Results of Maladaptive Behavior Gender Characteristics Diagnostics in Primary School Children with Disabilities (Pilot Study)

Introduction

The maladaptive children behavior analysis is important for determining effective methods of prevention and care.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to identify general and gender-specific features of maladaptive behavior in children of primary school age with disabilities.

Methods

The sample included 77 children 8.6±1.03 years of age, among them 57 boys and 20 girls. Maladaptive children behavior was assessed using VABS. The statistical significance of the differences between variables was determined by Pearson`s Chi-squared test. Indicators of maladaptive behavior were assessed by calculation of frequency distribution and contingency tables.

Results

Maladaptive behavior features common for both genders included impulsivity, physical aggression, taunting, teasing and bullying, insensitivity to others, having poor eye contact. Having a hard time paying attention was statistically significantly more common among boys (p≤0.05). Boys were more likely to disobey and defy those in authority, to lie, cheat or steal. A specific feature of maladaptive behavior for girls was having eating difficulties and overly dependent behavior on caregivers or siblings. Comparative analysis of the additional VABS section results showed that obsession with thoughts or activities predominated among boys, as well as expression of thoughts that do not make sense. The following indicators were found only in boys: strange habits or ways (makes repetitive noises, odd hand movements, etc.) (14%), bizarre speech (conversations with self in public, repeating the same word or phrase, etc.) (7%).

Conclusions

Described signs of children’s maladjustment can be used for the purposes of diagnostics, prevention and care.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Self-Regulation Processes in Patients with Alcohol Dependence (Pilot Study)

Introduction

The first stage of the psychological intervention is related to diagnostics

Objectives

Purpose of the study was to explore features of mental self-regulation processes in patients with diagnosis “Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol”.

Methods

The study involved 39 male patients with alcohol dependence, the average age of 43.6 ± 6 years. The experimental group (20 patients) was taking part in in-patient rehabilitation program, the duration of rehabilitation ranged 4-6 months. The control group included 19 patients of the in-patient addiction treatment department, with average duration of treatment 21 days. To assess self-regulation processes, questionnaires “Style of behavior self-regulation” (Morosanova V.) and questionnaire of volitional self-control (Zverkov A., Eydman E.) were used. To compare differences between two independent groups Mann-Whitney U-test was used

Results

There was a significant difference for the subscale “Persistence and perseverance” in “Volitional self-control” test (p≤0.05) for the control and experimental groups. Patients, involved in clinical rehabilitation program, have higher ranks comparing to patients got clinical treatment (22.2 and 17.7). The comparison of the results of the questionnaire “Style of behavior self-regulation” showed that there is a significant difference for subscales “Modeling of significant conditions” and “Independence” (p≤0.05); participants from the experimental group had higher mean rank in both cases.

Conclusions

Patients who took part in the long-term in-patient rehabilitation program had more stable motivation to achieve their goals, better self-regulation and activity planning skills, higher independence and self-confidence, they were less dependent on opinion of others. The identified features can be used in psychological programs aimed at improving planning skills, reducing behavioral rigidity, stabilizing self-esteem and improving adaptive capacity.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Changes in Use of Tobacco and Alcohol During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction

The survey assessed changes in tobacco, alcohol and other substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

The survey was carried out in Moscow and Nizhegorodskaya Oblast in December, 2020 - February, 2021 and included 650 medical organizations’ employees and 344 individuals with harmful alcohol or other substances use.

Methods

The instrument included ASSIST, Kessler-10 and IES-R tests modified for self-reporting about different pandemic periods.

Results

Among medical workers 36.8% smoked last 12 months; during the COVID-19 pandemic 13% maintained usual cigarette smoking level, 2.4% increased smoking during incidence rises. 71.2% drank alcohol last 12 months; during incidence rises 20.4% drank as usual, 15.0% drank less frequently; 2.4% increased frequency of drinking, 1.8% volumes on drinking days, 1.3% frequency of heavy episodic drinking. In harmful substance use group 61.9% smoked last 12 months; during COVID-19 incidence rises 40% kept their usual level of smoking; 13.4% increased their smoking during the first and 8.7% during the second ‘wave’ of the pandemic. 90.1% drank alcohol last 12 months; during incidence rises 49% kept drinking as usual, 20% reduced drinking and 17.3% increased drinking frequency, 21.0% volumes on drinking days, 16.4% heavy episodic drinking frequency. Wastewater-based epidemiology analysis performed in Moscow Oblast location demonstrated significant increase during COVID-19 pandemic, compared to same period 2 years earlier: inhaled nicotine use by average of 40%, ethanol consumption by average of 49%.

