Growth of human fetal retinal pigment epithelium as microspheres

Abstract

HFRPE grown on CLF resemble a three-dimensional culture system with high yield of pure cells that can be useful for a wide variety of in vitro studies. Because of their adjustable size, spherical shape, and ability to initiate growth of cells with a high proliferative potential, HFRPE microspheres may be successfully utilized as a source of donor cells for subretinal transplantation.

A model for xenogenic immune response

“…Pigmented epithelial cells can form three-dimensional culture arrangements known as spheroids [3,9,10,12]. These three-dimensional cellular arrangements have been used for cultivation and transfer of ocular cells in vitro.…”

“…These three-dimensional cellular arrangements have been used for cultivation and transfer of ocular cells in vitro. The cells within spheroids maintain a high proliferative activity and are resistant to dedifferentiation [3,12]. Biodegradable polymer films have been applied for the incorporation of HFRPE cells [4] and their subsequent formation of spheroids.…”

Biodegradable poly(α‐hydroxy ester) blended microspheres as suitable carriers for retinal pigment epithelium cell transplantation

“…[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Human fetal RPE (HFRPE) cells have previously been cultured as microspheres on crosslinked fibrinogen films prior to being transplanted into the subretinal space of rabbits. [29][30][31] It was shown that microspheres of HFRPE could be delivered reproducibly with ease and that donor cells spread from the site of implantation and survived for up to one month. 29 RPE seeded microcarriers could be easily injected into the subretinal space, with the additional advantage of overcoming problems such problems as reflux from injection site which can be noted with simple cell suspensions.…”

“…It was also found that microcarriers were well tolerated in vivo . Optimal culture of RPE cells for transplantation necessitates a culture system which produces a high yield of viable cells from an often limited amount of donor tissue 31…”

“…Optimal culture of RPE cells for transplantation necessitates a culture system which produces a high yield of viable cells from an often limited amount of donor tissue. 31 In this study we aim for the first time to explore the attachment of RPE cells to biodegradable PLLA:PLGA microsphere blends for the purpose of ocular transplantation. We investigated attachment and survival of a human RPE cell line on PLLA:PLGA blended microspheres for up to 2 weeks in vitro.…”