Neuronal adhesion and growth on polyethylenimine tracks microprinted on polyethylenoxide-polypropylenoxide coated surfaces

Adsorbed layers of polyediylenoxide-polypropylenoxide (PEO-PPO) blockcopolymers were tested as neurophobic background coatings in neuronal patterning studies over a time period of 30 days. Microprinted tracks of polyethylenimine (PEI) were used as the neuron-adhesive part of the pattern. Results showed that PEO-PPO surfactants F108 and F127 (Synperonics, ICI) significantly reduced the growth of neuronal tissue when adsorbed on Polyimide and Fluorocarbon surfaces up till 8 days. Also survival of neuronal tissue was not negatively affected by the PEO-PPO. Viability of the cultures was assessed after 30 days and showed viability factors above 0.9 (scale 0 to 1).