title: Surface Modified Biodegradable Electrospun Membranes as a Carrier for Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.
abstract: Human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (hESC-RPE) cells are currently undergoing clinical trials to treat retinal degenerative diseases. Transplantation of hESC-RPE cells in conjuction with a supportive biomaterial carrier holds great potential as a future treatment for retinal degeneration. However, there has been no such biodegradable material that could support the growth and maturation of hESC-RPE cells so far. The primary aim of this work was to create a thin porous poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) membrane that could promote attachment, proliferation, and maturation of the hESC-RPE cells in serum-free culture conditions. The PLCL membranes were modified by atmospheric pressure plasma processing and coated with collagen IV to enhance cell growth and maturation. Permeability of the membranes was analyzed with an Ussing chamber system. Analysis with scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that plasma surface treatment augments the surface properties of the membrane, which enhances the binding and conformation of the protein. Cell proliferation assays, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, indirect immunofluoresence staining, trans-epithelial electrical resistance measurements, and in vitro phagocytosis assay clearly demonstrated that the plasma treated PLCL membranes supported the adherence, proliferation, maturation and functionality of hESC-RPE cells in serum-free culture conditions. Here, we report for the first time, how PLCL membranes can be modified with atmospheric pressure plasma processing to enable the formation of a functional hESC-RPE monolayer on a porous biodegradable substrate, which have a potential as a tissue-engineered construct for regenerative retinal repair applications.
authors.affiliation: 1 BioMediTech, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland .
authors.forename: Anni
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sorkio
authors.affiliation: 2 Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of Engineering, University of Ulster , Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland .
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.affiliation: 1 BioMediTech, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland .
authors.forename: Kati
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Juuti-Uusitalo
authors.affiliation: 2 Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of Engineering, University of Ulster , Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland .
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Meenan
authors.affiliation: 1 BioMediTech, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland .
authors.forename: Heli
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Skottman
authors.affiliation: 2 Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of Engineering, University of Ulster , Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland .
authors.forename: George A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002452:Cell Count; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D024141:Collagen Type IV / Q000378:metabolism; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D000066449:Human Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy; D058626:Plasma Gases / Q000494:pharmacology; D011091:Polyesters / Q000494:pharmacology; D055214:Retinal Photoreceptor Cell Outer Segment / Q000187:drug effects; D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium / Q000166:cytology*; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D024141:Collagen Type IV; D058626:Plasma Gases; D011091:Polyesters; C062968:lactide-caprolactone copolymer