Abstract
Purpose: :
Aim of the study was to create an artificial vitreous substitute by cross-linking the biopolymer hyaluronic acid in order to obtain a clear, biocompatible, antiproliferative, anti-adhesive, three-dimensional hydrogel that does not change refraction.
Methods: :
Different hydrogels were assembled by cross-linking hyaluronic acid either with hydrazides or by photopolymerization with UV light. To quantify the degradation of the hydrogels the release of free hyaluronic acid was measured photometrically by means of the degradation product uronic acid. Furthermore, various cell culture methods were used to monitor the in vitro effects of the hydrogels on retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE cells).
Results: :
The hydrogels were all clear and transparent, three-dimensional and rubber-like. Quantification of the degradation products revealed that only a small release occurred during the observation period of one month. No toxicity and induction of apoptosis in RPE cells was found.
Keywords: vitreous substitutes • vitreoretinal surgery • glycoconjugates/glycoproteins