Conclusions

Changes in cigarette smoking and alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic had significant variation. Increases were more likely to occur during the pandemic ‘waves’ among individual from harmful users’ group.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Changes in alcohol consumption in the Russian Federation during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

Excessive alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for various mental health disorders and can exacerbate the already high burden of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic itself can adversely affect alcohol consumption and thus contribute to alcohol-related problems, including mental health problems.

Objectives

This study was aimed to assess changes in alcohol consumption that may have occurred as a result of the COVID-19pandemic and determine associated factors among population of Russian Federation.

Methods

By distributing a link to take part in an anonymous online survey,changes in volume and frequency of alcohol use,and frequency of heavy episodic drinking(6 or more servings of alcohol at a time)in the first months of COVID-19pandemic were assessed. 819respondents from Russia:321 men and 498women, submitted their responses during May-July,2020. Associations between changes in alcohol use were assessed in a univariate analysis with socio-demographic factors,alcohol use over the previous 12months,stress, individual perceptions of changes in daily and social life and other negative consequences of pandemic.The statistical significance of associations was assessed using the Pearson’sχ2 test.

Results

Individuals with initially higher alcohol consumption increased their alcohol use, while those who drank less, decreased alcohol use even more during pandemic (p<0.05). Severe restrictions of social/everyday life were associated with more frequent alcohol use and in larger volumes (p<0.001). Negative professional/financial consequences of pandemic and stress were associated with increase of typical drinking volume (p<0.001), more frequent alcohol use (p<0.001)and heavy episodic drinking (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic could have increased health inequalities in Russia through changes in alcohol consumption.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Diagnostic Results of IQ-test in School-Aged Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum of Disorders

Introduction

FAS and FASD are completely preventable conditions which can be reduced by methods of prevention aimed at alcohol eliminating by women during pregnancy.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess level of intellectual impairment in children with FAS and FASD.

Methods

All children who participated in the study had physical development retardation and various dysmorphological features of FAS or FASD. The sample included 77 children, 8.6±1.03 years of age. FAS was diagnosed in 8 children, FASD in 69 children. Assessments were carried out by pediatrician, psychiatrist and psychologist; level of intelligence was assessed using WISC test.

Results

Among children with FAS average IQ was 65.9 points (extremely low level), which corresponds to «mild mental retardation» diagnosis (F70, ICD-10). Four children with FAS had intelligence corresponding to «very low» level (IQ=70-79), three had «mild mental retardation» (IQ=50-69), and one had «moderate mental retardation» (F71, ICD-10) (IQ=35-49). Among children with FASD average IQ was higher and reached 79.5 points, corresponding to «very low» intelligence level. «Moderate mental retardation» was identified in 7.8% children with FASD; 22.1% children had «mild mental retardation», and 27.3% had «very low». In 37.7% children IQ level was within normal range: «low average» in 19.5% (IQ=80-89) and «average» in 18.2% (IQ=90-109). «Very high intelligence» (IQ=120-129) was detected in 2.6% children, «extremely high intelligence» (IQ=130 points and above) in 2.6%.

Conclusions

All children with FAS had impaired mental development. Children with FASD showed a wide range of total IQ values, from moderate degree of mental retardation to very high intelligence.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Cell Type-Specific Adhesion and Migration on Laser-Structured Opaque Surfaces

Cytocompatibility is essential for implant approval. However, initial in vitro screenings mainly include the quantity of adherent immortalized cells and cytotoxicity. Other vital parameters, such as cell migration and an in-depth understanding of the interaction between native tissue cells and implant surfaces, are rarely considered. We investigated different laser-fabricated spike structures using primary and immortalized cell lines of fibroblasts and osteoblasts and included quantification of the cell area, aspect ratio, and focal adhesions. Furthermore, we examined the three-dimensional cell interactions with spike topographies and developed a tailored migration assay for long-term monitoring on opaque materials. While fibroblasts and osteoblasts on small spikes retained their normal morphology, cells on medium and large spikes sank into the structures, affecting the composition of the cytoskeleton and thereby changing cell shape. Up to 14 days, migration appeared stronger on small spikes, probably as a consequence of adequate focal adhesion formation and an intact cytoskeleton, whereas human primary cells revealed differences in comparison to immortalized cell lines. The use of primary cells, analysis of the cell-implant structure interaction as well as cell migration might strengthen the evaluation of cytocompatibility and thereby improve the validity regarding the putative in vivo performance of implant material.

