Work

Interphotoreceptor matrix-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) composite scaffolds for human photoreceptor differentiation

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Tissue engineering has been widely applied in different areas of regenerative medicine, including retinal regeneration. Typically, artificial biopolymers require additional surface modification (e.g. with arginine-glycine-aspartate-containing peptides or adsorption of protein, such as fibronectin), before cell seeding. Here, we describe an alternative approach for scaffold design: the manufacture of hybrid interphotoreceptor matrix-poly (ϵ-caprolactone) scaffolds, in which the insoluble extracellular matrix of the retina is incorporated into a biodegradable polymer well suited for transplantation. The incorporation of interphotoreceptor matrix did not change the topography of polycaprolactone film, although it led to a slight increase in hydrophilic properties (water contact angle measurements). This hybrid scaffold provided sufficient stimuli for human retinal progenitor cell adhesion and inhibited proliferation, leading to differentiation toward photoreceptor cells (expression of Crx, Nrl, rhodopsin, ROM1). This scaffold may be used for transplantation of retinal progenitor cells and their progeny to treat retinal degenerative disorders.

Source: Journal of Tissue Engineering

DOI: 10.1177/2041731414554139

Authors: Petr Baranov, Andrew Michaelson, Joydip Kundu, Rebecca L Carrier, Michael Young

Institutions: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University, Northeastern University

Language: English

Topic: Retinal Development and Disorders

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650