Microtopography screening to modulate the mitogenic effects of aqueous humor on human tenon fibroblasts

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, with elevated intraocular pressure being a primary risk factor due to the accumulation of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber. Aqueous humor is known to modulate the proliferation of surrounding fibroblasts, which may influence the long-term success of glaucoma drainage devices. This study investigates whether the mitogenic effects of aqueous humor can be modulated through the control of implant surface microtopography.

A biomaterial library comprising 32 distinct micro topographies was fabricated using the biocompatible polymer poly (styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS) via hot embossing. Bovine aqueous humor was utilized in cell proliferation assays to evaluate its effects on human Tenon fibroblasts, alongside an analysis of the cellular morphological response to different micro topographies.

Aqueous humor exhibited a dose-dependent effect on human Tenon fibroblasts proliferation, ranging from 0.1% to 50% concentration. Fibroblast proliferation was significantly influenced by surface topography, which in turn correlated with alterations in cell morphology. Certain topographies decreased the mitogenic effects of aqueous humor, whereas others enhanced cell proliferation in a synergistic manner (e.g., T-1153 vs. T-930).

Our findings demonstrate that implant surface microtopography modulates aqueous humor-induced human Tenon fibroblast proliferation. These insights provide a potential strategy for optimizing the design of glaucoma drainage devices to regulate fibrotic responses and improve long-term device patency.