Human Neuronal SHSY5Y Cells on PVDF:PTrFE Copolymer Thin Films

Here, we investigate the in vitro biocompatibility of polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF)–polytrifluoroethylene (PTrFE) copolymer thin films using neuronal cells. The aim is to obtain an optimal capping layer material for hybrid bio-organic electronic transducers based on organic electronic devices, which can be applied for bidirectional communication with the central nervous system. PVDF:PTrFE thin films were grown by spin coating and characterized by AFM. Human neuroblastoma SHSY5Y cells were used as neuronal model and their interaction with PVDF:PTrFE films was investigated in term of cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and cytoskeleton organization. We show that PVDF:PTrFE thin films allowed standard SHSY5Y proliferation and neuronal differentiation, even if with reduced short-term cell adhesion and spreading.