Human astrocytic grid networks patterned in parylene-C inlayed SiO2 trenches.

Human astrocytic grid networks patterned in parylene-C inlayed SiO2 trenches. Biomaterials. 2016 Aug 4;105:117-126 Authors: Jordan MD, Raos BJ, Bunting AS, Murray AF, Graham ES, Unsworth CP Abstract Recent literature suggests that glia, and in particular astrocytes, should be studied as organised networks which communicate through gap junctions. Astrocytes, however, adhere to most surfaces and are highly mobile cells. In order to study, such organised networks effectively in vitro it is necessary to influence them to pattern to certain substrates whilst being repelled from others and to immobilise the astrocytes sufficiently such that they do not continue to migrate further whilst under study. In this article, we demonstrate for the first time how it is possible to facilitate the study of organised patterned human astrocytic networks using hNT astrocytes in a SiO2 trench grid network that is inlayed with the biocompatible material, parylene-C. We demonstrate how the immobilisation of astrocytes lies in the depth of the SiO2 trench, determining an optimum trench depth and that the optimum patterning of astrocytes is a consequence of the parylene-C inlay and the grid node spacing. We demonstrate high fidelity of the astrocytic networks and demonstrate that functionality of the hNT astrocytes through ATP evoked calcium signalling is also dependent on the grid node spacing. Finally, we demonstrate that the location of the nuclei on the ...
Source: Biomaterials - Category: Materials Science Authors: Tags: Biomaterials Source Type: research