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Characterization of a Polymer‐Based, Fully Organic Prosthesis for Implantation into the Subretinal Space of the Rat
Author(s) -
Antognazza Maria Rosa,
Di Paolo Mattia,
Ghezzi Diego,
Mete Maurizio,
Di Marco Stefano,
MayaVetencourt José Fernando,
Maccarone Rita,
Desii Andrea,
Di Fonzo Fabio,
Bramini Mattia,
Russo Angela,
Laudato Lucia,
Donelli Ilaria,
Cilli Michele,
Freddi Giuliano,
Pertile Grazia,
Lanzani Guglielmo,
Bisti Silvia,
Benfenati Fabio
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
advanced healthcare materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.288
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 2192-2659
pISSN - 2192-2640
DOI - 10.1002/adhm.201600318
Subject(s) - biocompatibility , retina , retinal , visual prosthesis , prosthesis , materials science , biocompatible material , foreign body , biomedical engineering , prosthesis implantation , retinal prosthesis , retinal pigment epithelium , surgery , medicine , ophthalmology , biology , neuroscience , metallurgy
Replacement strategies arise as promising approaches in case of inherited retinal dystrophies leading to blindness. A fully organic retinal prosthesis made of conjugated polymers layered onto a silk fibroin substrate is engineered. First, the biophysical and surface properties are characterized; then, the long‐term biocompatibility is assessed after implantation of the organic device in the subretinal space of 3‐months‐old rats for a period of five months. The results indicate a good stability of the subretinal implants over time, with preservation of the physical properties of the polymeric layer and a tight contact with the outer retina. Immunoinflammatory markers detect only a modest tissue reaction to the surgical insult and the foreign body that peaks shortly after surgery and progressively decreases with time to normal levels at five months after implantation. Importantly, the integrity of the polymeric layer in direct contact with the retinal tissue is preserved after five months of implantation. The recovery of the foreign‐body tissue reaction is also associated with a normal b‐wave in the electroretinographic response. The results demonstrate that the device implanted in nondystrophic eyes is well tolerated, highly biocompatible, and suitable as retinal prosthesis in case of photoreceptor degeneration.