MCP FOLIO

MCP’s BURN DRESSING

RESEARCHERS :

MUHAMMAD NADIRIN IRAWAN
NURIN BATRISYIA HANIZAN

ADVISOR :

MISS A.P. RAJANANTHINI PUSHPANATHAN

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS PAGE
2
1.0 Abstract 3-4

2.0 Introduction 5--6
2.1 About Tilapia fish skin
2.2 About first degree burn 7-9
2.3 About burn dressing
2.4 About gelatin

3.0 The process of study
3.1 Collecting the information
3.2 Analysing and understanding information
3.3 Searching and collecting components
3.4 Making the MCP’s burn dressing and experimentation
3.5 Making conclusions

4.0 The making of MCP’s burn dressing

5.0 Hypotheses 10

6.0 Experimentation 11-17
6.1 Experiment on the elasticity of gelatin mixture 18
6.2 Experiment on the amount of fish skin powder
6.3 Experiment on the effects of MCPs on scald wound healing rate

7.0 Discussion

8.0 Conclusion 19

9.0 References 20

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1.0 ABSTRACT

The incidence of burns has been increasing today, and burns cause tremendous
economic problems associated with irreversible harm to patients and their families.
Based on a research in China, Marine Collagen Peptides (MCPs) from the skin of Nile
Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), have promising applications in wound care by the
determined molecular weight distribution and amino acid composition. From that point,
our team is determined to create a burn dressing infused MCPs made of Nile tilapia fish
skin. Nile tilapia fish skin were sterilised and heated in the oven at 37˚C to prevent the
amino acids from denaturing. The fish skin is turned into dry powder by evaporating
and grinding it. The MCPs contained would form healthy granulation tissue very quickly
over the burn, helping it to heal rapidly. The patch we made is by using local products
such as gelatin powder and water which is easily found. This innovation is created to
reduce the need for pain medication and those who suffered from superficial burns.
Therefore, we solemnly believe that our MCPs burn dressing could be used to save lives
during emergencies, and make us able to practice a healthy lifestyle in the future.

ABSTRAK

Kemalangan yang melibatkan kebakaran semakin meningkat dan ini menyebabkan
masalah ekonomi yang besar yang berkaitan dengan kemudaratan yang tidak dapat
memulihkan pesakit dan keluarga mereka. Berdasarkan penyelidikan di China, Marine
Collagen Peptides (MCPs) dari kulit Nil Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), mempunyai
aplikasi yang menjanjikan dalam penjagaan luka oleh pengagihan berat molekul yang
ditentukan dan komposisi asid amino. Dari situ, pasukan kami bertekad untuk mencipta
MCP Burn Dressing yang diperbuat daripada kulit ikan tilapia Nil. Kulit ikan tilapia Nil
telah disterilkan dan dipanaskan di dalam ketuhar pada 37˚C untuk mengelakkan asid
amino daripada ternyahasli. Kulit ikan berubah menjadi serbuk kering dengan
penyejatan dan mengisar. MCPs yang terkandung akan membentuk tisu granulasi
dengan cepat ke atas luka akibat pembakaran dajn ini membantu luka melecur untuk
sembuh dengan lebih cepat. Plaster yang dihasilkan oleh kami menggunakan produk
tempatan seperti serbuk gelatin dan air yang mudah dijumpai. Inovasi ini diwujudkan
untuk mengurangkan keperluan ubat sakit dan mereka yang mengalami luka melecur
yang teruk. Oleh itu, kami yakin bahawa MCP Burn Dressing boleh digunakan untuk
menyelamatkan nyawa sewaktu berlaku kecemasan dan membolehkan kami
mengamalkan gaya hidup yang sihat pada masa akan datang.

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2.O INTRODUCTION

2.1 About Tilapia fish skin

Scientist at Federal University of Ceara In Brazil made the discovery to use tilapia fish skin as
burn dressing because the amount of collagen proteins, types 1 and 3, which are very important
for scarring, exist in large quantities in tilapia skin, even more than in human skin and other
skins. Pig and cow collagen proteins have been used to promote wound healing successfully in
the past, but the risk of introducing disease agents from these mammalian species inhibits
broader applications in the medical field. And that is where fish skin swims in. Diseases and
bacteria that affect fish are different from most human pathogens, and fish skin is also a cheap,
readily available material for bandage production.

