Hybrid Carbon Nanostructures for Direct Neuronal Interfacing

Introduction

For therapeutic purposes, an accurate measurement of dopamine (DA) and glutamate (Glu) levels in situ would be highly desirable. Long-term DA recording systems have only begun to gain widespread use (Clark et al., 2010; Howe et al., 2013; Schwerdt et al., 2017). Unfortunately, with the carbon fiber microsensors currently in use, only moderate chemical selectivity is achieved (Roberts and Sombers, 2017; Rodeberg et al., 2017). The present–day Glu sensors enable short–term usage and can perform measurements at second–to–second level in vivo (e.g., Dash et al., 2009; Hunsberger et al., 2015). However, there is a critical need for the improvement in the temporal resolution to monitor both the release and uptake of Glu: it has been suggested that the complete transport cycle takes only 70 ms (Wadiche et al., 1995).

We have developed a concept of hybrid carbon nanomaterials, referring to a new material where integration of two or more carbon allotropes with possible additions of selected metallic nanoparticles into a new hybrid has been carried out and which exhibits emerging properties that go significantly beyond those of its building blocks (reviewed by Laurila et al., 2017a). By utilizing these novel materials, we have achieved, for example, selective dopamine detection at the physiological concentration using carbon nanotube/tetrahedral amorphous carbon (CNT/ta-C)-hybrid (Sainio et al., 2015a; Palomäki et al., 2018) and ultrafast (<0.05 s) detection of glutamate using carbon nanofiber CNF/ta-C-hybrid (Isoaho et al., 2017). CNF/ta-C-hybrid shows prominence also in non-enzymatic detection of glutamate, although the response probably arises from changes in pH (Laurila, 2015; Sainio et al., 2015b). In conclusion, outstanding performance has been achieved in physiological saline. However, in order to achieve long-term measurements in vivo, the implant interface needs to be enhanced.

Biocompatibility is defined as the ability of materials to locally trigger and guide normal [scar–free] wound healing, reconstruction and tissue integration (Ratner, 2016). By this definition, majority of the current biomaterials are only biotolerable, i.e., able to reside in the body for long periods with only low degrees of inflammatory reaction. Accordingly, failure of integration has been proposed to be the main reason for sensor failure in vivo (Wisniewski and Reichert, 2000). Developing strategies for improved cell–material interaction is critical especially for all sensing and stimulating devices, such deep brain stimulator. Current strategies to enhance electrode integration into neural tissue exploit a protective layer or barrier on the surface. Such strategy jeopardizes the sensitivity and temporal resolution of a sensor and effectiveness of a stimulating device.

The typical outcome of host response of neural implants is the formation of glial–scar over the electrode surface, causing complication to reliable neuron–electrode coupling. Neural interfaces that maintain close physical coupling of neurons to an electrode surface are required for both implantable and in vitro neural recording electrode arrays. Currently, this is one of the major challenges in the designing of neural interfaces. Previous research shows that carbon nanomaterials reduce the functions of astrocytes (McKenzie et al., 2004). Nanostructures may enhance neuron–electrode coupling through suppression of scar tissue formation, it the structure reduces the glial cell coverage while preserving the high neuronal coverage (Chapman et al., 2015).

Nanostructured materials in neural interfaces need the ability to use both chemical and topographical cues to achieve the desired tissue response. It has been reported that random topographies, with a specific roughness value, affect adhesion and spreading of neuroglial cells (i.e., astrocytes) inducing the dissociation of the astrocytes from the neurons (Blumenthal et al., 2014; Chapman et al., 2015). Such response correlates either (i) with the topography–induced changes in the morphology of astrocytes (Blumenthal et al., 2014) or (ii) the topography–induced selection of the neurons over the astrocytes due to their different morphologies (Chapman et al., 2015).

Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to combine the properties of different carbon allotropes to obtain hybrid materials with enhanced neural response. Three following examples of the approach are given: (i) functionalized nanodiamonds (ND) on ta-C, (ii) multi-walled CNTs grown directly on top of ta-C, and (iii) CNFs synthesized on top of ta-C thin films. We have published some of the data regarding the biocompatibility of the hybrid structures earlier: ND/ta-C in Peltola et al. (2017a), CNT/ta-C in Palomäki et al. (2018), and CNF/ta-C in Isoaho et al. (2018b). Here we performed some additional viability and morphology measurements to enable better comparison of the different hybrid materials.

Materials and Methods

Sample Fabrication

We fabricated three hybrid carbon structures: (i) functionalized ND/ta-C, (ii) CNT/ta-C, and (iii) CNF/ta-C. Thin film ta-C were investigated as a reference material.

Fabrication of Thin Films

20 nm Ti adhesion layer (Laurila et al., 2014b) was deposited by direct-current magnetron sputtering on highly conductive (0.001–0.002 Ω cm) p-type (100) Si wafers (Ultrasil). Thin film ta-C of 7 nm were deposited on top of the Ti adhesion layer by filtered cathodic vacuum arc in the same deposition chamber. Further details are described by e.g., Palomäki et al. (2015) and Peltola et al. (2017a).

Platinum thin films were utilized as reference samples for platinum based CNF/ta-C hybrid. For this purpose, a 10 nm Pt thin film was coated on Si using cathodic arc deposition.

Fabrication ND/ta-C

We investigated four types of functionalized NDs: zeta-positive ND_andante with amino and carboxyl functional groups, zeta positive amino functionalized ND_amine, carboxyl functionalized zeta-negative ND_vox, and zeta positive hydrogen terminated ND_H (Carbodeon uDiamonds, Carbodeon, Vantaa, Finland). A spraying technique was used for ND coating on ta-C substrates. Spraying solution was prepared from ND-water solutions with concentrations of 5 wt% (ND_andante, ND_vox), 0.99 wt% (ND_amine), and 2.5 wt% (ND_H). The ND-water solutions were diluted in ethanol and final concentration used for spraying was 0.05 wt%. The spraying was done from a distance of 10 cm and the scanning was repeated 10 times. Pressurized air was utilized as carrying gas, the pressure being 3.5 bars.

Fabrication CNT/ta-C-Hybrid

A by RF-sputtering and e-beam evaporation were used for the deposition of a multilayer catalysts film of 0.2 nm Al, 3 nm Co, and 3 nm Fe was on the top of ta-C. A low pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor (Aixtron, Black Magic) was used. The samples were heated to 550°C process temperature using an electrical heated graphite holder in NH₃ (250 sccm) at 10 mbar pressure for 10 min to reduce catalyst metals. Subsequent to chamber evacuation and refilling with N₂ buffer gas (250 sccm) back to 10 mbar process pressure, a carbon precursor (C₂H₂) was introduced into the chamber (25 sccm) for another 10 min for the MWCNT synthesis while keeping the temperature at 550°C.

Fabrication of CNF/ta-C-Hybrid

Prior to the CNF growth, a 10 nm Pt or 20 nm Ni catalyst layer was deposited on top of the ta-C thin films using cathodic arc deposition. The CNFs were grown with plasma-enhanced CVD at 750°C for 30 (Pt-CNF) or 60 (Ni-CNF) by utilizing C₂H₂ as a precursor. Further details are described by Sainio et al. (2015b).

Cell Cultures and Analysis

Prior to the cell culture experiments, the samples were sterilized in 70% ethanol for 10 min. Cells were cultured in humidified incubator with 5% CO₂ in the air.

C6 (ATCCsCCL-107™) rat glial cells and PC12 (adherent type, ATCCsCRL1721.1™) rat neuroblastic cells were cultured in F12-K medium (or F12-K/DMEM without phenol red) supplemented with 2.5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 15% horse serum. Mouse neural stem cells (mNSC, ATCC^® CRL2926™) were cultured in Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium (without phenol red) supplemented with 4 mML-Glutamine and 10% FBS. All media were supplemented with antibiotics, 100 IU/ml of penicillin and 100 μg/ml of streptomycin.

