Recent research published in Materials and Design illustrated promise in using nanotechnology to create a 3D replica of human cells to grow retinal tissue that may have potential to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Give me some background first.
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) deterioration is a major indication of vision-debilitating eye diseases such as AMD. In the case of AMD, RPE cell replacement has been tabbed as a promising therapeutic option for treatment.
However, the question of how to transplant these cells in order to maintain viability and functionality (and avoid lipid deposition, inflammation, and neovascularization) is still under investigation.
Which is where this research comes into play, right?
Yup. The basis of this research involved the use of supportive natural or artificial “scaffolds” that coordinate RPE cell delivery to the back of the eye, which could enable the possibility of successful cell replacement therapy in degenerative retinal diseases (like AMD).
What else?
Next up was the introduction of electrospinning, commonly known as a fabrication technique used to produce nanofibrous membranes capable of control and modification.
These electrospun nanofiber membranes are designed to biomimic Bruch’s membrane (the underlying supportive matrix for RPE cells) that could potentially regenerate retinal tissue.
Which brings us to this research.
Talk to me.
Investigators used electrospinning to create a scaffold—referred to as electrospun 3D ultra-thin fibrous membranes (a replica)—to mimic the retinal tissues located at the back of the eye, specifically the RPE in this instance.
The scaffold was then treated with the steroid fluocinolone acetonide (FA), to reduce the inflammatory response, which in turn could allow RPE cells to thrive in a favorable environment for cell growth.
And the findings?
Upon FA application, the cells’ resiliency appeared to increase—advancing RPE cell growth. The cells grew within the replica over the course of a 150-day time period.
So what does this mean?
Per the study authors, the success of this RPE cell therapy was limited by the short survival period and an “abnormal organization of transplanted cells.”
However, they concluded that, for the first time, they were able to demonstrate, “that nanofibre scaffolds treated with the anti-inflammatory substance such as FA can enhance the growth, differentiation, and functionality of [RPE]A cells.”
Go on …
According to study author Barbara Pierscionek, deputy dean of Research and Innovation at Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom, "In the past, scientists would grow cells on a flat surface, which is not biologically relevant,” she stated. “Using these new techniques, the cell line has been shown to thrive in the 3D environment provided by the scaffolds.”
What else?
The authors added that this cell growth was shown to “successfully survive, proliferate, and differentiate in the 3D environment provided by the scaffolds,” indicating great potential for RPE cell transplantation.
Translation: This study may open the door to future potential for treating AMD-associated vision loss with novel bioengineered delivery systems.