Patterned neuronal attachment and outgrowth on surface modified, electrically charged fluoropolymer substrates

Fluorinated ethylenepropylene copolymer (FEP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) can generate static and transient electrical charges, respectively, after bulk molecular rearrangements induced by electrical charging techniques. Neurons cultured on electrically active FEP and PVDF show increased levels of nerve fiber outgrowth compared to electrically neutral material. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the addition of charged surface groups to the surfaces of FEP and PVDF would modify the influence of bulk electrical charges on cultured neurons. Mouse neuroblastoma (Nb2a) cells were cultured on electrically charged and uncharged FEP and PVDF substrates with covalently modified surfaces containing hydroxyl (OH) and amine (NH₂) groups. Surface chemical modification was performed on the entire surface or in discrete striped regions. Nb2a cells cultured on electrically active FEP and PVDF showed greater levels of differentiation than cells on electrically neutral substrates. The presence of NH₂groups attenuated these responses in serum-containing media. Cells attached to NH₂rich surfaces generally displayed a flatter morphology and tended to remain attached for longer time periods. Cells cultured on stripe-modified substrates in serum-containing media showed a strong preferential attachment to modified regions, especially on NH₂stripes. In summary, bulk electrical charges are more important than surface charges in stimulating Nb2a cell differentiation. Surface groups serve to modulate neuronal morphology and confer specific attachment promoting properties in serum- containing media. The development of an optimal neuronal regeneration template may require the incorporation of specific bulk and surface properties.