Spot compliant neuronal networks by structure optimized micro-contact printing

Neuronal cell growth in vitro can be controlled with micropatterned structu res of extracellular matrix proteins such as laminin. This technique is a p owerful tool for studying neuronal cell function in order to increase exper imental reproducibility and to specifically design innovative experimental setups. Tn this paper the correlation between the structural dimensions of the ECM pattern and the shape of the resulting cellular network is analyzed . The aim of the present study was to position neuronal cell bodies as prec isely as possible and to induce directed cell differentiation. PCC7-MzN cel ls were cultured on laminin patterns. The line width, node size and gap siz e in-between cell adhesion sites was varied systematically. Micrographs of the samples were taken and statistically analyzed using Student's t-test an d linear correlation methods. Precise cell positioning has successfully bee n performed and evidence For controlled neuronal polarization has been foun d. With a structure geometry of 4 mum line width, 20 mum node size and 10 m um gap size a nodal compliance of 86% (+/- 10%) has been achieved. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.