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Trousil J, Cabral JV, Voukali E, Nováčková J, Pop-Georgievski O, Vacík T, Studený P, Studenovska H, Jirsova K. Electrospun poly(l-lactide- co-dl-lactide) nanofibrous scaffold as substrate for ex vivo limbal epithelial cell cultivation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30970. [PMID: 38803982 PMCID: PMC11128869 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrathin electrospun poly (l-lactide-co-dl-lactide) nanofibrous membranes coated with fibronectin were explored as scaffolds for the ex vivo cultivation of limbal epithelial cells (LECs) for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. The developed scaffolds were compared with the "gold-standard" fibrin gel. The resulting membranes composed of nanofibers possessed a very low thickness of 4 μm and allowed very good optical transparency in the wet state. The fibronectin-coated nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrated LEC expansion and successful cultivation similar to that on fibrin gel. Unlike the regular cobblestone epithelial cell morphology on the fibrin gel, the nanofibrous scaffold presented a mostly irregular epithelial morphology with a shift to a mesenchymal phenotype, as confirmed by the upregulation of profibroblastic genes: ACTA2 (p = 0.023), FBLN1 (p < 0.001), and THY1 (p < 0.001). Both culture conditions revealed comparable expression of stem cell markers, including KLF4, ΔNp63α and ABCG2, emphasizing the promise of polylactide-based nanofibrous membranes for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Trousil
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joao Victor Cabral
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eleni Voukali
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Nováčková
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ognen Pop-Georgievski
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Vacík
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Studený
- Ophthalmology Department, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Jirsova
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Faura G, Studenovska H, Sekac D, Ellederova Z, Petrovski G, Eide L. The Effects of the Coating and Aging of Biodegradable Polylactic Acid Membranes on In Vitro Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells. Biomedicines 2024; 12:966. [PMID: 38790928 PMCID: PMC11117638 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12050966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in developed countries. The replacement of dysfunctional human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells by the transplantation of in vitro-cultivated hRPE cells to the affected area emerges as a feasible strategy for regenerative therapy. Synthetic biomimetic membranes arise as powerful hRPE cell carriers, but as biodegradability is a requirement, it also poses a challenge due to its limited durability. hRPE cells exhibit several characteristics that putatively respond to the type of membrane carrier, and they can be used as biomarkers to evaluate and further optimize such membranes. Here, we analyze the pigmentation, transepithelial resistance, genome integrity, and maturation markers of hRPE cells plated on commercial polycarbonate (PC) versus in-house electrospun polylactide-based (PLA) membranes, both enabling separate apical/basolateral compartments. Our results show that PLA is superior to PC-based membranes for the cultivation of hRPEs, and the BEST1/RPE65 maturation markers emerge as the best biomarkers for addressing the quality of hRPE cultivated in vitro. The stability of the cultures was observed to be affected by PLA aging, which is an effect that could be partially palliated by the coating of the PLA membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Faura
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 162 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - David Sekac
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic; (D.S.); (Z.E.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic; (D.S.); (Z.E.)