Samples (1 cm²) were placed on 12-well plates and cells were seeded on the surfaces. The seeding densities for each cell line corresponded to the recommended seeding densities: approximately 30,000 cells cm⁻² for mNSC and PC12 cells and 70,000 cells cm⁻² for C6 cells.

Staining

Cells were cultured for 24 h on the surfaces. Cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde fixation and permeabilized using 0.5% triton-X. Actin cytoskeleton was stained during 30 min incubation with phalloidin-568-label (Biotium 1:50 in PBS) and nuclei was stained using Vectrashield mounting medium with DAPI. Samples were coverslipped to prevent dehydration. Cells were imaged using Olympus BX51M microscope and Leica DCF420 digital microscope camera. Cell count was calculated from nuclei staining. Cell area was calculated directly from actin images and divided by the number of the cells calculated from nuclei staining. At least three images per sample type were analyzed. The software used for image processing was ImageJ Fiji.

SEM

For scanning electron microscopy, the cells were cultured on the surfaces for 24 h prior to fixation in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in PBS overnight at 4°C. Subsequent to fixation, the samples were washed in PBS. Dehydration was performed in increasing ethanol series and completed using hexamethyldisilazane (Sigma-Aldrich). A chromium layer was coated on the samples to improve conductivity. Samples were inspected with a scanning electron microscope (JEOL JSM-6335F, field emission SEM).

MTT

3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was utilized to evaluate the viability of cells grown on ND/ta-C-hybrid samples. Cell were allowed to attach and grow for 24 h culture. Then, the samples were transferred to a clean 24-well plate in order to exclude the cells growing outside the samples on the plastic well and 1 mg/ml of MTT (Sigma Aldrich) was added in the medium. The samples were incubated for 3 h at 37°C in a humidified chamber. Cell culture medium was removed and MTT crystals were dissolved in 500 μl of isopropanol. Dissolved MTT was transferred to another 24-well microplate for absorbance measurement at 570 nm. Data was collected from triplicate samples using automated plate reader (FLUOstar Optima, Ortenberg, Germany).

XTT

MTT is not suitable for the viability assessment of MWCNTs as MTT-formazan crystals may react with MWCNTs (Wörle-Knirsch et al., 2006; Casey et al., 2007). 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay was used instead.

Samples were placed on multi-well plates and cells were cultured for 22 h (PC12, C6) or 48 h (mNSC). Samples were transferred to a clean 24-well plate and freshly preparer activated XTT solution (XTT cell viability kit, Biotium) was added to the medium (ratio 1:4) and incubated for 3.5 h before measurement of the absorbance signal at 450 nm. Medium without phenol red was utilized. For PC12 and C6 cells a diluted concentration of serum (7.5% of horse serum and 1.25% of FBS, i.e., 50% of the normal concentrations) was utilized with XTT as the kit instructions recommend medium concentration to be at most 10%.

Results and Discussion

We tested three types of hybrid carbon nanostructures, where a carbon nanostructure is combined with thin film ta-C. ND/ta-C-hybrid is a first generation hybrid carbon material, or pseudo hybrid, with no physical integration of the different carbon allotropes. CNT/ta-C-hybrid and CNF/ta-C-hybrid present second generation of hybrid carbon materials, where different carbon allotropes are physically integrated. The second-generation approach brings an important benefit for biomedical applications as the integrated structures are less likely to detach, reducing the risk for nanotoxicity.

Neural Cells on ta-C

Thin film ta-C is the substrate utilized in all of the hybrid structures presented in this paper. Thin film ta-C is characterized by excellent physical properties including high hardness and high elastic modulus as well as chemical inertness to any acids, alkaline solutions, and organic solvents. The ta-C films have a high sp³ content (58.9%), and the surface region is significantly rich in sp² (Sainio et al., 2016b). The films are extremely smooth with a roughness (R_rms) of 0.81 nm (Wester et al., 2018) and the samples contain <10 at% of oxygen, the functional groups being ketone/aldehyde groups (Sainio et al., 2016b). Electrochemical properties of ta-C include extremely wide (3.7 V) and stable water window and relatively low capacitive background current (Kaivosoja et al., 2014). In addition, ta-C has facile electron transfer kinetics and high sensitivity, but no selectivity, toward dopamine (Laurila et al., 2014a).

