Development of Collagen Cross-Linked with Dialdehyde Cellulose as a Potential 3D Scaffold for Neural Tissue Engineering

Until now, failed to receive ideal scaffold for applications in nerve tissue engineering. In this study the synthesis and assessment of 3D collagen sponges modified using 2,3-dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) as the cross-linker is presented. FTIR results showed that cross-linking reactions occur between the amino groups of collagen and the aldehyde groups in DAC without affecting the collagen triple helix. Besides, the DSC results reveal that cross-linking of collagen by DAC significantly increase its temperature denaturation (T-d). This agrees well with results of DMTA analysis. The viscoelastic behavior of cross-linked collagen and improved mechanical properties was manifested by a shift of the tan delta peak towards higher temperatures. The results suggest that the utilization of Col-DAC scaffolds may be considered as a potential strategy for neural tissue regeneration.