Oriented Schwann cell monolayers for directed neurite outgrowth

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Abstract from Ann Biomed Eng. 2004 Aug;32(8):1120-30.

Oriented Schwann cell monolayers for directed neurite outgrowth.

DM, Buettner HM.

Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State

University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.

Schwann cells are an important component of the peripheral nervous

system and participate in peripheral nerve regeneration. They create a

supportive environment for neurite outgrowth by releasing trophic

factors and up-regulating permissive molecules on their surface. In

addition, Schwann cells are able to self-organize into linear arrays in

vitro and in vivo, suggesting a possible role in neurite guidance.

Previously, we showed that Schwann cell placement and orientation in

subconfluent cultures can be controlled using microlithographically

patterned laminin substrates (, D. M., and H. M. Buettner.

Tissue Eng. 7(3):247-266, 2001). In the current study, these substrates

were used to create oriented Schwann cell monolayers. Both Schwann cell

orientation and coverage were quantified in response to seeding density,

culture medium, and micropattern dimensions. In serum-free medium,

increasing the seeding density yielded a linear increase in coverage of

the substrate area but decreased cell alignment. In an alternate

approach, Schwann cells were first seeded in serum-free medium at

moderate seeding density, allowed to align, then expanded in

serum-containing growth medium. This produced complete coverage without

large seeding densities while preserving alignment to the micropattern.

Alignment and coverage were unaffected by micropattern dimensions. This

work provides a useful methodology for investigating Schwann cell

guidance effects on growing neurites.