Recent Developments in Surface Topography-Modulated Neurogenesis

Repairing a nervous system damaged following an injury or as a consequence of neurodegeneration is still a challenging task. Yet, topography-based tissue engineering of neurons from different cell sources has demonstrated promising potential in the field. Substrate patterning through a range of methods including photolithography, nanofibers electrospinning, or micro-imprinting can not only impact the maturity of these vital neural cells but can also orient the differentiation of neural stem cells, a more prolific source of neurons. Furthermore, it has been shown that topography can guide the trans-differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, a readily accessible cell source, towards a neuronal fate. Thus, in this review, we will cover the most recent methods used in topography-based neural tissue engineering.