USO DA PELE DE TILÁPIA DO NILO (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS) COMO CURATIVO BIOLÓGICO NO TRATAMENTO DE QUEIMADURAS TÉRMICAS: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Introduction: Thermal burns are complex injuries that require effective, accessible, and low-risk treatment options. The skin of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), due to its structural similarity to human skin and regenerative properties, has been investigated as an alternative biological dressing. Methodology: This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and BVS/MS databases using the descriptors “Xenografts,” “Tilapia,” and “Burns” with boolean operators. Clinical studies published between 2014 and 2024, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, were included. After screening and full-text analysis, five studies met the eligibility criteria. Results: The included studies showed that tilapia skin offers relevant benefits such as reduced healing time, lower pain intensity reported by patients, fewer dressing changes, and no significant adverse effects. It also showed good adherence to the wound bed and viability in anatomically sensitive areas. Discussion: The findings support the efficacy of tilapia skin as an alternative to conventional treatments, with clinical, logistical, and economic advantages. Although most studies are limited in number and methodology, they reported positive outcomes even in complex clinical scenarios. Final Considerations: The use of Nile tilapia skin as a biological dressing for thermal burns has proven to be effective, safe, and promising. Further controlled clinical trials are recommended, along with regulatory approval for its use in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).