POLYURETHANE NANOCOMPOSITE AS SUPPORT FOR RETINAL
PIGMENT‫‏‬EPITHELIAL CELL GROWTH
PEREIRA, A.F.1; SILVA-CUNHA, A.2; ORÉFICE, R.L.‫‏‬2; AYRES, E.3; DA
SILVA, G.R.1
1
Federal University of São João del-Rei, Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu,
Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
2
Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
3
University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
e-mail: [email protected]
Keywords: polyurethane nanocomposite, montmorillonite nanoparticles, retinal
pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19 cells), polymeric support, age-related macular
degeneration (ARMD).
Abstract: The subretinal transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE cells),
grown on polymeric supports, represents a potential treatment of age-related macular
degeneration. In this study, montmorillonite based polyurethane nanocomposite (PUNC) was investigated as substrate for human RPE cell growth (ARPE-19 cells). The
ARPE-19 cells were seeded on the PU-NC, and the cell viability, proliferation and
differentiation were investigated. The results indicated that ARPE-19 cells attached,
proliferated and grew onto the nanocomposite surface. They also presented the ability of
expressing occludin, which demonstrated the functionality of the epithelial cells similar
to that of RPE cells in vivo. The in vivo ocular biocompatibility of the PU-NC was
assessed by its implantation into the subretinal space. It was verified that the
implantation of the nanocomposite into the posterior segment of the eye of rats did not
elicit any rejection or inflammatory response. The PU-NC may have potential
application as a substrate for RPE cell transplantation to curb visual deterioration in
patients with RPE dysfunctions.
Acknowledgements: The authors would like to acknowledge financial support from the
following institutions: FAPEMIG (Minas Gerais - Brazil) and Federal University of São
João del-Rei (UFSJ).