Conventional
in vitro cultures are useful to represent simplistic
neuronal behavior; however, the lack of organization results in random
neurite spreading. To overcome this problem, control over the directionality
of SH-SY5Y cells was attained, utilizing photolithography to pattern
the cell-repulsive anionic brush poly(potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate)
(PKSPMA) into tracks of 20, 40, 80, and 100 μm width. These
data validate the use of PKSPMA brush coatings for a long-term culture
of the SH-SY5Y cells, as well as providing a methodology by which
the precise deposition of PKSPMA can be utilized to achieve a targeted
control over the SH-SY5Y cells. Specifically, the PKSPMA brush patterns
prevented cell attachment, allowing the SH-SY5Y cells to grow only
on noncoated glass (gaps of 20, 50, 75, and 100 μm width) at
different cell densities (5000, 10 000, and 15 000 cells/cm2). This research demonstrates the importance of achieving
cell directionality in vitro, while these simplistic models could
provide new platforms to study complex neuron–neuron interactions.