Here we compared cell viability on untreated ta-C to poly-L-lysine (PLL) coated ta-C. Polylysine (PLL or poly-D-lysine, PDL) is commonly used as a coating material in the preparation of neuronal cultures (Yavin and Yavin, 1974). Interestingly, however, PLL increases only viability of mNSCs and glial C6 cells and not viability of neuroblastic PC12 cells (Figure 1). Moreover, the increase in the viability of mNSCs is not statistically significant. We have similar results also on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neurons: ta-C with PDL-coating increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels of differentiating neurons indicated a presence of glial-like cells rather than neurons (not shown). This indicates that ta-C surface may be particularly suitable for direct neuronal interfacing. This is supported by a previous study showing that diamond film is suitable for direct neuronal interfacing, whereas glial cell growth required a protein coating (Bendali et al., 2014). However, this is not true for all carbon thin films. For example, a significant increase in PC12, C6, and mNSC viability is measured, for instance, on pyrolytic carbon with PLL coating compared to pyrolytic carbon without any coatings (Peltola et al., 2017b). Figure 1 presents images of C6 and mNSC on ta-C without any coating, showing well-adhered and spread cells.

FIGURE 1

Figure 1. (A) Shows the viability (MTT) of cells on ta-C with PLL coating compared to ta-C without any coatings. Viability is normalized to ta-C. (B) Shows mNSC on uncoated ta-C (actin on red, nuclei on blue), and (C) presents SEM image of C6 cells on uncoated ta-C (scale bar is 100 μm). Both cell types show typical morphology.

Neural Cells on ND/ta-C

The protein-sized dimensions provides NDs the ability to influence on neuronal adhesion on a nanoscale subcellular level. The radial curvature of NDs is similar to proteins resulting in point-contact protein adsorption. Consequently, proteins are electrostatically adhered strongly to NDs but remain in their native structural and functional shape, as dictated by the hydrophobic force (Edgington et al., 2013). As an example, a previous study shows the bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorbs with high affinity to NDs without conformational changes (Wang et al., 2011). Moreover, a small radius of curvature is reported to enhance the functional adsorption of (in particular) fragile globular proteins including vitronectin and fibronectin (Roach et al., 2006). Interestingly, previous research has further shown that ND layering provides an excellent growth substrate on various materials for functional neuronal networks and bypasses the necessity of protein coating (Thalhammer et al., 2010).

We examined the effect of surface functionalization of monodispersed NDs on ta-C on glial and neural cell viability. The investigated NDs had four types of functionalization: zeta-positive ND_andante with amino and carboxyl functional groups, zeta positive amino functionalized ND_amine, carboxyl functionalized zeta-negative ND_vox, and zeta positive hydrogen terminated ND_H. Details on ND/ta-C hybrid characterization are published previously (Peltola et al., 2017a). From sensing point, compared to ta-C, the ND/ta-C hybrid has enchased sensitivity toward dopamine and the detection limit is improved by two orders of magnitude (50 vs. 100 μM) (Peltola et al., 2017a).

We observed significant effect of the ND functionalization on the viability of cells (Figure 2). Some surfaces, namely ND_H and ND_andate, showed ability to specifically support neuroblastic cells. The viability PC12 cells and mNSCs increased by over 50% on ND_H surface and over 20% on ND_andate surface compared to ta-C reference. In contrast, on ND_vox and ND_amine surfaces, the viability of mNSCs reduced down to 90% and the viability of PC12 down to 50% compared to ta-C reference. Interestingly, the viability of C6 cells was not affected by surface functionalization, suggesting that ND surfaces will not cause excess gliosis. Previous study shows that amino-functionalized surfaces direct neural differentiation to glial lineages (Yao et al., 2015), which is in agreement with the finding that ND_amine rather supports glial C6 cells than neuroblastic PC12 cells. However, the effects of surface chemistries on protein adsorption and cell adhesion on flat surfaces cannot be directly extrapolated to effects on nanostructured surfaces.

