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

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.