Alginate hydrogels have been used widely in tissue engineering for cell encapsulation for several reasons: low toxicity, the ability to gel under gentle condition and compatibility with cells. In this study, we determined the effect of different conc

Justicia gendarussa methanolic leaf extracts from five different locations in the Southern region of Peninsular Malaysia and two flavonoids, kaempferol and naringenin, were tested for cytotoxic activity. Kaempferol and naringenin were two flavonoids detected in leaf extracts using gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection (GC‐FID). The results indicated that highest concentrations of kaempferol and naringenin were detected in leaves extracted from Mersing with 1591.80 mg/kg and 444.35 mg/kg, respectively. Positive correlations were observed between kaempferol and naringenin concentrations in all leaf extracts analysed with the Pearson method. The effects of kaempferol and naringenin from leaf extracts were examined on breast cancer cell lines (MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468) using MTT assay. Leaf extract from Mersing showed high cytotoxicity against MDA‐MB‐468 and MDA‐MB‐231 with IC₅₀ values of 23 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL, respectively, compared to other leaf extracts. Kaempferol possessed high cytotoxicity against MDA‐MB‐468 and MDA‐MB‐231 with IC₅₀ values of 23 μg/mL and 34 μg/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that the presence of kaempferol in Mersing leaf extract contributed to high cytotoxicity of both MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468 cancer cell lines.

Wound healing is a complex process driven by a series of stages that require a suitable wound closure environment, attributable to many factors. However, several factors contribute to delay in healing processes, including infection and the presence of certain diseases. Under unfortunate circumstances, an inadequate wound healing process could lead to amputation. Gauze is the traditional dressing to cover up wounds but tends to dry the wound bed. Therefore, a moist dressing may prove helpful in providing a suitable environment, preventing skin dryness, and enhancing angiogenesis of the wound area. The application of topical cream could expedite wound healing better than a moist dressing, as the former facilitates the repair process by maintaining the hydration levels of the affected skin. The issues mentioned above are discussed in detail in this review paper, focusing on recent advances, advantages and drawbacks of topical creams for wound treatment. In addition, the article includes suggestions to improve topical cream formulations for effective delivery of the needed therapeutic agents to assist in wound repair. Crucially, topical creams could play a key role in personal wound care and facilitate regenerative medicine. Novel strategies for speedy wound healing are in demand to alleviate the healthcare financial burden.

This study evaluated the effect of pulsed low-intensity ultrasound on cell proliferation, collagen production and glycosaminoglycan deposition by human dermal fibroblasts encapsulated in alginate. Hoechst 33258 assay for cell number, hydroxyproline assay for collagen content, dimethylmethylene blue assay for glycosaminoglycan content and scanning electron microscopy were performed on the encapsulated cells treated with pulsed low-intensity ultrasound and a control group that remained untreated. Pulsed low-intensity ultrasound showed a significant effect on cell proliferation and collagen deposition but no consistent pattern for glycosaminoglycan content. Alcian blue staining showed that glycosaminoglycans were deposited around the cells in both treated and control groups. These results suggest that pulsed low-intensity ultrasound alone shows a positive effect on cell proliferation and collagen deposition even without growth factor supplements.

In this study, the effect of pulsed-low intensity ultrasound on cell proliferation, collagen production and glycosaminoglycan deposition by 3T3 fibroblasts encapsulated in alginate was evaluated. Hoechst 33258 assay for cell number, hydroxyproline assay for collagen content and dimethylamine blue assay for glycosaminoglycan content were performed on samples from cell cultures treated with pulsed-low intensity ultrasound and a control group. Pulsed-low intensity ultrasound shows no effect on cell proliferation, while collagen and glycosaminoglycan contents were consistently higher in the samples treated with pulsed-low intensity ultrasound, showing a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.05) on day 10. Alcian blue staining showed that glycosaminoglycans were deposited around the cells in both groups. These results suggest that pulsed-low intensity ultrasound shows no effect on cell proliferation but has potential for inducing collagen and glycosaminoglycan production in cells cultured in alginate gels.