Positive electret substrates enhance neuroblastoma process outgrowth

FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) electret substrates provide a means of investigating the biological response of neuronal cells contacting a charged surface. Mouse neuroblastoma cells were placed on positive, negative, and uncharged FEP substrates, and were assessed for process outgrowth. Significantly more cells sent out neurite processes on positive substrates as compared to negative and uncharged substrates. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, contact angle analysis, and scanning electron microscopy revealed no surface chemical or morphological distinction between charged and uncharged substrates. This study demonstrates that a positively charged surface induces greater neuronal outgrowth than a negatively charged or uncharged surface