Laser-structured spike surface shows great bone integrative properties despite infection in vivo

Implant associated infections can result in devastating consequences for patients. One major cause is the formation of bacterial biofilms, which result in increased resistance against antimicrobial therapeutics. A reduction of implant associated infections can be achieved by functionalization of implant surfaces. The generation of three dimensional surface structures by femtosecond laser ablation is one method to fabricate bacterial repellent large scaled surfaces without altering the material chemical composition. The challenge is to reduce bacterial growth while improving cellular ongrowth. For this purpose, spike structures were created as small as possible by used fabrication method on cubic Ti90/Al6/V4-rods and their effectiveness against bacterial colonization was compared to unstructured Ti90/Al6/V4-rods. Rods were implanted in the rat tibia and infected intraoperatively with 10³ CFU of Staphylococcus aureus. Besides clinical behaviour and lameness, the vital bacterial biomass, morphological appearance and the volume of eukaryotic cells were determined on the implant surface after 21 days. Bone alterations were examined by radiological and histological techniques. Unexpectedly, the laser-structured implants did not show a lower bacterial load on the implant surface and less severe infection related bone and tissue alterations compared to the group without structuring. Simultaneously, a better bony integration and a higher cellular colonization with eukaryotic cells was detected on the laser-structured implants. These findings don't support the previous in vitro results. Nevertheless, the strong integration into the bone is a powerful argument for further surface modifications focussing on the improvement of the antibacterial effect. Additionally, our results underline the need for in vivo testing of new materials prior to clinical use.

Liquid-Infused Structured Titanium Surfaces: Antiadhesive Mechanism to Repel Streptococcus oralis Biofilms

To combat implant-associated infections, there is a need for novel materials which effectively inhibit bacterial biofilm formation. In the present study, the antiadhesive properties of titanium surface functionalization based on the "slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces" (SLIPS) principle were demonstrated and the underlying mechanism was analyzed. The immobilized liquid layer was stable over 13 days of continuous flow in an oral flow chamber system. With increasing flow rates, the surface exhibited a significant reduction in attached biofilm of both the oral initial colonizer  Streptococcus oralis and an oral multispecies biofilm composed of S. oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella dispar, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Using single cell force spectroscopy, reduced S. oralis adhesion forces on the lubricant layer could be measured. Gene expression patterns in biofilms on SLIPS, on control surfaces, and expression patterns of planktonic cultures were also compared. For this purpose, the genome of S. oralis strain ATCC 9811 was sequenced using PacBio Sequel technology. Even though biofilm cells showed clear changes in gene expression compared to planktonic cells, no differences could be detected between bacteria on SLIPS and on control surfaces. Therefore, it can be concluded that the ability of liquid-infused titanium to repel S. oralis biofilms is mainly due to weakened bacterial adhesion to the underlying liquid interface.

Development of Laser-Structured Liquid-Infused Titanium with Strong Biofilm-Repellent Properties

Medical implants are commonly used in modern medicine but still harbor the risk of microbial infections caused by bacterial biofilms. As their retrospective treatment is difficult, there is a need for biomedical materials that inhibit bacterial colonization from the start without using antibacterial agents, as these can promote resistance development. The promising concept of slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) possesses enormous potential for this purpose. In the present study, this principle was applied to titanium, a common material in implantology, and its biofilm-repellent properties were demonstrated. To simplify prospective approval of the medical device and to avoid chemical contamination, surface structuring was performed by ultrashort pulsed laser ablation. Four different structures (hierarchical micro- and nanosized spikes, microsized grooves, nanosized ripples, and unstructured surfaces) and five infusing perfluoropolyethers of different viscosities were screened; the best results were obtained with the biomimetic, hierarchical spike structure combined with lubricants of medium viscosities (20-60 cSt at 37 °C, 143 AZ, and GPL 104). The surfaces exhibited extremely low contact angle hysteresis, as is typical for liquid-infused materials and a reliable 100-fold reduction of human oral pathogen Streptococcus oralis biofilms. This characteristic was maintained after exposure to shear forces and gravity. The titanium SLIPS also inhibited adherence of human fibroblasts and osteoblasts. Toxicity tests supported the explanation that solely the surface's repellent properties are responsible for the vigorous prevention of the adhesion of bacteria and cells. This use of physically structured and liquid-infused titanium to avoid bioadhesion should support the prevention of bacterial implant-associated infections without the use of antibacterial agents.

