Design and fabrication of neural culture structures for monitoring of neural implant performance

Enhancing neuroprosthetic biocompatibility requires refining approaches to reduce side effects from invasive devices. Physical, chemical, and bioactive design aspects of biomaterials are proven to be important for providing proper cell-to-cell, cell-tomaterial interactions. Modifying neural implant surfaces with bioactive cues, particularly employing cell adhesion molecules, shows promise in creating efficient interfaces. Within this concept, this study utilized N-Cadherin, NCAM and the mixture (1:1) of these molecules with the aim of modifying representative gold electrode surfaces to enhance neuron-electrode contact. The study assessed modifications on both undifferentiated and differentiated neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines. Successful modifications demonstrated biocompatibility with cell viability results, and notably, surfaces modified with NCAM and N-Cad/NCAM outperformed traditional poly-L-lysine (PLL) coatings in supporting neurite growth. The subsequent part of the study also included a comparison between NCAM-modified surfaces and Collagen type I coated surfaces which was used as the negative control, alongside conventional poly-D-lysine (PDL)/laminin coated surfaces. This investigation aimed to elucidate behavior in C8D1A astrocyte cells, provide insight into glial scar formation, and suggest potential strategies to attenuate cell responses. The results underscored the dual impact of NCAM molecules on astrocyte behavior and the intricate response induced by Collagen type I, contributing to an optimized approach for understanding cellular actions in the local environment and the development of alternative neural interfaces. Keywords: Au Surface, N-Cad, NCAM, Cell Adhesion Molecules, SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells, C8D1A Astrocyte Type I Clone Cells, Collagen Type I.