Biofunctionalized 3D Nanopillar Arrays Fostering Cell Guidance and Promoting Synapse Stability and Neuronal Activity in Networks.

ABSTRACT: A controlled geometry of in vitro neuronal networks allows investigation of the cellular mechanisms that underlie neuron-to-neuron and neuron-extracellular matrix interactions, which are essential to biomedical research. Herein, we report a selective guidance of primary hippocampal neurons by using arrays of three-dimensional vertical nanopillars (NPs) functionalized with a specific adhesion-promoting molecule-poly-dl-ornithine (PDLO). We show that 90% of neuronal cells are guided exclusively on the combinatorial PDLO/NP substrate. Moreover, we demonstrate the influence of the interplay between nanostructures and neurons on synapse formation and maturation, resulting in increased expression of postsynaptic density-95 protein and enhanced network cellular activity conferred by the endogenou

SUBMITTER: Amin H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5934727 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature