Microstamp-based micromachining for modulation of growth of cultured neuronal cells

The microcontact printing (μCP) is a well-established method to pattern a material of interest using an elastomeric stamp. We have developed two techniques which assist the μCP-based cell-patterning for the controlled growth guidance of cultured neuronal cells on substrates. (i) Contact-transfer of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein on a microelectrode array substrate was achieved by spatially designing the microstamp to allow printing proteins even on the surface having uneven structures, and the differentiated PC12 cells showed selective adhesion and growth in the pre-determined locations on the electrode array. (ii) Cell alignment onto the pre-patterned ECM protein was also succeeded by using the microstructured silicon wafer having a band array of microholes, and the placed PC12 cells extended their axons along the protein pattern. These researches were carried out with the objective to developing a cell-based device based on a cellular network.