CONTACTLESS THREE-DIMENSIONAL GUIDANCE OF AXONAL GROWTH

We demonstrate the use of high-frequency electric fields to guide developing axons within a 3D matrix embedded in a microfluidic device. We have used compartmentalized microfluidic chips to seed neurons and let axons grow in collagen scaffolds placed in microfluidic channels with increasing heights and with patterned electrodes on the bottom. We show that AC electric fields are capable of guiding, enhancing, slowing and pushing up axons within the collagen matrix, which demonstrates the first contact-less guidance of axons in scaffolds.