Neurons on nanotopographies: behavioral responses and biological implications

Neural cells are well known to be affected by the topographical features of the surfaces to which they adhere. There have been numerous reports showing guided neurite extension on microgrooves and micropillar arrays made of a wide range of materials. However, it has recently been disclosed that neural cells on nanotopographies exhibit much more derivatized and complicated responses than just neurite guidance. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms for these responses are not yet understood. In this review, we categorized the responses of neurons to nanotopographies into three groups (adhesion, neurite guidance, and developmental acceleration). In addition, we also tried to elicit biological implications about the mechanisms for the recognition of nanotopographies. Further investigation of neuronal responses to nanotopographies would highly inspire both fundamental research about neuronal development and practical applications related to neuro-regeneration.