Cell-instructive starPEG-heparin-collagen composite matrices

Publication date: Available online 16 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Marcus Binner, Laura J. Bray, Jens Friedrichs, Uwe Freudenberg, Mikhail V. Tsurkan, Carsten Werner
Polymer hydrogels can be readily modulated with regard to their physical properties and functionalized to recapitulate molecular cues of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, they remain structurally different from the hierarchical supramolecular assemblies of natural ECM. Accordingly, we herein report a set of hydrogel composite materials made from starPEG-peptide conjugates, maleimide-functionalized heparin and collagen type I that combine semisynthetic and ECM-derived components. Collagen fibrillogenesis was controlled by temperature and collagen concentration to form collagen microstructures which were then homogeneously distributed within the 3D composite matrix during hydrogel formation. The collagen-laden hydrogel materials showed a heterogeneous local variation of the stiffness and adhesion ligand density. Composite gels functionalized with growth factors and cell adhesive peptides (RGDSP) supported the growth of embedded human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and induced the alignment of embedded bone marrow–derived human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the collagen microstructures in vitro. The introduced composite hydrogel material is concluded to faithfully mimic cell-instructive features of the ECM.Statement of significantCell-instructive materials play an important role in the generation of both regenerative therapies and advanced tissue and disease models. For that purpose, biofunctional polymer hydrogels recapitulating molecular cues of the extracellular matrix (ECM) were successfully applied in various different studies. However, hydrogels generally lack the hierarchical supramolecular structure of natural ECM. We have therefore developed a hydrogel composite material made from starPEG-peptide conjugates, maleimide-functionalized heparin and collagen type I fibrils. The collagen-laden scaffolds showed a heterogeneous local variation in the stiffness of the material. The composite gels were successfully tested in culture experiments with human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells and bone marrow–derived human mesenchymal stem cells. It was concluded that the composite scaffold was able to faithfully mimic important cell-instructive features of the ECM.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2l23eEP

HiPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells grow dendritic arbors and functional axons on a tissue-engineered scaffold

Publication date: Available online 17 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Kangjun Li, Xiufeng Zhong, Sijing Yang, Ziming Luo, Kang Li, Ying Liu, Song Cai, Huaiyu Gu, Shoutao Lu, Haijun Zhang, Yantao Wei, Jing Zhuang, Yehong Zhuo, Zhigang Fan, Jian Ge
Numerous therapeutic procedures in modern medical research rely on the use of tissue engineering for the treatment of retinal diseases. However, the cell source and the transplantation method are still a limitation. Previously, we reported on the induction of a self-organizing three-dimensional neural retina from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). In this study, we disclose the generation of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from the neural retina and their seeding on a biodegradable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold to create an engineered RGC-scaffold biomaterial. Moreover, we explored the dendritic arbor, branching point, functional axon and action potential of the biomaterial. Finally, the cell-scaffold was transplanted into the intraocular environment of rabbits and rhesus monkeys.Statement of SignificanceAs a part of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) shows little regenerative capacity. With the use of medical biomaterial for cells seeding and deliver, a new domain is now emerging that uses tissue engineering therapy for retinal disease. However, previous studies utilized RGCs from rodent model, which has limitations for human disease treatment.In the present study, we generated RGCs from hiPSCs-3D neural retina and then seeded these RGCs on PLGA scaffold to create an engineered RGC-scaffold biomaterial. Moreover, we assessed the transplantation method for biomaterial in vivo. Our study provides a technique to produce the engineered human RGC-scaffold biomaterial.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2l1VItR

Identification of the mechanisms by which age alters the mechanosensitivity of mesenchymal stromal cells on substrates of differing stiffness: implications for osteogenesis and angiogenesis