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Centre, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
- UKLO Network, University St. Kliment Ohridski, 7000 Bitola, North Macedonia
| | - Lars Eide
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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McCall MA. Pig Models in Retinal Research and Retinal Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041296. [PMID: 37553210 PMCID: PMC10982707 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The pig has been used as a large animal model in biomedical research for many years and its use continues to increase because induced mutations phenocopy several inherited human diseases. In addition, they are continuous breeders, can be propagated by artificial insemination, have large litter sizes (on the order of mice), and can be genetically manipulated using all of the techniques that are currently available in mice. The pioneering work of Petters and colleagues set the stage for the use of the pig as a model of inherited retinal disease. In the last 10 years, the pig has become a model of choice where specific disease-causing mutations that are not phenocopied in rodents need to be studied and therapeutic approaches explored. The pig is not only used for retinal eye disease but also for the study of the cornea and lens. This review attempts to show how broad the use of the pig has become and how it has contributed to the assessment of treatments for eye disease. In the last 10 years, there have been several reviews that included the use of the pig in biomedical research (see body of the review) that included information about retinal disease. None directly discuss the use of the pig as an animal model for retinal diseases, including inherited diseases, where a single genetic mutation has been identified or for multifactorial diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Although the pig is used to explore diseases of the cornea and lens, this review focuses on how and why the pig, as a large animal model, is useful for research in neural retinal disease and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen A McCall
- Departments of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA
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Gupta S, Lytvynchuk L, Ardan T, Studenovska H, Sharma R, Faura G, Eide L, Shanker Verma R, Znaor L, Erceg S, Stieger K, Motlik J, Petrovski G, Bharti K. Progress in Stem Cells-Based Replacement Therapy for Retinal Pigment Epithelium: In Vitro Differentiation to In Vivo Delivery. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:536-552. [PMID: 37459045 PMCID: PMC10427969 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a critical cell monolayer forming the blood-retina-barrier (BRB) and a permeable bridge between the choriocapillaris and the retina. RPE is also crucial in maintaining photoreceptor function and for completing the visual cycle. Loss of the RPE is associated with the development of degenerative diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To treat diseases like AMD, pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (pRPE) has been recently explored extensively as a regenerative module. pRPE like other ectodermal tissues requires specific lineage differentiation and long-term in vitro culturing for maturation. Therefore, understanding the differentiation process of RPE could be useful for stem cell-based RPE derivation. Developing pRPE-based transplants and delivering them into the subretinal space is another aspect that has garnered interest in the last decade. In this review, we discuss the basic strategies currently employed for stem cell-based RPE derivation, their delivery, and recent clinical studies related to pRPE transplantation in patients. We have also discussed a few limitations with in vitro RPE culture and potential solutions to overcome such problems which can be helpful in developing functional RPE tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Gupta
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lyubomyr Lytvynchuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria
| | - Taras Ardan
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Cell Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioanalogous Systems, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Georgina Faura
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Eide
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rama Shanker Verma
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology, Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences. Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ljubo Znaor
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Split School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, Split, Croatia
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Research Center “Principe Felipe,” Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Knut Stieger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan Motlik
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Cell Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Split School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, Split, Croatia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Subretinal Implantation of Human Primary RPE Cells Cultured on Nanofibrous Membranes in Minipigs. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030669. [PMID: 35327471 PMCID: PMC8945676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The development of primary human retinal pigmented epithelium (hRPE) for clinical transplantation purposes on biodegradable scaffolds is indispensable. We hereby report the results of the subretinal implantation of hRPE cells on nanofibrous membranes in minipigs. Methods: The hRPEs were collected from human cadaver donor eyes and cultivated on ultrathin nanofibrous carriers prepared via the electrospinning of poly(L-lactide-co-DL-lactide) (PDLLA). “Libechov” minipigs (12–36 months old) were used in the study, supported by preoperative tacrolimus immunosuppressive therapy. The subretinal implantation of the hRPE-nanofibrous carrier was conducted using general anesthesia via a custom-made injector during standard three-port 23-gauge vitrectomy, followed by silicone oil endotamponade. The observational period lasted 1, 2, 6 and 8 weeks, and included in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina, as well as post mortem immunohistochemistry using the following antibodies: HNAA and STEM121 (human cell markers); Bestrophin and CRALBP (hRPE cell markers); peanut agglutining (PNA) (cone photoreceptor marker); PKCα (rod bipolar marker); Vimentin, GFAP (macroglial markers); and Iba1 (microglial marker). Results: The hRPEs assumed cobblestone morphology, persistent pigmentation and measurable trans-epithelial electrical resistance on the nanofibrous PDLLA carrier. The surgical delivery of the implants in the subretinal space of the immunosuppressed minipigs was successfully achieved and monitored by fundus imaging and OCT. The implanted hRPEs were positive for HNAA and STEM121 and were located between the minipig’s neuroretina and RPE layers at week 2 post-implantation, which was gradually attenuated until week 8. The neuroretina over the implants showed rosette or hypertrophic reaction at week 6. The implanted cells expressed the typical RPE marker bestrophin throughout the whole observation period, and a gradual diminishing of the CRALBP expression in the area of implantation at week 8 post-implantation was observed. The transplanted hRPEs appeared not to form a confluent layer and were less capable of keeping the inner and outer retinal segments intact. The cone photoreceptors adjacent to the implant scaffold were unchanged initially, but underwent a gradual change in structure after hRPE implantation; the retina above and below the implant appeared relatively healthy. The glial reaction of the transplanted and host retina showed Vimentin and GFAP positivity from week 1 onward. Microglial activation appeared in the retinal area of the transplant early after the surgery, which seemed to move into the transplant area over time. Conclusions: The differentiated hRPEs can serve as an alternative cell source for RPE replacement in animal studies. These cells can be cultivated on nanofibrous PDLLA and implanted subretinally into minipigs using standard 23-gauge vitrectomy and implantation injector. The hRPE-laden scaffolds demonstrated relatively good incorporation into the host retina over an eight-week observation period, with some indication of a gliotic scar formation, and a likely neuroinflammatory response in the transplanted area despite the use of immunosuppression.
