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Qin M, Luo J, Patel B, Thong KX, Latefa S, Shao D, Tanner A, Yu-Wai-Man C. Developing a synergistic rate-retarding polymeric implant for controlling monoclonal antibody delivery in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 272:132655. [PMID: 38797299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have garnered substantial attention within the field of ophthalmology and can be used to suppress scar formation after minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. Here, by controlling mAb passive diffusion, we developed a polymeric, rate-controlling membrane reservoir loaded with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres to deliver mAb for several weeks. Different parameters were tested to ensure that the microspheres achieved a good quality characteristic, and our results showed that 1 %W/V emulsifier with 5 %W/V NaCl achieved mAb-loaded microspheres with the highest stability, encapsulation efficiency and minimal burst release. Then, we fabricated and compared 10 types of microporous films based on polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Our results revealed distinct pore characteristics and degradation patterns in different films due to varying polymer properties, and all the polymeric film formulations showed good biocompatibility in both human trabecular meshwork cells and human conjunctival fibroblasts. Finally, the optimized microspheres were loaded into the reservoir-type polymeric implant assembled by microporous membranes with different surface coating modifications. The implant formulation, which was fabricated by 60 PCL: 40 PEG (3 %W/V) polymer with 0.1 %W/V poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) barrier, exerted the best drug release profile that can sustained release mAb (83.6 %) for 4 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Qin
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Jinyuan Luo
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Brihitejas Patel
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Kai Xin Thong
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Samar Latefa
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Daniel Shao
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Alexander Tanner
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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Di Girolamo N. Biologicals and Biomaterials for Corneal Regeneration and Vision Restoration in Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2401763. [PMID: 38777343 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian cornea is decorated with stem cells bestowed with the life-long task of renewing the epithelium, provided they remain healthy, functional, and in sufficient numbers. If not, a debilitating disease known as limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can develop causing blindness. Decades after the first stem cell (SC) therapy is devised to treat this condition, patients continue to suffer unacceptable failures. During this time, improvements to therapeutics have included identifying better markers to isolate robust SC populations and nurturing them on crudely modified biological or biomaterial scaffolds including human amniotic membrane, fibrin, and contact lenses, prior to their delivery. Researchers are now gathering information about the biomolecular and biomechanical properties of the corneal SC niche to decipher what biological and/or synthetic materials can be incorporated into these carriers. Advances in biomedical engineering including electrospinning and 3D bioprinting with surface functionalization and micropatterning, and self-assembly models, have generated a wealth of biocompatible, biodegradable, integrating scaffolds to choose from, some of which are being tested for their SC delivery capacity in the hope of improving clinical outcomes for patients with LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Di Girolamo
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Sahay P, Behbehani M, Filippini P, Bruti G, Townsend M, McKean R, Dua HS. A Biosynthetic Alternative to Human Amniotic Membrane for Use in Ocular Surface Surgery. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:3. [PMID: 38696180 PMCID: PMC11077906 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.5.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The biosynthetic Symatix membrane (SM) was developed to replace fresh human amniotic membrane (hAM) in ocular surgical applications. The purpose of this study was to test the biocompatibility of the SM with human limbus-derived epithelial cells with regard to their physical and biological properties. Methods Different physical properties of SM were tested ex vivo by simulation on human corneas. In vitro, primary limbal epithelial cells from limbal explants were used to test biological properties such as cell migration, proliferation, metabolic activity, and limbal epithelial cell markers on the SM, hAM, and freeze-dried amniotic membrane (FDAM). Results The surgical handleability of the SM was equivalent to that of the hAM. Ultrastructural and histological studies demonstrated that epithelial cells on the SM had the typical tightly apposed, polygonal, corneal epithelial cell morphology. The epithelial cells were well stratified on the SM, unlike on the hAM and FDAM. Rapid wound healing occurred on the SM within 3 days. Immunofluorescence studies showed positive expression of CK-19, Col-1, laminin, ZO-1, FN, and p-63 on the SM, plastic, and FDAM compared to positive expression of ZO-1, Col-1, laminin, FN, and p63 and negative expression of CK-19 in the hAM. Conclusions These results indicate that the SM is a better substrate for limbal epithelial cell migration, proliferation, and tight junction formation. Altogether, the SM can provide a suitable alternative to the hAM for surgical application in sight-restoring operations. Translational Relevance The hAM, currently widely used in ocular surface surgery, has numerous variations and limitations. The biocompatibility of corneal epithelial cells with the SM demonstrated in this study suggests that it can be a viable substitute for the hAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prity Sahay
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Perla Filippini
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | - Rob McKean
- The Electrospinning Company, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Harminder S. Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
