Development of AC Magnetic Field Stimulation Bio-Reactor for Three-Dimensional Culture of PC12 Cells

Abstract

Recently, the electromagnetic stimulation method to enhance a nerve axonal extension has been attracting a great attention in the nerve regeneration. In this study, we design and fabricate a new 3D bio-reactor, which can implement uniform AC magnetic field (ACMF) stimulation on PC12 cells. We observe the morphology of PC12 cells using the multi photon microscope and evaluate effectiveness of uniform ACMF stimulation of the nerve axonal extension and the neural network generation. Firstly, a uniform ACMF stimulation bio-reactor was designed by using the pole piece structure. We searched an optimum structure using the magnetic field finite element analyses to obtain a uniform magnetic flux density in the culture region. Secondly, a chamber for 3D culture of PC12 cells was fabricated. PC12 cells were disseminated into a collagen gel which poured in the chamber. We evaluated the effects of uniform ACMF stimulation to enhance the nerve axonal extension. In our bio-reactor, an increase in axonal extension length and number of dendrites was observed under ACMF stimulation after 7 days culture. Finally, it was concluded that our uniform ACMF stimulation bio-reactor is an effective tool for the nerve axonal extension and the neural network generation.