SU-8 microstructures alter the attachment and growth of glial cells in vitro

Abstract Tailoring the surface topography of neural implants holds great potential for directing the controlled, healthy evolution of the surrounding cells. Neuronal survival depends on the glial reaction to the implants, therefore the response of glial cells to the physical properties of the artificial interfaces is under intensive investigation. In this study, astrocytes were cultured on micropatterned SU-8 surfaces (micropillars, microstripes, and micromeanders) for 24 and 48 h and the reaction of the cell nuclei were examined in view of cell number, average nucleus area, orientation, and elongation using fluorescent microscopic images. The created micropatterns had an apparent influence on the nucleus area. Microgrooves helped to guide cell nuclei and induced higher elongation rates than micropillars. The results suggest that SU-8 based micropattern has an impact on the size and alignment of astrocyte nuclei even shortly after attachment.