Purpose To investigate the adhesive and proliferative effects of immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCEs) on a collagen/ hyaluronic acid (COL/HA) electrospun membrane.
Methods A nano-scale membrane which was composed of collagen and hyaluronic acid was fabricated by electrospinning technology. HCEs were seeded on the membrane and tissue culture plastics (TCPs) at the same concentration. Cells were allowed to grow for 24/72/120 hours and were observed by laser confocal fluorescence microscopy (LCFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell viability was measured by the MTT test.
Results After a 24 hours incubation, a marked increase of HCEs adhesion was observed on the membrane by LCFM and SEM when compared to the TCPs. MTT test showed that cells proliferated gradually with time increasing, similar growth rates were calculated for cells planted on the membrane and TCPs.
Conclusion COL/HA electrospun nanofibrous membrane promotes the adhesion and proliferation of human corneal epithelial cells in vitro, which may be a good substitute for amniotic membrane in ocular surface reconstruction. |
