Epithelialization of hydrogels achieved by amine functionalization and co-culture with stromal cells.
The aim of this study was to develop a hydrogel which would be suitable for corneal cell re-epithelialization when used as a corneal implant. To achieve this, a series of hydrogels were functionalized with primary amines by post-polymerization reactions between amine compounds and glycidyl ether groups attached to the hydrogels. We report a strong correlation between the structure of the amine and the viability of stromal cells and epithelial cells cultured on these hydrogels. Subsequent co-culture of epithelial and stromal cells on the amine modified hydrogels allowed successful expansion of epithelial cells on surfaces functionalized with alkyl alpha-omega diamines with carbon chain lengths of between 3 and 6. Analysis of variance showed that corneal epithelial cells had a strong preference for surfaces functionalized by the reaction of excess 1,3 diaminopropane with units of glycidyl methacrylate compared to the reaction products of other amines (ammonia; 1,2-diaminoethane; 1,4-diaminobutane or 1,6-diaminohexane). We suggest this approach of amine functionalization combined with stromal/epithelial co-culture offers a promising new approach to achieving a secure corneal epithelium.
Rimmer
Stephen
S
Polymer and Biomaterials Chemistry Laboratories, Chemistry Department, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK. s.rimmer@Sheffield.ac.uk
Johnson
Claire
C
Zhao
Bojun
B
Collier
Joyleen
J
Gilmore
Louisa
L
Sabnis
Subodh
S
Wyman
Paul
P
Sammon
Christopher
C
Fullwood
Nigel J
NJ
MacNeil
Sheila
S
D000588:Amines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D003315:Cornea / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology
D000588:Amines; D020100:Hydrogels