Engineering neuronal patterning and defined axonal elongation in vitro

Abstract

Fabrication of in vitro culture microenvironments that replicate the structure and functionality of the in vivo nervous system has been a long-standing scientific goal. Investigators need tools that allow them explicit control over a variety of neuronal culture parameters as they seek a fuller understanding of basic neuroscience principles, make advances in tissue engineering and medical devices, and improve high throughput screening platforms. This chapter reviews techniques that have been implemented to influence the soma placement, axonal elongation, and network formation of neuronal cultures in vitro. Methods such as topography, printing procedures, photolithography, microfluidics, subtractive fabrication, optical cues, and magnetic and electric fields are discussed. A comparison of manipulatable variables across methods is included, highlighting the benefits and limitations of each approach and lending guidance on technique selection for future experiments.