@article{
author = "Schuerer, Nadine and Stein, Elisabeth and Inić-Kanada, Aleksandra and Ghasemian, Ehsan and Stojanović, Marijana and Montanaro, Jacqueline and Bintner, Nora and Hohenadl, Christine and Sachsenhofer, Robert and Barisani-Asenbauer, Talin",
year = "2018",
abstract = "Aim of the study: Chitosan, a partially deacetylated polysaccharide derived from chitin, and chitosan-N-acetylcysteine (C-NAC), a thiolated chitosan, both show enhanced retention times on the ocular surface when compared to other polymers commonly used in eye drops. To evaluate these compounds as adjuvants for ocular drug delivery or uptake of topically administered conjunctival vaccines, biochemical characteristics of both polymers were investigated in vitro and in vivo.
Methods:
Human conjunctival epithelial (HCjE) cells were used to investigate biocompatibility of buffered chitosan and C-NAC containing formulations. Cellular uptake was studied using fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled polymers. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements were performed to determine effects of chitosan on tight junctions of stratified HCjE cells in vitro. In vivo uptake of topically applied chitosan into conjunctival epithelial cells was investigated in guinea pigs.
Results:
Minimal effects on cell viability were seen with both compounds after application for 30 min in a concentration of 0.1%. In vitro uptake into HCjE cells was only observed with the chitosan containing solution. An effect on tight junctions was demonstrated by significantly (P < .05) decreasing TEER levels 60 min after incubation with chitosan. In vivo, FITC-labelled chitosan was detected within guinea pig conjunctival epithelial cells 120 min after topical administration. No adverse effects were observed.",
journal = "Journal of EuCornea",
title = "Effects of chitosan and chitosan Nacetylcysteine solutions on conjunctival epithelial cells",
pages = "18-12",
number = "1",
volume = "1",
doi = "10.1016/j.xjec.2018.04.002",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_intor_506"
}