Tissue Engineering Therapies Based on Folic Acid and Other Vitamin B Derivatives. Functional Mechanisms and Current Applications in Regenerative Medicine

Abstract

B-vitamins are a group of soluble vitamins which are cofactors of some of the enzymes involved in the metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These compounds participate in a number of functions as cardiovascular, brain or nervous systems. Folic acid is described as an accessible and multifunctional niche component that can be used safely, even combined with other compounds, which gives it high versatility. Also, due to its non-toxicity and great stability, folic acid has attracted much attention from researchers in the biomedical and bioengineering area, with an increasing number of works directed at using folic acid and its derivatives in tissue engineering therapies as well as regenerative medicine. Thus, this review provides an updated discussion about the most relevant advances achieved during the last five years, where folic acid and other vitamins B have been used as key bioactive compounds for enhancing the effectiveness of biomaterials’ performance and biological functions for the regeneration of tissues and organs.

A double‐virally‐inactivated (Intercept–solvent/detergent) human platelet lysate for in vitro expansion of human mesenchymal stromal cells

“…Significant differences in proteins and other components found between DVI‐HPL and I‐HPL, on one side, and HPL, on the other, can be attributed to the suspension of our start Intercept‐treated PC in 65% SSP+ instead of 100% plasma. The use of SSP+, to partially substitute for plasma, deprives the HPL of potentially important components, such as plasma‐borne IGF‐1, albumin, transferrin, glucose, folate, and vitamin B12, a depletion that may affect the growth of some cells . The use of SSP+ also had an impact on the chemical composition, in particular, a significant increase in phosphorus content in I‐HPL and DVI‐HPL compared to HPL.…”

Bibliographic review on the state of the art of strontium and zinc based regenerative therapies. Recent developments and clinical applications

“…15 However, new investigations substituting ranelic acid for vitamin-B derivatives of Sr or Zn are being recently described with very promising characteristics. 117 Biocompatibility is crucial in terms of regenerative therapies; most of the studies were carried out using Zn and/or Sr doped scaffolds (bioactive glasses, nanofibers. .…”

Bone Regeneration Induced by Strontium Folate Loaded Biohybrid Scaffolds

“…It has been shown that these derivatives promote regenerative processes in a wide range of tissues and organs; further folic acid derivatives show a long lifespan under physiological conditions. This is the greatest limitation in regenerative therapies; e.g., when using growth factors or other recombinant proteins [90].…”

“…Certainly, FO (the anionic form of folic acid) is a promising alternative as a Sr carrier in composites [18]. Additionally, the incorporation of B vitamins (folates) may contribute improving the metabolism and other processes in cells involved in bone regeneration [90].…”