Pampuro R., Chen L., Zou T., Zhou H.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, US
Keywords: carbon, cell adhesion, microtopography, nerve growth factor
Cellular response to substrate topography and chemistry is a crucial aspect in guided neurite growth for application in neuroregenerative medicine. Experiments investigating cell culture on nanopatterned surfaces have elucidated the nuances of cell-substrate interaction. Among nanopatterned surfaces, photoresist derived materials permit the creation of cell growth substrates that may be patterned with great accuracy. Modification of photoresist materials imparts a new set of physical and chemical properties to the patterned substance. For example, pyrolysis of photoresist layers creates carbon thin films with specific topographical features and surface chemistry that promote good cellular contact. Such materials may yield the capacity to induce morphological changes and neuronal network structure in cells seeded on the substrate. We seek to examine adhesive behavior and genotype expression in PC12 cells grown on thin carbon films fabricated by the pyrolysis of photoresist and photoresist-nanocomposite thin films. As of yet, cellular response to these surfaces is largely unknown and investigating these surfaces may permit future use of neuronal network assembly for application in neuroregenerative medicine.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2009: Life Sciences, Medicine, Diagnostics, Bio Materials and Composites
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 306 - 309
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1783-4