Utilizing Nanoscale Patterned Proteins to Create Neuronal Cells Circuits

Keywords:
protein patterning, neuronal cell pattern

Abstract:
Micro-patterning of neuronal cells in vitro is a critical step for studies in the fundamental biology of neuron-neuron and neuron-surface interactions. The culturing of the neuronal cells on patterned self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), in some cases, requires further chemical modifications of the SAM surfaces to induce cell adhesion and promote neurite outgrowth. In these cases the selection of a negative surface modifying agent, such as an extracellular matrix protein like tenascin-C, and a specific positive surface, such as an antibody to neuronal cell adhesion molecules to support cell adhesion, on specially designed surface patterns. The protein modified surfaces could then be used to arrange cells in specific circuits and control cell growth due to a specific protein function such as an inhibition of cell outgrowth. This protein immobilization method on the solid substrates could then be extended to be used as support layers for neuronal cell-based sensors, neuronal networks, biomedical devices, bioprocessing, bioassays, separations, and synthesis.

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Nanotech 2005 Conference Program Abstract