Modulation of corneal epithelial stratification by polymer surface topography

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Abstract
The topography and porosity of a polymer may affect the epithelialization of a corneal implant. We used an in vitro model to examine the effect of polymer surface topography on corneal epithelial tissue stratification and the deposition of proteins associated with epithelial adhesion. A range of topographies was provided by polycarbonate membranes with nominal pore diameters of 0.1, 0.4, 0.8, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 μm and a nonporous surface. Stratification of epithelial tissue outgrowth on these surfaces was evaluated using light and electron microscopy. Deposition of proteins associated with basement membrane and adhesion complex formation at the tissue–polymer interface was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Surfaces with pores in the 0.1–0.8-μm-diameter range supported superior stratification and protein deposition compared with those containing pores of ≥1.0 μm. Cytoplasmic processes penetrated single pores 2.0 and 3.0 μm in diameter and fused pores 1.0 μm in diameter. Tissue on the nonporous surface had a lower level of stratification compared with surfaces with pores 0.1–0.8 μm in diameter. These results point to the significance of surface topography in biomaterial applications that require persistent epithelialization. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 45, 384–394, 1999.