title: Ordered growth of neurons on diamond.
abstract: Diamond has a number of unique properties that make it an attractive electronic and bio-electronic material. Here we show the ordered growth of mammalian neurons, the principal electrogenic cells of the nervous system, on diamond. Proteins were specifically patterned on diamond surfaces by micro-contact printing. Mouse cortical neurons were then cultured on these substrates. Neuron adhesion and outgrowth was specific for those areas of the diamond that had been stamped with laminin, resulting in ordered growth of high resolution. Neurons survived in culture for the duration of the experiment, and laminin patterns were stable for at least 1 week in culture. The relative biocompatibility of diamond and the suitability of neuron interfacing with the hydrogen surface conductivity layer make this an interesting model for the formation of defined neuronal networks and for implants.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, UCL, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
authors.forename: Christian G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Specht
authors.forename: Oliver A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Richard B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Jackman
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schoepfer
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D016764:Cell Polarity / Q000502:physiology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry*; D018130:Diamond / Q000737:chemistry*; D007797:Laminin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008422:Materials Testing; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D007797:Laminin; D018130:Diamond