Reduced bacterial adhesion on titanium surfaces micro-structured by ultra-short pulsed laser ablation

Implant-associated infections still pose serious problems in modern medicine. The development of fabrication processes to generate functional surfaces, which inhibit bacterial attachment, is of major importance. Sharklet™-like as well as grooves and grid micro-structures having similar dimensions were fabricated on the common implant material titanium by ultra-short pulsed laser ablation. Investigations on the biofilm formation of

Impact of laser-structured biomaterial interfaces on guided cell responses

To achieve a perfect integration of biomaterials into the body, tissue formation in contact with the interface has to be controlled. In this connection, a selective cell control is required: fibrotic encapsulation has to be inhibited, while tissue guidance has to be stimulated. As conventional biomaterials do not fulfil this specification, functionalization of the biointerface is under development to mimic the natural environment of the cells. One approach focuses on the fabrication of defined surface topographies. Thereby, ultrashort pulse laser ablation is very beneficial, owing to a large variety of fabricated structures, reduced heat-affected zones, high precision and reproducibility. We demonstrate that nanostructures in platinum and microstructures in silicon selectively control cell behaviour: inhibiting fibroblasts, while stimulating neuronal attachment and differentiation. However, the control of fibroblasts strongly correlates with the created size dimensions of the surface structures. These findings suggest favourable biomaterial interfaces for electronic devices. The mechanisms which are responsible for selective cell control are poorly understood. To give an insight, cell behaviour in dependence of biomaterial interfaces is discussed-including basic research on the role of the extracellular matrix. This knowledge is essential to understand such specific cell responses and to optimize biomaterial interfaces for future biomedical applications.

Dry friction of microstructured polymer surfaces inspired by snake skin

The microstructure investigated in this study was inspired by the anisotropic microornamentation of scales from the ventral body side of the California King Snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae). Frictional properties of snake-inspired microstructured polymer surface (SIMPS) made of epoxy resin were characterised in contact with a smooth glass ball by a microtribometer in two perpendicular directions. The SIMPS exhibited a considerable frictional anisotropy: Frictional coefficients measured along the microstructure were about 33% lower than those measured in the opposite direction. Frictional coefficients were compared to those obtained on other types of surface microstructure: (i) smooth ones, (ii) rough ones, and (iii) ones with periodic groove-like microstructures of different dimensions. The results demonstrate the existence of a common pattern of interaction between two general effects that influence friction: (1) molecular interaction depending on real contact area and (2) the mechanical interlocking of both contacting surfaces. The strongest reduction of the frictional coefficient, compared to the smooth reference surface, was observed at a medium range of surface structure dimensions suggesting a trade-off between these two effects.

Topography and coating of platinum improve the electrochemical properties and neuronal guidance

To improve neuronal-electrode interfaces, we analyzed the influence of surface topographies combined with coating on the electrochemistry of platinum and neuronal differentiation of PC-12 cells. Surface structuring on nanoscale was realized by femtosecond laser ablation. Additional coating with laminin (LA), collagen type I (COL) or poly-d-lysine (PDL) did not change the produced topography. We further demonstrated that impedance could be improved in all cases. The pre-requisites of differentiation - viability and attachment - were fulfilled on the topography. Cell attachment of non-differentiated and differentiated cells and their formation of focal adhesion complexes were even enhanced compared to unstructured platinum. However, without the nerve growth factor (NGF) no cellular outgrowth and differentiation were possible. The topography enabled cell elongation and reduced the amount of rounded cells, but less effective than coating. Differentiation was either comparable or increased on the structures when compared with unstructured coatings. For instance, microtubule associated protein (MAP2) was detected most on the topography alone. But a combination of surface structuring and coating had the strongest impact on differentiation: the usage of COL provoked best cell elongation and beta III tubulin expression, PDL best synaptophysin. LA-coating had no noteworthy effect. These findings point out that innovative electronic devices like cochlear implants include two aspects: (a) nanotopography to improve the transmission of electrical signals and neuronal attachment; and (b) an additional coating to stimulate neuronal differentiation.

