Conducting networks from cultured cells on self-assembled monolayers

A combination of photolithographic and chemical techniques were used to prepare biologically active patterned substrates to guide the development of neurons in culture. A synthetic peptide, derived from the B2 chain of laminin was chemically attached to patterned silicon surfaces to promote the development and guidance of embryonic rat hippocampal neurons. On parallel lines, neurons developed a mature bipolar morphology. These modified surfaces may be an important element of future biosensors and neural prosthetic devices.