title: Silicon scaffolds promoting three-dimensional neuronal web of cytoplasmic processes.
abstract: Primary neurons were grown on structured silicon (Si) substrates, in the absence of chemotropic factors or synthetic extracellular matrix. The Si substrates used for the study comprise hierarchical structures in the micro- and nanolength scales. The substrates were structured via femtosecond laser irradiation of the Si wafer, in a reactive SF(6) environment. Electron microscopy revealed that the neurons formed an elaborate web of cytoplasmic processes in the absence of glial elements. The neuronal cytoplasm autografted the depth of the spikes, and the neurite sprouting took place over the spikes surface. Here we demonstrate how microfabrication of a Si surface provides an excellent platform for multifaceted studies of neuronal specimens.
authors.affiliation: Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Institute of Electronic Structure and Lasers, Heraklion, Greece. eviep@iesl.forth.gr
authors.forename: Evie L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Papadopoulou
authors.forename: Athina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Samara
authors.forename: Marios
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barberoglou
authors.forename: Aleka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manousaki
authors.forename: Stamatis N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Pagakis
authors.forename: Ema
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Anastasiadou
authors.forename: Costas
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fotakis
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stratakis
mesh_terms: D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000737:chemistry*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D012825:Silicon