Two-dimensional cell manipulation technology. An artificial neural circuit based on surface microphotoprocessing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Precise control over cell adhesion and growth is crucial for engineering tissue, particularly neural networks.
• Current methods for neural circuit preparation require micropositioning of cells and guidance of axonal extension.
• Neural cell adhesion and axonal extension are typically mediated by extracellular matrix adhesive proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel surface photoprocessing method for regionally selective cell adhesion and guidance.
• To create two-dimensional patterned neural tissue for studying neural network morphogenesis and neurotransmission.
• To demonstrate the manipulation of fundamental cellular behavior through surface modification.

Main Methods:

• A photoreactive hydrophilic co-polymer was fixed onto a hydrophobic substrate.
• Ultraviolet irradiation through a photomask created hydrophilic regions, leaving non-adherent hydrophobic areas.
• Collagen was selectively adsorbed onto the non-irradiated hydrophobic regions.
• Neuroblastoma cells were seeded, adhering and extending axons along the collagen pathways.

Main Results:

• The photoprocessing successfully created patterned, non-adherent regions on the substrate.
• Collagen adsorption was confined to the non-irradiated hydrophobic areas.
• Seeded neuroblastoma cells adhered to and extended axons along the collagen pathways, forming interconnected networks.
• The process resulted in honeycomb-like patterned tissue structures.

Conclusions:

• The developed surface photoprocessing technique effectively controls cell adhesion and axon guidance.
• This method allows for the creation of two-dimensional patterned neural tissue.
• The technique offers a valuable tool for investigating neural network formation and function.