Comparative evaluation of chitosan, cellulose acetate, and polyethersulfone nanofiber scaffolds for neural differentiation

Abstract

Based on accumulating evidence that the 3D topography and the chemical features of a growth surface influence neuronal differentiation, we combined these two features by evaluating the cytotoxicity, proliferation, and differentiation of the rat PC12 line and human neural stem cells (hNSCs) on chitosan (CS), cellulose acetate (CA), and polyethersulfone (PES)-derived electrospun nanofibers that had similar diameters, centered in the 200 to 500 nm range. None of the nanofibrous materials were cytotoxic compared to 2D (e.g., flat surface) controls; however, proliferation generally was inhibited on the nanofibrous scaffolds although to a lesser extent on the polysaccharide-derived materials compared to PES. In an exception to the trend towards slower growth on the 3D substrates, hNSCs differentiated on the CS nanofibers proliferated faster than the 2D controls and both cell types showed enhanced indication of neuronal differentiation on the CS scaffolds. Together, these results demonstrate beneficial attributes of CS for neural tissue engineering when this polysaccharide is used in the context of the defined 3D topography found in electrospun nanofibers.

Neuroprotective Effect of Transplanted Neural Precursors Embedded on PLA/CS Scaffold in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis

“…Based on previous reports using adherent cells on nanofibrous scaffolds [13,14], we hypothesize that the PC12 cells will attach to the polylactic acid/chitosan (PLA/ CS) scaffold which may then be transplanted into areas requiring tissue regeneration. In living systems, extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in controlling cell behavior, while scaffold design plays a pivotal role in tissue engineering [15,16].…”

In Situ Generation of Cellulose Nanocrystals in Polycaprolactone Nanofibers: Effects on Crystallinity, Mechanical Strength, Biocompatibility, and Biomimetic Mineralization

“…23 Bacterial-produced cellulose is primarily studied for bone regeneration. [24][25][26][27] However, it does not offer the ability to control the fibers on the nanoscale or microscale, which limits its applicability in tissue engineering.…”

Investigation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Cultured on PLGA or PLGA/Chitosan Electrospun Nanofibers

“…The improved viability and attachment of MSC to PLGA/CH as compared to PLGA could be a function of the higher bioactivity, smaller fiber diameter, and larger surface area [45] of the hybrid construct. There are several studies investigating various nanofibres and their capacity to affect proliferation and function of stem cells [46][47][48]. Here we have investigated the effect of adding the natural polymer chitosan to PLGA nanofibers, showing increased proliferation and metabolic activity of human MSC most likely to an increase in biofunctionality of the scaffold.…”