Publication date: Available online 16 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Sara Barreto, Arlyng Gonzalez-Vazquez, Andrew R. Cameron, Brenton Cavanagh, Dylan J. Murray, Fergal J. O'Brien
In order to identify the mechanisms by which skeletal maturity alters the mechanosensitivity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and, the implications for osteogenesis and angiogenesis during bone formation, we compared the response of MSCs derived from children and skeletally-mature healthy adults cultured on soft and stiff collagen-coated polyacrylamide substrates. MSCs from children were more mechanosensitive, showing enhanced angiogenesis and osteogenesis on stiff substrates as indicated by increased endothelial tubule formation, PGF production, nuclear-translocation of YAP, ALP activity and mineralisation. To examine these mechanisms in more detail, a customised PCR array identified an age-dependent, stiffness-induced upregulation of NOX1, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, WIF1 and, of particular interest, JNK3 in cells from children compared to adults. When JNK3 activity was inhibited, a reduction in stiffness-induced driven osteogenesis was observed - suggesting that JNK3 might serve as a novel target for recapitulating the enhanced regenerative potential of children in adults suffering from bone degeneration.Statement of significanceWe investigated the age-associated changes in the capacity of MSCs for bone regeneration involving the mechanosensitive signalling pathways, which reduce the ability of adult cells to respond to biophysical cues in comparison to cells from children, who are still undergoing bone development. Our results offer new insights into the mechanobiology of MSCs and sheds new light on age-altered mechanosensitivity and, on why children have such an immense capacity to regenerate their skeletal system. We have identified the mechanisms by which skeletal maturity alters the mechanosensitivity of mesenchymal stromal cells and an age-dependent, stiffness-induced upregulation of a number of prominent genes including, most notably, JNK3 in children cells, thus suggesting its potential to promote enhanced bone repair.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2l23fbR

Additively manufactured metallic porous biomaterials based on minimal surfaces: a unique combination of topological, mechanical, and mass transport properties

Publication date: Available online 16 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): F.S.L. Bobbert, K. Lietaert, A.A. Eftekhari, B. Pouran, S.M. Ahmadi, H. Weinans, A.A. Zadpoor
Porous biomaterials that simultaneously mimic the topological, mechanical, and mass transport properties of bone are in great demand but are rarely found in the literature. In this study, we rationally designed and additively manufactured (AM) porous metallic biomaterials based on four different types of triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) that mimic the properties of bone to an unprecedented level of multi-physics detail. Sixteen different types of porous biomaterials were rationally designed and fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) from a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The topology, quasi-static mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, and permeability of the developed biomaterials were then characterized. In terms of topology, the biomaterials resembled the morphological properties of trabecular bone including mean surface curvatures close to zero. The biomaterials showed a favorable but rare combination of relatively low elastic properties in the range of those observed for trabecular bone and high yield strengths exceeding those reported for cortical bone. This combination allows for simultaneously avoiding stress shielding, while providing ample mechanical support for bone tissue regeneration and osseointegration. Furthermore, as opposed to other AM porous biomaterials developed to date for which the fatigue endurance limit has been found to be ≈20% of their yield (or plateau) stress, some of the biomaterials developed in the current study show extremely high fatigue resistance with endurance limits up to 60% of their yield stress. It was also found that the permeability values measured for the developed biomaterials were in the range of values reported for trabecular bone. In summary, the developed porous metallic biomaterials based on TPMS mimic the topological, mechanical, and physical properties of trabecular bone to a great degree. These properties make them potential candidates to be applied as parts of orthopedic implants and/or as bone-substituting biomaterials.Statement of significanceBone-substituting biomaterials aim to mimic bone properties. Although mimicking some of bone properties is feasible, biomaterials that could simultaneously mimic all or most of the relevant bone properties are rare. We used rational design and additive manufacturing to develop porous metallic biomaterials that exhibit an interesting combination of topological, mechanical, and mass transport properties. The topology of the developed biomaterials resembles that of trabecular bone including a mean curvature close to zero. Moreover, the developed biomaterials show an unusual combination of low elastic modulus to avoid stress shielding and high strength to provide mechanical support. The fatigue resistance of the developed biomaterials is also exceptionally high, while their permeability is in the range of values reported for bone.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2l1QyOl

Long-term antimicrobial effect of nisin released from electrospun triaxial fiber membranes

