Generation of fibronectin gradients on a patterned surface for neuron growth studies

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating and often permanent injury that affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The irreversible effects of SCI are due to the central nervous system’s (CNS) limited ability to repair itself. Currently, a major area of research involves the study of biomaterial bridging substrates as a way of promoting neuron growth and regeneration of damaged CNS pathways. Biomaterial bridging substrates attempt to promote regeneration by offering ligands known to promote neuron growth. In order to fully understand the interactions between neurons and these bridging substrates, more studies need to be done at a molecular level. ☐ In this study, gradients of fibronectin, an extracellular matrix protein (ECM) known to promote neuron growth, were generated with a simple “dipping” technique, using a custom-made motorized linear-motion device. In addition to gradients of fibronectin, the surfaces were additionally patterned via micro-contact printing (μCP) of an amphiphilic comb polymer known to resist protein adsorption. Patterned gradient surfaces are helpful in neuron growth studies, by controlling the neuron growth that occurs on the substrates, allowing more accurate measurement and quantification. In addition, preliminary studies on neuron growth were performed on these gradient samples.