Layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolyte films improving cytocompatibility to neural cells.

The using of layer-by-layer assembly polyelectrolyte (PE) films has been suggested as a new versatile technique for surface modification aimed at tissue engineering and cell-based chips. In this study, we investigated the surface morphology of the hyaluronic acid (HA)-based PE films deposited on the amino-functionalized glass slides using atomic force microscopy. These thin films (bilayer number <9) were measured to have nanoscale roughness ranging from 10 to 100 nm. Then the primary hippocampal and cortical neural cells were cultured on the PE films, respectively. After 5 days of culturing, the cytocompatibility to neural cells was evaluated by cellular morphology, neurite outgrowth, and microtubule-associated protein 2 expressions. From the present results, the HA-based PE films were found to be able to support neural cell adhesion and neurite development, especially for the polycation-ending films. It is suggested these HA-based multilayer PE films or similar build-ups could thus be used in the future as a way to modify surfaces for nerve scaffolds and neuron-based chips. Copyright 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.