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Plasma polymer coatings to aid retinal pigment epithelial growth for transplantation in the treatment of age related macular degeneration

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Abstract

Subretinal transplantation of functioning retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells grown on a synthetic substrate is a potential treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of irreversible vision loss in developed countries. Plasma polymers give the opportunity to tailor the surface chemistry of the artificial substrate whilst maintaining the bulk properties. In this study, plasma polymers with different functionalities were investigated in terms of their effect on RPE attachment and growth. Plasma polymers of acrylic acid (AC), allyl amine (AM) and allyl alcohol (AL) were fabricated and characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle measurements. Octadiene (OD) hydrocarbon films and tissue culture polystyrene were used as controls. Wettability varied from hydrophobic OD to relatively hydrophilic AC. XPS demonstrated four very different surfaces with the expected functionalities. Attachment, proliferation and morphological examination of an RPE cell line and primary RPE cells were investigated. Both cell types grew on all surfaces, with the exception of OD, although the proliferation rate of primary cells was low. Good epithelial morphology was also demonstrated. Plasma polymerised films show potential as cell carrier surfaces for RPE cells in the treatment of AMD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK

    Victoria Kearns, Sharon Mason, Yamini Krishna, Carl Sheridan & Rachel L. Williams

  2. School of Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK

    Anita Mistry

  3. Mawson Institute, University of Southern Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5095, Australia

    Robert Short

Authors
  1. Victoria Kearns
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  2. Anita Mistry
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  3. Sharon Mason
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  4. Yamini Krishna
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  5. Carl Sheridan
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  6. Robert Short
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  7. Rachel L. Williams
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Correspondence to Rachel L. Williams.

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Kearns, V., Mistry, A., Mason, S. et al. Plasma polymer coatings to aid retinal pigment epithelial growth for transplantation in the treatment of age related macular degeneration. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 23, 2013–2021 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-012-4675-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-012-4675-6

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