Microstructured thermoresponsive polymer coatings as a promising tool for controlling neurite outgrowth in artificial neuronal networks

Despite extensive research worldwide, the spatial and temporal control of neurite outgrowth in artificial neuronal networks is still unsolved. Here, we evaluated the potential of thermoresponsive polymer (TRP) coatings as a neuronal cell culture substrate that could allow for elegantly switching on and off neurite pathways by application of simple temperature cues. Immunochemical and morphological analysis of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells that had been differentiated on TRP coatings demonstrated a high biocompatibility of our substrates. By precisely controlling the temperature of microstructured TRP coatings, we managed to pattern the cells and were able to precisely trigger neurite outgrowth.