2023-10-13 16:20:00
Retinal-Pigment-Epithel (RPE)
October 13, 2023 6:20 pm Robert Klatt
Eyes with damaged retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells )kcotS ebodAoktuD alimduiL(Photo: ©
A new nanostructure enables the cultivation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. This might help people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other vision problems regain their vision.
Cambridge (England). Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the developed world and is expected to increase in the coming years due to an aging population. The deterioration in vision is mainly caused by lipid deposits, which are also known in medicine as drusen.
According to studies, replacing the affected retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is one of the most promising treatment options for AMD. These cells lie just outside the neural part of the retina in the eye and can cause vision problems if they are damaged.
Artificial retinal pigment epithelium cells
Scientists at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) led by Barbara Pierscionek have been working on growing RPE cells for a long time. According to their publication in the specialist magazine Materials & Design, the working group has now discovered a method of using nanotechnology to create a 3D scaffold on which the cells can grow and remain healthy and viable for up to five months.
To create the structure, the researchers used the so-called “electrospinning” technique. The scaffold was then treated with the steroid fluocinolone acetonide to increase cell resistance, promote eye cell growth and prevent inflammation.
“This research has shown for the first time that nanofiber scaffolds treated with an anti-inflammatory substance such as fluocinolone acetonide can improve the growth, differentiation and functionality of RPE cells.”
According to the scientists involved, the cells grow significantly better thanks to the new structure.
“In the past, scientists would grow cells on a flat surface, which is not biologically relevant. With these new techniques, the cell line has been shown to thrive in the 3D environment provided by the scaffolds.”
Better treatment of blindness
Progress in the cultivation of artificial RPE cells might lead to innovative methods for treating AMD and thus help a large number of people.
“This system shows great potential as a replacement for Bruch’s membrane and might potentially help millions of people worldwide.”
Materials & Design, doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2023.112152
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