Preparation and biological evaluation of chitosan–collagen–icariin composite scaffolds for neuronal regeneration

Abstract

In this study the chitosan/collagen/icariin composite scaffolds for nerve regeneration were produced by blending and crosslinking chitosan with collagen and icariin. The microstructure of the composite scaffolds was observed by scanning electron microscopy. 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and attachment assays were conducted, respectively, to investigate the biocompatibility of the scaffolds. Cell cultural tests showed that the channel-structured porous scaffolds acted as a positive factor to support connective nerve cell growth. After culture, cells showed a clear flow trend to move close to the composite scaffolds in culture solution, arranging in spiral-like, and aligned parallel to the orientation of the channel structure on the surface of scaffolds. When compared to pure chitosan and chitosan/collagen scaffolds, Schwann cells and PC12 cells on the chitosan/collagen/icariin composite scaffolds exhibited the greatest proliferation and longest average neurite length. These results suggested that the chitosan/collagen/icariin composite scaffolds are potential cell carriers in nerve tissue engineering.

Icariin-Loaded TiO2 Nanotubes for Regulation of the Bioactivity of Bone Marrow Cells

“…Physical adsorption as a method to load the bioactive molecules and drugs onto the biomaterial scaffolds has been widely applied in previous studies [32][33][34]. This method has the advantages of ensuring the chemical structure and biological properties of the molecules, except for the inexpensive and efficacious characteristics.…”

Pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetic properties of icariin, the major bioactive component in Herba Epimedii

“…Interestingly, a chitosan/collagen/icariin composite scaffold exhibited potential in nerve tissue engineering to promote proliferation and prolong neurite length in Schwann and PC12 cells[131].Icariin exhibited a strong capacity to protect cardiomyocytes or vein endothelium from harmful factors. It protected rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes from angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy and apoptosis by inhibiting the ROS-dependent JNK and p38 pathway[162].…”

“…Icariin loaded porous β-tricalcium phosphate ce-128 ramic disks enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of Ros17/28 129 cells and new bone formation in vivo [151]. Icariin loaded cell-hydrogel 130 constructs improved the restoration efficiency of supercritical-sized 131 osteochondral defects in rabbit [38]. [42].…”

Preparation of chitosan/nano hydroxyapatite organic–inorganic hybrid microspheres for bone repair

“…ICA, the extract of traditional Chinese medicine-epimedium, has been proved as an osteoinductive agent for regeneration. Fan et al [23] and Yang et al [24] found that the combination of ICA and scaffold was biologically active and could promote the proliferation of osteoblasts in vitro bioactivity assay.…”