2.2 About first-degree burn

A first-degree burn is also called a superficial burn or wound. It’s an injury that affects the first
layer of your skin. First-degree burns are one of the mildest forms of skin injuries, and they
usually don’t require medical treatment. However, some superficial burns can be quite large or
painful and may require a trip to a doctor.

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2.3 About Burn Dressing

Smaller burn injuries can be managed well in the community with good wound care and
appropriate dressings. The authors’ burns service recommends blister debridement followed by
48 hours of nanocrystalline silver dressings before a decision regarding burn depth is made. At
48 hours, management of injuries that appear large or deep should be discussed with a regional
burns service, whereas smaller, more superficial injuries can be dressed with hydrocolloid, foam,
hydrogel or alginate dressings and reviewed every two to three days. Certain burn wounds and
patients are at higher risk of poor scarring, and these should be identified early to allow scar
management to commence.

2.4 About Gelatin Powder
Gelatin is a hydrocolloid; a protein or polysaccharide that, when mixed with water, provides
textural effects such as thickening and gelling. Gelatin's unique amino acid composition and
structure provide a range functional propertiesThere have been numerous investigations
regarding various types of dressings and artificial dermis of solid form, yet limited research and
development on paste types, such as hydrogels with dermal powder, have ensued. It can absorb
liquid from licking.This will help wound healing.

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2.0 THE PROCESS OF STUDY

2.1 Collecting information

In order to make burn patch that contain tilapia fish skin dried powder, we had collect
information regarding the components and technique on how to make burn dressing infused MCPs.
The process of collecting the information is by searching the internet, literature reading and expert
review. The information is then written down in our log book in points and mind maps to help us refer
the information easier.

2.2 Analysing and understanding information

The information collected are then read up an studied in depth. During, the process of
understanding the information, academic reference and expert explanation were very helpful to make
us clear about the study. Where else, the information, which we were unable to understand, was
questioned to our teachers and lectures as they are more capable to give further outlook on the
information.

2.3 Searching and collecting materials

After doing our research on the best material to create a burn dressing that contained MCPs,
we had decided on the materials that will be used for our project. The materials used are the gelatin
powder, distilled water and an amount of dried fish skin powder, essential oil, polytherene film and
aluminium. These materials are approachable and easy to find. The materials are collected, either
from drugstore and workshops as our project consist of only DIY materials.

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2.4 Making the MCPs burn dressing and experimentation

The processes of making the MCPs burn patch are conducted as we had decided on the
procedure. The procedure which started from the composition of amount gelatin powder and water
needed to produce an elasticity of a burn dressing. Then, we contemplated the amount dried fish skin
that contained MCPs needed, to prevent bacterial activities in order to lengthen the shelf life. Some
experiments on how they work carried out. The experiment on wound healing properties by MCPs,
did not accomplished as we did not have several important equipment and materials to further the
project on testing the wound healing properties, nevertheless, we used the research from Marine
Collagen Peptides from the Skin of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Characterization and
Wound Healing Evaluation by Zhang Hu,1,* Ping Yang,2 Chunxia Zhou,2 Sidong Li,1 and Pengzhi
Hong2 from China. The results soon will be discussed in this report.
2.5 Making conclusions

Based on the findings on the experiments and discussions by fellow researchers, we had make the
conclusionS on the experiment conducted. The conclusions are based on whether the findings support
or against the hypothesis done earlier.

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3.0 THE MAKING OF MCP'S BURN DRESSING

Procedure:
1) Removes the skin content from the fish skin and sterilised it

2) Washed the scales with distilled water and cut the skin in small size (0.5x0.5 cm). Removed
the non collagenous proteins with the help of alkali treatments at specific concentrations and
time.

3) Removes the water from the fish skin and further proceed for dimineralization process. Dry
the fish skin in the oven at 37˚C to prevent the amino acids from denatured.

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4) After the fish skin becomes dried, pound the dried fish skin until it becomes smashed as

powder using glass pastel and mortar

5) Calculate the composition of fish gelatin powder and water that should be compatible with the
ratio 4:5

6) Stir the mixture of water and gelatin powder at 60˚C then add 0.1g of dry fish skin powder
and stir rapidly until it becomes well-mixed

7) Add 2 or 3 drops of essential oil to eliminate the fish odour and leave the patch at room
temperature until it becomes well-dried and ready to use

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8) Put the patch in air-tight plastic to prevent it from drying.

