Abstract
Purpose :
Mucins together with the superficial lipid layer form the tear film. They are highly O-glycosylated proteins responsible for lubrication and protection of the ocular surface. We synthetized neutral, positively and negatively charged glycopolymers, which mimicking natural mucins and exhibiting high hydrophilicity and stability. Their biocompatible properties were tested in the cultures with the human corneal epithelial cells (HCE).
Methods :
The various neutral, positively and negatively charged glycopolymers were synthetized by aqueous-based synthesis and cultured with HCE (in concentrations of 1%; 0,1% and 0,01% w/v). Several cytotoxicity/viability assays together with the light microscopy were used for the biocompatibility analysis (LIVE/DEAD assay, WST-8 assay, IHC of Ki-67, ABCG2 and Pax6).
Results :
The neutral glycopolymers had no difference in cytotoxicity/viability assay compared to a control untreated cells. Most of the positively and negatively charged glycopolymers had significant cytostatic effects on HCE with lower viability in the highest concentration (1% w/v).
The WST-8 results from the HCE cultures with selected glycopolymers were consistent with the viability assay. The expression of proliferative marker Ki-67 was same among all cultures with selected glycopolymers (0,01% w/v) and control cells. No decrease of viable cells was also detected by LIVE/DEAD assay (0,01% w/v). The expression of HCE markers (Pax6 and ABCG2) were detected in cells without any change after the 48h culture of HCE cells with selected glycopolymers (0,01% w/v).
Conclusions :
Selected glycopolymers had no cytotoxic effect on HCE cells in the 0,01% w/v concentration. Moreover, they had no negative effect on the HCE viability and displayed both morphology and characteristic markers as untreated control cells. These selected glycopolymers are biocompatible and can be used with recently tested “layer-by-layer” coating system in prepared contact lens application.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.