FIGURE 2

Figure 2. Viability (MTT) of cells on functionalized hybrid ND/ta-C surfaces. Viability is normalized to ta-C. Modified from Peltola et al. (2017a).

The different chemical functionalities influence the adsorption of macromolecules on the surfaces. According to a widely accepted assumption, proteins form a monolayer on the surfaces (Horbett, 1993). The Vroman effect suggests that small and abundant proteins will first cover a surface, but they will be replaced over time by proteins with stronger affinity for that particular surface (Vroman and Adams, 1969a,b). It is likely that the homogeneous ND_amine or ND_vox surfaces possess over dominance of certain proteins and lack of others, consequently affecting cell viability. ND_H is homogeneous as well, but hydrogen functionalization does not provide specific binding cites for proteins. ND_andante, for comparison, posses both carboxyl and amino functionalizes and, consequently, the surface is heterogeneous. The heterogeneous surface does not result in similar over dominance of some proteins as a homogeneous surface may. However, heterogeneous surfaces may even repel protein adsorption (Shen and Zhu, 2016), which could be exploited in applications, which are sensitive for biofouling.

Neural Cells on CNT/ta-C-Hybrid

The size and shape of CNTs are similar to neuronal processes; they are strong yet flexible. High conductivity is an advantageous property as electrical stimulation has been shown to enhance nerve functions and regeneration (Heiduschka and Thanos, 1998; Kotwal and Schmidt, 2001).

Our process, where CNTs are grown on ta-C, has the benefit that the electrical connections between the carbon allotropes are well-established. When CNT coatings are fabricated with methods such as drop casting the electrical connections might not be well-established with the substrate. The multi-walled CNTs with a diameter of 20–40 nm and length <10μm form a continuous film on top of the ta-C (Laurila, 2015; Laurila et al., 2015). Metallic elements, such as (Fe, Co)-silicides and Fe–Co particles formed during the activation of the catalyst and the growth of the nanotubes, remain in the material (Laurila, 2015; Laurila et al., 2015). Electrochemical properties of the CNT/ta-C hybrid include a relatively wide water window (2.7 V) (Sainio et al., 2015a). Furthermore, depending on the thickness of the underlying ta-C film, the CNT/ta-C hybrid has a relatively low detection limit for DA (42–77 nM), and more importantly, it provides excellent selectivity toward dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid at physiologically relevant concentrations using cyclic voltammetry (Palomäki et al., 2018).

Unfortunately, comparison of cell growth on different CNTs is challenging due to the limited amount of information provided. Too often, there is no information of the original seed material used for the growth of CNT or information of the size of the CNTs, or even if the CNT were single walled or multiwalled or opened (Laurila et al., 2017a). Moreover, common approaches for fabricating CNT based materials is mixing CNTs with a polymer or polyelectrode. Consequently, the cellular response is dominated by the polymer or polyelectrode rather than CNTs. Furthermore, for biocompatibility point of view, it is to be noted that impurities can constitute up to 20% of CNTs.

We evaluated the viability of glial (C6), neuroblastic (PC12), and neural stem cells on CNT/ta-C hybrid compared to thin film ta-C. Intriguingly, compared to ta-C thin films, CNT/ta-C-hybrid increased the viability of neuroblastic PC12 cells and decreases the viability of C6 glial cells (Figure 3A). The number of mNSCs showed no difference and Figure 3B shows that the mNSCs mostly grew in clusters and no significant differences between cell morphology on CNT/ta-C and ta-C thin film could be detected.

FIGURE 3

Figure 3. (A) Shows viability (XTT) of cells on CNT/ta-C hybrid compared to ta-C. Viability is normalized to ta-C. (B) Shows mNSCs cultured on CNT/ta-C hybrid (actin red, nuclei blue).

PC12 preference for CNT surface may be explained by the anisotropic nanotopography, which has been shown to be crucial to neuron growth and differentiation (Dang and Leong, 2007; Wang et al., 2012). The anisotropic structure aids cell migration and organization along the nerve fiber preferred direction. It has been shown that aligned and conductive fibrous scaffolds could provide better contact guidance effects in neurite outgrowth (Ghasemi-Mobarakeh et al., 2008; Zhang and Chang, 2008; Tonsomboon and Oyen, 2013; Masaeli et al., 2014; Zhang et al., 2016). Interestingly, neural stem cells elongate and their neurites outgrow along with the aligned fibers regardless of their diameter; however, nanofibers with a diameter of 250 nm promote cell differentiation compared to microfibers (1.25 μm) (Yang et al., 2005). These CNT networks with well-established electrical connections to the substate have high potential for direct neural interfacing. However, the optimal CNT configuration is yet to be defined.

Neural Cells on CNF/ta-C-Hybrid

The CNF structure is a repetition of some type of graphite structure, such as bamboo-like, fishbone, platelet or ribbon types. The structure and dimensions of the CNFs are governed by the reactor type as well as the growth seed, temperature, and time. For example, the presence of ta-C changes CNF structure from tubular like CNF to platelet like structure (Sainio et al., 2016a). The growth of CNF is a stochastic process and the consequential structure is highly heterogeneous. Accordingly, the interaction of cells and CNFs is rather complicated. However, this heterogeneous structure may better mimic the natural environment of the cells than highly ordered nanostructures.

Here we tested Pt and Ni based CNF/ta-C hybrid materials, which have been exhaustively characterized previously, Pt-CNFs by Laurila et al. (2017b) and Ni-CNFs by Sainio et al. (2016a). Both CNF/ta-C hybrids have a stacked platelet like structure. The structure of the Pt-CNF fibers somewhat less ordered than Ni-CNF and the platelet edges are aligned toward the seed particle (Laurila et al., 2017b). Moreover, the Pt-CNS seems to have hollow or amorphous core, surrounded by several layers of stacked platelets (Laurila et al., 2017b). Furthermore, the dimensions of Ni-CNF and Pt-CNF are clearly different: Pt-CNFs have a smaller diameter, varying from 5 to 45 nm (Isoaho et al., 2018b), whereas Ni-CNFs are thicker, with a diameter from 50 to 500 nm (Sainio et al., 2016a). Further, Pt-CNF are shorter and have a height of 60–600 nm (Isoaho et al., 2018a), whereas Ni-CNF are typically taller, being closer to 1 μm (Sainio et al., 2016a). Pt and ta-C thin films were used as reference samples. From biocompatibility point of view, Ni hypersensitivity is an issue, and Pt provides a better option. Indeed, complete removal of metal catalyst particles from CNFs and other carbon nanostructures is extremely difficult (Sainio et al., 2016c). In Pt-CNFs, the Pt remnants have application-specific role, enabling the detection of H₂O₂. This allows the detection of many biological analytes, such as glucose and glutamate, which are detected by utilizing an oxidase enzyme that catalyzes the formation of H₂O₂. We have shown that one of the most important benefits of Pt-CNF/ta-C hybrid is that it provide ultrafast (<0.05 s) glutamate detection (Isoaho et al., 2017). Ni-CNF/ta-C hybrid, on the other hand, enhances dopamine detection (1 μM) and selectivity in the presence of ascorbic acid compared to ta-C (Sainio et al., 2015b).

For yet an unknown reason, XTT did not give reliable values for viability of cells on CNFs. Although some insoluble tetrazolium salts such as MTT are known to interact with carbon nanostructures (Wörle-Knirsch et al., 2006), the interaction has not been an issue with the soluble tetrazolium salts such as XTT. However, the stacked platelet like structure has an excess amount of graphitic edge planes, which may interact with the XTT.

As an alternative, we utilized fluorescence microscopy images of cell nuclei for counting the cells and evaluating the viability. Pt thin films and ta-C samples were used as reference samples. We observed no statistically significant changes in cell count on the samples (Figure 4). As both C6 and mNSC show spreading on the surface and cell count is comparable to Pt and ta-C thin films, both CNF surfaces exhibit good biocompatibility.