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Tichotová L, Studenovska H, Petrovski G, Popelka Š, Nemesh Y, Sedláčková M, Drutovič S, Rohiwal S, Jendelová P, Erceg S, Brymová A, Artero‐Castro A, Lytvynchuk L, Straňák Z, Ellederová Z, Motlík J, Ardan T. Advantages of nanofibrous membranes for culturing of primary RPE cells compared to commercial scaffolds. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 100:e1172-e1185. [PMID: 34687141 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) causes numerous forms of retinal degeneration. RPE replacement is a modern option to save vision. We aimed to test the results of transplanting cultured RPEs on biocompatible membranes. METHODS We cultivated porcine primary RPE cells isolated from cadaver eyes from the slaughterhouse on two types of membranes: commercial polyester scaffolds Transwell (Corning Inc., Kenneburg, ME, USA) with 0.4 µm pore size and prepared Poly (L-lactide-co-DL-lactide) (PDLLA) nanofibrous membranes with an average pore size of 0.4 µm. RESULTS Five types of assays were used for the analysis: immunocytochemistry (ICC), phagocytosis assay, Western blotting, real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR) and electron microscopy. RT-qPCR demonstrated that RPEs cultured on nanofibrous membranes have higher expressions of BEST1 (bestrophin 1), RLBP1 (retinaldehyde-binding protein 1), RPE65 (retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein), PAX6 (transcription factor PAX6), SOX9 (transcription factor SOX9), DCT (dopachrome tautomerase) and MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor). ICC of the RPEs cultured on nanofibrous membranes showed more intensive staining of markers such as BEST1, MCT1 (monocarboxylate transporter 1), Na+ /K+ ATPase, RPE65 and acetylated tubulin in comparison with commercial ones. Additionally, the absence of α-SMA proved the stability of the RPE polarization state and the absence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. RPE possessed high phagocytic activity. Electron microscopy of both membranes confirmed a confluent layer of RPE cells and their genuine morphological structure, which was comparable to native RPEs. CONCLUSIONS Retinal pigment epitheliums cultured on polylactide nanofibrous membranes improved the final quality of the cell product by having better maturation and long-term survival of the RPE monolayer compared to those cultured on commercial polyester scaffolds. PDLLA-cultured RPEs are a plausible source for the replacement of non-functioning RPEs during cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Tichotová
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Libechov Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague Czech Republic
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center for Eye Research Department of Ophthalmology Oslo University Hospital and Institute for Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Štěpán Popelka
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague Czech Republic
| | - Yaroslav Nemesh
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Libechov Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Sedláčková
- Department of Histology and Embryology Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic
| | - Saskia Drutovič
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Libechov Czech Republic
| | - Sonali Rohiwal
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Libechov Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Jendelová
- Institute of Experimental Medicine Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague Czech Republic
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Institute of Experimental Medicine Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague Czech Republic
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab Research Center ‘Principe Felipe’ Valencia Spain
| | - Anna Brymová
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Libechov Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Ana Artero‐Castro
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab Research Center ‘Principe Felipe’ Valencia Spain
| | - Lyubomyr Lytvynchuk
- Department of Ophthalmology Justus‐Liebig‐University Giessen University Hospital Giessen and Marburg Giessen Germany
| | - Zbyněk Straňák
- Ophthalmology Department of 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady Prague Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Zdeňka Ellederová
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Libechov Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlík
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Libechov Czech Republic
| | - Taras Ardan
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Libechov Czech Republic
