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Polmunary epithelial barrier formation on biodegradable poly-L-lactic-acid (PLLA) membrane

Authors :
Valerio Brucato
Donna E. Davies
Salvatore Montesanto
Vincenzo La Carrubba
Franco Conforti
Natalie P. Smithers
Fabio Bucchieri
Montesanto, Salvatore
Conforti, Franco
Smithers, Natalie
Bucchieri, Fabio
Brucato, Valerio
La Carrubba, Vincenzo
Davies, Donna
Source :
3.2 Airway Cell Biology and Immunopathology.
Publication Year :
2016
Publisher :
European Respiratory Society, 2016.

Abstract

Aims: Investigation of epithelial barrier formation using PLLA membranes for application in bioengineering. Background: The development of functional and biocompatible substitutes for damaged tissue or organs is a major challenge in biomedical engineering. The epithelial barrier plays a central role in tissue homeostasis and immunity preventing damage and contamination of the interstitial tissues. Different in vitro models of the lung and intestinal epithelial barriers have been well characterized, however these tend to use non-biodegradable and/or poorly biocompatible scaffolds. Therefore, there is a need for better supports for epithelial cells for future applications in tissue engineering. Methods: Biodegradable PLLA membranes of differing morphologies were used as scaffolds to create an epithelial barrier model. Bronchiolar epithelial cells (H441) were cultured on PLLA membranes in transwell supports in order to assess barrier formation as measured by trans-epithelial electric resistance (TEER). Results: H441 cells readily attached to PLLA membranes and formed a confluent cell layer within two days. This was accompanied by a significant increase in TEER and correlated with the formation of intercellular tight junctions. Conclusions: A functional epithelial barrier can be established on biodegradable PLLA membranes that are not only biocompatible but be produced with different morphologies and mechanical properties. Therefore, PLLA membranes have potential utility in tissue engineering applications requiring bio-absorbable membranes in lung tissue or organ regeneration.

Details

Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
3.2 Airway Cell Biology and Immunopathology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....1b6327a7fcd88f140d1d3bd9755a123d
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2016.pa3994