Guiding Neuronal Growth in Tissues with Light
Abstract
Control over axonal trajectories is a critical component of engineering nerve regeneration and reconnection after injury and is essential for engineering specific connections in vitro neural networks. Neuronal networks interfaced with microelectrode arrays represent a promising class of cell-based biosensors because of their sensitivity to a broad range of neuroactive and toxic substances, but no satisfactory techniques exist for engineering interconnections between neurons or patterning neurons on sensing sites. A variety of approaches have been employed to guide extending axons but almost all have been employed on two dimensional or nearly two dimensional environments. Evidence from a wide range of systems shows that cells are sensitive to the mechanical and structural properties of their surroundings in addition to the biochemical properties. Furthermore, three-dimensional biopolymer matrices provide structural and physiological support that more closely mimics the in vivo environment and would allow for more complex network topologies. It has recently been shown that weak optical forces, generated by an infrared laser spot placed adjacent to the leading edge of the growth cone of an extending axon, enhance growth into the beam focus and result in guided neurite turns, as well as enhanced. The mechanism through which the light modulates the direction of outgrowth is not known, but there is some evidence that the optical forces on the fdopodia play an important role. We investigated the viability of optical neurite guidance in three-dimensions. We analyzed the trajectories of neurites from differentiated PC 12 cells cultured in a 3D matrix of collagen both with and without optical guidance. PC 12 cells are often used as a model system for neural differentiation, and for examining growth cone behavior.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 27, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA518603
Entities
People
- Jeffrey Urbach
Organizations
- Georgetown University