In-Cell Recording and Stimulation by Engulfment Mechanisms

High-Aspect-Ratio Semiconducting Polymer Pillars for 3D Cell Cultures

“…Different geometries (nanowires, nanopillars, mushrooms, nanocavities), structure densities, and materials and fabrication technologies, as well as diverse cellular models, have been investigated. The huge interest in nano- and microstructures as cell substrates or 3D scaffolds originates from a number of promising applications, spanning from regenerative medicine to neuroscience and from pharmacology and physiology to neural computing and tissue engineering. − Some notable examples include the realization of nanostructures as low-impedance electrodes for electrical recording of neural culture activity, biosensors with enhanced signal-to-noise ratios, devices for cell proliferation and motility control, cell culture controlled patterning, induction of stem cell differentiation, and highly localized delivery of various functional molecules. − …”

“…Reported nanostructures mainly rely on the use of inorganic metals and semiconductors, such as gold, silicon, and silicon oxides, which guarantee optimal repeatability through the use of standard lithography fabrication, as well as excellent electrical conductivity. ,, In particular, nanostructured conducting electrodes allow for sizable reduction of the cell/device interface impedance, combined with spatial resolution at the single-cell level and parallelization of the excitation and/or recording of the cell electrical activity from multiple sites. ,, Electrically inert polymer substrates (among many others, PDMS, SU-8, polycarbonate, PLA) have been largely employed as well, mainly for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. , A variety of synthetic and bioderived polymers have been also developed ad hoc as biocompatible scaffolds for 3D cell cultures. Their distinct advantages over inorganic materials comprise easier and faster processing, increased design flexibility and versatility, softness, and outstanding biocompatibility.…”