Assessing the Suitability of Electrospun Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) and Polystyrene as Cell Carrier Substrates for Potential Subsequent Implantation as a Synthetic Bruch's Membrane

Electrospun poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polystyrene (PS) were tested for suitability as cell carrier substrates. Membranes were UV/ozone treated, which improved protein adsorption, with aminolysis observed on PET. PET demonstrated greater handling and durability compared to PS. Treated and untreated PET supported cell proliferation, with cells exhibiting the desired monolayer morphology. Untreated PS did not support cell proliferation and although treated PS did, the resultant RPE cell morphology was undesirable. Preliminary tests investigating thickness of mats were also undertaken, with PET exhibiting better results. Electrospun PET exhibited cytocompatibility, and could prove to be a suitable candidate for potential subsequent implantation.