Enhancing Eye Health with 3D Scaffold Technology
Written by Arushi Sharma, Shaveta Arora
Researchers harnessed nanotechnology to develop a 3D "scaffold" for growing retinal cells, offering new hope in treating macular degeneration.
Treatment of the scaffold with the anti-inflammatory steroid fluocinolone acetonide appears to increase cell resilience and promote the growth of eye cells. These findings are critical for future advancements in ocular tissue transplantation into the patient's eye.
What are the Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Facts and Figures?
A growing elderly population is expected to contribute to the rising prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. According to recent research, approximately 77 million people in Europe alone will have some form of AMD by 2050.
AMD is caused by changes in Bruch's membrane and choriocapillaris, which support RPE cells. Western populations often experience drusen accumulation, leading to degeneration of RPE, choriocapillaris, and outer retina. In developing countries, abnormal blood vessel growth in the choroid can cause hemorrhaging, retinal detachment, and eye scar formation.
Scientists are conducting extensive research on RPE cell transplantation as one of several promising therapeutic options for effectively treating vision conditions such as AMD. They are working to improve treatment outcomes by developing efficient methods for transplanting these cells into the eye.
Lead author Professor Barbara Pierscionek, Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) said -
"This research has demonstrated, for the first time, that nanofibre scaffolds treated with the anti-inflammatory substance such as fluocinolone acetonide can enhance the growth, differentiation, and functionality of RPE cells.
In the past, scientists would grow cells on a flat surface, which is not biologically relevant. Using these new techniques. the cell line has been shown to thrive in the 3D environment provided by the scaffolds.
This system shows great potential for development as a substitute Bruch's membrane, providing a synthetic, non-toxic, biostable support for transplantation of the retinal pigment epithelial cells. Pathological changes in this membrane have been identified as a cause of eye diseases such as AMD, making this an exciting breakthrough that could potentially help millions of people worldwide."