Polarization-controlled differentiation of human neural stem cells using synergistic cues from the patterns of carbon nanotube monolayer coating.

Abstract

We report a method for selective growth and structural-polarization-controlled neuronal differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) into neurons using carbon nanotube network patterns. The CNT patterns provide synergistic cues for the differentiation of hNSCs in physiological solution and an optimal nanotopography at the same time with good biocompatibility. We demonstrated a polarization-controlled neuronal differentiation at the level of individual NSCs. This result should provide a stable and versatile platform for controlling the hNSC growth because CNT patterns are known to be stable in time unlike commonly used organic molecular patterns.