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Rohiwal SS, Ellederová Z, Ardan T, Klima J. Advancement in Nanostructure-Based Tissue-Engineered Biomaterials for Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081005. [PMID: 34440209 PMCID: PMC8393745 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The review intends to overview a wide range of nanostructured natural, synthetic and biological membrane implants for tissue engineering to help in retinal degenerative diseases. Herein, we discuss the transplantation strategies and the new development of material in combination with cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), mature retinal cells, adult stem cells, retinal progenitors, fetal retinal cells, or retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) sheets, etc. to be delivered into the subretinal space. Retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the most common retinal diseases resulting in vision impairment or blindness by permanent loss in photoreceptor cells. Currently, there are no therapies that can repair permanent vision loss, and the available treatments can only delay the advancement of retinal degeneration. The delivery of cell-based nanostructure scaffolds has been presented to enrich cell survival and direct cell differentiation in a range of retinal degenerative models. In this review, we sum up the research findings on different types of nanostructure scaffolds/substrate or material-based implants, with or without cells, used to deliver into the subretinal space for retinal diseases. Though, clinical and pre-clinical trials are still needed for these transplants to be used as a clinical treatment method for retinal degeneration.
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The Evolution of Fabrication Methods in Human Retina Regeneration. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11094102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Optic nerve and retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) often cause permanent sight loss. Currently, a limited number of retinal diseases can be treated. Hence, new strategies are needed. Regenerative medicine and especially tissue engineering have recently emerged as promising alternatives to repair retinal degeneration and recover vision. Here, we provide an overview of retinal anatomy and diseases and a comprehensive review of retinal regeneration approaches. In the first part of the review, we present scaffold-free approaches such as gene therapy and cell sheet technology while in the second part, we focus on fabrication techniques to produce a retinal scaffold with a particular emphasis on recent trends and advances in fabrication techniques. To this end, the use of electrospinning, 3D bioprinting and lithography in retinal regeneration was explored.
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Chuchuy J, Rogal J, Ngo T, Stadelmann K, Antkowiak L, Achberger K, Liebau S, Schenke-Layland K, Loskill P. Integration of Electrospun Membranes into Low-Absorption Thermoplastic Organ-on-Chip. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:3006-3017. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Chuchuy
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Women’s Health, Research Institute for Women’s Health, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Silcherstrasse 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Rogal
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Women’s Health, Research Institute for Women’s Health, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Silcherstrasse 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tran Ngo
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Kathrin Stadelmann
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Lena Antkowiak
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology INDB, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Österbergstraße 3, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kevin Achberger
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology INDB, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Österbergstraße 3, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology INDB, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Österbergstraße 3, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- Department of Women’s Health, Research Institute for Women’s Health, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Silcherstrasse 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 675 Charles E. Young Drive South, MRL 3645, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Peter Loskill
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Nobelstraße 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Women’s Health, Research Institute for Women’s Health, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Silcherstrasse 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Belgio B, Boschetti F, Mantero S. Towards an In Vitro Retinal Model to Study and Develop New Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8020018. [PMID: 33499168 PMCID: PMC7911334 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly worldwide. So far, the etiology and the progression of AMD are not well known. Animal models have been developed to study the mechanisms involved in AMD; however, according to the "Three Rs" principle, alternative methods have been investigated. Here we present a strategy to develop a "Three Rs" compliant retinal three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model, including a Bruch's membrane model and retina pigment epithelium (RPE) layer. First, tensile testing was performed on porcine retina to set a reference for the in vitro model. The results of tensile testing showed a short linear region followed by a plastic region with peaks. Then, Bruch's membrane (BrM) was fabricated via electrospinning by using Bombyx mori silk fibroin (BMSF) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The BrM properties and ARPE-19 cell responses to BrM substrates were investigated. The BrM model displayed a thickness of 44 µm, with a high porosity and an average fiber diameter of 1217 ± 101 nm. ARPE-19 cells adhered and spread on the BMSF/PCL electrospun membranes. In conclusion, we are developing a novel 3D in vitro retinal model towards the replacement of animal models in AMD studies.
