Neurite outgrowth on fluorinated polyimide film micropatterned by ion irradiation

In this study, we investigated neurite outgrowth on a fluorinated polyimide film micropatterned by ion irradiation. We used the fluorinated polyimide because of its excellent thermal and mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Rattus norvegicus chromaphin (PC12) cells were used for in vitro studies. The polyimide films were irradiated with He+, Ne+ or Kr+ at 1 × 1014 ions/cm2 using an ion-beam mask. The lines in the mask were 120 and 160 μm wide and 120–160 μm apart. PC12 cells were selectively adhered on the polyimide film micropatterned by Kr+-irradiation. However, the neurite length on the film irradiated by Kr+ was shorter than that determined in the film irradiated by He+. On the other hand, neurite outgrowth on the polyimide film micropatterned by He+-irradiation was at least 100 μm in length. This initial study indicated the enhanced outgrowth of PC12 cells on the fluorinated polyimide film micropatterned by ion irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]