Silicon Nanowires Promote Neuron-Like Differentiation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The manipulation of cell-surface interaction by nanomaterials has been shown to promote various changes in the behavior of mammalian cells, such as cell spreading, migration, and even the cell fate. Here we explore the possible transition of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into a neural lineage using vertical silicon nanowire (SiNW) array. In the absence of any differentiation-inducing factor, hMSCs on the longest SiNWs exhibit elongated cell shapes with neurite-like extension. Furthermore, the increased mRNA expression levels of neuron specific genes indicate the neuron-like differentiation of hMSC. To explain the detailed mechanism, we assessed cell-surface interaction by observing the rate of cell migration and the distribution of cytoskeletal actin and focal adhesion. Other characteristics of cellular differentiation, such as slowed growth and proliferation rate were also confirmed. Taken together, our data suggest that neurite-like extensions in hMSCs on SiNWs actively explore the surface with strong adhesion to adjust their morphology, while cell bodies are rather restrained to move.