Microgrooved surface modulates neuron differentiation in human embryonic stem cells

Stem cell-based therapies have drawn intensive attention in the neuronal regenerative fields. Several studies have revealed that stem cells can serve as an inexhaustible source for neurons for transplantation therapies. However, generation of neurons and directionality has not yet been fully investigated. Herein, we investigate the mechanical ramifications of surface topography on human embryonic cell differentiation. Microgrooved surfaces with various pitches were applied to modulate the neuron differentiation. Our protocol showed that neuron differentiation increased as grove pitch decreased. The results indicated that 2 μm microgrooves can improve neuron growth by ~1.7-fold. Our results indicate the importance of mechanotransduction on neuronal differentiation and highlight the feasibility of manipulating the neuronal differentiation with surface topography, providing new perspectives for accommodating clinical transplantation.