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Straňák Z, Kousal B, Ardan T, Veith M. Innovative strategies for treating retinal diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 75:287-295. [PMID: 32911944 DOI: 10.31348/2019/6/1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this comprehensive paper is to acquaint the readers with innovative approaches in the treatment of retinal diseases, which could in the coming years to get into clinical practice. Retinal prostheses, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) transplantation, gene therapy and optogenetics will be described in this paper. METHODOLOGY Describing the basic characteristics and mechanisms of different types of therapy and subsequently literary minireview clarifying the current state of knowledge in the area. RESULTS Retinal prostheses, RPE transplantation, gene therapy and optogenetics offer yet unexplored possibilities and are considered as the future of treatment of retinal diseases where classical pharmacotherapy or surgical treatment are no longer sufficient. However, all these methods challenge not only in the innovative technical implementation itself, but also for the ethical, administrative and economic demands. CONCLUSION There will be certainly interesting development in the treatment of retinal diseases, but it is not possible to fully estimate which modality of treatment will be dominant in the future.
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Murphy AR, Truong YB, O'Brien CM, Glattauer V. Bio-inspired human in vitro outer retinal models: Bruch's membrane and its cellular interactions. Acta Biomater 2020; 104:1-16. [PMID: 31945506 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, however, treatments to completely stop the progression of these debilitating conditions are non-existent. Researchers require sophisticated models that can accurately represent the native structure of human retinal tissue to study these disorders. Current in vitro models used to study the retina are limited in their ability to fully recapitulate the structure and function of the retina, Bruch's membrane and the underlying choroid. Recent developments in the field of induced pluripotent stem cell technology has demonstrated the capability of retinal pigment epithelial cells to recapitulate AMD-like pathology. However, such studies utilise unsophisticated, bio-inert membranes to act as Bruch's membrane and support iPSC-derived retinal cells. This review presents a concise summary of the properties and function of the Bruch's membrane-retinal pigment epithelium complex, the initial pathogenic site of AMD as well as the current status for materials and fabrication approaches used to generate in vitro models of this complex tissue. Finally, this review explores required advances in the field of in vitro retinal modelling. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Retinal degenerative disorders such as age-related macular degeneration are worldwide leading causes of blindness. Previous attempts to model the Bruch's membrane-retinal pigment epithelial complex, the initial pathogenic site of age-related macular degeneration, have lacked the sophistication to elucidate valuable insights into disease mechanisms. Here we provide a detailed account of the morphological, physical and chemical properties of Bruch's membrane which may aid the fabrication of more sophisticated and physiologically accurate in vitro models of the retina, as well as various fabrication techniques to recreate this structure. This review also further highlights some recent advances in some additional challenging aspects of retinal tissue modelling including integrated fluid flow and photoreceptor alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Murphy
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Yen B Truong
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Carmel M O'Brien
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Science, Technology, Research and Innovation Precinct (STRIP), Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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13
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Krishna L, Nilawar S, Ponnalagu M, Subramani M, Jayadev C, Shetty R, Chatterjee K, Das D. Fiber Diameter Differentially Regulates Function of Retinal Pigment and Corneal Epithelial Cells on Nanofibrous Tissue Scaffolds. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:823-837. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lekshmi Krishna
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, GROW Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560 099, Karnataka, India
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sagar Nilawar
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, Karnataka, India
| | - Murugeswari Ponnalagu
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, GROW Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560 099, Karnataka, India
| | - Murali Subramani
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, GROW Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560 099, Karnataka, India
| | - Chaitra Jayadev
- Vitreoretina Services, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bangalore 560 010, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bangalore 560 010, Karnataka, India
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, Karnataka, India
| | - Debashish Das
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, GROW Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560 099, Karnataka, India
