title: Carbon nanotube bucky paper as an artificial support membrane for retinal cell transplantation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Transplantation of epithelial cells on a substrate to rescue diseased retinal cells is an experimental therapy for age-related macular degeneration. Carbon nanotube bucky paper was tested for cell transplantation into the retina.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bucky paper was prepared and human RPE cells cultured on its surface demonstrating its utility as a cell transplantation substrate. Bucky paper was implanted underneath 9 rabbit retinas using a standard 3-port pars plana vitrectomy and subretinal bleb. A 1 mm retinotomy was created through which Bucky paper precut to fit was inserted with the subretinal forceps, into the subretinal bleb. The retina was reattached by airfluid exchange.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By light microscopy, RPE cells demonstrated normal morphology and growth patterns on the bucky paper surface. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a confluent monolayer of cells, and indicated the formation of microvilli on the apical surface. Bucky paper remained flat in the subretinal space after 2 weeks, the retina fully attached without edema or inflammation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Bucky paper possesses the necessary attributes for therapeutic cell transplantation in the eye.
authors: Byers Eye Institute at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94303, USA. tedleng@stanford
authors: Theodore
authors: T
authors: Leng
authors: Harvey A
authors: HA
authors: Fishman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery*; D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000637:transplantation* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D014821:Vitrectomy
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon