A versatile ITO electrode platform for studying neuronal differentiation and migration under electrical stimulation

Abstract

The electrical effects on cells, particularly neurons, are extensively studied to understand cellular functions. Various culture platforms have been developed to investigate cellular responses to electrical stimulation. In this study, planar indium tin oxide (ITO) interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) with conventional and circular designs were fabricated and utilized as both cell culture platforms and stimulation electrodes for experiments up to ten days. To enhance cell adhesion, fetal bovine serum (FBS) was applied to the electrode surface and then removed, facilitating cell culture. The SH-SY5Y cell line was cultured on the platform to assess adhesion and growth. Steady-state direct-current electric field stimulation (DCEFS) at 150 V/m or 300 V/m was applied at specific intervals. Cells exposed to 150 V/m showed significant morphological changes indicative of differentiation, while those at 300 V/m migrated away, reducing intact cell numbers. Notably, circular IDEs promoted extensive neurite outgrowth compared to conventional designs. These findings highlight the potential of electrode geometry to control cell differentiation and migration, offering a versatile platform for cellular studies and tissue engineering applications.