1SDA-02 Manipulating neurons and neuronal networks with micropatterned surfaces(1SDA Measurement and control of neurodynamics,Symposium,The 52nd Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society of Japan(BSJ2014))

Primary neurons cultured on a conventional coverslip grow neurites in random orientation and form a uniform network that covers the whole surface (~cm). Using micropatterned surface as a growth scaffold, direction of neurite outgrowth in single neurons or the region of network formation can be extrinsically controlled. Such micropatterned neurons and networks allow us, e.g., to study development of neurons and to investigate how structure of the network determines its function. Here we present our recent work on the application of surface nano/micro-modification techniques in manipulating neurons and their networks. (Yamamoto et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 99 (2011) 163701; Yamamoto et al., J. Neurochem. 123 (2012) 904-910.)