Potential of Collagen/PLA-based Nanofibrous Scaffold to Support PC12 Cells and Neural Repair

Abstract

Objective: This study attempts to modify Polylactic Acid (PLA) with the natural polymer Collagen (Coll), to develop materials such as an electrospun scaffold that have better mechanical stability and biocompatibility. Retinoic acid (RA), a bioactive material that promotes nerve growth, is to be added to the nanofiber scaffolds as part of this project.
 Methods: One of the most important methods we employed in this work to create nanofibrous scaffolds was electrospinning.
 Results: The synthesized nanofiber scaffold exhibited a diameter of 255±40 nm and a tensile strength of 175±10.4 N, providing sufficient support for native peripheral nerve repair. The inclusion of Coll enhanced the scaffold's hydrophilic behavior (contact angle: 56±4°), ensuring stability in aqueous solutions. In addition, cell adhesion and proliferation are demonstrated to be improved by PLA composite nanofibers based on Collagen, while PC12 cell adhesion and proliferation are further improved by RA.
 Conclusion: Based on their biodegradability, robust mechanical properties, and porous structure, these scaffolds are excellent choices for nerve tissue engineering, according to our findings. The significant increase in PC12 cells' adhesion and proliferation upon the addition of RA demonstrates the cells' potential for nerve repair.