Presenter(s)

Joelle Baddour

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Description

Current cataractous lens replacement therapies require frequent medical checkups due to the potential formation of secondary cataracts as a result of the transdifferentiation of residual lens epithelial cells to mesenchymal myofibroblast cells (EMT). To prevent EMT, current treatments include laser therapy or the administration of anti-fibrotic drugs. Recently, Poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) has become a popular material for tissue replacement therapy due to its relative durability compared to other biomaterials. For instance, the use of PCL as a nanofibrous scaffold offers a novel tool to model the complex architecture of different tissue types including skin, bone, cartilage, muscle, and brain cells. This study examines the suitability of PCL nanofibers for lens tissue engineering and lens replacement therapies. In an attempt to create a more organized lens fiber alignment without the risk of EMT, this study tests the use of aligned PCL nanofibers as a potential artificial lens matrix for cellular ingrowth and lens epithelial cells differentiation into lens fiber cells.

Publication Date

4-18-2012

Project Designation

Graduate Research

Primary Advisor

Panagiotis A. Tsonis

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium project

PCL Nanofibers Induce Lens Fiber Formation of Mouse Lens Epithelial Cells

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