Science and Technology Indonesia
Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026): July

Initial Assessment of a Dual-Bioactive Hydrogel Incorporating Phagocytosis-Stimulating and Tissue-Regenerative Proteins for Enhanced Wound Healing

Papassara Changklang (Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand)
Tan Suwandecha (School of Pharmacy and Drug and Cosmetic Excellence Center, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand)
Somchai Sriwiriyajan (Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand)
Jongdee Nopparat (Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand)
Neelam Balekar (College of Pharmacy, IPS Academy, Indore 452012, Madhya Pradesh, India)
Teerapol Srichana (Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Jun 2026

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex process that can be impaired by various factors. Hydrogel is a recommended choice for keeping the skin moist and enhancing wound healing. Hydrogel can contain bioactive compounds to improve wound healing effectiveness further. Phagocytosis activating protein (PAP) and thrombospondin (TSP) can stimulate macrophage and promote cell proliferation. They had the potential to enhance wound healing when incorporated into a hydrogel. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PAP and TSP hydrogel on irritation and wound healing efficacy in a rat model. This experiment is conducted using a full-thickness wounds model in rats. The hydrogel formulations with PAP and/or TSP were applied to the wounds for 21 days. The wound contraction, histology, and TGF-β1 expression were measured. The results showed that low-dose PAP hydrogel had the best wound healing performance among all groups, with high TGF-β1 levels in the early phase and low levels in the late phase. Low-dose TSP hydrogel had similar but weaker effects than low-dose PAP hydrogel. There was no sign of skin irritation for all formulations. Hydrogel containing a low dose of PAP or TSP is a promising formula for further developing new wound dressing materials. It also opens an opportunity to cure some challenging to-treat wounds, such as diabetic and burn wounds.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JSTI

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Environmental Science Materials Science & Nanotechnology Physics

Description

An international Peer-review journal in the field of science and technology published by The Indonesian Science and Technology Society. Science and Technology Indonesia is a member of Crossref with DOI prefix number: 10.26554/sti. Science and Technology Indonesia publishes quarterly (January, April, ...