Nerve cell patterning using polytetrafluoroethylene and poly-D-lysine

We developed a patterning technique for nerve cells that uses polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and poly-D-lysine (PDL). The PDL layer on the PTFE substrate acted as a buffer for nerve cell adhesion, while Ar ion-irradiated areas on PTFE were used for separation of nerve cells. This structure was then used as a scaffold. A matrix circuit of nerve cells with dendrites or axons was subsequently observed on the scaffold after a week of cell culture. The Ar ion-irradiated area exhibited graphite or amorphous carbon, and PDL was detached from carbon grains by mechanical stress during cell culture. A possible explanation for the adhesion between PDL and PTFE is the van der Waals force. The stress between PDL/PTFE was reduced by the flexibility of PDL gel, which prevented separation of PDL from PTFE. © 2009 The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan.