Cultivation of human microvascular endothelial cells on topographical substrates to mimic the human corneal endothelium.

ABSTRACT: Human corneal endothelial cells have a limited ability to replicate in vivo and in vitro. Allograft transplantation becomes necessary when an accident or trauma results in excessive cell loss. The reconstruction of the cornea endothelium using autologous cell sources is a promising alternative option for therapeutic or in vitro drug testing applications. The native corneal endothelium rests on the Descemet's membrane, which has nanotopographies of fibers and pores. The use of synthetic topographies mimics the native environment, and it is hypothesized that this can direct the behavior and growth of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) to resemble the corneal endothelium. In this study, HMVECs are cultivated on substrates with micron and nano-scaled pillar and well topographies. C

SUBMITTER: Chua JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4030909 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature