Titaminates, a Biocompatible Titanium–Organic Hybrid Film, Support the Growth and Function of Conjunctival Epithelial Cells

Abstract

PURPOSE

To find an ideal biosurface to regenerate conjunctival epithelium.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

METHODS

Pieces of human cadaveric conjunctival epithelium removed of connective tissues were randomly placed on 8 different biosurfaces to grow primary conjunctival epithelial cells for 9 to 14 days until the fastest growing cultures covered 80% to 90% of the film surface. Main outcome measures were growth, proliferation capacity, startification, mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) secretion, and compositional balance in cell types.

RESULTS

All titanium-based films (titaminates) supported the growth, stratification, proliferation, and MUC5AC secretion function of human primary conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjECs), but none of the zinc-based films grew cells at all. Although HCjECs’ ability to proliferate, stratify, and secrete MUC5AC per unit cell area was similar across all titaminates, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and glycine titaminates (TiG) outperformed TiD and TiGD in terms of outgrowth, recapitulation of native conjunctival epithelium, and compositional balance in cell types. When goblet cells (a subtype of HCjECs) were predominantly grown on these films by using a different culture medium, the results were similar in all aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the body-friendly nature and clinically proven safety and efficacy of titanium, titaminates TiO₂ and TiG have potential as an alternative bioactive substrate for conjunctival epithelium regeneration.