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Kollek NJ, Pérez-Albacete Martínez C, Granero Marín JM, Maté Sánchez de Val JE. Prospective Clinical Study with New Materials for Tissue Regeneration: A Study in Humans. Eur J Dent 2023; 17:727-734. [PMID: 36195212 PMCID: PMC10569886 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1753453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was performed to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and histomorphometric outcomes of novel bone grafting materials and dental membranes and to compare the results with current data from the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS New synthetic bone substitutes, consisting of biphasic calcium phosphate in the ratio of 60% hydroxyapatite and 40% β-tricalcium phosphate, were applied in bony defects and covered by either a novel synthetic poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) or porcine collagen membrane. A sample of 51 biomaterials was placed in a total of 20 patients during different surgical protocols. Implants were simultaneously inserted, and in the case of sinus floor elevations 6 months later. Pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomographies were taken. Bone biopsies were harvested from augmented sides and processed for histomorphometric evaluation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Averages and ranges were calculated for the percentage of newly formed bone, residual biomaterial, and connective tissue. Data were submitted to analyze the radiological mean differences in length, width, and density. Paired t-tests were deployed for the analysis of differences within each group between the baseline (preoperative) and the final (postoperative) measurements. RESULTS The mean bone gain in length and width were 0.96 ± 3.33 mm (+27.59%) and 1.22 ± 1.87 mm (+30.48%), respectively. The bone density was increased by a factor of 4, reaching an average of 387.47 ± 328.86 HU. Histomorphometric evaluations revealed new bone formation of 41.44 ± 5.37%, residual biomaterial of 24.91 ± 7.31%, and connective tissue of 33.64 ± 4.81%. The mean healing period was 8.32 ± 3.00 months. CONCLUSIONS Data from this study confirmed the suitability of the tested materials in dental surgery. The biomaterials may be recommended for various clinical procedures. A satisfactory level of increase of new bone was reported in augmented sides. No significant differences were observed between the tested membranes. PLGA membranes might be superior to collagen membranes for their easier handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Jeannette Kollek
- Department of Implant Dentistry, International Dental Research Institute, Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Pérez-Albacete Martínez
- Department of Integrated Clinic for Adults, International Dental Research Institute, Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Manuel Granero Marín
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, International Dental Research Institute, Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
| | - José Eduardo Maté Sánchez de Val
- Department of Implant Dentistry and Periodontology, International Dental Research Institute, Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, International Research Institute for Biomaterials, Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Said DG, Rallis KI, Al-Aqaba MA, Ting DSJ, Dua HS. Surgical management of infectious keratitis. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:401-412. [PMID: 34592475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The successful management of infectious keratitis is usually achieved with a combination of tools for accurate diagnosis and targeted timely antimicrobial therapy. An armamentarium of surgical interventions is available in the acute stage which can be resorted to in a step wise manner or in combination guided by the response to treatment. Simple surgical modalities can facilitate accurate diagnosis e.g. corneal biopsy and alcohol delamination. Surgery to promote epithelial healing can vary from tarsorrhaphy, amniotic membrane transplantation or conjunctival flaps depending on the extent of infection, visual prognosis, availability of tissue and surgeon's experience. Collagen crosslinking has been increasingly utilized with successful results to strengthen the cornea and reduce the infective load consequently the need for further elaborate surgical interventions. It has shown encouraging results specially in superficial bacterial and fungal keratitis but for deeper infections, viral and acanthamoeba keratitis, its use remains questionable. When globe integrity is compromised, corneal gluing is the most commonly used procedure to seal small perforations. In larger perforations/fulminant infections a tectonic/therapeutic graft is advisable. Partial thickness grafts are increasingly popular to treat superficial infection or internally tamponade perforations. Peripheral therapeutic grafts face challenges with potential requirement for a manually fashioned graft, and increased risk of rejection due to proximity to the limbal vessels. Late stage visual rehabilitation is likely to require further surgical interventions after complete resolution of infection and inflammation. A preliminary assessment of corneal sensation and integrity of the ocular surface are key for any successful surgical intervention to restore vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia G Said
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK; Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Cairo, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Darren S J Ting
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Harminder S Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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The progress in techniques for culturing human limbal epithelial stem cells. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1-14. [PMID: 36181663 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00794-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In vitro culture of human limbal epithelial stem cells (hLESCs) is crucial to cell therapy in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency, a potentially vision-threatening disease that is characterized by persistent corneal epithelial defects and corneal epithelium conjunctivalization. Traditionally, hLESCs are cultivated based on either limbal tissue explants or single-cell suspensions in culture media containing xenogenous components, such as fetal bovine serum and murine 3T3 feeder cells. Plastic culture dishes and human amniotic membranes are classical growth substrates used in conventional hLESC culture systems. The past few decades have witnessed considerable progress and innovations in hLESC culture techniques to ensure a higher level of biosafety and lower immunogenicity for further cell treatment, including complete removal of xenogenous components from culture media, the application of human-derived feeder cells, and the development of novel scaffolds. Three-dimensional artificial niches and three-dimensional culture techniques have also been established to simulate the real microenvironment of limbal crypts for better cell outgrowth and proliferation. All these progresses ensure that in vitro cultured hLESCs are more adaptable to translational stem cell therapy for limbal stem cell deficiency.
