Nur Azida

@usm.my

Lecturer
Universiti Sains Malaysia

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Wound healing
Ex vivo model
Cell and tissue culture
Adipose tissue
13

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Non-Enzymatic Isolation of Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) And Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs): A Systematic Methodological Review and Meta Analysis
    Sadia Farhana, Shazana H. Shamsuddin, Mohd Zulkifli Salleh, Nur Azida Mohd Nasir
    Biomedical Research and Therapy, 2026
    Non-enzymatic isolation of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has gained increasing clinical interest due to the regulatory, safety, and logistical constraints associated with enzymatic digestion. However, reported outcomes following their use remain heterogeneous, and direct quantitative comparisons are limited. This systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis aimed to compare SVF yield and in vitro proliferation outcomes across different non-enzymatic isolation techniques. A PRISMA-guided search of PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library identified 17 eligible studies published up to May 2023. Device-based systems were the most frequently reported (35.3%), followed by wash-based methods (15%), kits (15%), centrifugation (12%), and other mechanical approaches. The pooled mean SVF yield was comparable between wash-based (0.33 × 10⁶ cells/g) and shear force–based techniques (0.34 × 10⁶ cells/g). The proliferative capacity varied across methods, with some mechanical and kit-based systems reaching confluence earlier than wash-based approaches. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across the included studies. These findings present clinically feasible alternatives for SVF recovery, demonstrating comparable mean cell yields across major mechanical categories. Increasing mechanical disruption does not necessarily enhance cell recovery. To enhance reproducibility and facilitate clinical translation, future research should prioritize standardized reporting frameworks and direct head-to-head scalability studies.
  • Practical Method for Excised Adipose Tissue Cryopreservation Using Commercial Freezers: Optimized Thawing and Evaluation of Isolated SVF Cells
    Sadia Farhana, Shazana H. Shamsuddin, Wan Azman Wan Sulaiman, Ramlah Kadir, Nur Azida Mohd Nasir
    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2026
    Background: Adipose tissue is vital for plastic and reconstructive surgery due to its accessibility and regenerative potential via abundant stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). However, unpredictable graft resorption remains a major limitation, for which cryopreservation offers a potential solution. Yet, cryopreserving excised adipose tissue in commercial freezers with mechanical isolation of ADSCs remains unexplored. Methods: Human adipose tissue from 22 donors was preserved as tissue blocks or lipoaspirates at −20 °C or −80 °C for up to 4 months. Across 284 technically replicated experiments, oil release, mitochondrial activity (XTT assay), SVF yield and viability (trypan blue and flow cytometry), and ADSC multilineage differentiation were assessed. Fresh samples served as controls. Results: Rapid thawing at 37 °C (thawing method 3) minimized oil leakage (0.02 ml) and better preserved SVF yield with viability (3.03 and 0.64 × 10 4 cells/ml) after 2 months of tissue block preservation at −80 °C compared with lipoaspirates, per gram of fat. After 4 months, −80 °C-stored samples retained more SVF cells (88%) with 68% viability and showed stronger ADSC marker expression (CD73⁺/CD90⁺/CD105⁺: 70–80%) than −20 °C samples. ADSCs from −80 °C stored blocks differentiated into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages, whereas −20 °C stored samples showed poor adhesion and no differentiation. Conclusion: Cryopreserving adipose tissue blocks at −80 °C, followed by rapid thawing at 37 °C and mechanical isolation, provides a practical, xeno-free, and scalable approach to long-term storage. This strategy effectively preserves viable ADSCs, supporting their potential clinical application in regenerative therapies.
