Abstract

The cell–substrate interaction of primary hippocampal neurones with thin films of TiN was studied in vitro. TiN films of different surface chemistries and topographies were deposited by pulsed DC reactive magnetron sputtering and closed field unbalanced magnetron sputter ion plating by Teer Coatings Ltd., Hartlebury, UK to result in TiN films with similar surface chemistries but different topographical features. TiN films were characterised using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The neuron–substrate interaction was examined using environmental scanning electron microscopy (FEG-ESEM) for morphological information. Bromodeoxyuridine and TUNEL assays were used to identify proliferating neurones as well as apoptotic neurones. Fluorescent staining for MAP-2 was used to label neuronal network formation. Primary hippocampal neurones were found to attach and spread to all of the TiN film chemistries and topographies investigated. Neuronal network morphology appeared to be more preferential on the nitrogen rich TiN films and also with reduced nanotopographical features.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.