Publication date: Available online 16 February 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Daewoo Han, Shalli Sherman, Shaun Filocamo, Andrew J. Steckl
Electrospun membranes encapsulating nisin in the core of multi-layer coaxial fibers, with a hydrophobic PCL intermediate layer and a hygroscopic cellulose acetate sheath, have been demonstrated to provide long-term antimicrobial activity combined with a hygroscopic outer layer. Antimicrobial performance has been evaluated using modified versions of the antimicrobial textile test AATCC 100 and AATCC 147 against Staphylococcus aureus. The AATCC 147 tests indicate that antimicrobial activity persists up to 7 days. The quantitative analysis from the AATCC 100 test indicates that tri-layer coaxial electrospun fiber membranes provide > 99.99% bacteria kill (4 log kill) for up to five days. This indicates that the nisin-incorporated triaxial fibers have excellent biocidal activities for up to 5 days and then provide biostatic activity for 2 or more days. Compared with other types of electrospun membranes, such as core-sheath coaxial ("coaxial") and single homogenous fibers, tri-layer coaxial ("triaxial") fiber membranes provided more robust and more sustained antimicrobial activity. Single fibers with nisin showed relatively weak activity and only for one day. Coaxial fiber membranes exhibited antimicrobial activity for a long period, but their biocidal activity was much weaker than that of triaxial fiber membranes, and only exhibited > 99% bacteria kill (2 log kill) after 1 day of exposure.Statement of significanceThe increase in drug resistant pathogens has driven the need for alternative treatments that are effective against resistant bacteria and do not contribute to drug resistance. Nisin is an excellent model bacteriocin for antimicrobials because of its size and mode of action, and has been extensively used as FDA-approved food preservatives without any problematic resistance growth in bacteria during past decades. Nisin-containing fibers have been previously reported using conventional electrospinning but sustained antimicrobial effect has not been obtained. Here, we report the encapsulation of nisin into a multi-layered nanofiber construct using triaxial electrospinning in order to obtain a long-term antimicrobial activity. This will be highly beneficial in many applications, such as protective textiles, food packaging and cancer therapy.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2l1OkhS

Health Care Utilization and Direct Costs in Mild, Moderate, and Severe Adult Asthma: A Descriptive Study Using the 2014 South Korean Health Insurance Database

Publication date: Available online 16 February 2017
Source:Clinical Therapeutics
Author(s): Yoo Ju Lee, Sun-Hong Kwon, Sung-Hyun Hong, Jin Hyun Nam, Hyun Jin Song, Jong Seop Lee, Eui-Kyung Lee, Ju-Young Shin
PurposeAlthough asthma exacerbation comprises a large burden of the total asthma-related costs, few studies have examined the frequency and cost of acute exacerbation according to asthma severity. This study investigated asthma-related health care utilization and costs according to the severity of asthma.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive study using the national health insurance claims database between January 1 and December 31, 2014. We included adult patients with asthma (18 years of age and older) who had ≥2 claims with for an asthma diagnosis and were prescribed ≥1 asthma medications. They were classified into 3 asthma severity levels (level 1 = mild, level 2 = moderate, and level 3 = severe), based on individual medication prescriptions. Acute exacerbation was defined as having a corticosteroid burst, an emergency department visit, or hospitalization. Health care utilization, acute exacerbation, and direct costs associated with asthma were compared according to asthma severity levels.FindingsOf the 36,687 adult asthma patients, level 1 had the largest proportion of patients (81.2%), followed by level 2 (18.2%), and level 3 (0.6%). The average number of asthma-related outpatient visits was 4.5 for level 1, 7.2 for level 2, and 11.9 for level 3 (P < 0.01). The estimated asthma-related direct cost per patient was $174 for level 1, $634 for level 2, and $1635 for level 3 (P < 0.01). The number of patients who experienced acute exacerbation increased as asthma severity increased: level 1, 22.6%; level 2, 26.0%; and level 3, 48.7% (P < 0.01). Direct costs associated with asthma exacerbation dramatically increased and accounted for 15.1% of the total cost in level 1 patients, 19.5% in level 2 patients, and 40.8% in level 3 patients (P < 0.01).ImplicationsThe direct costs of acute exacerbation increased as asthma severity increased. In patients with severe asthma, acute exacerbation and the relative cost ratio in South Korea were higher than those in other countries. Proper management is required to avoid acute exacerbations and to reduce the burden of asthma, particularly in patients with severe asthma.



http://ift.tt/2kRQ4YA

Corrigendum to “Sustained localized presentation of RNA interfering molecules from in situ forming hydrogels to guide stem cell osteogenic differentiation” [Biomaterials 35/24 (2014) 6278–6286]

