Neurons sense nanoscale roughness with nanometer sensitivity

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0914456107
• Publication Date: 2010-03-23T02:36:27Z
• Authors: V. Brunetti; G. Maiorano; L. Rizzello; B. Sorce; S. Sabella; R. Cingolani; P. P. Pompa
• Keywords: Nanotopography; Nanometre; Nanopillar

The interaction between cells and nanostructured materials is attracting increasing interest, because of the possibility to open up novel concepts for design smart nanobiomaterials with active biological functionalities. In this frame we investigated response human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) gold surfaces different levels nanoroughness. To achieve a precise control nanoroughness nanometer resolution, exploited wet chemistry approach based on spontaneous galvanic displacement reaction. We demonstrated that neurons sense actively respond surface nanotopography, surprising sensitivity variations few nanometers. showed focal adhesion complexes, which allow cellular sensing, are strongly affected by surfaces, leading marked decrease in adhesion. Moreover, adherent nanorough exhibit loss neuron polarity, Golgi apparatus fragmentation, nuclear condensation, actin cytoskeleton not functionally organized. Apoptosis/necrosis assays established nanoscale features induce death necrosis, trend directly related roughness values. Finally, seeding SH-SY5Y onto micropatterned flat realize substrates cytophilic or cytophobic behavior, simply fine-tuning their topography at scale. Specific functional occurred only stripes, clear self-alignment neurons, delivering simple elegant development biomaterials nanostructure-triggered responses.