FIGURE 4

Figure 4. (A) Cell count and (B) cell area on CNF/ta-C hybrid materials. Sample surface are in (A) corresponds to planar surface area, not the geometrical one. Modified from Isoaho et al. (2018b).

The dimensions of CNF vary from a few tens of nm to hundreds of nm. This range is particularly interesting as it matches biologically relevant dimensions of cell adhesions. A single integrin has a diameter of 10 nm (Nermut et al., 1988; Erb et al., 1997), whereas the adhesion complexes are rather large, micron, structures. The sub-adhesion integrin organization can divided into intermediate lenghts (50–500 nm) or at short lengths consisting a few integrins (<50 nm). Moreover, previous research shows a link in short (<50 nm) and intermediate (50–500 nm) range integrin organization and the eventual signaling and anchoring capacity of adhesive complexes (Comisar et al., 2011). Interestingly, traction force increases with size for focal adhesions larger than 1 μm, whereas no correlation exists for smaller adhesions and the traction forces on these small focal adhesions can be very high (Tan et al., 2003).

Although no differences were observed in cell count, the adhesion and morphology of the cells is clearly affected by the CNFs. Most likely, the changes occur due to the different dimension of the nanofibers. Most apparent change is seen in the morphology of C6 cells (Figure 5). On Pt-CNF, which posses a smaller diameter compared to Ni-CNF, the C6 cells are spreading equally on all directions. In contrast, on Ni-CNF, the C6 cells are more oriented and possess an elongated morphology.

FIGURE 5

Figure 5. C6 cells on CNF_Pt/ta-C hybrid (A,C) and CNF_Ni/ta-C hybrid (B,D). Fluorescent image (A,B) present actin on red and nuclei on blue. Cells on CNF_Ni/ta-C hybrid present elongated morphology and extensive amount of filopodia compared to cells on CNF_Pt/ta-C hybrid. Scale bar in (C,D) is 1 μm. (C,D) reproduced from Supplementary Material of Isoaho et al. (2018b)—Published by The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Interestingly, also the formation of filopodia is affected by the CNF dimensions. On Ni-CNFs, the cells possess an extensive amount of filopodias, whereas the number of filopodias on Pt-CNF is increased only to some extent compared to ta-C or Pt thin films (Figure 5). However, the effect on filopodias is not unexpected as the CNF diameters are comparable to cell adhesion dimensions. A filopodia has a diameter of 100–300 nm (Mattila and Lappalainen, 2008) and accordingly, a filopodia encounters just a single Ni-CNF fiber (or a bundle of collapsed Ni-CNFs). Previous studies also present a critical lateral interdistance of about 60–70 nm between integrin RGD ligands, above which integrin clustering and focal adhesion formation is hindered. If the spacing extends this critical distance, it inhibits cell attachment and spreading (Arnold et al., 2004; Selhuber-Unkel et al., 2010). This critical lateral distance probably follows the dimensions of ordered structures in the native extracellular matrix. For example, collagen fibrils have a 67 nm D-periodicity. As observed here, and reported before (Nguyen-Vu et al., 2007), the CNFs have a tendency to collapse into microbundles. Consequently, the distance between Ni-CNFs increases above the stated critical lateral interdistance. Moreover, the plentiful number of filopodia seen on Ni-CNF, may be explained by the cell adhesion forces. Previous research shows that cell adhesions smaller than 1 μm² are able to produce large adhesion forces (Tan et al., 2003).

In contrast, the Pt-CNFs posses smaller dimensions (5–45 nm). Consequently, cell filopodia encounters several Pt-CNF fibers, allowing the cell to move flexibly. Nanoscale dimensions are important for the formation of proper synaptic connections. For example, a previous report shows that astrocytic syncytium level maximized at 50 nm dot arrays, compared to dot diameters ranging from 10 to 200 nm (Lee et al., 2014).

