Regulation of neural stem cell differentiation and proliferation by self-organized honeycomb-patterned films

We have succeeded in preparing porous biodegradable polymer films with highly regular aligned pores in the shape of honeycomb (honeycomb film) by a simple casting method. In this report, we cultured NSCs on honeycomb films (pore size, 3, 5, 8, and 10 μm) and investigated influences of the pore size on differentiation and proliferation of NSCs. On honeycomb films with pore size of > 5 μm, NSCs differentiated into neurons. The neurons extended neurites along the honeycomb patterns, and neurite morphological changes depended on pore size of honeycomb films. On the other hands, NSCs proliferated and formed spheroids on the honeycomb films with pore size of 3 μm. This study shows that the honeycomb films are potential scaffolds for neural tissue engineering.