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Delivery of Cells to the Cornea Using Synthetic Biomaterials. Cornea 2022; 41:1325-1336. [DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Mastropasqua L, Nubile M, Acerra G, Detta N, Pelusi L, Lanzini M, Mattioli S, Santalucia M, Pietrangelo L, Allegretti M, Dua HS, Mehta JS, Pandolfi A, Mandatori D. Bioengineered Human Stromal Lenticule for Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor Release: A Potential Biocompatible Ocular Drug Delivery System. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:887414. [PMID: 35813999 PMCID: PMC9260024 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.887414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), is a surgical procedure for the myopia correction, during which a corneal stromal lenticule is extracted. Given that we have previously demonstrated how this discarded tissue could be repurposed as a bio-scaffold for stromal engineering, this study aimed to explore its use as an ocular drug delivery system of active molecules, using neurotrophic factor Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). We employed human stromal lenticules directly collected from healthy donors undergoing SMILE. Following a sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) treatment, decellularized lenticules were incubated with a suspension of polylactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA) microparticles (MPs) loaded with recombinant human NGF (rhNGF-MPs). Fluorescent MPs (Fluo-MPs) were used as control. Data demonstrated the feasibility to engineer decellularized lenticules with PLGA-MPs which remain incorporated both on the lenticules surface and in its stromal. Following their production, the in vitro release kinetic showed a sustained release for up to 1 month of rhNGF from MPs loaded to the lenticule. Interestingly, rhNGF was rapidly released in the first 24 h, but it was sustained up to the end of the experiment (1 month), with preservation of rhNGF activity (around 80%). Our results indicated that decellularized human stromal lenticules could represent a biocompatible, non-immunogenic natural scaffold potential useful for ocular drug delivery. Therefore, combining the advantages of tissue engineering and pharmaceutical approaches, this in vitro proof-of-concept study suggests the feasibility to use this scaffold to allow target release of rhNGF in vivo or other pharmaceutically active molecules that have potential to treat ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mastropasqua
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mario Nubile
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Detta
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso de Amicis, Naples, Italy
| | - Letizia Pelusi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), StemTeCh Group, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Manuela Lanzini
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Mattioli
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso de Amicis, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuela Santalucia
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), StemTeCh Group, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Harminder S. Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Corneal and External Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Assunta Pandolfi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), StemTeCh Group, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Domitilla Mandatori
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), StemTeCh Group, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Domitilla Mandatori,
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Terzopoulou Z, Zamboulis A, Koumentakou I, Michailidou G, Noordam MJ, Bikiaris DN. Biocompatible Synthetic Polymers for Tissue Engineering Purposes. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:1841-1863. [PMID: 35438479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic polymers have been an integral part of modern society since the early 1960s. Besides their most well-known applications to the public, such as packaging, construction, textiles and electronics, synthetic polymers have also revolutionized the field of medicine. Starting with the first plastic syringe developed in 1955 to the complex polymeric materials used in the regeneration of tissues, their contributions have never been more prominent. Decades of research on polymeric materials, stem cells, and three-dimensional printing contributed to the rapid progress of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that envisages the potential future of organ transplantations. This perspective discusses the role of synthetic polymers in tissue engineering, their design and properties in relation to each type of application. Additionally, selected recent achievements of tissue engineering using synthetic polymers are outlined to provide insight into how they will contribute to the advancement of the field in the near future. In this way, we aim to provide a guide that will help scientists with synthetic polymer design and selection for different tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Terzopoulou
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers and Dyes, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandra Zamboulis
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers and Dyes, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioanna Koumentakou
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers and Dyes, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Michailidou
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers and Dyes, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michiel Jan Noordam
