title: Investigation of the potential of polymer therapeutics in corneal re-epithelialisation.
abstract: In this study, the first use of a bioresponsive polymer therapeutic agent in the promotion of corneal re-epithelialisation after injury in an ex vivo whole-eye organ culture model was described. A polymer-protein conjugate consisting of dextrin and recombinant human epidermal growth factor was synthesised and applied as a single dose to a 2 mm ex vivo corneal ulcer, in culture. Enhanced wound healing was observed in response to dextrin-recombinant human epidermal growth factor, when exposed to α-amylase, compared with controls. This highlights the potential for polymer therapeutics to provide a platform for bioresponsive drug/protein delivery in the field of ophthalmology.
authors.affiliation: Wound Biology Group, Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER), Tissue Engineering and Reparative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. hardwickej@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hardwicke
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moseley
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D003912:Dextrins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D008297:Male; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D003912:Dextrins; D011108:Polymers; D066246:ErbB Receptors