title: Isolated node engineering of neuronal systems using laser direct write.
abstract: Current limitations to the engineering of ex vivo and in vitro neural environments are hampering the ability to understand underlying neurophysiology. High levels of spatial specificity, reproducibility and viability have been previously reported using laser direct write (LDW) to print cells. However, despite the significant need no one has yet reported laser assisted printing of primary mammalian neuronal cells, an inherently sensitive but critically important population. Herein, we describe the use of LDW to reproducibly and accurately pattern viable dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and supportive cells capable of neural outgrowth and network formation. Our demonstrated ability to engineer and control distinct micro-environmental components unlocks the potential for high throughput experiments to both understand underlying physiology and investigate therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Curley
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Sklare
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Bowser
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saksena
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Chrisey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D060833:Cellular Microenvironment / Q000502:physiology; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology*; D007834:Lasers; D054802:Molecular Imprinting / Q000379:methods*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000528:radiation effects; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*