Investigation of the efficacy of fish scale collagen peptide on wound healing through various administration routes

Poor wound healing is an important clinical research concern. Over the past few years, there has been an increasing demand for the use of non-toxic and non-hazardous bioactive compounds to improve wound healing . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fish scale collagen peptide (FSCP) in accelerating wound healing in a mouse full-thickness skin injury model under different modes of administration (gavage and topical). The study showed that both FSCP and its different molecular weight fractions significantly promoted the acceleration of wound healing. The shortening of the scab-shedding time, the increase in the rate of granulation tissue, hair follicle, and capillary production, and the acceleration of collagen remodeling and regeneration were the important signs of the shortening of the wound healing cycle. Reducing the level of oxidative stress and inhibiting the inflammatory response provides a good microenvironmental basis for wound healing. FSCP fractions smaller than 1 kDa had the most significant wound healing promotion effect, with wound healing rates of (99.66 ± 0.48) % and (99.63 ± 0.29) % in the gavage-administered group and topical-administered group, respectively. On this basis, peptides with wound-healing potential, such as APDPFR, GTPIQF, and TPIQF, were identified using LC-MS/MS and in silico methods. This study highlights the potential value of FSCP in promoting wound healing process and provides new bioactive substances for clinical treatment. • Fish scale collagen peptide (FSCP). • Gavage and topical administration demonstrated that FSCP promotes wound healing. • The <1 kDa component enhances collagen synthesis and reduces inflammation. • Screening of bioactive peptides with therapeutic promise (APDPFR, TPIQF, GTPIQF).