The use of fully synthetic polymers as a liquid artificial vitreous body replacement (LAVR) was already considered, but yet none of these polymers have proven to be successful in long term retention in the vitreous cavity due to inadequate biocompatibility and fast biodegradation. Our novel cross‐linked polyelectrolyte as a potential intraocular endotamponade shows an innovative concept of thermoresponsive behavior proposed for the first time in ophthalmologic surgery. The polyelectrolyte has been elaborated via a three‐step procedure by combining classical synthetic protocols and microwave technique. We observed that the polyelectrolyte comprising sodium 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonate and acrylic functionalized poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) macromonomer with glycerol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker displays a noticeable thermosensitive behavior. It exhibits enhancement of shear viscosity at physiological temperatures without phase separation. First in vitro experiments on a retinal ganglion cell line (RGC‐5) present a promising biocompatibility without harmful effects. Cell viability, proliferation rate, and inflammatory cascade (COX‐2 and iNOS expression) were not affected.
Polymeric β-CD and poly{(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt)-co-[6-(acrylamido)-N-adamantylhexaneamide]} are synthesized to build in situ forming hydrogels based on host/guest interactions, so called physical hydrogels. The use of these hydrogels as a potential vitreous body substitute is discussed and recommended. Potential changes in cell morphology and cell vitality of the retinal ganglion cell line RGC-5 are determined. DSC experiments with artificial membrane structures are performed. The analyses show that β-CD overrides the harmful effects of the highly toxic adamantyl-modified polymer. Although the final hydrogel is considered to be biocompatible, the application as a biomaterial has to be reconsidered.
The vitreous body can be regarded as a fascinating simple but important tissue, since it represents the main compartment of the eye and plays a crucial role for proper vision. Several diseases require its removal with following substitution using a liquid artificial vitreous body replacement. We explore the biocompatibility of a poly(AMPS-Na(+))-graft-poly(NIPAAm) polyelectrolyte following the innovative concept of thermo-responsive behaviour, exhibiting enhanced shear viscosity at physiological temperatures. As a powerful model for the blood-retinal barrier, we use the well-established in vitro cell culture model based on highly differentiated porcine brain capillary endothelial cells. Via the quantification of the transendothelial electrical resistance and immunocytochemical staining of tight junction proteins, we are able to show that a barrier integrity affecting impact of the polyelectrolyte was only transient and nearly reversible. Furthermore, the polyelectrolyte hydrogel is characterized by the absence of any acute cell morphology, cell vitality or proliferation affecting impacts. It does not trigger acute apoptotic processes, as can be substantiated via caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation assays. In view of the results of this study, it is shown that the polyelectrolyte does not affect the vitality parameters of our porcine brain capillary endothelial cells. It can be suggested that the tested thermo-responsive polyelectrolyte does not affect the sensitive retinal barrier integrity. Thus from the cellular tolerance it might serve as a potential liquid artificial vitreous body replacement to overcome the most prominent difficulties of common vitreal endotamponades.
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