Papers by Author: Z. Zainuddin

Abstract: A series of linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) with defined molecular weights (MW) and narrow molecular distributions were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using cumyl dithiobenzoate (CDB) as a chain transfer agent. Murine fibroblasts (3T3) were exposed to eluates from various PHEMA samples, washed or unwashed, and with or without dithioester end groups. After 72 hrs in cell culture, no cytotoxic response was elicited by the polymer samples devoid of dithioester end groups, and which also underwent a thorough washing regime. Specimens throughout the entire MW range were internalized by a macrophage (cell line Raw 264), suggesting that such polymers can be used as models for studying the biodegradation of PHEMA.

Abstract: Silk fibroin (SF), isolated from silkworm (Bombyx mori) cocoons, is a natural biodegradable polymer. Over the past decade, there was some interest in using SF as a biomedical material. As part of a project to develop tissue-engineered constructs for the surgical restoration of the ocular surface (cornea, conjunctiva), we have investigated the capacity of SF to function as a substratum for the attachment and growth of corneal stem/progenitor cells harvested from the corneoscleral limbus of donor human corneal tissue. SF membranes were produced from cocoons following a protocol involving successive dissolution steps, filtration, dialysis, evaporation, and methanol treatment. Human limbal epithelial cells were harvested from donor tissue and seeded onto SF membranes. After 5 days, the culture was fixed and stained with specific agents to visualize the cells. The study indicated profuse cellular attachment and growth. SF membranes appear to be suitable as a substratum for the repair of damaged ocular surface.