Ultrathin Coatings with Change in Reactivity over Time Enable Functional In Vitro Networks Of Insect Neurons

Abstract

It's just not cricket! A novel coating system that enables covalent attachment of biomolecules in a nonfouling environment without use of additional chemical crosslinkers is presented. Concanavalin A is patterned on the coatings to direct cell adhesion and growth of neurons from the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus and generate functional, patterned in vitro insect neuronal networks for the first time.

Keywords: biocompatible materials; biosensors; hydrogels; microcontact printing; networks; thin films.