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 125
Author(s): Minh K. Nguyen, Oju Jeon, Melissa D. Krebs, Daniel Schapira, Eben Alsberg




http://ift.tt/2l0i52Q

Polyester fabric sheet layers functionalized with graphene oxide for sensitive isolation of circulating tumor cells

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 125
Author(s): Jiyoon Bu, Young Jun Kim, Yoon-Tae Kang, Tae Hee Lee, Jeongsuk Kim, Young-Ho Cho, Sae-Won Han
The metastasis of cancer is strongly associated with the spread of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Based on the microfluidic devices, which offer rapid recovery of CTCs, a number of studies have demonstrated the potential of CTCs as a diagnostic tool. However, not only the insufficient specificity and sensitivity derived from the rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs, but also the high-cost fabrication processes limit the use of CTC-based medical devices in commercial. Here, we present a low-cost fabric sheet layers for CTC isolation, which are composed of polyester monofilament yarns. Fabric sheet layers are easily functionalized with graphene oxide (GO), which is beneficial for improving both sensitivity and specificity. The GO modification to the low-cost fabrics enhances the binding of anti-EpCAM antibodies, resulting in 10–25% increase of capture efficiency compared to the surface without GO (anti-EpCAM antibodies directly onto the fabric sheets), while achieving high purity by isolating only 50–300 leukocytes in 1 mL of human blood. We investigated CTCs in ten human blood samples and successfully isolated 4–42 CTCs/mL from cancer patients, while none of cancerous cells were found among healthy donors. This remarkable results show the feasibility of GO-functionalized fabric sheet layers to be used in various CTC-based clinical applications, with high sensitivity and selectivity.



http://ift.tt/2kQIWvH

A predictive model for diagnosis of lower extremity cellulitis: A cross-sectional study

Publication date: Available online 16 February 2017
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Adam B. Raff, Qing Yu Weng, Jeffrey M. Cohen, Nicole Gunasekera, Jean-Phillip Okhovat, Priyanka Vedak, Cara Joyce, Daniela Kroshinsky, Arash Mostaghimi
BackgroundCellulitis has many clinical mimickers (pseudocellulitis), which leads to frequent misdiagnosis.ObjectiveTo create a model for predicting the likelihood of lower extremity cellulitis.MethodsA cross-sectional review was performed of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of lower extremity cellulitis through the emergency department at a large hospital between 2010 and 2012. Patients discharged with diagnosis of cellulitis were categorized as having cellulitis, while those given an alternative diagnosis were considered to have pseudocellulitis. Bivariate associations between predictor variables and final diagnosis were assessed to develop a 4-variable model.ResultsIn total, 79 (30.5%) of 259 patients were misdiagnosed with lower extremity cellulitis. Of the variables associated with true cellulitis, the 4 in the final model were asymmetry (unilateral involvement), leukocytosis (white blood cell count ≥10,000/uL), tachycardia (heart rate ≥90 bpm), and age ≥70 years. We converted these variables into a points system to create the ALT-70 cellulitis score as follows: Asymmetry (3 points), Leukocytosis (1 point), Tachycardia (1 point), and age ≥70 (2 points). With this score, 0-2 points indicate ≥83.3% likelihood of pseudocellulitis, and ≥5 points indicate ≥82.2% likelihood of true cellulitis.LimitationsProspective validation of this model is needed before widespread clinical use.ConclusionAsymmetry, leukocytosis, tachycardia, and age ≥70 are predictive of lower extremity cellulitis. This model might facilitate more accurate diagnosis and improve patient care.



http://ift.tt/2lTbAR1

Observational study of chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis treated with methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy

Publication date: Available online 16 February 2017
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Ana Julia García-Malinis, Lucia Turrión-Merino, Bibiana Pérez-García, David Saceda-Corralo, Antonio Harto-Castaño, Yolanda Gilaberte
BackgroundTherapies used to treat chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH), such as surgical excision, pressure relief, or topical steroids report varying degrees of success.ObjectiveWe evaluated the response and safety of methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT) in CNH.MethodsThis retrospective, observational study performed at the University Hospital Ramon y Cajal (Madrid, Spain) and Hospital San Jorge (Huesca, Spain) included all patients diagnosed with CNH and treated with MAL-PDT from 2008 to 2015. Treatment sites were prepared and irradiated as per the conventional MAL-PDT procedure.ResultsPatients underwent a mean of 2.3 sessions with between-session intervals ranging from 15 days to 1 month. A complete response to PDT was observed in 33 patients (76.7%), who experienced pain relief and resolution of the inflammatory nodule. Lesion recurrence was recorded in 10 patients (23.3%) during the mean follow-up period of 20 months. Receiving ≥2 PDT sessions was significantly associated with a good response (26/28, 93% success rate, P = .003).LimitationsSome limitations of the study are the lack of an established between-session interval, the absence of evaluation of curettage effectiveness and the limited sample size.DiscussionThe results support the view that PDT is a promising treatment approach for CNH.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2m3qZtU

Roll up, roll up!

Publication date: Available online 17 February 2017
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Sergio Della Sala




http://ift.tt/2kGqogJ

Oral treatment with essential oil of Hyptis spicigera Lam. (Lamiaceae) reduces acute pain and inflammation in mice: Potential interactions with transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels

Publication date: 22 March 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 200
Author(s): Róli Rodrigues Simões, Igor dos Santos Coelho, Stella Célio Junqueira, Glauce Regina Pigatto, Marcos José Salvador, Adair Roberto Soares Santos, Felipe Meira de Faria
Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe genus Hyptis comprehends almost 400 species widespread in tropical and temperate regions of America. The use of Hyptis spicigera Lam. (Lamiaceae) is reported in traditional medicine due to its gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.Aim of the studyThe rationale of this study was to investigate the potential use of the essential oil of H. spicigera (EOHs) as analgesic.Material and methodsThe antinociceptive effect of EOHs was verified analyzing acute nocifensive behavior of mice induced by chemical noxious stimuli [i.e., formalin and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels agonists]. We also verified the effects of EOHs on locomotor activity and motor performance in mice. Finally, we investigate the involvement of central afferent C-fibers with EOHs analgesic effect.ResultsEOHs presented antinociceptive effect at 300 and 1000mg/kg on formalin-induced pain behavior model, presenting 50% and 72% of inhibition during the first phase (ED50 =292mg/kg), and 85% and 100% during de second phase (ED50 =205mg/kg), respectively. Temperature of the hind paw was reduced by EOHs treatment in a dose-dependent manner; oedema was diminished only by EOHs 1000mg/kg. EOHs does not impaired locomotor activity or motor performance. For mice injected with capsaicin, a TRPV1 activator, EOHs (1000mg/kg, ED50 =660mg/kg) showed decreased (63%) nociceptive behavior. When injected with cinnamaldehyde (TRPA1 activator), mice treated with EOHs showed 23%, 43% and 66% inhibition on nociceptive behavior (100, 300 and 1000mg/kg, respectively; ED50 402mg/kg). When mice were injected with menthol (TRPM8 activator), EOHs showed 29%, 59% and 98% inhibition of nociceptive behavior (100, 300 and 1000mg/kg, respectively; with ED50 =198mg/kg. Finally, when desensitized mice were injected with menthol, EOHs (300mg/kg) does not show antinociceptive effect.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the efficacy of EOHs on experimental models of nociception. We have found the involvement of TRP channels V1, A1 and M8 with EOHs activity, which was remarkably potent and efficient in inhibiting pain evoked by menthol, a TRPM8 channel activator. TRPM8 channels from TRPV1+ C-fibers, but not TRPM8+ C-fibers nor TRPM8+ Aδ mechanosensory fibers, mediate EOHs analgesic effects.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2l1LpWv

Ethanol extract of the seed of Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa potentiates hippocampal synaptic transmission through mitogen-activated protein kinase, adenylyl cyclase, and protein kinase A pathways