Two-photon polymerization microstructuring in regenerative medicine

Two-photon polymerization has developed as a powerful tool for making micro- and nanoscale structures for regenerative medicine applications. This review discusses micro- and nanoscale aspects of tissue engineering, which are followed by a brief description of the two-photon polymerization process and how it has been used thus far in tissue engineering and other regenerative medicine applications. Lastly, potential future applications of two-photon polymerization in regenerative medicine are presented. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the uses of two-photon polymerization thus far in regenerative medicine and a look into how this technique will be used in the future.

Laser-engineered topography: correlation between structure dimensions and cell control

Topographical cues have a significant impact on cell responses and by this means, on the fabrication of innovative implant materials. However, analysis of cell-topography interactions in dependence of the surface feature dimensions is still challenging due to limitations in the fabrication technology. Here, we introduce surface structuring via picosecond laser systems, which enable a fast production of micro-sized topologies. Changes in the processing parameters further control the feature sizes of so-called spikes. Using surfaces with big and small spike-to-spike-distances for comparisons, we focussed on cell adhesion via extracellular matrix adsorption and focal adhesion complexes, morphology, localisation and proliferation of fibroblasts. The observed cell control was dependent on a turnover point related to the structure dimensions: only big spike-to-spike-distances reduced cell behaviour. Therefore, this technology offers a platform to study cell and tissue interactions with a defined microenvironment.

Evaluation of single-cell force spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy to determine cell interactions with femtosecond-laser microstructured titanium surfaces

One goal in biomaterials research is to limit the formation of connective tissue around the implant. Antiwetting surfaces are known to reduce ability of cells to adhere. Such surfaces can be achieved by special surface structures (lotus effect). Aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility for creating antiwetting surface structures on titanium and to characterize their effect on initial cell adhesion and proliferation. Titanium microstructures were generated using femtosecond- (fs-) laser pulses. Murine fibroblasts served as a model for connective tissue cells. Quantitative investigation of initial cell adhesion was performed using atomic force microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy was used for the characterization of cell-adhesion pattern, cell morphology, and proliferation. Water contact angle (WCA) measurements evinced antiwetting properties of laser-structured surfaces. However, the WCA was decreased in serum-containing medium. Initial cell adhesion to microstructured titanium was significantly promoted when compared with polished titanium. Microstructures did not influence cell proliferation on titanium surfaces. However, on titanium microstructures, cells showed a flattened morphology, and the cell orientation was biased according to the surface topography. In conclusion, antiwetting properties of surfaces were absent in the presence of serum and did not hinder adhesion and proliferation of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.

Directing neuronal cell growth on implant material surfaces by microstructuring

For best hearing sensation, electrodes of auditory prosthesis must have an optimal electrical contact to the respective neuronal cells. To improve the electrode-nerve interface, microstructuring of implant surfaces could guide neuronal cells toward the electrode contact. To this end, femtosecond laser ablation was used to generate linear microgrooves on the two currently relevant cochlear implant materials, silicone elastomer and platinum. Silicone surfaces were structured by two different methods, either directly, by laser ablation or indirectly, by imprinting using laser-microstructured molds. The influence of surface structuring on neurite outgrowth was investigated utilizing a neuronal-like cell line and primary auditory neurons. The pheochromocytoma cell line PC-12 and primary spiral ganglion cells were cultured on microstructured auditory implant materials. The orientation of neurite outgrowth relative to the microgrooves was determined. Both cell types showed a preferred orientation in parallel to the microstructures on both, platinum and on molded silicone elastomer. Interestingly, microstructures generated by direct laser ablation of silicone did not influence the orientation of either cell type. This shows that differences in the manufacturing procedures can affect the ability of microstructured implant surfaces to guide the growth of neurites. This is of particular importance for clinical applications, since the molding technique represents a reproducible, economic, and commercially feasible manufacturing procedure for the microstructured silicone surfaces of medical implants.

