Chitosan/Collagen Scaffolds Containing Folic Acid: Β-Cyclodextrin with Potential Application in Neuronal Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Folic acid is associated with the growth and development of the nervous system, playing a crucial role in the therapy and differentiation of neural stem cells and the hematopoietic system. In this study, we prepared scaffolds from the biopolymers chitosan and collagen and added the micronutrient folic acid (FA), also known as vitamin B9. We synthesized a scaffold with FA in β-cyclodextrin to prolong the time required for its release. This increased the interaction between the polymeric matrix and Neuro 2A cells. Morphological, chemical and thermal characteristics, cell solutions and adhesion were verified. Cytocompatibility testing on Neuro 2A cells showed that none of the FA-containing scaffolds was harmful to the cells. In fact, FA combined with β-cyclodextrin made the cells more viable and helped them adhere to each other, which made them grow faster. For this reason, scaffolds have potential for use in neuronal tissue engineering as provisional supports for the growth, specialization, and differentiation of neuronal cells.

Keywords:
Scaffolds; Collagen; Chitosan; Folic acid; β-cyclodextrin