Influence of membrane surface properties on the growth of neuronal cells isolated from hippocampus

Hippocampal neurons exhibited a different morphology in response to varying the properties of the membrane surface. Indeed, cells grown on the smoother membranes and namely FC and PES membranes displayed a large number of neurites with consequent formation of bundles. As a consequence while a very complex network was formed on these membranes, cells tend to, instead, form aggregates and most of the processes are developed inside the pores of the membranes when rougher PEEK-WC surfaces were used. In addition, the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was expressed at high levels in neurons grown on FC membranes with respect to the other membranes. Taken together these results suggest the pivotal role played by membrane surface properties in the adhesion and growth of the hippocampal neurons, which must be considered in the development of tailored membranes for neural tissue engineering.