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4.0 HYPOTHESIS

4.1 Experiment 1

The composition of gelatin powder and water that are compatible for elasticity of a burn dressing is in
the ratio of 4:5

4.2 Experiment 2

The optimum amount of fish skin powder for antibacterial activities is 0.1g.

4.3 Experiment 3 ( based from academic researchers )

MCPs presence for wound healing properties is better than model control and positive control which
is in 14 days.

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5.0 EXPERIMENTATION

5.1 Experiment on the exact composition of gelatin powder and water that are
compatible for elasticity of a burn dressing

PROBLEM STATEMENT

What is the exact composition of gelatin powder and water that are compatible for elasticity of a burn
dressing?
HYPOTHESIS

The exact amount for gelatin powder is 4g and water is 5ml to create an elastic and strechable burn
dressing.
VARIABLES

Manipulated : Amount of water and gelatin powder

Responding : Elasticity of a burn dressing

Fixed : Temperature for heat (˚C)
MATERIALS

distilled water, gelatin powder
APPARATUS

3 petri dishes, electronic balance, glass rod and water bath
PROCEDURE

1. The gelatin powder and water are weighted with different ratio according to 2:3, 4:5 and 5:6.
2. The gelatin powder and water is heated at 60˚C using water bath.
3. Then,the mixture is stirred with glass rod until it becomes melt and well mixed.
4. Let the mixture becomes a little bit dry and took it out of the petri dish.
5. The mixture is tested to know the elasticity.
6. The results are observed and recorded.

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RESULTS 4:5 5:6

The ratio of gelatin 2:3 medium high
powder and water

The elasticity of low
gelatin mixture

DISCUSSION

1. The ratio of 3:4 and 5:6 for gelatin powder and water are not compatible for burn
dressing.

2. The composition of gelatin powder and water that are compatible for elasticity of a burn
dressing is in the ratio of 4:5.

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5.2 Experiment on optimum amount of fish skin powder to inhibit bacterial
activities
PROBLEM STATEMENT

What is the optimum amount of fish skin powder to inhibit bacterial activities?
HYPOTHESIS
The optimum amount of fish skin powder for antibacterial activities is 0.1g
VARIABLES
Manipulated : Amount of fish skin powder
Responding : Shelf life of fish skin powder
Fixed : Amount of gelatin powder and distilled water
MATERIALS
0.1g, 0.2g, 0.3g, 0.4g, 0.5g fish skin powder, distilled water, gelatin powder

APPARATUS

5 petri dishes, electronic balance, glass rod, water bath

PROCEDURE

1. The fish skin powder is weighed according to 0.1g, 0.2g, 0.3g, 0.4g, 0.5g in 5 different petri
dishes.

2. The gelatin and water is prepared and should be compatible with the ratio of 4:5.
3. The mixture of gelatin powder is heated at 60˚C until it becomes melt and well mixed.
4. Once the temperature decreased to 37˚C , the fish skin powder is mixed with the mixture of

gelatin and water.
5. The mixture is stirred rapidly using a glass rod to make sure the mixture is weaved.
6. Let the mixture becomes dry and put an amount of essential oil to eliminate the odour.
7. The 5 petri dishes are left at 27˚C for 5 days.
8. The results are observed and recorded.

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RESULTS 0.2g
4 days
Amount of fish 0.1g 0.3g 0.4g 0.5g
skin powder (g) 3 days

Shelf life of fish 5 DAYS 2 days A day
skin powder (day)

DISCUSSION

1. The amount of fish skin powder on patch at 0.1g has higher shelf life (fungus growth)
compared the 0.2g, 0.3g, 0.4g, 0.5g fish skin powder.

2. This is because when there is less fish skin powder contained in the mixture, the rate of
bacterial activities is less causing the fish skin powder to lengthen the shelf life.