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Doostmohammadi M, Forootanfar H, Ramakrishna S. Regenerative medicine and drug delivery: Progress via electrospun biomaterials. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 109:110521. [PMID: 32228899 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.110521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide research on electrospinning enabled it as a versatile technique for producing nanofibers with specified physio-chemical characteristics suitable for diverse biomedical applications. In the case of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, the nanofiber scaffolds' characteristics are custom designed based on the cells and tissues specific needs. This fabrication technique is also innovated for the production of nanofibers with special micro-structure and secondary structure characteristics such as porous fibers, hollow structure, and core- sheath structure. This review attempts to critically and succinctly capture the vast number of developments reported in the literature over the past two decades. We then discuss their applications as scaffolds for induction of cells growth and differentiation or as architecture for being used as graft for tissue engineering. The special nanofibers designed for improving regeneration of several tissues including heart, bone, central nerve system, spinal cord, skin and ocular tissue are introduced. We also discuss the potential of the electrospinning in drug delivery applications, which is a critical factor for cell culture, tissue formation and wound healing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Doostmohammadi
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Forootanfar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
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15
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Sahle FF, Kim S, Niloy KK, Tahia F, Fili CV, Cooper E, Hamilton DJ, Lowe TL. Nanotechnology in regenerative ophthalmology. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 148:290-307. [PMID: 31707052 PMCID: PMC7474549 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, regenerative medicine is gaining momentum and is giving hopes for restoring function of diseased, damaged, and aged tissues and organs and nanotechnology is serving as a catalyst. In the ophthalmology field, various types of allogenic and autologous stem cells have been investigated to treat some ocular diseases due to age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal and lens traumas. Nanomaterials have been utilized directly as nanoscaffolds for these stem cells to promote their adhesion, proliferation and differentiation or indirectly as vectors for various genes, tissue growth factors, cytokines and immunosuppressants to facilitate cell reprogramming or ocular tissue regeneration. In this review, we reviewed various nanomaterials used for retina, cornea, and lens regenerations, and discussed the current status and future perspectives of nanotechnology in tracking cells in the eye and personalized regenerative ophthalmology. The purpose of this review is to provide comprehensive and timely insights on the emerging field of nanotechnology for ocular tissue engineering and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fitsum Feleke Sahle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Sangyoon Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Kumar Kulldeep Niloy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Faiza Tahia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Cameron V Fili
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Emily Cooper
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - David J Hamilton
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Tao L Lowe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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Abstract
Tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine are progressively developed areas due to many novel tissue replacements and implementation strategies. Increasing knowledge involving the fabrication of biomaterials with advanced physicochemical and biological characteristics, successful isolation and preparation of stem cells, incorporation of growth and differentiation factors, and biomimetic environments gives us a unique opportunity to develop various types of scaffolds for TE. The current strategies for soft tissue reconstitution or regeneration highlight the importance of novel regenerative therapies in cases of significant soft tissue loss and in cases of congenital defects, disease, trauma and ageing. Various types of biomaterials and scaffolds have been tested for soft tissue regeneration. The synthetic types of materials have gained great attention due to high versatility, tunability and easy functionalization for better biocompatibility. This article reviews the current materials that are usually the most used for the fabrication of scaffolds for soft TE; in addition, the types of scaffolds together with examples of their applications for the regenerative purposes of soft tissue, as well as their major physicochemical characteristics regarding the increased applicability of these materials in medicine, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Janoušková
- Department of Biological Models, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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Surrao DC, Greferath U, Chau YQ, Skabo SJ, Huynh M, Shelat KJ, Limnios IJ, Fletcher EL, Liu Q. Design, development and characterization of synthetic Bruch's membranes. Acta Biomater 2017; 64:357-376. [PMID: 28951331 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness, and dry AMD has no effective treatment. Retinal constructs comprising retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells supported by electrospun scaffolds have been investigated to treat dry AMD. However, electrospun scaffolds studied to-date do not mimic the structural microenvironment of human Bruch's membrane (BM), essential for native-like RPE monolayers. The aim of this study was to develop a structurally biomimetic scaffold designed to support a functional RPE monolayer, comprising porous, electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs), coated with laminin, mimicking the inner collagenous layer (ICL) and basal RPE lamina respectively, the cell supporting layers of the BM. In vitro evaluation showed 70nm PLLA ENMs adsorbed high amounts of laminin and supported functional RPE monolayers, exhibiting 3D polygonal-cobblestone morphology, apical microvilli, basal infoldings, high transepithelial resistance (TER), phagocytic activity and expression of signature RPE markers. 