Design of a New Keratoprosthesis: Evaluation of the Colonization of Polymeric Biocompatible Scaffolds

Abstract

Purpose:: To analyze the biocolonization properties of different porous materials with different compositions of polymeric acrylates and methacrylates to find an ideal material to be used as the scaffold of a future keratoprosthesis.

Methods:: Adipose-Derived Adult Stem Cells (ADASC) and a cell line of keratocytes were cultured on different substrates with different content of hydrophilic/hydrophobic monomers made of acrylates and methacrylates (pEA and pHEA) at different ratios. Porous materials made of 100% pEA were also evaluated. 5.10⁴ cells per biomaterial in triplicates (1cm diameter and 1mm thick) were grown and their adhesion and proliferation rates analyzed by optical microscopy, SEM and Trypan Blue staining. Cells were evaluated on days 0, 3, 5 and 7.

Results:: Proliferation of ADASC and keratocytes was observed on materials with a main component of the hydrophobic poly ethylacrylate (pEA). The expansion and colonization of these cells on 100% pEA porous materials was only observed on the surface. Large collagen deposits and producer cells covered the surface and no penetration was observed by SEM.

Conclusions:: Hydrophobic 100% pEA showed to be very efficient on adhesion and proliferation of ADASC and keratocytes on bi-dimensional substrates. Porous materials made of 100% of this polymer did not show colonization on the inside of the channels probably due to the hydrophobic nature of this material. Future substrate will combine other hydrophilic materials to make the scaffolds more biocolonizable.

Keywords: anterior segment • regeneration • transplantation