Differentiating stem cells on patterned substrates for neural network formation

Both 3D topographic and 2D adhesive network patterns were used to guide the growth and differentiation of embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells towards a neurogenic lineage. In the case of topographic patterns, lattices composed of square micro-wells for single cell trapping combined with connection channels for neurite outgrowth guidance were designed, with optimal conditions being obtained with large well sizes and short channel lengths. In the case of adhesive micro-contact printed patterns, a similar network design can be applied, but the “well” size should be significantly smaller. Our results also proved the neuron-like characteristics of the induced cellular networks.