Protein-releasing conductive anodized alumina membranes for nerve-interface materials.
Nanoporous anodized alumina membranes (AAMs) have numerous biomedical applications spanning from biosensors to controlled drug delivery and implant coatings. Although the use of AAM as an alternative bone implant surface has been successful, its potential as a neural implant coating remains unclear. Here, we introduce conductive and nerve growth factor-releasing AAM substrates that not only provide the native nanoporous morphology for cell adhesion, but also induce neural differentiation. We recently reported the fabrication of such conductive membranes by coating AAMs with a thin C layer. In this study, we investigated the influence of electrical stimulus, surface topography, and chemistry on cell adhesion, neurite extension, and density by using PC 12 pheochromocytoma cells in a custom-made glass microwell setup. The conductive AAMs showed enhanced neurite extension and generation with the electrical stimulus, but cell adhesion on these substrates was poorer compared to the naked AAMs. The latter nanoporous material presents chemical and topographical features for superior neuronal cell adhesion, but, more importantly, when loaded with nerve growth factor, it can provide neurite extension similar to an electrically stimulated CAAM counterpart.
Micro and Nanotechnology Graduate Program, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, 06560, Turkey.
Sevde
S
Altuntas
Micro and Nanotechnology Graduate Program, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, 06560, Turkey; Department of Biomedical Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, 06560, Turkey. Electronic address: fbuyukserin@etu.edu.tr.
Fatih
F
Buyukserin
UNAM National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey.
Ali
A
Haider
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, Ankara, 06500, Turkey.
Buket
B
Altinok
UNAM National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey.
Necmi
N
Biyikli
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, Ankara, 06500, Turkey.
Belma
B
Aslim
D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D016716:PC12 Cells; D051381:Rats
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor; D000537:Aluminum Oxide
Alumina membranes; Biomaterials; Electrical stimulation; Nanotechnology; PC12 cells