On-media axon branching and adhesion investigation of neurons as stimulated by modulated potentials on micro-patterned gold substrate

Abstract

The main focus of this research paper is on-media axon branching and adhesion investigation of neurons as stimulated by modulated potentials on micro-patterned gold substrate. Due to the prolonged and inefficient procedures of nerve repair, it is essential that we effectively incorporate different parameters and techniques as well as investigate cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions to explore new boundaries. This could lead to more operational options for nerve regeneration. Initially, the behavior of cell growth is first observed. 3T3 and Neuro2A cells are grown according to specific protocols allowing the observations of appropriate parameters needed to optimize the cells' development and proliferation. After thorough examination, the two cell subjects will be grown on patterned and non-patterned gold-coated substrates. Previously, "Cathode Arc Sputtering" and "Magnetron Sputtering" techniques are used to coat gold particles on polystyrene substrates and distributions of the thin films are then analyzed. Different patterning techniques, such as "Stencil Patterning" and "Microcontact Printing" are then applied to create a number of patterns on the substrates. Furthermore, 3D patterns will be induced by electrical potentials to generate magnetic fields near neurons. Various structured patterns as well as the overall shapes of the magnetic fields are speculated to have different effects on neural behaviors. Thus, cell-substrate adhesion interactions, manipulation of neuronal growth and proliferation using electrical potentials will be explored on pure gold substrates in this research. Specifically, the ambition of this research is to contribute to the development of neuron circuits that will allow more efficient procedures for nerve repair. This research's greatest hope is not only to provide current developments with extensive data for further improvements, but also to comprehend better the constraints restraining the breakthroughs of novel technologies.