Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in England have leveraged nanotechnology to grow human retina cells, reporting the creation of a tiny three-dimensional scaffold that supports healthy, viable pigment epithelial cells. This advancement, highlighted by SciTechDaly, points to a more robust platform for studying retinal biology and testing therapies in a controlled, cell-friendly environment.
To fabricate the scaffold that cradles the cells, scientists employed polyacrylonitrile and jeffamine polymers. When subjected to an electric field, these materials self-assemble into ultrathin fibers that form a loose, interconnected matrix. The resulting network combines high mechanical strength with good water compatibility, creating a hydrated, supportive milieu for retinal cells. The scaffold was then coated with fluocinolone acetonide, a potent anti-inflammatory steroid, which helps mitigate inflammatory responses that can accompany tissue engineering and cell transplantation efforts.
Experiments revealed that this architecture not only sustains cell survival but also enhances the growth and functional characteristics of visual cells. Pigment epithelial cells were cultured on the engineered surface and remained viable for as long as 150 days under laboratory conditions. The pigment epithelium constitutes the outermost layer of the retina and plays a critical role in nourishing retinal tissues, maintaining metabolic balance, and supporting the blood supply essential for retinal health. By contributing to the processing of nutrients, waste removal, and the maintenance of the blood-retina barrier, this cell layer helps preserve the clarity and contrast of the images formed by the eye, underscoring its importance in visual acuity and overall eye health.
The emergence of this technology holds promise for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that targets the central retina, the macular region, and can lead to significant central vision loss. The concept behind the approach is to replace damaged retinal cells with healthy counterparts, potentially restoring sight where it has deteriorated. Ongoing research focuses on understanding how to transplant a scaffold embedded with mature retinal cells into the eye in ways that support integration, survival, and function, aiming to develop viable cell-based therapies for AMD and related degenerative conditions in humans.
Earlier studies have also contributed to the overall landscape of eye health technology, including efforts to create online simulators for glaucoma diagnosis and management. These digital tools aid clinicians and researchers in modeling disease progression and evaluating diagnostic strategies, complementing laboratory advances in retinal cell engineering and transplantation. The convergence of tissue engineering, targeted drug delivery, and digital diagnostic aids continues to push forward the frontier of personalized eye care and regenerative medicine, seeking practical pathways to preserve and restore vision for patients dealing with retinal diseases.” [1]