Retinal pigment epithelium engineering using synthetic biodegradable polymers

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a key role in the maintenance of the normal functions of the retina, especially photoreceptors. Alteration in R PE structure and function is implicated in a variety of ocular disorders. T issue engineering strategies using synthetic biodegradable polymers as temp orary substrates for RPE cell culture and subsequent transplantation may pr ovide a promising new therapy. In this review article, the manufacture of t hin biodegradable poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) films and their d egradation behavior in vitro are discussed. RPE cell proliferation and diff erentiation on these PLGA films are reviewed. The fabrication of model subs trates with desired chemical micropatterns in the micrometer scale is discu ssed and the effects of surface patterning on RPE morphology and function a re assessed. Finally, the preparation of biodegradable micropatterns with a dhesive PLGA and non-adhesive poly(ethylene glycol)/PLA domains to modulate RPE cell adhesion is presented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.