Rapid prototyping of nano- and micro-patterned substrates for the control of cell neuritogenesis by topographic and chemical cues

Rapid prototyping of titania substrates with micro and nanofeatures is obtained by combining nanosphere lithography with supersonic cluster beam deposition on protein-functionalized glass supports. The proliferation and differentiation of PC12 cells were studied on these substrates. The facile control and modification of the substrate structure at the micro- and nanoscale allowed us to characterize the role of functional and structural features on neuritogenesis and to control this phenomenon by identifying the optimal topography.