Advances in veterinary ophthalmology: Acellular protein matrix from tilapia skin (Oreochromis Niloticus) in the recovery of corneal ulcers in dogs and cats

The acellular protein matrix from tilapia skin has excellent biomechanical properties, lack of immunogenicity and high biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, it provides an environment conducive to cell regeneration, specifically in more invasive and delicate applications, such as the recovery of corneal ulcers in dogs and cats. The objective of this literature review is to present the use of the scaffold as a new approach in veterinary ophthalmology in the treatment of corneal injuries in relation to conventional methods. When applied to corneal ulcers, the biomaterial acts as a tissue scaffold, facilitating cell migration, promoting angiogenesis and minimizing the inflammatory response; thus, significantly accelerating the healing process. It also improves corneal transparency, reduces recovery time and reduces post-treatment complications. Clinical trials involving dogs and cats have had significant success, demonstrating the applicability and effectiveness of this innovation in the context of veterinary ophthalmology. This study highlights both the effectiveness of the tilapia skin scaffold and emphasizes its potential to transform clinical practice by providing a sustainable, affordable and pioneering approach to treating corneal ulcers in small animals.