![]() ![]() ![]() As a result, resistance to outflow of aqueous humor regulates IOP. Aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary processes at an almost constant rate and is eliminated in a pressure-dependent manner through the trabecular meshwork. Targeting the pathological site-the human trabecular meshwork (HTM)-represents a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of glaucoma, which is the main site of aqueous humor drainage. As of yet, there is no cure for glaucoma. It is estimated that POAG represents 90% of all glaucoma cases, affecting 57.5 million people in 2015 with an anticipated rise to 111.8 million patients by 2040. In particular, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common type of glaucoma in the Western world, is associated with malfunctioning trabecular meshwork cells. Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the optic nerve and is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Gelatin-coated, micropatterned, ultrathin, porous PCL scaffolds with a grid pattern supported proper HTM cell growth, cytoskeleton organization, HTM-marker expression, and ECM deposition, demonstrating the feasibility of using these PCL scaffolds to tissue-engineer implantable, healthy ocular outflow tissue. Expression of HTM-specific markers and ECM deposition were assessed by immunocytochemistry and qPCR analysis. The HTM cell growth on gelatin-coated PCL scaffolds was assessed by scanning electron microscopy, tetrazolium metabolic activity assay, and cytoskeletal organization of F-actin. ![]() In this work, PCL scaffolds were lithographically fabricated using a sacrificial process to produce submicron-thick scaffolds with openings of specific sizes and shapes (e.g., grid, hexagonal pattern). Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a versatile, biodegradable, and implantable material that is widely used for cell culture and tissue engineering. A potential future treatment for glaucoma is to replace damaged HTM cells with a tissue-engineered substitute, thus restoring proper fluid outflow. In primary open angle glaucoma, the increased IOP is a result of the malfunctioning human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells’ inability to properly regulate the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. Glaucoma, where increased intraocular pressure (IOP) leads to damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight, is amongst the foremost causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. ![]()
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