Development of a curved, stratified, in vitro model to assess ocular biocompatibility.
OBJECTIVE
To further improve in vitro models of the cornea, this study focused on the creation of a three-dimensional, stratified, curved epithelium; and the subsequent characterization and evaluation of its suitability as a model for biocompatibility testing.


METHODS
Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells were grown to confluency on curved cellulose filters for seven days, and were then differentiated and stratified using an air-liquid interface for seven days before testing. Varying concentrations of a commercial ophthalmic solution containing benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a known cytotoxic agent, and two relevant ocular surfactants were tested on the model. A whole balafilcon A lens soaked in phosphate buffered saline (BA PBS) was also used to assess biocompatibility and verify the validity of the model. Viability assays as well as flow cytometry were performed on the cells to investigate changes in cell death and integrin expression.


RESULTS
The reconstructed curved corneal epithelium was composed of 3-5 layers of cells. Increasing concentrations of BAK showed dose-dependent decreased cell viability and increased integrin expression and cell death. No significant change in viability was observed in the presence of the surfactants. As expected, the BA PBS combination appeared to be very biocompatible with no adverse change in cell viability or integrin expression.


CONCLUSIONS
The stratified, curved, epithelial model proved to be sensitive to distinct changes in cytotoxicity and is suitable for continued assessment for biocompatibility testing of contact lenses. Our results showed that flow cytometry can provide a quantitative measure of the cell response to biomaterials or cytotoxic compounds for both the supernatant and adherent cell populations. As a specifically designed in vitro model of the corneal epithelium, this quantitative model for biocompatibility at the ocular surface may help improve our understanding of cell-material interactions and reduce the use of animal testing.
Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Cameron K
CK
Postnikoff
Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Robert
R
Pintwala
Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Sara
S
Williams
Alcon/CIBAVision, Duluth, Georgia, United States of America.
Ann M
AM
Wright
School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Denise
D
Hileeto
Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Maud B
MB
Gorbet
D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000633:toxicity; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003315:Cornea / Q000166:cytology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016023:Integrins / Q000378:metabolism; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D012828:Silicones; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D020100:Hydrogels; D016023:Integrins; D012828:Silicones; C523195:balafilcon A