Air-directed attachment of coccoid bacteria to the surface of superhydrophobic lotus-like titanium

Superhydrophobic titanium surfaces fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation to mimic the structure of lotus leaves were assessed for their ability to retain coccoid bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus CIP 65.8T, S. aureus ATCC 25923, S. epidermidis ATCC 14990T and Planococcus maritimus KMM 3738 were retained by the surface, to varying degrees. However, each strain was found to preferentially attach to the crevices located between the microscale surface features. The upper regions of the microscale features remained essentially cell-free. It was hypothesised that air entrapped by the topographical features inhibited contact between the cells and the titanium substratum. Synchrotron SAXS revealed that even after immersion for 50 min, nano-sized air bubbles covered 45% of the titanium surface. After 1 h the number of cells of S. aureus CIP 65.8T attached to the lotus-like titanium increased to 1.27×10(5) mm(-2), coinciding with the replacement of trapped air by the incubation medium.

Bacterial retention on superhydrophobic titanium surfaces fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation

Two-tier micro- and nanoscale quasi-periodic self-organized structures, mimicking the surface of a lotus Nelumbo nucifera leaf, were fabricated on titanium surfaces using femtosecond laser ablation. The first tier consisted of large grainlike convex features between 10 and 20 μm in size. The second tier existed on the surface of these grains, where 200 nm (or less) wide irregular undulations were present. The introduction of the biomimetic surface patterns significantly transformed the surface wettabilty of the titanium surface. The original surface possessed a water contact angle of θ(W) 73 ± 3°, whereas the laser-treated titanium surface became superhydrophobic, with a water contact angle of θ(W) 166 ± 4°. Investigations of the interaction of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa with these superhydrophobic surfaces at the surface-liquid interface revealed a highly selective retention pattern for two pathogenic bacteria. While S. aureus cells were able to successfully colonize the superhydrophobic titanium surfaces, no P. aeruginosa cells were able to attach to the surface (i.e., any attached bacterial cells were below the estimated lower detection limit).

Femtosecond laser fabricated spike structures for selective control of cellular behavior

In this study we investigate the potential of femtosecond laser generated micrometer sized spike structures as functional surfaces for selective cell controlling. The spike dimensions as well as the average spike to spike distance can be easily tuned by varying the process parameters. Moreover, negative replications in soft materials such as silicone elastomer can be produced. This allows tailoring of wetting properties of the spike structures and their negative replicas representing a reduced surface contact area. Furthermore, we investigated material effects on cellular behavior. By comparing human fibroblasts and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells we found that the influence of the material was cell specific. The cells not only changed their morphology, but also the cell growth was affected. Whereas, neuroblastoma cells proliferated at the same rate on the spike structures as on the control surfaces, the proliferation of fibroblasts was reduced by the spike structures. These effects can result from the cell specific adhesion patterns as shown in this work. These findings show a possibility to design defined surface microstructures, which could control cellular behavior in a cell specific manner.

Differential fine-tuning of cochlear implant material-cell interactions by femtosecond laser microstructuring

Cochlear implants (CIs) can restore hearing in deaf patients by electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. To optimize the electrical stimulation, the number of independent channels must be increased by reduction of connective tissue growth on the electrode surface and selective neuronal cell contact. The femtosecond laser microstructuring of the electrode surfaces was performed to investigate the effect of fibroblast growth on the implant material. A cell culture model system was established to evaluate cell-material interactions on these microstructured CI-electrode materials. Fibroblasts were used as a cell culture model for connective tissue formation, and differentiating neuronal-like cells were employed to represent neuronal cells. For nondestructive microscopic examination of living cells on the structured surfaces, the cells were genetically modified to express green fluorescent protein. To investigate the special interaction between the electrode material and the tissue we used electrode material which is originally used for manufacturing CI for human applications, namely platinum (contact material) and silicone carrier material (LSR 30, HCRP 50). Microstructures of various dimensions (groove width 1-10 microm) were generated by using femtosecond laser ablation. The highest fibroblast growth rate was observed on platinum, but cell growth rates on the silicone carrier material were lower. Microstructuring reduced fibroblast cell growth on platinum significantly. On the microstructured silicone, a trend to lower cell growth rates was observed. In addition, microgrooves on platinum surfaces can direct neurite outgrowth parallel to the grooves. The implications of the results are discussed with respect to the design of a microstructured CI surface.