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers and Dyes, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios N Bikiaris
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers and Dyes, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Elkhenany H, El-Derby A, Abd Elkodous M, Salah RA, Lotfy A, El-Badri N. Applications of the amniotic membrane in tissue engineering and regeneration: the hundred-year challenge. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:8. [PMID: 35012669 PMCID: PMC8744057 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02684-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The amniotic membrane (Amnio-M) has various applications in regenerative medicine. It acts as a highly biocompatible natural scaffold and as a source of several types of stem cells and potent growth factors. It also serves as an effective nano-reservoir for drug delivery, thanks to its high entrapment properties. Over the past century, the use of the Amnio-M in the clinic has evolved from a simple sheet for topical applications for skin and corneal repair into more advanced forms, such as micronized dehydrated membrane, amniotic cytokine extract, and solubilized powder injections to regenerate muscles, cartilage, and tendons. This review highlights the development of the Amnio-M over the years and the implication of new and emerging nanotechnology to support expanding its use for tissue engineering and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Elkhenany
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 22785, Egypt
| | - Azza El-Derby
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abd Elkodous
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt
| | - Radwa A Salah
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Lotfy
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Nagwa El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt.
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12
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Hidalgo-Alvarez V, Dhowre HS, Kingston OA, Sheridan CM, Levis HJ. Biofabrication of Artificial Stem Cell Niches in the Anterior Ocular Segment. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:135. [PMID: 34677208 PMCID: PMC8533470 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior segment of the eye is a complex set of structures that collectively act to maintain the integrity of the globe and direct light towards the posteriorly located retina. The eye is exposed to numerous physical and environmental insults such as infection, UV radiation, physical or chemical injuries. Loss of transparency to the cornea or lens (cataract) and dysfunctional regulation of intra ocular pressure (glaucoma) are leading causes of worldwide blindness. Whilst traditional therapeutic approaches can improve vision, their effect often fails to control the multiple pathological events that lead to long-term vision loss. Regenerative medicine approaches in the eye have already had success with ocular stem cell therapy and ex vivo production of cornea and conjunctival tissue for transplant recovering patients' vision. However, advancements are required to increase the efficacy of these as well as develop other ocular cell therapies. One of the most important challenges that determines the success of regenerative approaches is the preservation of the stem cell properties during expansion culture in vitro. To achieve this, the environment must provide the physical, chemical and biological factors that ensure the maintenance of their undifferentiated state, as well as their proliferative capacity. This is likely to be accomplished by replicating the natural stem cell niche in vitro. Due to the complex nature of the cell microenvironment, the creation of such artificial niches requires the use of bioengineering techniques which can replicate the physico-chemical properties and the dynamic cell-extracellular matrix interactions that maintain the stem cell phenotype. This review discusses the progress made in the replication of stem cell niches from the anterior ocular segment by using bioengineering approaches and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Hidalgo-Alvarez
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Hala S. Dhowre
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Olivia A. Kingston
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Carl M. Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Hannah J. Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
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Ramachandran C, Deshpande P, Ortega I, Sefat F, McKean R, Srivastava M, MacNeil S, Basu S, Sangwan VS. Proof-of-concept study of electrospun PLGA membrane in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2021; 6:e000762. [PMID: 34395914 PMCID: PMC8314696 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2021-000762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to assess the safety of poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) electrospun membranes as carriers for limbal tissue explants for treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Methods and analysis Approval was obtained for a first in-man study from the Drug Controller General of India. PLGA membranes were applied to the affected eye of five patients after removal of the vascular pannus. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation was performed and limbal explants were secured on the membrane using fibrin glue followed by a bandage contact lens. Patients were followed up for 1 year with ocular exams including slit lamp exam, corneal thickness measurements, intraocular pressure measurements and recording of corneal vascularisation and visual acuity. Systemic examinations included pain grading, clinical laboratory assessment, blood chemistry and urine analysis at baseline, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results PLGA membranes completely degraded by 8 weeks post-transplantation without any infection or inflammation. In all five patients, the epithelium regenerated by 3 months. In two in five patients, there was a sustained two-line improvement in vision. In one in five patients, the vision improvement was limited due to an underlying stromal scarring. There was recurrence of pannus and LSCD in two in five patients 6 months after surgery which was not attributable to the membrane. The ocular surface remained clear with no epithelial defects in three in five subjects at 12 months. Conclusion PLGA electrospun membranes show promise as carrier for limbal epithelial cells in the treatment of LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charanya Ramachandran
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pallavi Deshpande
- Insitute of Population Healthy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ilida Ortega
- School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Farshid Sefat
- Biomedical and Electronics Engineering Department, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Rob McKean
- The Electrospinning Company Ltd, Didcot, UK
| | | | - Sheila MacNeil
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sayan Basu
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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Paterson TE, Dhowre HS, Villanueva D, Holland JW, Reddy Kethiri A, Singh V, Claeyssens F, MacNeil S, Ortega Asencio I. Tuning Electrospun Substrate Stiffness for the Fabrication of a Biomimetic Amniotic Membrane Substitute for Corneal Healing. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:5638-5649. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Paterson
- Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - Hala S. Dhowre
- School of Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, United Kingdom
| | - Danilo Villanueva
- School of Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph W. Holland
- School of Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, United Kingdom
| | - Abhinav Reddy Kethiri
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India
| | - Vivek Singh
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India
| | - Frederik Claeyssens
- The Kroto Research Institute, North Campus, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila MacNeil
- The Kroto Research Institute, North Campus, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, United Kingdom
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15
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Sánchez-Ávila RM, Vázquez N, Chacón M, Persinal-Medina M, Brea-Pastor A, Berisa-Prado S, Fernández-Vega-Cueto L, Anitua E, Meana Á, Merayo-Lloves J. Fibrin-Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Membrane for the Treatment of a Rabbit Alkali-Burn Lesion. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115564. [PMID: 34070266 PMCID: PMC8197415 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to describe the use of Fibrin-Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) membranes for the treatment of a rabbit alkali-burn lesion. For this purpose, an alkali-burn lesion was induced in 15 rabbits. A week later, clinical events were evaluated and rabbits were divided into five treatment groups: rabbits treated with medical treatment, with a fibrin-PRGF membrane cultured with autologous or heterologous rabbit Limbal Epithelial Progenitor Cells (LEPCs), with a fibrin-PRGF membrane in a Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation and with a fibrin-PRGF membrane without cultured LEPCs. After 40 days of follow-up, corneas were subjected to histochemical examination and immunostaining against corneal or conjunctival markers. Seven days after alkali-burn lesion, it was observed that rabbits showed opaque cornea, new blood vessels across the limbus penetrating the cornea and epithelial defects. At the end of the follow-up period, an improvement of the clinical parameters analyzed was observed in transplanted rabbits. However, only rabbits transplanted with cultured LEPCs were positive for corneal markers. Otherwise, rabbits in the other three groups showed positive staining against conjunctival markers. In conclusion, fibrin-PRGF membrane improved the chemically induced lesions. Nonetheless, only fibrin-PRGF membranes cultured with rabbit LEPCs were able to restore the corneal surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald M. Sánchez-Ávila
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain; (R.M.S.-Á.); (N.V.); (M.C.); (M.P.-M.); (S.B.-P.); (L.F.-V.-C.); (J.M.-L.)
- Biotechnology Institute (BTI), 01007 Vitoria, Spain;
| | - Natalia Vázquez
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain; (R.M.S.-Á.); (N.V.); (M.C.); (M.P.-M.); (S.B.-P.); (L.F.-V.-C.); (J.M.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Manuel Chacón
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain; (R.M.S.-Á.); (N.V.); (M.C.); (M.P.-M.); (S.B.-P.); (L.F.-V.-C.); (J.M.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mairobi Persinal-Medina
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain; (R.M.S.-Á.); (N.V.); (M.C.); (M.P.-M.); (S.B.-P.); (L.F.-V.-C.); (J.M.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Agustín Brea-Pastor
- Unidad de Bioterio e imagen Preclínica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Silvia Berisa-Prado
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain; (R.M.S.-Á.); (N.V.); (M.C.); (M.P.-M.); (S.B.-P.); (L.F.-V.-C.); (J.M.-L.)
