Quantification of Axonal Outgrowth on a Surface with Asymmetric Topography

Topographical features are known to influence the axonal outgrowth of neurons. Understanding what kinds of topographical features are most effective at growth cone guidance and how outgrowth responds to these structures is of great importance to the study of nerve regeneration. To this end we analyze axonal outgrowth on tilted nanorod substrates which have been shown to impart directional bias to neuron growth. We utilize the Atomic Force Microscope to characterize the surface features present on these substrates and how such features are influencing the axonal outgrowth. Additionally, using a model which considers the neuronal growth cone as an object influenced by an effective potential we determine an effective force imparted on the growth cone by the surface topography.