Impact of Polymorphic Microfibers for Establishment of Neuronal Model

Abstract

The biological and mechanical environment of cells is better mimicked in 3D compared to 2D cell cultures. However, creating accurate 3D cell culture models particularly for ultra‐soft tissues like brain or spinal cord is challenging since the hydrogels that match these properties are mechanically fragile. Therefore, implementing reinforcing structures, such as microfibers, is essential to provide the necessary support. Particularly, fibrous systems are of interest since they offer natural fibrillar structures similar to the extracellular matrix. This study focuses on exploring the interactions between a motor neuron‐like cell line and multiple microfiber‐morphologies and mechanics. Monitoring cell‐microfiber interactions over time we unveiled various dynamic undetected behaviors and interactions happening upon contact depending on the used microfiber properties. These highly defined microfiber fragments were fabricated using multiple processes—electrospinning, Melt Electrowriting, and microfluidic spinning—with properties differing in size, mechanics, and surface chemistry. The excellent control over our microfiber systems enabled the investigation of single parameters in an isolated manner. In addition, we quantified the observed varying movement modes of the monitored cell‐microfiber tandems. The study demonstrates the significance of microfiber design for biological applications and establishes methodological foundations for the implementation of customized microfiber systems in the field of biofabrication.