| | - Luis Fernández-Vega-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain; (R.M.S.-Á.); (N.V.); (M.C.); (M.P.-M.); (S.B.-P.); (L.F.-V.-C.); (J.M.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eduardo Anitua
- Biotechnology Institute (BTI), 01007 Vitoria, Spain;
- University Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Oral Implantology (UIRMI), 01007 Vitoria, Spain
| | - Álvaro Meana
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain; (R.M.S.-Á.); (N.V.); (M.C.); (M.P.-M.); (S.B.-P.); (L.F.-V.-C.); (J.M.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33071 Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (U714), ISCII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-985-240-141; Fax: +34-985-233-288
| | - Jesús Merayo-Lloves
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain; (R.M.S.-Á.); (N.V.); (M.C.); (M.P.-M.); (S.B.-P.); (L.F.-V.-C.); (J.M.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33071 Oviedo, Spain
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16
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Sharma K, Bullock AJ, Giblin V, MacNeil S. Identification of a fibrin concentration that promotes skin cell outgrowth from skin explants onto a synthetic dermal substitute. JPRAS Open 2020; 25:8-17. [PMID: 32490127 PMCID: PMC7260611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our overall objective is to develop a single-stage in-theatre skin replacement by combining small explants of skin with a synthetic biodegradable dermal scaffold. The aim of the current study is to determine the concentration of fibrin constituents and their handling properties for both adhering skin explants to the scaffold and encouraging cellular outgrowth to achieve reepithelialization. METHODS Small skin explants were combined with several concentrations of thrombin (2.5,4.5,and 6.5 I.U) and fibrinogen (18.75,67, and 86.5 mg/ml), cultured in Green's media for 14 days and cellular outgrowth was measured using Rose Bengal staining. They were also cultured on electrospun scaffolds for 14 and 21 days. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was undertaken to visualize the interface between skin explants and scaffolds and metabolic activity and collagen production were assessed. RESULTS A thrombin/fibrinogen combination of 2.5 I. U/ml /18.75 mg/ml showed significantly greater cell viability as assessed by Rose Bengal stained areas at days 7 and 14. This was also seen in DAPI images and H&E stains skin explant/scaffold constructs. Fibrin with a concentration of thrombin 2.5 I.U./ml took 5-6 min to set, which is convenient for distributing skin explants on the scaffold. CONCLUSION The study identified concentrations of thrombin (2.5 I.U/ml) and fibrinogen (18.75 mg/ml), which were easy to handle and aided the retention of skin explants and permitted cell outgrowth from explants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Sharma
- Kroto Research Institute, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, North Campus, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S1 7HQ UK
| | - Anthony J. Bullock
- Kroto Research Institute, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, North Campus, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S1 7HQ UK
| | - Victoria Giblin
- Kroto Research Institute, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, North Campus, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S1 7HQ UK
| | - Sheila MacNeil
- Kroto Research Institute, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, North Campus, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S1 7HQ UK
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17
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Mobaraki M, Abbasi R, Omidian Vandchali S, Ghaffari M, Moztarzadeh F, Mozafari M. Corneal Repair and Regeneration: Current Concepts and Future Directions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:135. [PMID: 31245365 PMCID: PMC6579817 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is a unique tissue and the most powerful focusing element of the eye, known as a window to the eye. Infectious or non-infectious diseases might cause severe visual impairments that need medical intervention to restore patients' vision. The most prominent characteristics of the cornea are its mechanical strength and transparency, which are indeed the most important criteria considerations when reconstructing the injured cornea. Corneal strength comes from about 200 collagen lamellae which criss-cross the cornea in different directions and comprise nearly 90% of the thickness of the cornea. Regarding corneal transparency, the specific characteristics of the cornea include its immune and angiogenic privilege besides its limbus zone. On the other hand, angiogenic privilege involves several active cascades in which anti-angiogenic factors are produced to compensate for the enhanced production of proangiogenic factors after wound healing. Limbus of the cornea forms a border between the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, and its limbal stem cells (LSCs) are essential in maintenance and repair of the adult cornea through its support of corneal epithelial tissue repair and regeneration. As a result, the main factors which threaten the corneal clarity are inflammatory reactions, neovascularization, and limbal deficiency. In fact, the influx of inflammatory cells causes scar formation and destruction of the limbus zone. Current studies about wound healing treatment focus on corneal characteristics such as the immune response, angiogenesis, and cell signaling. In this review, studied topics related to wound healing and new approaches in cornea regeneration, which are mostly related to the criteria mentioned above, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadmahdi Mobaraki
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Abbasi
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Omidian Vandchali
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghaffari
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fathollah Moztarzadeh
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Mozafari
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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