Determination of human lens capsule permeability and its feasibility as a replacement for Bruch's membrane

We have investigated human anterior lens capsule as a potential replacement for Bruch's membrane as a treatment for age-related macular degeneration. Any substrate to replace Bruch's membrane should possess certain characteristics to maintain proper function of the overlying retina. One of the important properties of Bruch's membrane is allowing the flow of nutrients and waste between the retinal pigment epithelium and the choriocapillaris. Here, we measured the permeability of the lens capsule by studying the diffusion of various molecular weight FITC-dextran molecules. Expressions for extraction of diffusion coefficients from concentration vs. time data from a blind-well chamber apparatus were derived for both a single and double membrane experiments. The diffusion coefficients in the lens capsule were found to be in the range of 10(-6) to 10(-10) cm(2)/s. We demonstrated a power law relationship, with the diffusion coefficient possessing a -0.6 order dependence on molecular weight. The molecular weight exclusion limit was determined to be 150 +/- 40kDa. We have compared this value with reported values of Bruch's membrane molecular weight exclusion limit and find that the lens capsule has the potential to act as a substitute Bruch's membrane. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.