Alteration of human neuroblastoma cell morphology and neurite extension with micropatterns

The spatial orientation of nerve cells plays a pivotal role in nerve regeneration. Here we report a new method for regulating neuronal cell morphology and guiding neurite extension on standard tissue culture dishes. Random copolymers of oligoethyleneglycol methacrylate and methacrylic acid [poly(OEGMA-co-MA)], microcontact printed on standard tissue culture dishes, resist cell attachment and remain intact in serum-containing medium for up to 2 weeks. Cell viability assay of SH-SY5Y cells demonstrated that poly(OEGMA-co-MA) on the substrate or in solution has no cytotoxic effect. When retinoic acid was added to SH-SY5Y cells, they extended neurites along the line patterns that are significantly longer than cells cultured on non-patterned culture dishes. The ability to guide neurite extension with micrometer precision is valuable for guiding directional growth of neurites and path finding of regenerating nerves. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.