Abstract
Purpose: :
To use the nanofiber scaffolds for the transfer of limbal stem cells (LSC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) as a form of treatment for ocular surface damage in the experimental mouse model.
Methods: :
Nanofiber scaffolds were prepared by an electrospinning from a polyamid 6/12 which was chosen according to the best properties and biocompatibility for LSC and MSC growth, and stability of nanofibres in aqueous solutions. The scaffolds were transferred on the ocular surface in two models. The model A was characterized by removal of corneal epithelium and limbus in BALB/c mice. The LSC from BALB/c mice were labeled with PKH26 dye, cultivated on nanofiber scaffolds and transferred. Survival of LSC on the ocular surface was analyzed over different postoperative period on the cryosections. In model B, a strong immune response was induced by allogeneic (C57BL/6 donor, BALB/c recipient) orthotopic limbal transplantation. The co-transfer of LSC and MSC on the scaffolds was performed after the above procedure. A control group with empty nanofiber scaffolds and a group with no treatment were studied as well. Real-time PCR analysis was used to assess the postoperative inflammatory response after scaffolds transfer in all groups.
Results: :
The LSC and MSC were successfully cultivated without any changes of morphology, viability or growth properties as compared to those on plastic. In model A, the labeled LSC migrated to corneal surface and were detected on cryosections on the days 3, 5 and 10 postoperatively. In model B, the LSC and MSC co-transport significantly inhibited the inflammatory reaction characterized by a lower gene expression for interleukin-2, interferon-gamma and inducible nitric oxide synthesis as compared to the control group and group with no treatment.
Conclusions: :
Nanofiber scaffolds from a polyamid 6/12 can be useful for growth and transfer of LSC and MSC, and can be utilized for future treatment of ocular surface injuries.
Keywords: cornea: basic science • cell survival • cytokines/chemokines