Characterization of micropatterned nanofibrous scaffolds for neural network activity readout for high-throughput screening.
Micropatterns were fabricated in nanofibrous poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) films by laser micromachining and the resulting scaffolds were characterized with respect to architecture, thermal, mechanical, and mass transport properties. Also, human neural stem cells were successfully cultured in these micropatterned nanofibrous scaffolds (MNFSs). The scaffolds were incorporated in high-density well plates (e.g., 96-well plates), creating a platform for high-throughput screening of drugs with physiologically more relevant networked neural cultures. Through mathematical modeling of the transport of model stimulants, the feasibility of stimulating neural networks cultured in MNFSs was demonstrated. More work is needed to establish biological network activity-MNFS architecture relationships.
Cellular Bioengineering Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
Lina
L
Wang
William S
WS
Kisaalita
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019245:Compressive Strength; D004058:Diffusion; D015194:Diffusion Chambers, Culture; D057166:High-Throughput Screening Assays / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D057139:Nanofibers / Q000737:chemistry*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D016062:Porosity; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)