  • Unveiling the phenotypic impact of cryopreservation on adipose derived stem cells: A systematic review
    Sadia Farhana, Mohd Zulkifli Salleh, Shazana H. Shamsuddin, Wan Azman Wan Sulaiman, Nur Azida Mohd Nasir
    Indian Journal of Medical Research, 2025
    Background & objectives The impact of cell passaging and cryopreservation on the phenotypic and functional attributes of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) must be understood to improve their clinical value. This systematic review investigates the phenotypic characteristics of ADSCs derived from fresh and cryopreserved adipose tissue, with a focus on how these cells change across passages. Methods A thorough search of databases was conducted as per the PRISMA guideline to find publications that were aligned with the inclusion criteria and were published between January 2013 and January 2023. Results In both cryopreserved and fresh stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, CD90, CD73, and CD105 consistently exhibited strong expression (90%) across passages in 50 screened studies. In fresh tissue, CD29 was upregulated in subsequent passages (up to 95%) but downregulated at passage 2 (2.3%). Variable CD29 was seen in cryopreserved groups (47% at P1, 90% at P4). While CD34 and CD45 were lower in cryopreserved ADSCs (less than 5%), they were higher in fresh tissue (41%), suggesting less haematopoietic contamination. Interpretation & conclusions Passaging and cryopreservation protocols can help maintain the therapeutic potential of ADSCs, providing a reliable source of functional stem cells for regenerative utilization.
  • Liposomal topical drug administration surpasses alternative methods in glaucoma therapeutics: a novel paradigm for enhanced treatment
    Nor Asyikin Nordin, Muhammad Zulfiqah Sadikan, Lidawani Lambuk, Sabarisah Hashim, Syahira Airuddin, Nur-Azida Mohd Nasir, Rohimah Mohamud, Jamal Ibrahim, Ramlah Kadir
    Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2025
    Objectives Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent blindness. Despite therapeutic advancements, glaucoma management remains challenging due to limitations of conventional drug delivery, primarily topical eye drops, resulting in suboptimal outcomes and a global surge in cases. To address these issues, liposomal drug delivery has emerged as a promising approach. Key findings This review explores the potential of liposomal-based medications, with a particular focus on topical administration as a superior alternative to enhance therapeutic efficacy and improve patient compliance compared to existing treatments. This writing delves into the therapeutic prospects of liposomal formulations across different administration routes, as evidenced by ongoing clinical trials. Additionally, critical aspects of liposomal production and market strategies are discussed herein. Summary By overcoming ocular barriers and optimizing drug delivery, liposomal topical administration holds the key to significantly improving glaucoma treatment outcomes.
  • Advances in adipose-derived stem cell harvesting: tissue blocks vs. lipoaspirates
    Chun Kai Yew, Sadia Farhana, Amirul Ashraf Ahmad Shan Wani, Siti Fatimah Noor Mat Johar, Wan Azman Wan Sulaiman, Nur Azida Mohd Nasir
    Journal of Taibah University for Science, 2025
    Ensuring a nonenzymatic isolation method for human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) is crucial for safe therapeutic applications. In this study, we introduced an improved mechanical technique to isolate hADSCs from subcutaneous adipose tissue. A total of 382.42 g of adipose tissue was obtained from 19 consented donors, including lipoaspirates (mean: 16.98 g, n = 9) and tissue blocks (mean: 12.11 g, n = 19). Following washing, mincing, and centrifugation, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells were collected and subsequently cultured. Notably, the viable SVF yield was 12.47 × 104 cells/ml from tissue blocks and 10.73 × 104 cells/ml from lipoaspirates. Furthermore, at passage 2, hADSCs exhibited typical MSC markers (CD90+/CD73+/CD29+/CD105+/CD34−), while at passage 5, they successfully differentiated into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. Overall, this method effectively isolates and expands hADSCs without xenogeneic contamination, thereby providing a practical and safe approach for clinical applications.