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5.3 Experiment on the effects of MCPs on Scald Wound Healing Rate

The effects of MCPs from the skin of tilapia on wound healing rate in the scalded rabbits were shown
in Table 2. In the initial seven days, wound healing rates were negative because of skin edema due to
the exudation of tissue fluid after scald, and they increased with no significant differences among the
three groups. However, on PSD 11 and 14, there were significant differences between the model
control group and MCPs group. Especially on PSD11, wound healing rate of MCPs group (38.8% ±
22.8%) increased more significantly than those of the model control group (8.7% ± 17.2%, p < 0.01)
and the positive control group (19.5% ± 35.0%, p < 0.05). Wound healing rates of MCPs group and
the positive control group showed no significant differences on PSD18, 21 and 24, whereas they were
significantly higher than those of the model control group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the rabbits in the
model control group only achieved 72.1% ± 13.9% wound healing on PSD18, while the rabbits
treated with MCPs almost completely healed. These results showed that MCPs from the skin of tilapia
had a beneficial effect on wound healing in rabbits.

Table 2

The effect of MCPs from the skin of tilapia on wound healing rate (%) in the rabbits (x¯±s).

Post-Scald Day Model Control Group Positive Control Group MCPs Group

3 −16.4 ± 19.3 −22.7 ± 22.9 −11.8 ± 23.1

7 −7.0 ± 23.1 −1.8 ± 27.5 −3.6 ± 28.6

11 8.7 ± 17.2 19.5 ± 35.0 38.8 ± 22.8 **,#

14 56.6 ± 31.1 70.5 ± 23.5 78.6 ± 11.1 *

18 72.1 ± 13.9 95.3 ± 6.4 ** 95.9 ± 7.2 **

21 86.2 ± 16.0 98.9 ± 2.0 ** 98.0 ± 6.8 **

24 89.8 ± 6.3 100.0 ± 0 ** 100.0 ± 0 **

28 100.0 ± 0 100.0 ± 0 100.0 ± 0

Note: * p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.01 were significantly different compared to the model control group; #
p < 0.05 were significantly different compared to the positive control group.

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5.3.1 Histological Evaluation
The wounds of each group were harvested daily on PSD7, 14, 21 and 28 for histopathological
observation (Figure 5). On PSD7, coagulation necrosis of the whole epidermis layer, superficial
dermis layer and part of the deep dermis layer as well as significantly impaired skin appendages were
observed in the wounds. There were no significant differences among the three groups. On PSD14,
few wounds covered by new epidermis and little proliferation of mature granulation tissue were found
in the model and positive groups, whereas MCPs group had over half wounds covered by new
epidermis and much granulation tissue proliferation in the dermis, indicating that MCPs from the skin
of tilapia could facilitate wound healing. On PSD21, compared with the model control group, the
positive and MCPs groups showed the appearance of almost wound coverage by new epidermis,
active hair follicle proliferation, complete muscular layer structure, fibroblasts and new capillaries. On
PSD28, the wounds were completely covered by new epidermis among the three groups. Meanwhile,
inflammatory cells disappeared and mature granulation tissue proliferation appeared in dermis layer.
However, the formation of scar tissues was seen in the muscle layer between the model control and
the positive groups. Overall, histological findings showed that MCPs from the skin of tilapia had
beneficial effects on the pathological repair of tissue injury and enhanced wound healing.
Figure 5
Micrographs of wound tissues in rabbits (H&E, 100×).

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Burn wounds are classified as superficial, superficial partial-thickness, deep partial-thickness, full-
thickness or subdermal burns by depth. It usually takes three to six weeks or more for the complete
healing of deep partial-thickness wound without burn care; moreover, the burns will result in scar
formation [4]. Wound healing is one of the most complex biological processes, basically composed of
four phases including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling [39,40]. One of the
cellular mechanisms is keratinocyte re-epithelialization, which is mainly dependent on keratinocyte
proliferation and migration. Cell proliferation can ensure that more cells migrate to the wound and
cover it [41,42]. The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a pivotal mediator in the human immune system
and regulates the transcription of a variety of inflammatory mediators. c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase
(JNK) is predominantly phosphorylated in the cells bordering the wound, indicating that JNK
signaling is required for epithelial cells at the wound edge to close the wound [43]. Transforming
growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is an important factor that plays a key role during wound healing. In every
phase of wound healing, TGF-β1 is involved by suppressing inflammatory responses and promoting
the formation of granulation tissue [44]. Liu et al. demonstrated that a peptide named AH90 from the
frog skin of Odorrana graham showed potential wound healing-promoting activity by promoting
release of TGF-β1 through activation of NF-κB and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling
pathways [36]. In this study, we found that MCPs from the skin of tilapia could accelerate the healing
process and improve the healing effect of skin scald wounds in rabbits, primarily by reducing
inflammation, promoting granulation tissue formation, and facilitating rapid proliferation of epithelial
cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be
elucidated.

