Nanostructured Superhydrophobic Substrates Trigger the Development of 3D Neuronal Networks

Abstract

The generation of 3D networks of primary neurons is a big challenge in neuroscience. Here, a novel method is presented for a 3D neuronal culture on superhydrophobic (SH) substrates. How nano-patterned SH devices stimulate neurons to build 3D networks is investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal imaging show that soon after plating neurites adhere to the nanopatterned pillar sidewalls and they are subsequently pulled between pillars in a suspended position. These neurons display an enhanced survival rate compared to standard cultures and develop mature networks with physiological excitability. These findings underline the importance of using nanostructured SH surfaces for directing 3D neuronal growth, as well as for the design of biomaterials for neuronal regeneration.

Imaging and structural studies of DNA–protein complexes and membrane ion channels

“…Dried membranes stretched between pillars were fixed as described in ref. 31. Samples were then fixed on SEM stubs with silver glue (Pelco), sputtered with 10 nm gold/palladium using a Cressington 208 HR, and imaged with a Jeol JSM 7500 electron microscope at 5 kV, equipped with a cold emission electron source, under low vacuum conditions.…”

SEM and ECIS Investigation of Cells Cultured on Nanopillar Modified Interdigitated Impedance Electrodes for Analysis of Cell Growth and Cytotoxicity of Potential Anticancer Drugs

“…These results open a possibility of new studies using different drugs, cell types and eventually tuning the dimensions of the nanostructures. This could also lead to some improvements for future experiments carried out on neural cells studies [50,51] and on stem cell osteogenic differentiation [52,53] as many research groups have already used nanostructured substrates to grow this kind of cells allowing the researchers to perform electrical measurements.…”

Recent Advances in TiO2‐Based Nanostructured Surfaces with Controllable Wettability and Adhesion

“…Furthermore, patterned superhydrophobic fi lms exhibited excellent specifi ed cell adhesion performance for controlling the adherent activation of the cells on the 2D tiny units or even 3D networks. [ 124 ] This would enable high throughput evaluation of cell behaviors and other related applications.…”