High Aspect Ratio and Light-Sensitive Micropillars Based on a Semiconducting Polymer Optically Regulate Neuronal Growth
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, vol. 13, pp. 23438–23451
Abstract
Many nano- and microstructured devices capable of promoting neuronal growth and network formation have been previously investigated. In certain cases, topographical cues have been successfully complemented with external bias, by employing electrically conducting scaffolds. However, the use of optical stimulation with topographical cues was rarely addressed in this context, and the development of light-addressable platforms for modulating and guiding cellular growth and proliferation remains almost completely unexplored. Here, we develop high aspect ratio micropillars based on a prototype semiconducting polymer, regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), as an optically active, three-dimensional platform for embryonic cortical neurons. P3HT micropillars provide a mechanically compliant environment and allow a close contact with neuronal cells. The combined action of nano/microtopography and visible light excitation leads to effective optical modulation of neuronal growth and orientation. Embryonic neurons cultured on polymer pillars show a clear polarization effect and, upon exposure to optical excitation, a significant increase in both neurite and axon length. The biocompatible, microstructured, and light-sensitive platform developed here opens up the opportunity to optically regulate neuronal growth in a wireless, repeatable, and spatio-temporally controlled manner without genetic modification. This approach may be extended to other cell models, thus uncovering interesting applications of photonic devices in regenerative medicine.
Authors 9
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Frano Miloš Aachen
Forschungszentrum Jülich · RWTH Aachen University
Affiliation as printed
Institute of Biological Information Processing IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
RWTH University Aachen, 52062 Aachen, Germany
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Italian Institute of Technology · Center for Nano Science and Technology
Affiliation as printed
Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Italian Institute of Technology · Center for Nano Science and Technology
Affiliation as printed
Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
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National Research Council · Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta"
Affiliation as printed
Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche G. Natta (SCITEC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Affiliation as printed
Istituto di Neuroscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Affiliation as printed
Institute of Biological Information Processing IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Institute of Biological Information Processing IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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Forschungszentrum Jülich · RWTH Aachen University
Affiliation as printed
Institute of Biological Information Processing IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
RWTH University Aachen, 52062 Aachen, Germany
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Maria Rosa Antognazza corresponding
Italian Institute of Technology · Center for Nano Science and Technology
Affiliation as printed
Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20133 Milano, Italy
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