healing process, such as fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. This promotes the formation of granulation tissue, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis, leading to faster wound closure.

2. Modulation of Inflammatory Response

Inflammation is a crucial stage in the wound healing process as it helps remove debris and pathogens from the wound site. However, excessive or prolonged inflammation can impede the healing process. Marine collagen has been found to modulate the inflammatory response by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This helps maintain a balanced inflammatory environment and facilitates tissue repair.

3. Stimulation of Collagen Synthesis

Collagen synthesis is a crucial step in wound healing as it provides the structural framework for tissue regeneration. Fish collagen has been shown to promote collagen synthesis by fibroblasts, the primary cells responsible for collagen production. This leads to the deposition of new collagen fibers and improves the tensile strength and integrity of the healed tissue.

4. Antimicrobial Activity

Infections are a common complication in wounds and can significantly delay the healing process. Marine collagen exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative strains. It can help inhibit bacterial growth and prevent wound infections by promoting a clean and favorable environment for wound healing.

Research Evidence: How Fish Collagen Supports Wound Healing

Numerous scientific studies have investigated the positive effects of fish collagen on wound healing and tissue regeneration. Both in-vitro and in-vivo models show promising results regarding the promotion of wound closure, reduction of scar formation, and improvement of tissue structure.

In-vitro Studies: Promotion of Cell Proliferation and Migration

In an in-vitro study, the effect of fish collagen on the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts was investigated. The results showed that marine collagen significantly increased cell proliferation and migration compared to control groups. This indicates its potential for improving tissue regeneration.

In-vivo Studies: Accelerated Wound Healing in Animal Models

In an animal study, the effect of fish collagen on wound healing in rats was investigated. The group treated with fish collagen showed accelerated wound closure, increased collagen deposition, and improved tissue tensile strength compared to the control group.

Mechanisms of Wound Healing Through Fish Collagen

Fish collagen supports wound healing through several mechanisms:

• Stimulation of cell proliferation and migration: Promotes the formation of new tissue.
• Modulation of inflammatory response: Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes anti-inflammatory cytokines.
• Promotion of collagen synthesis: Increases the production of collagen fibers by fibroblasts.
• Antimicrobial activity: Inhibits the growth of various bacteria and supports a clean wound environment.

Commercial Applications of Fish Collagen in Wound Healing

Fish collagen has established itself not only in research but also in practice as an effective means of supporting wound healing. Various companies utilize the unique properties of fish collagen to develop products that promote tissue regeneration and accelerate healing processes.

Kerecis Omega3 Wound: Innovation from Fish Skin

The Icelandic company Kerecis has developed "Omega3 Wound," a product derived from Atlantic cod skin. Through a special process, the fish skin is decellularized, creating a natural matrix rich in omega-3 fatty acids that supports wound healing.

Clinical Studies Demonstrate Efficacy

In a multicenter study, 25 complicated wounds in 23 patients were treated with the Omega3 Wound matrix. The results showed significant improvement in wound healing, including accelerated wound closure and reduced pain sensation. Healing times varied between 9 and 41 weeks, depending on the complexity of the wounds.

Another study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine Evidence, investigated the efficacy of fish skin grafts in diabetic foot ulcers. The results showed that 44% of wounds treated with fish skin were completely healed after 16 weeks, compared to 26.4% in the standard treatment group.

Applications and Availability

Kerecis products are used worldwide in the treatment of chronic wounds, burns, and other tissue damage. Through the natural properties of fish skin, they offer a biocompatible and effective alternative to conventional wound dressings.

Future Research

Although marine collagen has shown great potential for wound healing and tissue repair, further research is required to fully understand its mechanisms of action and optimize its therapeutic applications. Future studies should focus on identifying the specific bioactive components of fish collagen responsible for its wound healing effects, as well as optimizing its formulation and delivery methods.

Furthermore, additional clinical studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fish collagen-based products in humans. Long-term follow-up studies are required to assess the durability of healing outcomes and potential side effects.

Conclusion

Fish collagen is a promising biomaterial for wound healing and tissue repair. Its unique properties, including its biocompatibility, ability to promote cell proliferation and migration, modulation of inflammatory response, and antimicrobial activity, make it a promising candidate for developing new wound healing therapies.

Further research and clinical studies are required to fully exploit the potential of marine collagen and translate it into practical applications. With continued advances in the field of biomaterials and tissue engineering, fish collagen-based products have the potential to complement wound care and improve outcomes for patients with acute and chronic wounds.

Image credits: Diana Polekhina, FlyD, UX Indonesia, CDC on Unsplash