Abstract
The microcontact printing (µ CP) is a well-established method to pattern a material of interest using an elastomeric stamp. We have developed two techniques which assist the µ CP-based cell-patterning for the controlled growth guidance of cultured neuronal cells on substrates. (i) Contact-transfer of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein on a microelectrode array substrate was achieved by spatially designing the microstamp to allow printing proteins even on the surface having uneven structures, and the differentiated PC12cells showed selective adhesion and growth in the pre-determined locations on the electrode array. (ii) Cell alignment onto the pre-patterned ECM protein was also succeeded by using the microstructured silicon wafer having a band array of microholes, and the placed PC12cells extended their axons along the protein pattern. These researches were carried out with the objective to developing a cell-based device based on a cellular network.
