Ultrathin micromolded 3D scaffolds for high-density photoreceptor layer reconstruction.

PubMed ID: 33883135

Author(s): Lee IK, Ludwig AL, Phillips MJ, Lee J, Xie R, Sajdak BS, Jager LD, Gong S, Gamm DM, Ma Z. Ultrathin micromolded 3D scaffolds for high-density photoreceptor layer reconstruction. Sci Adv. 2021 Apr 21;7(17). pii: eabf0344. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abf0344. Print 2021 Apr. PMID 33883135

Journal: Science Advances, Volume 7, Issue 17, Apr 2021

Polymeric scaffolds are revolutionizing therapeutics for blinding disorders affecting the outer retina, a region anatomically and functionally defined by light-sensitive photoreceptors. Recent engineering advances have produced planar scaffolds optimized for retinal pigment epithelium monolayer delivery, which are being tested in early-stage clinical trials. We previously described a three-dimensional scaffold supporting a polarized photoreceptor monolayer, but photoreceptor somata typically occupy multiple densely packed strata to maximize light detection. Thus, patients with severe photoreceptor degeneration are expected to extract greater benefits from higher-density photoreceptor delivery. Here, we describe the microfabrication of a biodegradable scaffold patterned for high-density photoreceptor replacement. The “ice cube tray” structure optimizes mechanical properties and cell-to-biomaterial load, enabling production of a multicellular photoreceptor layer designed for outer retinal reconstruction. Our approach may also be useful in the production of a multitude of micro- and nanoscale structures for multilayered cell delivery in other tissues.

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