We developed a three-dimensional (3D) cellular microarray platform for the high-throughput analysis of human neural stem cell (hNCS) differentiation and toxicity screening. The growth of an immortalized hNSC line, ReNcell VM, was evaluated on a miniaturized cell culture chip consisting of 30 nl spots of cells encapsulated in alginate, and compared to standard culture conditions. Using a live/dead assay, we demonstrated that cell viability is retained on the chip platform. Additionally, we utilized a chip-based in situ immunofluorescence assay that provides quantitative information on cellular levels of proteins involved in neural fate. We are thus able to study expansion and differentiation of NSCs upon removal of growth factors, by monitoring the levels of several neural progenitor and differentiation markers. The versatility of the platform was further expanded by complementing the cell culture chip with a chamber system that allowed us to screen for differential toxicity of small molecules to hNSCs.

3Dl cellular microarray platform for human neural stem cell differentiation and toxicology studies

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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