70nm PLLA ENMs were successfully implanted into the subretinal space of RCS-rdy+p+/LAV rats, also commonly know as rdy rats. At week 4, in the absence of immunosuppressants, implanted PLLA ENMs were surrounded by a significantly low number of activated microglial cells, compared to week 1, indicating no adverse long-term immune response. In conclusion, we successfully designed and tested ENMs emulating the RPE cell supporting layers of the BM, and found 70nm PLLA ENMs to be best suited as scaffolds for fabricating retinal constructs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the developed world, with an increasing number of people suffering from blindness or severe visual impairment. Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells supported on a synthetic, biomimetic-like Bruch's membrane (BM) is considered a promising treatment. However, the synthetic scaffolds used do not mimic the microenvironment of the RPE cell supporting layers, required for the development of a functional RPE monolayer. This study indicated that porous, laminin coated, 70nm PLLA ENMs supported functional RPE monolayers, exhibiting 3D polygonal-cobblestone morphology, apical microvilli, basal infoldings, high transepithelial resistance (TER), phagocytic activity and expression of signature RPE markers. These findings indicate the potential clinical use of porous, laminin coated, 70nm PLLA ENMs in fabricating retinal constructs aimed at treating dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denver C Surrao
- Clem Jones Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia.
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Yu-Qian Chau
- Clem Jones Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia
| | - Stuart J Skabo
- Clem Jones Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia
| | - Mario Huynh
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kinnari J Shelat
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF), Queensland Node, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ioannis J Limnios
- Clem Jones Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Qin Liu
- Clem Jones Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia
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18
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Wang X, Maruotti J, Majumdar S, Roman J, Mao H, Zack DJ, Elisseeff JH. Collagen vitrigels with low‐fibril density enhance human embryonic stem cell‐derived retinal pigment epithelial cell maturation. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:821-829. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Wang
- Wilmer Eye Institute, School of MedicineJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
| | - Julien Maruotti
- Wilmer Eye Institute, School of MedicineJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
- Phenocell SAS Evry France
| | - Shoumyo Majumdar
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
| | - Jose Roman
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
| | - Hai‐Quan Mao
- Wilmer Eye Institute, School of MedicineJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, School of MedicineJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
| | - Jennifer H. Elisseeff
- Wilmer Eye Institute, School of MedicineJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University Baltimore MD USA
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Ex-vivo models of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) in long-term culture faithfully recapitulate key structural and physiological features of native RPE. Tissue Cell 2017; 49:447-460. [PMID: 28669519 PMCID: PMC5545183 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Damage to the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) is a key feature of retinopathy. We describe 2 substrates which support RPE cultures for long-term studies. Substrates were; a polyester transwell membrane and a novel electrospun scaffold. Both support RPE cultures with structural and functional features of native RPE. Electrospun scaffolds may be better for studying some disease-linked RPE changes.
The Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) forms the primary site of pathology in several blinding retinopathies. RPE cultures are being continuously refined so that dynamic disease processes in this important monolayer can be faithfully studied outside the eye over longer periods. The RPE substrate, which mimics the supportive Bruch’s membrane (BrM), plays a key role in determining how well in-vitro cultures recapitulate native RPE cells. Here, we evaluate how two different types of BrM substrates; (1) a commercially-available polyester transwell membrane, and (2) a novel electrospun scaffold developed in our laboratory, could support the generation of realistic RPE tissues in culture. Our findings reveal that both substrates were capable of supporting long-lasting RPE monolayers with structural and functional specialisations of in-situ RPE cells. These cultures were used to study autofluorescence and barrier formation, as well as activities such as outer-segment internalisation/trafficking and directional secretion of key proteins; the impairment of which underlies retinal disease. Hence, both substrates fulfilled important criteria for generating authentic in-vitro cultures and act as powerful tools to study RPE pathophysiology. However, RPE grown on electrospun scaffolds may be better suited to studying complex RPE-BrM interactions such as the formation of drusen-like deposits associated with early retinal disease.
