title: The influence of surface topography of a porous perfluoropolyether polymer on corneal epithelial tissue growth and adhesion.
abstract: Design principles for corneal implants are challenging and include permeability which inherently involves pore openings on the polymer surface. These topographical cues can be significant to a successful clinical outcome where a stratified epithelium is needed over the device surface, such as with a corneal onlay or corneal repair material. The impact of polymer surface topography on the growth and adhesion of corneal epithelial tissue was assessed using porous perfluoropolyether membranes with a range of surface topography. Surfaces were characterised by AFM and XPS, and the permeability and water content of membranes was measured. Biological testing of membranes involved a 21-day in vitro tissue assay to evaluate migration, stratification and adhesion of corneal epithelium. Similar parameters were monitored in vivo by surgically implanting membranes into feline corneas for up to 5 months. Data showed optimal growth and adhesion of epithelial tissue in vitro when polymer surface features were below a 150 nm RMS value. Normal processes of tissue growth and adhesion were disrupted when RMS values approached 300 nm. Data from the in vivo study confirmed these findings. Together, outcomes demonstrated the importance of surface topography in the design of implantable devices that depend on functional epithelial cover.
authors: Vision CRC, University of NSW, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia. meg.evans@csiro.au
authors: Margaret D M
authors: MD
authors: Evans
authors: Hassan
authors: H
authors: Chaouk
authors: John S
authors: JS
authors: Wilkie
authors: Beatrice A
authors: BA
authors: Dalton
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Taylor
authors: Ruo Zhong
authors: RZ
authors: Xie
authors: Timothy C
authors: TC
authors: Hughes
authors: Graham
authors: G
authors: Johnson
authors: Gail A
authors: GA
authors: McFarland
authors: Hans H
authors: HH
authors: Griesser
authors: John G
authors: JG
authors: Steele
authors: Gordon F
authors: GF
authors: Meijs
authors: Deborah F
authors: DF
authors: Sweeney
authors: Keith M
authors: KM
authors: McLean
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002415:Cats; D003315:Cornea / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004987:Ethers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000737:chemistry*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010539:Permeability; D016062:Porosity; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004987:Ethers; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; C078113:perfluoropolyether