Purpose
Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant (AADI), is a relatively cost-effective non-valved glaucoma drainage device indicated in refractory glaucoma management in the developing world. This study was carried out to both evaluate the surface free energy of AADI and its influence on theadhesion of human Tenon fibroblast, and to compare it with Baerveldt implants.
Methods
The surface free energyof AADI and Baerveldt implantswere measured using a contact angle meter with five different standards - water, formamide, diiodomethane, ethylene glycol and 1-bromonaphthalene. The human Tenon fibroblast cultures were established using the Tenon’s capsule obtained during routine cataract surgery from three donors, who had given prior written consent. The implants were attached to the culture dishes using single component silicone and tested for toxicity. After growing the fibroblasts in these dishes for 72 hoursand staining with cell tracker green, their adhesion onto the implants was quantified in fluorescent microscope.
Results
The surface free energy of AADI (15.8mJ/m2) was identified to be higher than Baerveldt (13.2 mJ/m2). Adhesion of Tenon fibroblasts corresponded well to the surface free energy and was more profound on AADI while it was less on Baerveldt implants.
Conclusions
The above results indicate that due to higher surface energy and cell adhesion property, AADI might attract more fibroblasts and fibrous encapsulation compared to Baerveldt, which warrants further investigation on the clinical outcome.
Keywords: 446 cell adhesions/cell junctions •
765 wound healing