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20
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Tian Y, Zonca MR, Imbrogno J, Unser AM, Sfakis L, Temple S, Belfort G, Xie Y. Polarized, Cobblestone, Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Maturation on a Synthetic PEG Matrix. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:890-902. [PMID: 33429561 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cell attachment is essential for the growth and polarization of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Currently, surface coatings derived from biological proteins are used as the gold standard for cell culture. However, downstream processing and purification of these biological products can be cumbersome and expensive. In this study, we constructed a library of chemically modified nanofibers to mimic the Bruch's membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium. Using atmospheric-pressure plasma-induced graft polymerization with a high-throughput screening platform to modify the nanofibers, we identified three polyethylene glycol (PEG)-grafted nanofiber surfaces (PEG methyl ether methacrylate, n = 4, 8, and 45) from a library of 62 different surfaces as favorable for RPE cell attachment, proliferation, and maturation in vitro with cobblestone morphology. Compared with the biologically derived culture matrices such as vitronectin-based peptide Synthemax, our newly discovered synthetic PEG surfaces exhibit similar growth and polarization of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. However, they are chemically defined, are easy to synthesize on a large scale, are cost-effective, are stable with long-term storage capability, and provide a more physiologically accurate environment for RPE cell culture. To our knowledge, no one has reported that PEG derivatives directly support attachment and growth of RPE cells with cobblestone morphology. This study offers a unique PEG-modified 3D cell culture system that supports RPE proliferation, differentiation, and maturation with cobblestone morphology, providing a new avenue for RPE cell culture, disease modeling, and cell replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzi Tian
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, United States
| | - Michael R Zonca
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, United States
| | - Joseph Imbrogno
- Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Andrea M Unser
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, United States
| | - Lauren Sfakis
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, United States
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, New York 12144, United States
| | - Georges Belfort
- Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Yubing Xie
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203, United States
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21
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Hotaling NA, Khristov V, Wan Q, Sharma R, Jha BS, Lotfi M, Maminishkis A, Simon CG, Bharti K. Nanofiber Scaffold-Based Tissue-Engineered Retinal Pigment Epithelium to Treat Degenerative Eye Diseases. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2016; 32:272-85. [PMID: 27110730 PMCID: PMC4904235 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2015.0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical-grade manufacturing of a functional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) monolayer requires reproducing, as closely as possible, the natural environment in which RPE grows. In vitro, this can be achieved by a tissue engineering approach, in which the RPE is grown on a nanofibrous biological or synthetic scaffold. Recent research has shown that nanofiber scaffolds perform better for cell growth and transplantability compared with their membrane counterparts and that the success of the scaffold in promoting cell growth/function is not heavily material dependent. With these strides, the field has advanced enough to begin to consider implementation of one, or a combination, of the tissue engineering strategies discussed herein. In this study, we review the current state of tissue engineering research for in vitro culture of RPE/scaffolds and the parameters for optimal scaffold design that have been uncovered during this research. Next, we discuss production methods and manufacturers that are capable of producing the nanofiber scaffolds in such a way that would be biologically, regulatory, clinically, and commercially viable. Then, a discussion of how the scaffolds could be characterized, both morphologically and mechanically, to develop a testing process that is viable for regulatory screening is performed. Finally, an example of a tissue-engineered RPE/scaffold construct is given to provide the reader a framework for understanding how these pieces could fit together to develop a tissue-engineered RPE/scaffold construct that could pass regulatory scrutiny and can be commercially successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A. Hotaling
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vladimir Khristov
- Section of Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Qin Wan
- Section of Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Balendu Shekhar Jha
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mostafa Lotfi
- Section of Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Arvydas Maminishkis
- Section of Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Carl G. Simon
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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