Seeing through the interface: poly(ε‐Caprolactone) surface modification of poly(glycerol‐co‐sebacic acid) membranes in adult porcine retinal explants

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adhesion properties and tissue reactions in an in vitro model of nanofabricated membranes emulating the vitreous cortex. Electrospinning was performed for either 5, 10 or 15 min to create various thicknesses of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) fibre mats on a poly(glycerol‐co‐sebacic acid) (PGS) surface. These were fused with adult porcine retinal explants, with the fibre side facing the inner retina, and cultured for 5 days. Adherence was assessed by macroscopic inspection, and morphological and immunohistochemical analysis was performed using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and markers for photoreceptors and Müller glia (recoverin, NeuN, vimentin and GFAP). TUNEL labelling was performed to assess apoptosis. Five minute specimens displayed poor adherence with an overall structure, apoptosis and photoreceptor and ganglion cell morphology comparable to that of the culture controls, whereas 10 min specimens showed improved neuronal survival; 15 min composite explants adhered only at focal points, were thin and showed extensive degenerative damage. The physical composition of nanofibre meshes is important for adhesion to the inner retina and has a significant impact on neuronal and glial survival in vitro. The results bearing on research involving retinal transplantation are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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