Two-dimensional TiCT MXene promotes electrophysiological maturation of neural circuits.

BACKGROUND

The ideal neural interface or scaffold for stem cell therapy shall have good biocompatibility promoting survival, maturation and integration of neural stem cells (NSCs) in targeted brain regions. The unique electrical, hydrophilic and surface-modifiable properties of TiCT MXene make it an attractive substrate, but little is known about how it interacts with NSCs during development and maturation.

RESULTS

In this study, we cultured NSCs on TiCT MXene and examined its effects on morphological and electrophysiological properties of NSC-derived neurons. With a combination of immunostaining and patch-clamp recording, we found that TiCT MXene promotes NSCs differentiation and neurite growth, increases voltage-gated current of Ca but not Na or K in matured neurons, boosts their spiking without changing their passive membrane properties, and enhances synaptic transmission between them.

CONCLUSIONS

These results expand our understanding of interaction between TiCT MXene and NSCs and provide a critical line of evidence for using TiCT MXene in neural interface or scaffold in stem cell therapy.