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Updated: May 31, 2026

In Vitro Culture of Epithelial Cells from Different Anatomical Regions of the Human Amniotic Membrane
10:00

In Vitro Culture of Epithelial Cells from Different Anatomical Regions of the Human Amniotic Membrane

Published on: November 28, 2019

Drug reservoir function of human amniotic membrane

Miklós D Resch1, Béla E Resch, Eszter Csizmazia

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. miklosresch@gmail.com

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics : the Official Journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|June 28, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human amniotic membrane (AM) acts as a slow-release device for ofloxacin, demonstrating significant drug reservoir capacity. Pretreatment duration influences the release rate, potentially enhancing AM transplantation benefits for infectious keratitis.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • The amniotic membrane (AM) is a biological material with potential therapeutic applications in ophthalmology.
  • Understanding drug release kinetics from AM is crucial for optimizing its use as a drug delivery system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of ofloxacin release from pretreated human amniotic membrane in an in vitro setting.
  • To determine the influence of pretreatment duration on ofloxacin release kinetics from AM.

Main Methods:

  • Cryopreserved AM samples were soaked in 3% ofloxacin ophthalmic solution for varying durations (60, 120, 180 minutes).
  • Drug release was assessed using a vertical Franz-diffusion cell system and quantified via UV spectrophotometry.
  • Ofloxacin release was measured over 450 minutes and calculated per surface area (μg/cm²).

Main Results:

  • Ofloxacin was detected in the acceptor phase within 1 minute of mounting across all groups.
  • A rapid increase in ofloxacin release was observed up to 120 minutes, followed by a slower release phase.
  • Longer pretreatment durations (120 and 180 minutes) resulted in significantly higher cumulative ofloxacin release compared to shorter durations (60 minutes).

Conclusions:

  • The human amniotic membrane exhibits a significant capacity to reservoir ofloxacin.
  • AM functions as a slow-release device for ofloxacin in vitro for up to 7 hours, with release kinetics dependent on pretreatment duration.
  • Tailored pretreatment of AM may enhance its therapeutic efficacy in treating ocular conditions like infectious keratitis.

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