DISCUSSION
1. From the results on the experiments, MCPs presence for wound healing properties is
better than model control and positive control which is in 14 days.
2. MCPs from the skin of tilapia had beneficial effects on the pathological repair of tissue
injury and enhanced wound healing.

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7.0 DISCUSSION

7.1 Experiment 1: Experiment on the exact composition of gelatin powder and water
that are compatible for elasticity of a burn dressing

Based on the test carried out to know the exact composition of gelatin powder and water , we can
conlcude that the ratio of gelatin and water is 4:5 is the most accurate elasticity of a burn dressing.
The experiment shows that if the ratio is 2:3 or 5:6 the elasticity is not enough elastic and strechable
for burn dressing.

7.2 Experiment 2 : Experiment on optimum amount of fish skin powder to inhibit
bacterial activities

From the result on the experiment for the best MCP’s burn dressing, we have to make sure that
the amount of fish skin powder can inhibit bacterial activities.This is because bacteria can grow at
room temperature which is 27˚C. The optimum amount of fish skin powder is 0.1g to inhibit bacterial
activities.

7.3 Experiment 3 : Experiment on the effects of MCPs on scald wound healing rate

Based on the experiment of academic researchers, from the result on the experiment for the best
wound healing rate, we can conclude that MCP’s is the best for scald wound healing . MCP’s can
heal the wound faster than model control group and positive control group. This because that MCPs
from the skin of tilapia had beneficial effects on the pathological repair of tissue injury and heals the
wound effectively.

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8.0 CONCLUSIONS

8.1 Experiment 1 : Experiment on the exact composition of gelatin powder and water
that are compatible for elasticity of a burn dressing

The hypothesis is accepted. The composition of gelatin powder and water that are compatible
for elasticity of a burn dressing is in the ratio of 4:5.

8.2 Experiment 2 : Experiment on the amount of fish skin powder to inhibit bacterial
activities

The hypothesis is accepted. The optimum amount of fish skin powder for antibacterial activities
is 0.1g.

8.3 Experiment 3 : Experiment on the effects of MCPs on scald wound healing rate
The hypothesis is accepted. The MCPs presence for wound healing properties is better than
model control and positive control which is in 14 days.

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9.0 REFERENCES

Lecturers, University of Malaya

Mr Asdani
Madam Safwani

Teacher Advisors

Mdm. Nurul Uyun Abdullah
Master Biology Teacher & RnD trainer, mentor and advisor of Research and Development
project.
Miss Eley Rohaida Sadeli
Chemistry Teacher & RnD trainer, Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuala Selangor
Mdm. Aridah Dulmukti
R&D advisor, Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuala Selangor
Mdm. Hajah Murni Omar
Physic Teacher & RnD advisor, Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuala Selangor
Mdm. Norhayati Yarib
Physic Teacher & RnD trainer, Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuala Selangor
Miss A.P.Rajananthini Pushpanathan
Biology Teacher & RnD advisor, Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuala Selangor
Mr. Azani Masri
Head of Science and Mathematics & RnD advisor, Sekolah Menengah Kuala Selangor
Mr. Abdul Raof Ahmad Daud
Head of Technic and Vocational & RnD advisor, Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuala Selangor

Websites

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/brazilian-city-uses-tilapia-fish-skin-treat-burn-victims
https://www.businessinsider.my/tilapia-fish-skin-burn-treatment-brazil-2017-5/?r=US&IR=T
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-brazil-burns/brazilian-doctors-use-fish-skin-to-
treat-burn-victims-idUSKBN18L1WH
https://www.fishbase.de/summary/oreochromis-niloticus.html
https://www.clhgroup.co.uk/news-article/2017/09/12/7-types-of-wound-dressings-when-to-
use-each/258
https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/march/burns-dressings/
https://www.preparedfoods.com/articles/109487-article-gelatin-and-its-hydrocolloid-
alternatives-january-2011
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5408248/

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