Publication date: 22 March 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 200
Author(s): So Yeon Jo, In Ho Jung, Jee Hyun Yi, Tae Joon Choi, Seungheon Lee, Ji Wook Jung, Jeanho Yun, Young Choon Lee, Jong Hoon Ryu, Dong Hyun Kim
Ethnopharmacological relevanceAs the seed of Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H.F. Chow (Rhamnaceae) has been used to sleep disturbances in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, many previous studies have focused on its sedative effect.Aim of the studyRecently, we reported the neuroprotective effect of the effect of Z. jujuba var. spinosa. However, its effects on synaptic function have not yet been studied. In this project, we examined the action of ethanol extract of the seed of Z. jujuba var. spinosa (DHP1401) on synaptic transmission in the hippocampus.Materials and methodsTo investigate the effects of DHP1401, field recordings were conducted using hippocampal slices (400µm). Object recognition test was introduced to examine whether DHP1401 affect normal recognition memory.ResultsDHP1401 (50μg/ml) induced a significant increase in synaptic activity in Shaffer collateral pathway in a concentration-dependent manner. This increase of synaptic responses was blocked by NBQX, a broad spectrum α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor antagonist, but not IEM-1460, a Ca²⁺-permeable AMPAR blocker. Moreover, U0126, a mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, SQ22536, an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, and PKI, a protein kinase A inhibitor, blocked DHP1401-induced increase in synaptic transmission. Finally, DHP1401 facilitated object recognition memory.ConclusionsThese results suggest that DHP1401 increase synaptic transmission through increase of synaptic AMPAR transmission via MAPK, AC and PAK.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2l1LrxB

In vitro wound healing and cytotoxic activity of the gel and whole-leaf materials from selected aloe species

Publication date: 22 March 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 200
Author(s): Lizelle T. Fox, Anisha Mazumder, Anupma Dwivedi, Minja Gerber, Jeanetta du Plessis, Josias H. Hamman
Ethnopharmacological relevanceAloe vera is one of the most important medicinal plants in the world with applications in the cosmetic industry and also in the tonic or health drink product market. Different parts of Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii are used as traditional medicines for different applications. Although wound healing has been shown for certain aloe gel materials (e.g. A. vera ) previously, there are conflicting reports on this medicinal application of aloe leaf gel materials.Aim of the studyThe present study aimed at determining the wound healing properties of the gel and whole-leaf materials of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii, as well as their cytotoxic effects on normal human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT).Materials and methodsNuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to chemically fingerprint the aloe gel and whole-leaf materials by identifying characteristic marker molecules of aloe gel and whole-leaf materials. An MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of the various aloe whole-leaf and gel materials on HaCaT cells. Wound healing and in vitro cell migration were investigated with HaCaT cells by means of the CytoSelect™ assay kit.ResultsThe in vitro wound healing assay suggested that all the aloe gel and whole-leaf materials examined, exhibited faster wound healing activity than the untreated control group. After 48h, all the aloe gel and whole-leaf materials almost completely caused full wound closure, displaying 98.07% (A. marlothii whole-leaf), 98.00% (A. vera gel), 97.20% (A. marlothii gel), 96.00% (A. vera whole-leaf), 94.00% (A. ferox gel) and 81.30% (A. ferox whole-leaf) wound closure, respectively. It was noteworthy that the gel materials of all the three aloe species exhibited significantly faster (p<0.05) wound healing actions when compared to their respective whole-leaf materials at 32h.ConclusionThe gel and whole-leaf materials of A. vera, A. ferox and A. marlothii have shown the ability to heal wounds at a faster rate and to a larger extent than untreated keratinocytes. The MTT assay results suggested that the gel and whole-leaf materials of all the selected Aloe species showed negligible toxicity towards the HaCaT cells.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2l1Rfar

Renal replacement therapy in critical care

<span class="paragraphSection">1B2C043C00</span>

http://ift.tt/2kGjEzv

Current recommendations on adult resuscitation

<span class="paragraphSection">1B041I022CO4</span>

http://ift.tt/2lrhMP2

The future of general anaesthesia in obstetrics

<span class="paragraphSection">1A022A092B023B00</span>

http://ift.tt/2kGqa9n

Perioperative management of patients with dementia

<span class="paragraphSection">1A022A033100</span>

http://ift.tt/2lrcTWa

Ketamine: an old drug revitalized in pain medicine

<span class="paragraphSection">1A022E012E023E00</span>

http://ift.tt/2kGjg3Z

Antinociceptive and immunosuppressive effect of opioids in an acute postoperative setting: an evidence-based review

<span class="paragraphSection">1A021D022E013E00</span>

http://ift.tt/2lrv3ab