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Isolation, Cryopreservation and Culture of Human Amnion Epithelial Cells for Clinical Applications
Published on: December 21, 2014
Effects of lyophilization on human amniotic membrane
M Teresa Rodríguez-Ares1, María J López-Valladares, Rosario Touriño
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) Hospital Complex, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. lopez.mariajesus@gmail.com
Acta Ophthalmologica
|October 22, 2008
Summary
Lyophilization preserves human amniotic membrane (HAM) structure but may reduce protein and growth factor levels more than cryopreservation. Cryopreservation showed higher protein and fibroblast growth factor basic levels in HAM.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Human amniotic membrane (HAM) is a valuable biomaterial for tissue regeneration.
- Preservation methods like lyophilization and cryopreservation are crucial for HAM storage and clinical application.
- Understanding the impact of these methods on HAM's biological properties is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of lyophilization and cryopreservation on the histological characteristics and growth factor content of human amniotic membrane (HAM).
- To evaluate the structural integrity and biological activity of HAM after different preservation techniques.
Main Methods:
- Human amniotic membrane (HAM) samples were subjected to non-preservation, lyophilization, and cryopreservation.
- Histological and electron microscopy assessed morphological characteristics.
- Immunohistochemistry evaluated collagen IV distribution.
- ELISA measured levels of key growth factors (EGF, FGF-b, HGF, KGF, TGF-β1, NGF).
Main Results:
- Both lyophilization and cryopreservation maintained the histological structure of HAM, including collagen IV distribution.
- Cryopreserved HAM showed higher total protein content, though not statistically significant.
- Fibroblast growth factor basic levels were significantly higher in cryopreserved HAM compared to lyophilized HAM.
Conclusions:
- Lyophilization effectively preserves the histological structure of HAM.
- Cryopreservation appears to result in less reduction in total protein and certain growth factor concentrations compared to lyophilization.
- Both methods offer viable options for HAM preservation, with cryopreservation potentially retaining more biological activity.
