A hydrogel-based stem cell delivery system to treat retinal degenerative diseases

Regenerative strategies for retinal degenerative diseases are limited by poor Cellular survival distribution and Integration after transplantation to the sub-retinal space To overcome this limitations a stem cell delivery system was developed, taking advantage of the minimally-invasive, injectable and biodegradable properties of a blend Of hyaluronan and methylcellulose (HAMC) The physical and biological properties of this unique HAMC formulation were studied HAMC supported retinal stern-progenitor cell (RSPC) survival and proliferation in vitro The blend Was a VISCOUS Solution, exhibiting properties ideal for delivery to the sub-retinal space In vivo transplantation Studies in mice were carried out to investigate both the biodegradability of HAMC in the sub-retinal space over 7 clays and the potential of HAMC as a cell delivery vehicle RSPCs delivered in HAMC were more evenly distributed in the sub-retinal Space than those delivered in traditional saline Solutions. Suggesting that HAMC is a promising vehicle for Cellular delivery to the degenerating retina overcoming previously reported barriers to tissue integration in the retina such as cellular aggregation and non-contiguous distribution (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved