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Nanostructured Superhydrophobic Substrates Trigger the Development of 3D Neuronal Networks

  1. Tania Limongi1,2,†,
  2. Fabrizia Cesca2,†,
  3. Francesco Gentile1,4,
  4. Roberto Marotta3,
  5. Roberta Ruffilli3,
  6. Andrea Barberis2,
  7. Marco Dal Maschio2,
  8. Enrica Maria Petrini2,
  9. Stefania Santoriello1,
  10. Fabio Benfenati2,‡,
  11. Enzo Di Fabrizio1,‡,*

Article first published online: 2 OCT 2012

DOI: 10.1002/smll.201201377

Issue

Small

Small

Volume 9, Issue 3, pages 402–412, February 11, 2013

Additional Information

How to Cite

Limongi, T., Cesca, F., Gentile, F., Marotta, R., Ruffilli, R., Barberis, A., Dal Maschio, M., Petrini, E. M., Santoriello, S., Benfenati, F. and Di Fabrizio, E. (2013), Nanostructured Superhydrophobic Substrates Trigger the Development of 3D Neuronal Networks. Small, 9: 402–412. doi: 10.1002/smll.201201377

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Nanostructures, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30 - 16163 Genova, Italy

  2. 2

    Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30 - 16163 Genova, Italy

  3. 3

    Department of Nanochemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30 - 16163 Genova, Italy

  4. 4

    Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, BioNEM Laboratory, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa- 88100 Catanzaro, Italy

  1. †

    These authors share first authorship.

  2. ‡

    These authors share last authorship.

*Department of Nanostructures, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30 - 16163 Genova, Italy.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 1 FEB 2013
  2. Article first published online: 2 OCT 2012
  3. Manuscript Revised: 10 AUG 2012
  4. Manuscript Received: 20 JUN 2012

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Keywords:

  • microfabrication;
  • nanostructures;
  • 3D cell cultures;
  • primary neurons;
  • tissue engineering

Abstract

The generation of 3D networks of primary neurons is a big challenge in neuroscience. Here, a novel method is presented for a 3D neuronal culture on superhydrophobic (SH) substrates. How nano-patterned SH devices stimulate neurons to build 3D networks is investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal imaging show that soon after plating neurites adhere to the nanopatterned pillar sidewalls and they are subsequently pulled between pillars in a suspended position. These neurons display an enhanced survival rate compared to standard cultures and develop mature networks with physiological excitability. These findings underline the importance of using nanostructured SH surfaces for directing 3D neuronal growth, as well as for the design of biomaterials for neuronal regeneration.

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