Improved Neural Differentiation of Human-induced Pluripotent Stem Cell [hiPSCs] on a Novel Polyurethane-based Scaffold Containing Iron Oxide Nanoparticles [Fe2O3 NPs]

Abstract

Background: Repair of the nervous system in humans has always been complicated and faced difficulties. Cell transplantation approaches using biocompatible scaffolds might be an attractive therapeutic strategy for neuronal regeneration.

Objective: We designed a cell delivery platform based on polyurethane [PU] and modified it with iron oxide nanoparticles [Fe₂O₃ NPs] for neural induction of human-induced pluripotent stem cells [hiPSC]. Forskolin, IBMX, and different ratios of FBS were employed to induce neurogenesis of hiPSCs. Neural differentiations were assessed at the level of genes and proteins.

Methods: As was shown by MTT colorimetric assay, the proliferation and viability of SNL 76/7 on PU/ Fe₂O₃ were superior in comparison with pure PU and Fe₂O₃. hiPSCs cultured with PU/Fe₂O₃ exhibited an elevated expression of β3-tubulin, MAP2, NSE, OLIG2, as compared to controls. Furthermore, Acridine Orange staining assured the survival and viability of hiPSCs after 14 days of differentiation.

Results: All in all, our findings pointed out the biocompatibility and positive regulatory effect of PU/Fe₂O₃ on neural markers.

Conclusion: We believe this scaffold could be a potential candidate for future nerve differentiation applications.

Keywords: Fe₂O₃; Neural differentiation; human induced pluripotent stem cell; iron oxide nanoparticles; nanocomposite scaffold; polyurethanes.