Considering cell response, it is possible that thin fibers in the range of a few dozen nm are more suitable option than thick fibers, with a diameter larger than 100 nm. Nonetheless, it is yet to be investigated what kind of effects the dimension of CNFs will have on cell metabolism and functions. Here we observed that although the C6 cells grown on Pt-CNF appear to be spreading well (Figure 5), they are smaller compared to C6 cells grown on Ni-CNF, ta-C, or Pt thin films (Figure 4). It is assumed that that the CNF dimensions will cause further effects on cells, as the effect on cell size and morphology is so robust. In order to comprehend the impact of different fiber dimensions on cells and to achieve the optimal biological response, a more systematic study on the effect of different dimensions of CNFs is required.

Benefits of Hybrid Structures

Many of the hybrid structure growth processes are Complementary–Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor (CMOS) compatible and by utilizing different microsystem technologies it is possible to make devices out of these materials. Here we showed that these hybrid structures have high potential for direct neural interfacing. Consequently, these materials are highly attractive option for neural electrodes.

Table 1 summarizes the special features as well as the observations of neural cells on carbon nanostructure/ta-C hybrid materials. ND/ta-C hybrid with hydroxyl and carboxyl-amino functionalization as well as CNT/ta-C hybrid promotes the viability of neural PC12 cells and decreases viability of glial C6 cells. Consequently, these surfaces have potential for supporting neural differentiation over glial differentiation. As a result, tissue integration may be improved and glial scar formation prevented, guaranteeing an effective transfer of signal and stability of implant. CNF/ta-C hybrid structure has the advantage that the dimensions can be tailored. The size of the fibers affect cell adhesion and morphology, but further effects need to be investigated. A significant benefit of the presented hybrid structures is that we can tailor the properties of the structures relatively easily by adjusting processes, and it is possible to control both geometry and chemistry of the resulting typically have more well-defined structures, both geometrically and chemically. As show here, both the chemistry and physical dimension are significant for the cell adhesion, and whether the surface is preferred by neural or glial cells. Consequently, these surfaces have potential in improved tissue integration and prevention of the glial scar formation. The hybrid structures have exceptional potential for highly defined structures, both geometrically and chemically, enabling optimization of the cellular response. Consequently, these materials posses exceptionally high potential to achieve direct neural interfacing.

TABLE 1

Table 1. Special features and neural cell response on hybrid carbon materials.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that we can modify cellular response just with the electrode material. This is highly desirable for sensor applications requiring fast response times. For example, the fluctuation of neurotransmitters is in ms scale, and any protective layer on the electrode would cause a diffusion barrier and consequent loss of temporal resolution. Particularly surfaces supporting neural cells over glial differentiation, namely ND/ta-C with hydrogen or mixed (carboxyl/amino) functionalization and CNT/ta-C, have high prominence in direct neural interfacing. These surfaces have potential in improved tissue integration and prevention of the glial scar formation therefore guaranteeing an effective transfer of signal and stability of implant. Due to the high ability to tailor the dimensions of CNF/ta-C, these materials also exhibit significant potential in direct interfacing. However, a more systematic study is required to understand the effects of different fiber sizes on cells to find the optimal dimensions for biological response.

Data Availability

The datasets generated for this study are available on request to the corresponding author.

Author Contributions

EP designed and conducted the experiments and wrote the manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by Academy of Finland (#274670).

Conflict of Interest Statement

The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

Several people have contributed greatly to the results described in this manuscript. MSc Elsi Mynttinen (Aalto University, Espoo, Finland) is acknowledged for the MSC experiments on ta-C; Prof. Jari Koskinen and MSc Niklas Wester (Aalto University, Espoo, Finland) for the synthesis of ta-C thin films, Professor Krisztian Kordas and Mr. Olli Pitkänen (University of Oulu, Finland) for the growth of CNTs; Dr. Sami Sainio (Aalto University, Espoo, Finland) for ND deposition as well as for the growth of CNFs in collaboration with Dr. Jessica Koehne and Dr. Meyya Meyyappan (NASA Ames Research Center, USA). Prof. Tomi Laurila developed the concept of hybrid carbon materials.

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