3D Porous Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams Supporting Long‐term Neuronal Cultures. Issue 5 (3rd February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mori, Taizo; Cukelj, Richard; Prévôt, Marianne Estelle; Ustunel, Senay; Story, Anna; Gao, Yunxiang; Diabre, Karene; McDonough, Jennifer Ann; Freeman, Ernest Johnson; Hegmann, Elda; Clements, Robert John
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular rapid communications. Volume 41:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-02-03
• Subjects: 3D scaffolds -- cell scaffolds -- liquid crystals -- longitudinal -- neurons -- neurovasculature; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900585
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1022-1336

Abstract

Abstract: 3D liquid crystal elastomer (3D‐LCE) foams are used to support long‐term neuronal cultures for over 60 days. Sequential imaging shows that cell density remains relatively constant throughout the culture period while the number of cells per observational area increases. In a subset of samples, retinoic acid is used to stimulate extensive neuritic outgrowth and maturation of proliferated neurons within the LCEs, inducing a threefold increase in length with cells displaying morphologies indicative of mature neurons. Designed LCEs' micro‐channels have a similar diameter to endogenous parenchymal arterioles, ensuring that neurons throughout the construct have constant access to growth media during extended experiments. Here it is shown that 3D‐LCEs provide a unique environment and simple method to longitudinally study spatial neuronal function, not possible in conventional culture environments, with simplistic integration into existing methodological pipelines. Abstract : 3D liquid crystal elastomer (3D‐LCE) foams with micro‐channels similar to endogenous brain parenchymal arterioles support long‐term neuronal cultures for over 60 days providing a unique environment to longitudinally study spatial neuronal function. Cells respond to a chemical cue to stimulate neuritic outgrowth that results in a threefold increase in length and morphologies indicative of mature neurons.