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Polydimethylsiloxane as a substrate for retinal pigment epithelial cell growth
Author(s) -
Krishna Yamini,
Sheridan Carl M.,
Kent David L.,
Grierson Ian,
Williams Rachel L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.30953
Subject(s) - monolayer , polydimethylsiloxane , materials science , retinal , phagocytosis , wetting , biophysics , contact angle , cell , transplantation , substrate (aquarium) , nanotechnology , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , biology , medicine , biochemistry , composite material , surgery , ecology
Abstract Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell transplantation represents potential treatment for age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Because delivery of isolated cells can cause serious complications, it is necessary to develop a suitable transplant membrane that could support an intact functioning RPE monolayer. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) possesses the physical properties required for a transplanting device and is widely used clinically. We have investigated the use of PDMS as a potential surface for the growth of healthy RPE monolayers. PDMS discs were surface modified by air and ammonia gas plasma treatments. Dynamic contact angles were measured to determine the changes in wettability. Human ARPE‐19 cells were seeded onto untreated and treated samples. Cell number, morphology and monolayer formation, cytotoxicity, and phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (POS) were assessed at set time‐points. Air plasma treatment increased the wettability of PDMS. This significantly enhanced cell growth, reaching confluence by day 7. Immunofluorescence revealed well‐defined actin staining, monolayer formation, and high cell viability on air plasma treated and untreated surfaces, and to a lesser extent, on ammonia plasma treated. Furthermore, RPE monolayers were able to demonstrate phagocytosis of POS in a time‐dependent manner similar to control. PDMS can support an intact functional monolayer of healthy differentiated RPE cells. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007