In vitro evaluation of adhesion of adipose‐derived adult stem cells to chitosan for the treatment of ocular surface pathologies

Abstract

Purpose To analyze the ability of adhesion of adipose‐derived adult stem cells (ADAS) to porous materials made of chitosan for the future design of biodegradable autologous membranes for the treatment of ocular surface pathologies Methods We used porous chitosan scaffolds prepared by cold neutralization in a 4% chitosan aqueous solution at acid pH, some of the materials were treated with argon plasma to favour cell adhesion. ADAS cells were obtained after adipose tissue processing from patients undergoing liposuction surgery. 5,000 cells were seeded per each scaffold in DMEM/F12 medium and cellular growth was analyzed on these materials by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after ten days in culture. Results Adhesion was observed and cell growth was optimal on the surface of non‐plasma‐treated biomaterials. Chitosan scaffolds treated with argon plasma showed better adhesion properties. Extracellular matrix production was also observed Conclusion 4% chitosan biomaterials allow for adhesion, proliferation and extracellular matrix production of ADAS cells. Biocolonization of these biomaterials with ADAS cells will imply the future design of biological autologous membranes containing cells from the very same patient that would act as patches for the treatment of ocular surface pathologies for which current treatments show certain risks such immune rejection, infections or low effectivity.