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Abstract | 3D liquid crystal elastomer (3D-LCE) foams are used to support long-term neuronal cultures for over 60 days. Sequential imaging shows that cell density remains relatively constant throughout the culture period while the number of cells per observational area increases. In a subset of samples, retinoic acid is used to stimulate extensive neuritic outgrowth and maturation of proliferated neurons within the LCEs, inducing a threefold increase in length with cells displaying morphologies indicative of mature neurons. Designed LCEs' micro-channels have a similar diameter to endogenous parenchymal arterioles, ensuring that neurons throughout the construct have constant access to growth media during extended experiments. Here it is shown that 3D-LCEs provide a unique environment and simple method to longitudinally study spatial neuronal function, not possible in conventional culture environments, with simplistic integration into existing methodological pipelines. |
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Publication Date | 2020-02-03 |
Publication Title | Macromolecular Rapid Communications |
Volume | 41 |
Issue | 5 |
Extent | 5 |
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License | Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 |
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Permalink | https://oaks.kent.edu/collection/brain-health-research-institute-bhri/jennifer-mcdonough/3d-porous-liquid-crystal |