Schwann cell response to micropatterned laminin surfaces

In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells are closely associated with, and play key roles in, the development, maintenance, and regeneration of peripheral neurons. Following injury, Schwann cell orientation may also play a role in guiding regenerating axons. To aid in the investigation of these interactions between Schwann cells and growing neurites, we have developed a method of controlling Schwann cell placement and orientation in vitro by using microlithographically patterned laminin substrates, alternating 20-microm regions of laminin with bovine serum albumin (BSA) stripes. The Schwann cells predominantly attached and elongated on the laminin stripes and organized into multicellular aggregates that were oriented with the micropattern. A detailed analysis of Schwann cell aggregate orientation and shape demonstrated a strong dependence on time. At 1 h after seeding the cells, 70% of the aggregates were oriented with respect to the micropattern; 94% were oriented at 24 h. Variations in laminin concentration and seeding density were also investigated. The only significant differences in Schwann cell response occurred 1 h after seeding (the earliest time point the cultures were observed), and the main factor controlling the cellular orientation appeared to be the presence of the laminin-BSA interface. This ability to control cell orientation and placement provides a tool for future investigations of Schwann cell-neuronal interactions in vitro.