Seeing through the interface: poly(ε -Caprolactone) surface modification of poly(glycerol-co-sebacic acid) membranes in adult porcine retinal explants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adhesion properties and tissue reactions in an in vitro model of nanofabricated membranes emulating the vitreous cortex. Electrospinning was performed for either 5, 10 or 15 min to create various thicknesses of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibre mats on a poly(glycerol-co-sebacic acid) (PGS) surface. These were fused with adult porcine retinal explants, with the fibre side facing the inner retina, and cultured for 5 days. Adherence was assessed by macroscopic inspection, and morphological and immunohistochemical analysis was performed using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and markers for photoreceptors and Müller glia (recoverin, NeuN, vimentin and GFAP). TUNEL labelling was performed to assess apoptosis. Five minute specimens displayed poor adherence with an overall structure, apoptosis and photoreceptor and ganglion cell morphology comparable to that of the culture controls, whereas 10 min specimens showed improved neuronal survival; 15 min composite explants adhered only at focal points, were thin and showed extensive degenerative damage. The physical composition of nanofibre meshes is important for adhesion to the inner retina and has a significant impact on neuronal and glial survival in vitro. The results bearing on research involving retinal transplantation are discussed.

Nanocarriers, Progenitor Cells, Combinational Approaches, and New Insights on the Retinal Therapy

“…However, the method for cell delivery and maintenance are the current major limitations; the method for cell delivery and maintenance is difficult [47]. Improved attachment of embryonic retinal explants via biodegradable elastomeric membranes containing poly(glycerol-co-sebacic acid) (PGS) laminin and PCL have been accomplished [83]. Although stem cells can differentiate into retinal precursors, combination stem cells with the CRISPR/Cas9 system is a novel strategy for the therapy of genetic mutations [84].…”

Synthesis, Characterization and Electron Beam Curing of Poly(Glycerol Sebacate Methacrylate)

“…Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a biodegradable elastomer that recently gained much attention in this field. Materials based on PGS have demonstrated versatility to various TE applications such as cardiovascular [3], nerve [4], retinal [5], bone [6] cartilage [7] and vascular [8]. Accompanied with technological advancement, exploration among PGS-based materials and target applications are continuously expanding.…”

Nozzle-free electrospinning of Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Poly(glycerol sebacate) fibrous scaffolds for skin tissue engineering applications

“…PGS is a very attractive biomaterial as it exhibits tailored mechanical properties and bioresorbability pertinent to varying the polycondensation parameters and stoichiometry, which correlate to the surface degradability of its ester linkages [14,15]. As a result, PGS has been exponentially investigated in vitro and in vivo on studies focusing on cardiac [16][17][18], vascular [19,20], cartilage [9,21], nerve guidance [22,23], retina [24][25][26], adipose [27], skin [28,29], as well as a potential drug carrier [30,31].…”