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Optimal Micropattern Dimensions Enhance Neurite Outgrowth Rates, Lengths, and Orientations

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Abstract

Micropattern dimensions can significantly influence neurite outgrowth orientation, rate, and length. Laminin micropatterns of various widths from 10 to 50 μm at 10 μm intervals separated by 40 μm spaces were generated on poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces using microscale plasma-initiated patterning (μPIP). Dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were seeded on the micropatterned surfaces and cultured for 24 h in serum-free media. Neurite outgrowth numbers, lengths, rates, and orientations were measured on all micropatterned substrates. The results indicated that the dimension of the laminin pattern influenced the neurite outgrowth length, rate, and orientation, but not the numbers of neurite outgrowth. Neurons on more than 30 μm wide laminin pattern showed faster neurite outgrowth compared to other dimensions, and relatively low orientation at 50 μm pattern dimensions. Neurites at 40 μm laminin pattern widths demonstrated the fastest outgrowth rates and were highly oriented. The 40 μm laminin dimension is wide enough to provide sufficient laminin amounts for neuron growth and narrow enough to efficiently guide neurites. Based on these results, adhesive protein micropatterns of 40 μm dimensions are recommended when investigating DRG neurons.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Dr. Helen Buettner, and Dr. David Shreiber and his laboratory for insightful conversations. We also thank Bryan Langowski for discussions regarding pattern formation and Octavio Hurtado for making the stamp master. This work is supported by the New Jersey Commission for Spinal Cord Research (03-3028-SCR-E-0).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 617 Bowser Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA

    MinJung Song

  2. Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8087, USA

    Kathryn E. Uhrich

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  1. MinJung Song
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  2. Kathryn E. Uhrich
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Correspondence to Kathryn E. Uhrich.

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Song, M., Uhrich, K. Optimal Micropattern Dimensions Enhance Neurite Outgrowth Rates, Lengths, and Orientations. Ann Biomed Eng 35, 1812–1820 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-007-9348-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-007-9348-0

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