Systematic assessment of surface functionality on nanoscale patterns for topographic contact guidance of cells†
Abstract
The ability of surface topography to influence cellular response has been widely accepted, leading the way towards the development of potential neural prosthetics. Capillary force lithography (CFL) has emerged as a simple method to fabricate large-area sub-nanometer patterned conduits to guide neuronal cell adhesion, migration and aggregation. In addition to physical adhesion cues, an optimal guiding conduit will regulate neuronal differentiation behavior by introducing relevant chemical and biochemical cues. However, isolating the influence of surface chemical cues from the bulk properties of nano-conduits on cellular behavior remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate that polyglycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) can be used as a polymer substrate to manipulate the surface chemistry of nano-conduits. Furthermore, NGF immobilized onto the surfaces of the conduits has the ability to regulate neuronal differentiation as measured through neurite outgrowth. The approach developed highlights the importance of surface characteristics in addition to physical cues in controlling neuronal cell behavior.