Directional guidance of neural outgrowth using topography and surface chemistry

目前还没有临床治疗方法来治疗伴有中风和创伤的神经元损伤和死亡的疾病。为了开发治疗这些疾病的方法，控制表面神经元的能力和对相关过程的理解是必不可少的。我们正在探索使用从微电子工业借来的技术来制造形状表面，我们希望结合可控的表面化学，将鼓励神经元沿直线生长并形成连接。希望这将为再生过程提供有用的信息，并可能在未来发展成为一种帮助周围神经再生的治疗方法。

Clinical remedies for disorders involving neuronal damage and death that accompany stroke and trauma are not currently available. To develop treatments for these, the ability to control of neurons on surfaces and an understanding of the processes involved is imperative. We are exploring the use of techniques borrowed from the microelectronics industry to make shaped surfaces which we hope, in combination with controlled surface chemistry, will encourage neurons to grow in straight lines and form connections. It is hoped that this will provide useful information on regeneration processes and may in the future even be developed into a therapy to help peripheral nerve regeneration.