  • Effectiveness of stingless bee (Kelulut) honey versus conventional gel dressing in diabetic wound bed preparation: A randomized controlled trial
    Mohamad A. Rosli, Nur A. Mohd Nasir, Mohd Z. Mustafa, Muhammad A. Othman, Zaidi Zakaria, Ahmad S. Halim
    Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 2024
    Purpose: Kelulut honey contains trehalulose and has high antioxidant content, such as phenolic and flavonoid substances, which can promote wound healing. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Kelulut honey in diabetic wound healing compared to a commercially available conventional gel dressing (Intrasite gel). Methods: A prospective, randomized, single-blinded control trial was performed on eligible diabetic patients with full-thickness cavity wounds. Patients' demographics, size and site of wounds, and baseline routine blood investigations were recorded. The wounds were dressed every other day with Kelulut honey for the intervention group or gel for the control group. The wound size reduction and granulation tissue formation percentage were calculated every 6 days for 1 month. Results: Seventy-one patients were randomized. After 30 days of follow-up, 62 participants were available for analysis: 30 from the control group and 32 from the treatment group. The control group had increased granulation tissue at baseline and more wounds on the lower limb and posterior trunk. Both groups showed an increasing mean and median percentage of wound epithelialization and granulation tissue over time, with significantly higher values at every timepoint in the honey group (p < 0.05). However, repeated measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance revealed no significant interaction effect between the different treatments and time, with F (2.02, 121.28) = 0.88, p = 0.417 and F (1.60, 93.95) = 0.79, p = 0.431, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that Kelulut honey was comparable to and as effective as the conventional gel in treating diabetic wounds in terms of promoting epithelialization and granulation tissue formation.
  • The fate of adipose tissue and adipose-derived stem cells in allograft
    Sadia Farhana, Yew Chun Kai, Ramlah Kadir, Wan Azman Wan Sulaiman, Nor Asyikin Nordin, Nur Azida Mohd Nasir
    Cell and Tissue Research, 2023
    Utilizing adipose tissue and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) turned into a promising field of allograft in recent years. The therapeutic potential of adipose tissue and ADSCs is governed by their molecular secretions, ability to sustain multi-differentiation and self-renewal which are pivotal in reconstructive, genetic diseases, and cosmetic goals. However, revisiting the existing functional capacity of adipose tissue and ADSCs and their intricate relationship with allograft is crucial to figure out the remarkable question of safety to use in allograft due to the growing evidence of interactions between tumor microenvironment and ADSCs. For instance, the molecular secretions of adipose tissue and ADSCs induce angiogenesis, create growth factors, and control the inflammatory response; it has now been well determined. Though the existing preclinical allograft studies gave positive feedback, ADSCs and adipose tissue are attracted by some factors of tumor stroma. Moreover, allorecognition is pivotal to allograft rejection which is carried out by costimulation in a complement-dependent way and leads to the destruction of the donor cells. However, extensive preclinical trials of adipose tissue and ADSCs in allograft at molecular level are still limited. Hence, comprehensive immunomodulatory analysis could ensure the successful allograft of adipose tissue and ADSCs avoiding the oncological risk.
  • A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Chitosan Hydrogel Paste in Comparison to Commercial Hydroactive Gel as a Wound Bed Preparation
    Nur Azida Mohd Nasir, Arman Zaharil Mat Saad, Nor Sa'adah Bachok, Ahmad Hazri Ab Rashid, Zanariah Ujang, Kartini Noorsal, Norimah Yusof, Kamaruddin Hashim, Fatimah Mohd Nor, Farrah-Hani Imran, Nazri Mohd Yusof, Mohd Ariff Sharifudin, Ahmad Sukari Halim
    Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 2023
    Background This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of chitosan derivative hydrogel paste (CDHP) as a wound bed preparation for wounds with cavities. Methods This study enrolled 287 patients, with 143 patients randomized into the CDHP group (treatment) and 144 patients randomized into the commercial hydroactive gel (CHG) group (control). The granulation tissue, necrotic tissue, patient comfort, clinical signs, symptoms, and patient convenience during the application and removal of the dressing were assessed. Results The study was completed by 111 and 105 patients from the treatment and control groups, respectively. Both groups showed an increasing mean percentage of wound granulation over time when the initial wound size and comorbidity were adjusted (F(10,198) = 4.61; p &lt; 0.001), but no significant difference was found between the groups (F(1,207) = 0.043; p = 0.953). The adjusted mean percentage of necrotic tissue of both groups showed a significant decrease over time (F(10,235) = 5.65; p &lt;0.001), but no significant differences were found between the groups (F (1,244) = 0.487; p = 0.486). Conclusion CDHP is equivalent to CHG and is an alternative in wound management and wound bed preparation for wounds with cavities.
