Artificial Substrates for Retinal Pigment Epithelial (Rpe) Cell Growth

AMD is the main cause of registered blindness in the Western World and despite recent advances, there is very limited treatment. Transplantation of RPE under the macula represents a potential treatment. We investigated methods to establish an intact functioning RPE monolayer on an artificial substrate that could eventually be implanted under the macula and substitute for damaged native Bruch's membrane. Biomaterials polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are already used widely clinically. Cells, however, do not attach to PDMS and ePTFE. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of modifying the surface properties of both substrates to promote the growth and function of healthy RPE monolayers. Works presented here form the thesis completed for a PhD by Dr Y Krishna, under the supervision of Dr C Sheridan, Dr R Williams, Mr D Kent and Professor I Grierson at Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, UK. Studies presented here would be of particular interest to researchers in the field of cell biology, transplant, biomaterials and ocular pathology; as well as medical and surgical retinal specialists.