  • Adipose-derived stem cell: “treat or trick”
    Siti Syahira Airuddin, Ahmad Sukari Halim, Wan Azman Wan Sulaiman, Ramlah Kadir, Nur Azida Mohd Nasir
    Biomedicines, 2021
    Stem cells have been widely used for treating disease due to the various benefits they offer in the curing process. Several treatments using stem cells have undergone clinical trials, such as cell-based therapies for heart disease, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, etc. Adipose-derived stem cells are some of the many mesenchymal stem cells that exist in our body that can be harvested from the abdomen, thighs, etc. Adipose tissue is easy to harvest, and its stem cells can be obtained in higher volumes compared to stem cells harvested from bone marrow, for which a more invasive technique is required with a smaller volume obtained. Many scientists have expressed interest in investigating the role of adipose-derived stem cells in treating disease since their use was first described. This is due to these stem cells’ ability to differentiate into multiple lineages and secrete a variety of growth factors and proteins. Previous studies have found that the hormones, cytokines, and growth factors contained in adipose tissue play major roles in the metabolic regulation of adipose tissue, as well as in energy balance and whole-body homeostasis through their endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine functions. These are thought to be important contributors to the process of tissue repair and regeneration. However, it remains unclear how effective and safe ADSCs are in treating diseases. The research that has been carried out to date is in order to investigate the impact of ADSCs in disease treatment, as described in this review, to highlight its “trick or treat” effect in medical treatment.
  • A review on micro- to nanocellulose biopolymer scaffold forming for tissue engineering applications
    H. P. S. Abdul Khalil, Fauziah Jummaat, Esam Bashir Yahya, N. G. Olaiya, A. S. Adnan, Munifah Abdat, Nasir N. A. M., Ahmad Sukari Halim, U. Seeta Uthaya Kumar, Rahul Bairwan, A. B. Suriani
    Polymers, 2020
    Biopolymers have been used as a replacement material for synthetic polymers in scaffold forming due to its biocompatibility and nontoxic properties. Production of scaffold for tissue repair is a major part of tissue engineering. Tissue engineering techniques for scaffold forming with cellulose-based material is at the forefront of present-day research. Micro- and nanocellulose-based materials are at the forefront of scientific development in the areas of biomedical engineering. Cellulose in scaffold forming has attracted a lot of attention because of its availability and toxicity properties. The discovery of nanocellulose has further improved the usability of cellulose as a reinforcement in biopolymers intended for scaffold fabrication. Its unique physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties offer some important advantages over synthetic polymer materials. This review presents a critical overview of micro- and nanoscale cellulose-based materials used for scaffold preparation. It also analyses the relationship between the method of fabrication and properties of the fabricated scaffold. The review concludes with future potential research on cellulose micro- and nano-based scaffolds. The review provides an up-to-date summary of the status and future prospective applications of micro- and nanocellulose-based scaffolds for tissue engineering.
  • Fluorescent cell tracer dye permits real-time assessment of re-epithelialization in a serum-free ex vivo human skin wound assay
    Nur Azida Mohd Nasir, Ralf Paus, David M. Ansell
    Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2019
  • Efficacy of chitosan derivative films versus hydrocolloid dressing on superficial wounds
    Ahmad S. Halim, Fatimah M. Nor, Arman Z. Mat Saad, Nur A. Mohd Nasir, Bachok Norsa'adah, Zanariah Ujang
    Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 2018
  • Antibacterial properties of tualang honey and its effect in burn wound management: A comparative study
    Nur-Azida Mohd Nasir, Ahmad Sukari Halim, Kirnpal-Kaur Banga Singh, Ananda Aravazhi Dorai, Mehru-Nisha Muhammad Haneef
    BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2010